2023 Conscious Commerce Trends: By Samantha Taylor

CLIMATE CHANGE FOR HUMANITY

ESG = Climate Philanthropy

In the aftermath of COVID-19, global challenges prevailed including the war in Ukraine, economic crisis in Syria, drought in the Horn of Africa, wildfires in multiple continents and increasing gender divide.

2022 saw increasing philanthropic commitments in support of reducing carbon emissions, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and supporting climate justice by focusing on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), women, and people in the Global South.

Despite the urgency and increasing commitments, giving from individuals and foundations to climate-related causes remains a small percentage of overall charitable giving. A ClimateWorks Foundation report released in October found that in 2021, total grantmaking to address climate change grew 25 percent from 2020 levels.

The increase in giving was significant - 25% over 2020 - and outpaced the growth of giving overall. However, contributions to climate philanthropy accounted for just 1-1.5% of all giving, according to the report — just $7.5 billion to $12.5 billion out of the $810 billion given to all causes in 2021.

There is also increased focus by donors protecting forests — funding for forests grew by nearly 70% over the previous year, to $260 million. There was a multi-year $5 billion announcement by nine grant makers, including the Bezos Earth Fund and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The majority of funding targeted programs to help indigenous and local communities preserve forests.

Human-induced climate change continues to cause widespread disruption to the environment and wellbeing of communities. The cascading affects have exposed millions of people to displacement, health risks, food and water insecurity, especially in developing and emerging economies.

A 2022 State Of The Global Climate report, released by the UN World Meteorological Organization showed that the last eight years have been "the warmest on record, fueled by ever-rising greenhouse gas concentrations".

Greater leadership is needed from governments and businesses to address the climate crisis, warning that efforts to keep the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels is “on life support”.

Net Zero: Emissions Reductions Alone is Not Enough

By 2050 there will be 9.7 billion people on the planet, half of them will be in water-stressed regions, requiring 50 percent more energy. 

Sustainability, the new normal for integrated lifestyle and business missions, will continue to drive trends in 2023, challenge us to build trust within our communities and mobilize collective action. 

While climate funding is on the rise, more than 2 percent of philanthropic giving needs to be directed to climate mitigation efforts, moving forward.

Many countries raised their ambitions, new pledges and multistakeholder coalitions were forged to address methane gas pollution, deforestation, coal financing, and shipping, among others. The U.S. and China put aside their differences and agreed to boost cooperation around combating climate change in the years ahead.

Private sector actors and the investor community continued to make bold commitments to reach Net Zero, balancing off new greenhouse gas emissions with an equivalent amount of emissions removed from the atmosphere.

Companies’ Stepping Up

Patagonia: Founder Yvon Chouinard and his family transferred ownership to a trust and a nonprofit organization and expect to pay out an annual dividend of roughly $100 million to help fight climate change and protect the planet.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Pledged $1.4 billion over four years to help smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia build resilience and food security through climate-smart agriculture projects, new applications of digital technologies, innovations for smallholder livestock farming, and support for women smallholder farmers.

Bezos Earth Fund: Awarded grants totaling $50 million in support of marine conservation and research in the Pacific Ocean.

Bloomberg Philanthropies: Pledged $204 million to accelerate data-driven policy solutions and community involvement to protect coral reefs, stop illegal fishing, safeguard marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

Amazon + U.S. Agency for International Development: Launched a $56 million public-private partnership to address gender inequities in the climate finance ecosystem and ensure that female entrepreneurs have the resources they need to accelerate innovations in climate solutions.

Role of ESG’s

In the face of confusion about the goals and benefits of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) benchmarks, organizations need to better communicate how their business practices mitigate the impacts of climate change in their supply chains and communities.

To avoid further escalation and consolidation of crises, we need transparency and accountability on how a low-carbon transition, which supports the integration of business, employees and communities, is being prioritized – through the lens of the entire Ecosystem.

Clarifying the role of ESG’s includes illustrating the stakes for business and society ‘at large’.  Customers and employees want executives and boards to be authentic about social and environmental promises. Also, demonstrate how they align with the long-term health of the business to include workforce development, economic mobility, food security, environmental protection and conservation.

Conclusion

We still have a long way to go increasing and aligning philanthropic collaboration with climate change mitigation strategies. How we address these challenges requires holistic thinking, long-term strategies and clear accountability, connecting and collaborating with cross-industry peers with similar goals.

2023 signifies major milestones to ensure that we make real progress in achieving a more equitable, prosperous, healthier world for future generations.

By: Samantha Taylor - Founder of Reputation Dynamics and Elephant Art Shop

Since 2005, Reputation Dynamics (RD) has committed to addressing social, environmental and human justice issues. RD mobilizes corporations, NGOs/civil society and academia to devise share-valued approaches and develop inclusive partnerships.

Please contact me at:  

sam@reputation-dynamics.com

Elephants and #GivingTuesday

The Little One - Watercolor painting by Samantha Taylor

Reputation Dynamics (RD) is proud to support #GivingTuesday by forming inclusive partnerships, mobilizing collective action between the public and private sectors. 

By 2050 there will be 9.7 billion people on the planet, half of them will be in water-stressed regions, requiring 50 percent more energy. 

Human-induced climate change is causing widespread disruption to the environment and wellbeing of communities. The cascading affects have exposed millions of people to health risks, food and water insecurity, especially in developing economies.

Public-private sector partnerships will continue to be essential for devising solutions for complex global issues associated with climate change threats.

As we celebrate our National Day of Giving, it is important to work together collectively to address our pressing world issues. 

Protect the Endangered Elephant Species -Holiday fundraiser: The Little One – Watercolor painting by Samantha Taylor

Price: $1000

Conflict between elephants and humans has risen due to the pursuit of land and food, illegal hunting for their tusks, trafficking, and sale of ivory.

50 percent of proceeds will be donated to the Elephant Crisis Fund.

We are committed to building resilient communities, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) citing no poverty, gender equality, life on land and partnerships among top priorities.  

Reputation Dynamics welcomes the opportunity to learn more about your #GivingTuesday initiatives, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities to collaborate.

With gratitude,

Samantha Taylor, Founder and President of Reputation Dynamics

Image Credit: The Little One

Watercolor painting by Samantha Taylor – Watercolor on canvas – 16x20 – framed in black wood floater frame. Price $1000.

Elephant Art Shop

Contact: sam@reputation-dynamics.com - 917 647 4787

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In Honor of Martin Luther King Jr.: Regeneration for Civil Rights and Resilient Communities

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”…Martin Luther King Jr.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I hope you are well during these challenging times and Happy New Year. 

Despite the lockdowns in 2020, we are still on track for a world that is going to be too warm to sustain life as we know it.  

Earth’s climate is going through unprecedented changes in the history of modern civilization as a result of human behaviors. Without adaptation and mitigation strategies, substantial damages to the U.S. economy, environment, human health and well-being will continue to increase over the coming decades.  These include increasing greenhouse gas emissions, higher temperature and precipitation extremes, flooding and wildfires.

This is influencing the migration patterns of humans, marine and wildlife species to find better places to live and survive in and outside of cities.

Nearly 8 million Americans fell into financial hardship last year, marking the single largest year-over-year increase since the government began tracking the poverty rate in 1960.

This is further underscoring the importance of convening action to address our planet’s challenging health, racial inequalities and environmental problems.

Since founding Reputation Dynamics in 2005, we have seen transformative progression in the corporate social responsibility movement, now transitioning to regenerating business practices based on truthfulness and purpose-driven. Companies continue to back their employees by protecting their health and safety while allowing them a greater voice in corporate decision-making and participation in virtual volunteer programs.

We are excited to represent clients, mingle with peers and share authentic narratives. I look forward to connecting with peers in 2021, inspire fresh thinking and new ideas for building a more equitable society.

With hope and optimism for future generations,

Samantha Taylor

Photo: Boar’s Head Resort, Charlottesville, VA

Founder of Reputation Dynamics and Elephant Art Shop

I look forward to connecting with peers who are making the world a better place, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Please contact me at:  

sam@reputation-dynamics.com

Reputation Dynamics: On the Move

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

2020 is out the gate on the front lines of sustainability, collaborating and convening action to address our planet’s challenging social and environmental problems. 

Earth’s climate is going through unprecedented changes in the history of modern civilization as a result of human behavior. Without adaptation and mitigation strategies, substantial damages to the U.S. economy, environment, human health and well-being will continue to increase over the coming decades.  These include increasing greenhouse gas emissions, higher temperature extremes, heavy precipitation, flooding and wildfires. This is influencing the movement of humans, marine and wildlife species to find better places to live and survive in and outside of cities.

This weeks announcement by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and commitment of $10 billion of his own fortune to help fight climate change has further emphasized ‘the need to work alongside others both to amplify and explore new ways of fighting the devastating impact of climate change on this planet we all share."

As we celebrate International Women’s Day in March, 2020 is also an important year for the fulfillment of women’s economic empowerment and gender equality.

Since I founded Reputation Dynamics in 2005, we have seen transformative change, progression in the corporate social responsibility movement, now transitioning to corporate social innovation commanding greater budgets, attention from the C-suite, filtering into corporate brand identities, into supply chains and increasingly critical for long-term customer loyalty.

We are excited to represent clients, mingle with peers and present at the following events in the next couple of months. 

I look forward to connecting with peers in 2020 and working together to make the world a better place.

Harambee, Sam Taylor

Events Schedule:

March 5: International Women’s Day Forum: Marking A Milestone: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 10th Annual International Women’s Day Forum. Continuing the Momentum will showcase the change makers, doers, leaders, and visionaries who are paving the way for a better future for all.

March 6: United Nations Observance of International Women’s Day 2020: I am Generation Equality. Realizing Women’s Rights. General Assembly Hall from 10.00 am to 1:00 pm. 

March 12: 2020 Women’s Empowerment Principles Forum (WEPs): Hosted by UN Global Compact and UN Office for Partnerships, will align with UN Women's new multigenerational global flagship campaign, Generation Equality, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), recognized as the most progressive roadmap for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, everywhere.

March 17-18: Responsible Business Summit: New York: I will be representing American Forests, the oldest conservation organization in the U.S., among 950+ leaders from across the globe who will share strategies and insights into how they are helping build regenerative and resilient strategies that deliver market-level change on key climate risks and opportunities – protecting and preserving our forests is fundamental to resilient communities.  

April 15: Luxury Daily: Women in Luxury Conference: Theme: Next Level Leadership: I am excited to join senior executives from luxury Fortune 500 brands for the day and present a keynote on ‘Embracing the Circular Economy’.

By: Samantha Taylor - Founder of Reputation Dynamics 

Since 2005, Reputation Dynamics (RD) has been committed to addressing social, environmental and human justice issues. RD mobilizes corporations, NGOs/civil society and academia to devise share-valued approaches and develop inclusive partnerships.

Contact: sam@reputation-dynamics.com

Reputation Dynamics and #GivingTuesday

Reputation Dynamics (RD) is proud to support #GivingTuesday by forming inclusive partnerships, mobilizing collective action between the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. 

We are committed to building resilient communities, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) citing no poverty, gender equality, life on land and partnerships among top priorities.  

Public-private sector partnerships will continue to be essential for devising solutions for complex global issues associated with climate change threats. A recent IPCC report has underscored we only have 12 years to limit climate change catastrophe and urgent need to cut risk of extreme heat, drought, floods and poverty. 

As we celebrate our national day of giving, it is important to work together collectively to address our pressing world issues. 

Example initiatives to support for the holidays:

American Forests: www.americanforests.org

American Forests inspires and advances the conservation of forests, which are essential to life.  American Forests has been restoring forests for more than 140 years. And, while we may be the oldest national conservation organization, our work today is more important than ever. Since 1990 alone, we have planted nearly 60 million trees in forest restoration projects in all 50 states.  

Help American Forests reach their goal to plant 3 million trees in 2018, expand tree canopy and improve the quality of life for residents in cities. 

Donation: https://www.americanforests.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/

Protect the Endangered Elephant Species - Elephant Art - by Samantha Taylor.

More than 50 elephants die every day from poaching, hunting and other conflicts with people. Purchase a custom designed T-shirt, greetings cards or painting with proceeds benefiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Link: https://www.reputation-dynamics.com/elephantartshop/

We remain an integral member of a global economy and challenges need to be addressed on a united front, continuing to learn from other cultures, political environments and devising new approaches for improving the livelihoods of low-income communities.  

Reputation Dynamics welcomes the opportunity to learn more about your #GivingTuesday initiatives, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities to collaborate.

With gratitude,

Samantha Taylor, Founder and President of Reputation Dynamics

Image Credit: WANAWAKE WATATU - Three Women

Watercolor painting by Samantha Taylor

Enquiries and Inventory: sam@reputation-dynamics.com

***

Reputation Dynamics and #GivingTuesday

Reputation Dynamics is proud to support #GivingTuesday by forming inclusive partnerships and mobilizing collective action between the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. We are committed to building resilient communities and focus areas include forest and wildlife protection, women’s economic security and youth education.

Reputation Dynamics is excited to highlight the following client initiatives:

American Forests: Protecting and restoring threatened forest ecosystems.

http://www.americanforests.org 

Women’s Funding Network: Mobilizing the financial power and collective action of more than 100 foundations on the front lines of gender equality.

http://www.womensfundingnetwork.org

TCU’s Discovering Global Citizenship Program: African Rhino Community Centre (ARCC) for enhanced rhino protection and human development in South Africa.

https://planetrhino.tcu.edu

Reputation Dynamics - Elephant Art Shop:  Protection of the endangered African elephant species.

https://www.facebook.com/ElephantArtShop/

As we celebrate our national day of giving in support of nonprofit organizations, it is important to work together collectively to address our pressing world issues. Reputation Dynamics welcomes the opportunity to learn more about your #GivingTuesday initiatives, exchange knowledge and explore opportunities to collaborate.

We look forward to hearing from you and providing information about how to support these terrific initiatives.

Harambee.

Sam Taylor, Founder of Reputation Dynamics

#ReputationDynam

#GivingTuesday

The Power of Private-Public Partnerships: Deconstructing Gender Bias for Resilient Communities

Multiple events such as UNGA, Women’s Funding Network conference, Concordia Summit, Global Goals for Sustainable Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Goalkeepers, have mobilized determined leaders in dialogues about ideas and commitments to investing in the world’s poor.  

Despite the current administration, challenging global economy and unprecedented global disasters, voices are amplified about gender equality for all.   

However, the gap between making women and men equal partners in the economy and society remains significant. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, economic gender equality is predicated not be achieved for another 170 years. 

Equal access is fundamental to society stability, ensuring resilient communities for the long-term.

Yet, the world’s political, cultural, humanitarian and environmental issues continue to be disrupted by the complexities of non-equal access and discrimination.

A recap of the realities we face:

• Wage Gap: Women generally earn 79 cents for every dollar men earn
• Women of Color: Occupy only 11.9 percent of managerial and professional positions
• Executive Positions: Women hold 29/5.8% of CEO positions at S&P 500 companies
• Poverty: In the U.S. in 2016, more than one in eight women, more than 16.9 million, lived in poverty.  14.5 million poor children, more than half, live in families headed by women
• Human Trafficking: At least 21 million adults and children are bought and sold worldwide into commercial sexual servitude, forced labor and bonded labor.  Around $32 billion profits are generated

Oxford Dictionary’s Definition of Gender Equality = ‘The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender’

Gender and racial inequality is not only a pressing moral issue, it is also a critical economic challenge.   

Women = 50 percent of the population: 

Improving the livelihoods of women and girls represents the single biggest opportunity for cultural, human and economic development.

According to a new McKinsey Global Institute report, $12 trillion could be added to global GDP by 2025 by advancing women’s equality. In addition, women are the world’s most powerful consumers controlling 65% of consumer spending.

Outdated norms and gender stereotypes are impeding achieving the systemic change required to better integrate women into society, holding back the global economic growth that will come from increased gender equality and women’s empowerment.

What is fundamental to success is deconstructing the roots of gender bias early.  Mitigating negative perceptions about both men and women in leadership and role in communities represents a powerful ripple effect, benefitting families, communities, workplaces and economies at large.

Now more than ever before, women around the world are poised to make significant progress but are faced with several issues which need to be addressed:

• Lack of economic security
• Domestic violence
• Lack of access to education and healthcare

To be sure, if women do not achieve their full economic potential, the global economy will continue to suffer. Investing in women and girls, creates more stable families and communities.

A Powerful Solution - Private-public partnerships:

The U.S. devotes less than 1% of its annual budget to foreign aid with Trump recommending a 30% cut to the State Department’s budget including funding for USAID’s critical health programs.

 While U.S. foreign-aid programs have helped women and children fight disease and poverty, have access to basic needs, the public and private sectors are further poised to mobilize and action programs that close gender gaps in the workplace and communities at large.

Support of SDG goal 5, achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Includes raising the bar on sector expertise and programs that enable economic security, mitigate domestic violence, ensure access to education and health. 

For example, an Intel analysis states that making the Internet accessible to 600 million women and girls (40 percent from developing countries) could generate an estimated $13-18 billion in annual GDP across 144 developing nations.

A diverse range of for-profit and nonprofit organizations from multiple sectors are on the front lines of scaling up programs, partners and stated impacts for women and girls. Organizations of note include Coca-Cola’s 5X20, GAP P.A.C.E, Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan, the Akola Project and The Women’s Funding Network.

The power of private-public partnerships can take these complex problems and distill them down into concrete concepts, implementable programs that have measurable impact and long-term sustainability.

Shared value add dialogues, co-creation and design of programs at the local and global level with businesses, academia, nonprofits will continue to be essential for systemic change and improving livelihoods of women and girls.

Stay the Course: Transformative Change:

When people are inflicted by disasters and trapped in the cycle of poverty, ‘We the People’ are all at risk both at a local and global level.

Investing in the world’s poor remains a priority along with ensuring economic security and mitigating violence among women and girls.  This requires a renewed focus on scalable economic development and capacity building, opportunities for job training and employment for underserved populations, consistent access to basic needs and investments in children’s education.

By Samantha Taylor, President of Reputation Dynamics.

Sources:

• McKinsey Report - http://www.mckinsey.com/global-themes/employment-and-growth/how-advancing-womens-equality-can-add-12-trillion-to-global-growth
• Partner Spotlight: The Women’s Funding Network is the largest network of foundations devoted to women and girls. We empower over 100 foundations, spanning 6 continents, to incubate, lead programs, and take collective action to solve complex social and economic issues - www.womenfundingnetwork.org

About Reputation Dynamics: Since 2005, Reputation Dynamics (RD) has been committed to addressing social, environmental and human justice issues. RD mobilizes corporations, NGOs/civil society and academia to devise share-valued approaches for community development and improvement of livelihoods.

Please contact me for a dialogue about creating successful private-public partnerships - sam@reputation-dynamics.com

Trends for 2017: ‘We the People’ for Social and Economic Sustainability

The United States, United Kingdom and the European Union are undergoing dramatic social, economic and cultural change in a volatile political environment. Donald Trump’s victory was the outcome of years of disturbing world events, a turbulent financial system, and economic stagnation in the U.S.

In the wake of the election, the political system being scrutinized, lack of trust and transparency, ‘We the People’ have to live with it and has forced us to take poise.

 Preamble to The Constitution of the United States and Bill of Rights:

 ‘We the People’ of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

What is certain is that progress must be made to ensure a healthy planet for our future generations.

As we reflect on the complex global challenges, notably the widening gap between the rich and the poor, government(s) and hierarchical systems alone cannot address the multiple social, environmental and economic problems.

 ‘The world perishes not from bandits and fires, but from hatred, hostility, and all these petty squabbles.’  Anton Chekhov

 A recap of the realities we face:

•  Poverty: 700 million people worldwide are living on less than $1.90 a day.  The world will need to feed nine billion people by 2050 and a 70% increase in global agricultural production will be essential to ensure an adequate food supply.
• People displacement: Wars, conflict, and persecution have forced more people than at any other time to flee their homes, seek refuge and safety elsewhere. There were 65.3 million people forcibly displaced in 2015 with children and families being forced to flee to neighboring countries.
• Destruction of forests: Half of the earth's forest cover is gone with only 40 billion hectares remaining today. Every year, an average of 13 million hectares of forest disappear, often with devastating impacts on communities and indigenous peoples.
• Threatened wildlife species: In the 1970s, Africa was home to more than 1.3 million elephants. Today, as few as 415,000 may remain and 35,000 elephants are killed by poachers each year to feed the ivory black market.  Most recently, China announced a plan to phase out all ivory processing and trade by the end of 2017, a move that conservationists hope will stymie the mass killings -- and threat of extinction -- of African elephants.
•  Chronic diseases: Deaths from chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, have risen by more than 50 percent and are rising fast in low and middle-income countries, striking far younger populations than in rich countries.
•   Lack of education in Africa: Today, there are 30 million children who are not receiving education and a shortage of quality teachers is a major problem.  

Reputation Dynamics Predictions for 2017:  Destructive Transformation:  

In the face of a disruptive economy and new technologies emerging every day, institutions are tasked to make progress with the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) which cites no poverty, zero hunger and partnerships for the goals among top priorities.  Key considerations for 2017 include:

• Nonprofit/Citizenship Program Development and Innovation:  Under the new administration, it is anticipated that government funds for charities will decrease over the years.  Growth of nonprofits, social enterprises and community development programs will depend on new approaches for fundraising and long-term development. Technology, marketing and creating an effective user-driven experience will be essential for authentic donor cultivation and support. 
• Public-Private Partnerships: The role of inclusive partnerships (to include corporations, academia, civil society/NGOs) will become even more critical to address gaps mitigating poverty, improving the lives of displaced children and families, while preparing for future leaders in the workplace.
• Diversifying with Foundations:  The growth and emergence of mission-critical organizations willing to give larger funds for innovative institutions with well defined cases for support addressing challenges for the longer term.
• Tapping the Next Generation: The millennial generation will outspend baby boomers for the first time in 2016. Gen Xers are set to inherit $40 trillion. For and nonprofit institutions must improve how they advocate, market and align with their philanthropic commitments via experiential digital and mobile network communications.
• Aid for Refugee(s) Displacement: Resettlement efforts are complex and must support children and families with immediate basic needs and education for future survival.
• Protecting Forests and Greening of Cities: The growth of urbanization, greening of cities, including conserving and sustainably managing forests are vital for addressing climate change, protecting ecosystems and wildlife habitats. 
• Role of Academia: Raising the bar on preparing business and social enterprise leaders for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce.  Engaging students in experiential learning and community programs to gain greater knowledge about human rights and social justice issues.

Conclusion:  The co-creation of programs at the local and global level with businesses, academia, civil society/nonprofits will continue to be essential for restoring and building resilient communities. However, what is fundamental to success is to convene more alliances, break down silos, enforce dialogue and action on a united front.

Since 2005, Reputation Dynamics (RD) has been committed to addressing social, environmental and human justice issues. RD will continue to mobilize corporations, NGOs/civil society and academia to devise share-valued approaches based on longer-term community needs and improvement of livelihoods.

‘We the People’ deserve our dignity, freedom, potential, human and social justice.

We welcome a dialogue with colleagues who are committed to making the world a better place and exploring opportunities for collaboration in 2017.

By: Samantha Taylor - Founder of Reputation Dynamics

To learn more about RD's work and clients' on the front lines of  change, please contact: sam@reputation-dynamics.com

Trends for 2015: Joining Forces is Vital for Resilient Communities

In 2014, the UN Climate Summit, the first ever U.S.-Africa Summit, dwindling natural resources, gaps between the rich and poor has propelled awareness of advancing solutions for our complex challenges.

To be sure, the influence of climate change is fueling global economic volatility, posing threats to natural resources and wildlife habitats. What is certain is that progress must be made to ensure a healthy planet for our future generations.

A recap of the top realities we face includes:

• Harsh climate: This burden cost $2.1 billion between 2000-2013 due to weather-related disasters.
• Destruction of forests: Half of the earth's forest cover is gone with only 40 billion hectares remaining today. Every year, an average of 13 million hectares of forest disappear, often with devastating impacts on communities and indigenous peoples. The conversion of forests for the production of commodities such as soy, palm oil, beef and paper-accounts for roughly half of global deforestation. 
• Threatened wildlife species: The London Zoological Society has reported that world wildlife populations have been cut in half from 1970 to 2010:
  •  In the 1970s, Africa was home to more than 1.3 million elephants. Today, as few as 419,000 may remain and 35,000 elephants are killed by poachers each year to feed the ivory black market.
  • The South African government recently reported a record 1,020 rhinos have been poached in the country since the beginning of 2014, surpassing the 1,004 rhinos killed in all of 2013.
• Chronic diseases: Deaths from chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, have risen by more than 50 percent according to the Council on Foreign Relations and are rising fast in low and middle-income countries, striking far younger populations than in rich countries.
• Lack of education in Africa: Today, there are 30 million children who are not receiving education and according to the 2014 Education for All Global Monitoring Report, the shortage of quality teachers is the key problem.  Children are not receiving quality education and skills training for potential jobs.

Major initiatives in 2014:

First Ever U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in D.C: The White House convened African heads of state and government, U.S./African corporations, civil society to strengthen alignment between the United States and opportunities for trade and economic investment in the continent. Africa is finally being recognized as the next major emerging market, access to new consumers and resources with a combined GDP upwards of $2 trillion.

UN Climate Summit: President Obama unveiled a series of actions to urge the international community to cut emissions and help developing countries better prepare for climate change.  While the EPA proposed a new plan designed to cut carbon emissions by 30% by the year 2030:

•  New York Declaration on Forests: More than 150 governments, companies and NGO world leaders endorsed a global timeline to cut natural forest loss in half by 2020, and strive to end it by 2030. 
• The U.S. and China signed the first major deal on climate change to cut emissions.

Predictions for 2015: Value of nature:

While nature is deemed priceless, various studies have tried to estimate the value of ecosystem services (provision of timber, minerals, food and medicines) in financial terms.  The total value of ‘nature’ is estimated to be about $33 trillion per year of which the global economy is consuming about $7 trillion dollars annually.

This is raising the bar on developing more inclusive partnerships between the public and private sectors to ensure the provision of basic needs (such as food and water) and solutions to ensure more resilient economies.

Environmental awareness and education: With consumers and millennials more informed about the increasing role of crowd funding, digital and mobile network applications, for and nonprofit companies must improve how they share, advocate and demonstrate their commitments. Also, enlist participation from the public at large with authenticity and transparency.

Forest and wildlife protection: Continued action to conserve, sustainably manage and restore forests can contribute to economic growth, alleviating poverty, creating food security, protecting wildlife species and habitats.

Investment in Africa: Africa’s economic growth and prosperity will be driven by primarily investing in youth education and creating jobs. 

Market access: More correlation and alignment between trade, new and existing markets is the focus of economic growth.  The co-creation of programs at the community-level with businesses, government and nonprofits is essential for long term sustainability, protection of resources and livelihoods.

Conclusions: In a disruptive global economy, companies and individuals have significant opportunities to promote economic growth, develop new products and access new customers, while saving trees and protecting wildlife species. However, what is fundamental to this success is to convene more alliances, break down silos, enforce greater knowledge exchange and a more united front to address the complex challenges associated with climate change.

By: Samantha Taylor - Founder of Reputation Dynamics.

Conscious Commerce: Realities of “Years of Living Dangerously”

Protection of Forests: Critical For Future Generations

Deforestation is an increasing contributor to global warming and environmental change impacting the health and well-being of the most rural communities. To be sure, the transformation of forested lands by human actions and the removal of trees without sufficient reforestation is one of the greatest drivers of biodiversity destruction, conflict, loss of habitat and wildlife species, and poverty.

‘Realities at a Glance’

• We are losing 137 plant, animal and insect species every single day due to rainforest deforestation, which equates to 50,000 species a year.
• Regions such as Indonesia lost more than 6 million hectares of its primary forest -- an area the size of England -- from 2000 to 2012.*
• About one half of the forests that covered the Earth are gone with only 40 billion hectares remaining today.
• There are fewer than 300,000 chimpanzees remaining in the wild.
• Only about 22% of the world's original forest cover remains "intact" – contained in three areas: the Canadian and Alaskan boreal forest, the boreal forest of Russia, and the tropical forest of the northwestern Amazon Basin and the Guyana Shield.**

In addition to the sourcing of paper and palm oil from forests, the impact of human behaviors continues to be profound. Forests are cleared, degraded and fragmented by timber harvest, conversion to agriculture, road-building, fires and in a myriad of other ways. The effort to use and subdue the forest has been a constant theme in the transformation of the earth, across societies and cultures, and is a major source of humanitarian conflict.

‘The Wake Up Call’

Deforestation has important implications for life on this planet. Forests are the foundation of the global ecological system, the lungs of our planet and crucial for the future sustainability and survival of generations.

Increasing population growth combined with poverty forces local communities to use forest resources in unsustainable ways in order to meet their basic needs such as food and water, as well as income generation for farmers and their families.

Meanwhile, with the quest for Africa’s natural resources at an all-time high including palm oil production, competition is rising for the global demand for forest and extractive industry products. Africa also lost 3.4 million hectares of its forested area between 2000 and 2010.***

Moving Beyond ‘Profits with Purpose’

The protection of forests, ecosystems and wildlife species can no longer be solved in isolation and requires more integrated approaches to address the complex challenges and interrelated links with poverty. This includes protecting farmers and their communities to ensure provision of food, shelter, health and skills training.

With the quest for new markets and customers, experts from multiple sectors – corporations, NGOs, fair trade and forestry experts - need to convene on shared value approaches for future ‘Years of Living in Prosperity’ in a globalized economy.

While an increasing number of corporations have committed to using sustainable palm oil and protecting forests, at the most fundamental level, consumers need to be educated about responsible purchasing options, integrity of ingredients and be included into the ‘Call to Action’ to preserve the planet’s natural resources. With the acceptance of corporate responsibility continuing to drive brand reputation and purchasing habits among consumers, behavior changes are needed to influence more responsible purchasing decisions.

Breaking down the systemic barriers to poverty is essential to preserving forests and protecting ecosystems to ensure the provision of basics human needs such as food and water, while developing responsible goods and services in the marketplace.

Traditional models of giving are continuing to evolve with the new sustainability imperative. This will ensure integration across multiple disciplines in the supply chain, while creating programs and product development strategies. These models will align giving at the heart of ‘People Connection’ while protecting families and communities.

In Conclusion: Corporations, supported by NGOs and governments, have profound shared values and our society cannot mitigate pressing social, economic and environmental issues without adapting to the realities of our planet and enlisting support from conscious-driven consumers.

By: Samantha Taylor – Founder of Reputation Dynamics.

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Sources:

• Years of Living Dangerously: Showtime documentary series about the human impact on climate change
• *Scientists: Belinda Arunarwati Margono, Fred Stolle: Nature Climate Change
• **World Resources Institute
• ***FAO Global Resources Assessment 2010

Conscious Commerce: Business and Social Innovation Trends for 2014

*Eradicating Poverty and Protection of Farming Communities Imperative for Improving Livelihoods*

The integration of ‘Doing Good in Society,’ new approaches and practices continues to evolve, becoming further embedded in business and throughout the supply chain,  raising the bar on industry performance and consumer loyalty.

In fact, according to a recent study, Profile of the Practice 2013, by the Carroll School of Management Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College, above-average industry performers are more likely to have a formal corporate citizenship department, led at the executive level, with higher budgets for corporate citizenship and charitable giving.  Today, almost 60% of companies now have an executive leading corporate citizenship - a 74% increase over 2010.

However, the companies that will be the most successful industry performers and maintain consumer loyalty will be those who have a hybrid approach to protecting the planet providing benefits to business and improving the lives of people in rural communities.

With increasing volatility of climate change, world disasters and emerging markets, fueling radical change in business and community response models, it is imperative to close the gap between consumer expectations and perceptions about corporate responsibility impacts to transform brands, manage reputations and motivate talent.

A recap of the top issues and realities we face:

Widening Gap between Poverty and Inequality:  Rates are high in the US and around the world with 46.5 million in the US and approximately 413 million in Africa.   These populations fail to meet their most basic needs with shortages of food, clean water and lack of access to proper education.     

 Vulnerable Children: There are more than 151 million orphans and vulnerable youth worldwide who are in need of a loving family and a prosperous future.

Climate Change: Increasing drought, flooding, and changing climatic patterns are at the route of hunger and poverty.  Deforestation is undermining the livelihoods of millions of people, requiring radical changes in farming practices and crop management.

Food Security and Agriculture:  The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that nearly 870 million people of the 7.1 billion people in the world, mostly living in developing countries, were suffering from chronic undernourishment in 2010-2012. This is due to not having enough land to grow, or income to purchase enough food.

Key predictions for 2014: Our ‘Knowledge-Driven’ Economy is Driving Market-Sector Relevance

Despite contributions from the private and public sectors, the social, cultural and environmental circumstances of populations in under-served markets remain complex and unsustainable requiring new approaches and investments to address poverty at the fundamental level.

Breaking down the systemic challenges of poverty is essential to protecting ecosystems to ensure the consistent provision of human needs such as food, health, shelter and education, while developing responsible goods and services in the marketplace.

The New Dynamics of Philanthropy:  Traditional models of giving are changing to motivate innovative change, ensure integration across multiple disciplines, supply chain, new market access and product development strategies. These models will increasingly align giving at the heart of ‘People Connection’ and protecting families.

Investment in Rural Communities: More correlation and alignment between trade, new and existing market access is the focus of community investment.  The co-creation of programs at the community-level with businesses, government and nonprofits aligned based on the market-sector needs of the economy is essential for growth and development:

• Public-Private Partnerships: Community approaches are raising the bar on more inclusive partnerships to improve livelihoods and represents considerable benefits including co-creation of  community-driven and locally-owned models, provision of education, human needs, skills training and job creation;
• Focus on Farming Communities and Agriculture:  A million ton cocoa shortage is anticipated by 2020 so supporting cocoa farmers in Africa and small-holder farming communities is key especially during times of drought;
• Creating Jobs in the Supply Chain:  Investing in small- to mid- size companies in the supply chain to create jobs in rural communities;
• NGOs: Aligning with NGOs to develop new standards for community measurement and impact.  Non-profits need help diversifying funding sources beyond individual donors, become less reliant on government funding, and seeking long-term partnerships and higher funding ranges with corporations.

Spotlight on Africa: More than 220 million Africans will join the middle class as consumers within five years, presenting opportunities to develop and sell more products and services.  Africa is the world’s fastest growing region after emerging Asia and fostering new approaches for development challenges, while providing opportunities to life millions out of poverty.

Story Telling: Companies must improve how they share, advocate and demonstrate their CSR commitments, inform and enlist participation from the public at large with authenticity and transparency.

In Conclusion: Corporations, supported by NGOs and governments, have profound shared values and our society cannot mitigate pressing social, economic and environmental issues without adapting to our knowledge-driven economy and increasing demands from conscious-driven consumers.

By: Samantha Taylor - Founder of Reputation Dynamics

A Salute to Women of Vision: Gloria Awards

Last night was a celebration of women and their contributions to fight for global justice at the Ms. Foundation for Women's 40th Anniversary co-hosted by Gloria Steinem and Anika Rahman. 

An inspiring list of honorees included:

• Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton - champion of economic justice for women
• Saru Jayaraman - co-founder of Restaurant Opportunities Center United -workers rights and standards of equality
• Kierra Johnson - Executive Director of  Choice USA - reproductive justice activist
• Sunny Clifford - an Oglala Lakota from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota - access to emergency contraception
• Lauren Embre - The Embrey Family Foundation - improving her community and the lives of women and girls worldwide
• Diane von Furstenberg, founder of DVF Studio - mentor to women leaders and entreprenuers
• Melinda Wolfe - Bloomberg L.P., diversity and professional development

The event hailed attendees from a variety of sectors including nonprofit, academic, foundations and representatives from the entertainment world including Canadian R&B singer-songwriter - Deborah Cox, American actor, dancer and singer - Ben Vereen and television host - Tom Murro.

There is still so much more to be done mobilizing the collective power of women to mitigate pressing world issues:

-American women still earn an average of 25% less than men

-Birth control and basic services are still controversial

-Every day, at least 800 women die while giving life and, unlike other global health challenges, most pregnancy and childbirth complicatoins can be prevented

The Ms.Foundation for Women fights to eliminate barriers for all women.  More information - www.forwomen.org.

Posted by Sam Taylor

Jeff Corwin’s Wild Adventures Launches at the Franklin Park and Stone Zoos, Boston

We are excited to announce the launch of ‘Jeff Corwin’s Wild Adventures' for families and their kids. JeffCorwinConnect, Inc. (JCC) co-founder, Emmy Award-wining TV host and wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin has launched his pioneering interactive audio tours - ‘Jeff Corwin’s Wild Adventures’ - at two of the most prestigious zoos in New England – Franklin Park and Stone Zoos. Over 680,000 visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to go on a “Wild Adventure” with Jeff as their personal guide and to learn about the different animals residing at the Zoos. The audio tours will focus on the challenges these endangered species face today, and encourage visitors to get involved with conservation programs at the Zoos.

JeffCorwinConnect has partnered with French company Orpheo Inc to develop and provide the latest cutting edge technology for this program which was designed for visitors of all ages. The audio tours are offered on iPod Touch devices that have a custom app, which is interactive and allows visitors to plot their own trails while being able to track which exhibits they have already seen. The app also greatly reduces the need for using paper maps and is eco-friendly by design. Visitors also get to hear the calls (sounds) and see images with close ups of the animals on the devices. This ensures that visitors experience beyond what is visible or heard when at the Zoos.

JeffCorwinConnect is a wildlife-nature focused, global trans-media edutainment company that develops branded mobile, digital and consumer products, creating online and onsite experiences, for kids and families.

Please contact us regarding partnership and sponsorship opportunities to advocate for and protect our endangered species.

Conscious Commerce: Business and Social Innovation Trends for 2013: 'Raising the Bar on Private-Public Partnerships'

While corporate responsibility and sustainability (CR) continues to fuel radical change in business and philanthropic models, reputation management and employee engagement, CR alone is not enough to mitigate pressing social issues and consequences of climate change. Despite contributions from the private and public sector, the social, cultural and environmental circumstances of populations in under-developed markets remain complex and unsustainable.   A recap of the daunting realities we face include:

• Water: Nearly 800 million people lack dependable access to clean water and about 2.5 billion people lack access to modern sanitation, putting them at risk of disease;
• Hunger: About 1 billion people across the globe go to bed hungry every night, 200 million of them are children;
• Education: 60 million children are deprived of access to education;
• Blindness: 45 million blind and 135 million visually impaired people live around the world, of which 90 percent live in under-developed countries; 
• Poverty: 61 percent of Africa’s one billion people live on less than $2 a day;  
• Climate Change: Driven by fossil fuel use and deforestation, is undermining the livelihoods of millions of people.

Meanwhile, corporations are continuing to explore growth, investment and social impact opportunities overseas including China, Asia and now Africa is the new spotlight. These markets represent the four billion people who live in poverty and potential customers for new products and services.

Africa is Rising: Africa is the world’s fastest growing region after emerging Asia with Africans expected to number 2 billion by 2050.  By 2020, more than half of African households are projected to have discretionary income: 85m-130m. This economic expansion is fostering new approaches for development challenges while providing the opportunity to lift millions out of poverty. The Obama administration recently launched a ‘Doing Business in Africa’ initiative to promote economic growth, trade and investment in Africa.

The Power of NGOs: NGOs have become increasingly influential in world affairs, and the World Bank estimates that more than 15 percent of total overseas development aid is channeled through NGOs.  They are the new leaders for the conscious movement representing broad public interest, expertise in the field, tackling complex social and environmental issues.  NGOs are developing new standards for community change and impact, have the connections with local governments and businesses to change policies.  Non-profits are diversifying funding sources, becoming less reliant on government funding, and seeking long-term partnerships with corporations.

The Role of Public-Private Partnerships: Corporations continue to be challenged by developing solutions for sustainable, long term change to scale.  Further dedication of resources toward more inclusive private and public partnerships is critical for improving livelihoods and represents considerable benefits for both parties including co-designing community-driven and owned models, building quality programs, skills training and job creation.

The collective power of partnerships’ are fundamental to properly understanding and navigating the economic, social and political circumstances of our most vulnerable communities in need.

Corporations, supported by NGOs and governments, have profound shared values and our society cannot progress, break new ground, or mitigate our pressing world issues without greater collaboration.

By Samantha Taylor

The Nature Conservancy - Advancing Sustainable Conservation in Africa

Reputation Dynamics is excited to work with The Nature Conservancy on corporate marketing and social responsibility development to support awareness, growth and development of their programs in Africa. Since the 2006 launch of the Africa program, TNC has been protecting land, freshwater and marine ecosystems in key African regions including, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and Mozambique.    With the population of Africa expected to double by 2050, there will be greater demands for energy, food and water which will pose challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the resilience of the continent's natural resources, alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for underserved communities.

For more information - http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/africa/index.htm.

Helen Keller International - Preventing Blindness and Reducing Malnutrition

Reputation Dynamics is excited to work with Helen Keller International on corporate development.  Founded in 1915 by Helen Keller and George Kessler, Helen Keller International (HKI) is among the oldest international NGOs (non-governmental organizations) devoted to preventing blindness and reducing malnutrition in the world. HKI currently work in 22 countries: 13 in Africa, 8 in Asia-Pacific, and the United States.  HKI's mission is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.  HKI combats the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research in vision, health and nutrition.  For example, HKI's Vitamin A supplementation programs have helped save the sight and lives of nearly 100 million children in Africa.

For more information - www.hki.org - and please contact me if you would like further information about this terrific nonprofits work led by CEO, Kathy Spahn.

Long way to go: Banks slow to embrace CSR for reputation recovery

The financial services sector has undoubtedly had much to contend with in recent years. Following the collapse of Goldman Sachs in September 2008, growth stumbled to a halt and the banks became whipping boys for the media and politicians - perhaps not totally undeservedly - for their role in the financial crisis.

Today, rebuilding stakeholder trust combined with enforcing stricter financial regulations are top priorities for all banks.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a critical tool for organizations to protect reputation, empower employees and rebuild trust with its stakeholders. Multiple industries are continuing to embrace the benefits of CSR, but the financial services sector is still lagging behind.

A committed CSR policy acts as a self-regulating mechanism enabling a business to monitor and ensure it is compliant with the rule of law, adopting ethical standards and ensuring transparency.

The 2012 100 Best Corporate Citizens List (http://www.thecro.com), recently published by Corporate Responsibility Magazine, provides an index of top corporate citizens ranked on seven categories to determine the annual ranking – employee relations, human rights, climate change, philanthropy, governance, environmental and financial performance.

This year's list was topped by global pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers Squibb, while the technology sector was well represented with IBM, Microsoft and Intel taking the next three spots. The top ten also included companies as diverse as Accenture, Campbell Soup and Nike.

However, not only were there no banks in the top ten, there were none in the top 50. The highest ranked financial services company, ranked 56, was JP Morgan Chase & Co. Only two others made the top 100, Wells Fargo (80) and State Street Corp (83).

This illustrates how the financial services industry has been slow to embrace CSR and recognize the benefits it can bring. Banks have traditionally placed greater emphasis on compliance and issues posing a 'direct risk' including being held liable for polluting the environment.

The industry has only recently begun to appreciate the importance of more 'indirect risks', such as reputation and the responsibility of banks related to lending activities (client's solvency/continuity or collateral). Risk management is no longer just about the potential financial risks, but increasingly the environmental and social consequences of lending money to clients with dubious sustainability performances. With everything that the financial services sector has endured in recent years perhaps it isn't surprising that CSR hasn't been top of mind in the boardrooms of many financial institutions but that is a mistake that banks simply can't afford to continue to make.

A notable company is Bank of America, which updated it core values and operating principals after adopting a CSR approach. The company published it first CSR report last year and its progress was recently recognized with a PR News award. The report details its socially responsible initiatives, which are now part of the bank's overall strategy. These include:

• Funding solar power and energy efficiency programs
• Supporting the revitalization of neighborhoods across the US
• Lending and investing in small businesses that are the backbone of the economy
• Encouraging employees to volunteer over a million hours in nonprofits and community organizations
• Funding innovative arts and culture organizations

"The progress reflected in this report demonstrates our commitment to creating opportunities that help the economy move forward through responsible business practices, lending, investing and charitable giving," said Anne Finucane, Bank of America's global strategy and marketing officer.

While Bank of America represents how CSR is starting to make an impact in the financial services sector, the Best Corporate Citizens List demonstrates how the industry as a whole needs to step up to the plate. CSR is an important opportunity for banks to take responsibility for their actions and positively impact stakeholder groups.

If the banking sector is to truly succeed in rebuilding its battered reputation there needs to be a more serious commitment to becoming socially responsible and engaging with the key issues that stakeholders demand. Is your company doing enough?

Posted by Sam Taylor.

8th Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations

The MDG Executive Sessions for Young Professionals -Thursday & Friday, January 20 & 21, 2011 Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York City

The MDG Executive Sessions is a two-day forum providing an opportunity to network with young working professionals, UN representatives, and corporate leaders at the United Nations.  Young Professionals from around the world will participate in panel discussions and case study think tanks about corporate social responsibility, social enterprise development, and capacity building strategies to realize the 8 United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).  The Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations demonstrates what committed, global youth leaders can and have accomplished in support of the MDGs.

Friendship Ambassadors Foundation has partnered with the International Youth Council on the Youth Assembly at the United Nations

Sam Taylor of Reputation Dynamics will be moderating a panel on behalf of The Friendship Ambassadors Foundation on Friday, January 21^st.

A Corporate Perspective on Social Responsibility

The Global Compact and PepsiCo: A Report from the Field

Daniel Bena, Director of Sustainable Development for PepsiCo

Samantha Taylor, In Conversation                 

Program Highlights: 

• Opening & Closing Ceremonies featuring Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Enterprise Leaders and UN Agency Officials
• A presentation about a major new, masters’ level social enterprise scholarship program at NYU, by the Reynolds Foundation
• The announcement of 15 scholarships to Tangshan University in China. The dissemination of these scholarships will be to the world’s poorest and most talented youth. A plan to identify and adjudicate these scholarships will be a subject for discussion and development during the YA
• An overview of MDG successes and challenges by UNDP staff
• Two days of intensive meetings and workshops featuring Harvard case study method reviews of actual MDG programming by corporate CSR and SE leaders, NGO field workers, and UN staff
• Special Conference Reception and optional networking Weekend in New York City: Attend the Executive Sessions – and then stay on to enjoy the City with other YA delegates, all weekend long

Delegate Profile:

• Young professionals, ages 22-26, interested in achieving MDG success
• Youth leaders engaged in UN studies, ages 16-21
• Members of the International Youth Council and other youth organizations focused on the Millennium Development Goals
• Faculty and media seeking an active role in mentoring or chronicling youth led development toward the success of the MDGs
• University-age youth seeking a leadership position during the Youth Assembly next August, especially prospective YA summer interns

Friendship Ambassadors Foundation (FAF) is a nonprofit, tax exempt, 501(c)3 organization that provides meaningful cultural exchange opportunities by promoting peace through the performing arts. It directs and organizes the Youth Assembly at the United Nations on an annual basis. This year, FAF will finance the Youth Assembly and present a special performing arts event as well as offer general background support.  For more information -  http://faf.org/

UN Global Compact Leaders Summit

BUILDING A NEW ERA OF SUSTAINABILITY - JUNE 24-25 - NEW YORK Chaired by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2010 will provide the platform for organizations to convene, collaborate and commit to building a new era of sustainability – an era where environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are deeply integrated into business based on both material and ethical rationales. At the Summit, leaders will collectively tackle priority areas that are central to corporate leadership today and essential for the transformation to sustainable markets and the achievement of societal goals. With over 1,000 global leaders in attendance, this triennial Summit will be the most important UN-business event ever held.

The Summit will be divided into three parts:

Part I: Setting the Sustainability Agenda

Corporate responsibility has always been defined by and evolved within the broader context of politics, power and technological change, and responded to the call for the greater good. A confluence of factors – notably the financial crisis and climate change – has finally pushed this agenda towards a tipping point. It is now widely understood that our globalized marketplace requires a stronger ethical orientation, better caretaking of the common good, and more comprehensive management of risks.

Part II: Leading the Change

Corporate sustainability leadership today calls for a sophisticated and comprehensive approach to integrating ESG issues across the organization – from the Board, down through the organization and subsidiaries, and out into the supply chain. It requires connecting sustainability issues and actions – moving beyond silos – and meaningfully reporting progress and impacts. Corporate leadership today also calls for responsible engagement in public policy spheres.

Part III: Achieving Development

2010 will mark a decade since world leaders committed to reduce extreme poverty and set out the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to be achieved by 2015. Much remains to be done – especially with negative impacts from climate change, food crises and the global economic downturn turning back advances. Poverty is a profound threat to global security, interdependence and building strong markets. Business can and must strengthen its role in finding strategic and effective solutions to combat global poverty, hunger and disease.

Reputation Dynamics will be attending this event and will report back.

Further information can be located at:  http://www.leaderssummit2010.org/

Sam Taylor

Embracing the Power of Women on the Front Lines of Community Change

As the ‘War for Talent’ continues, women are being increasingly recognized and actively participating in building stronger economies, more stable societies and achieving goals for economic development around the world. Women perform 66 percent of the world’s work, and produce 50 percent of the food, yet earn only 10 percent of the income and own 1 percent of the property.

Today, empowering women to take action is a critical component of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community development initiatives.  Through CSR, organizations are mobilizing women to fulfill their potential by reducing poverty, fighting social justice and driving economic growth. They are providing women with access to healthcare, job training, technology advancement and education while boosting their confidence and encouraging them to make social change.

According to World Bank statistics, 53 million more people could fall into $2 a day in poverty as a result of the global economic slump – or up to 100 million more people according to the UN Millennium Campaign.

Top line Trends on Women:

• Women are increasingly becoming advocates and addressing key issues such as poverty, the environment, healthcare, education and arts/culture
• Women are playing a prominent role in their households and communities when it comes to philanthropy
• Women in the U.S. give an average 3.5% of their wealth to charity
• The volunteer rate of women was 30.1 percent in 2009 – Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Taking a leadership position determining the future and value of charitable giving for the next generation – creating family charitable legacy

Snap shot on key issues women are addressing....

Zimbabwe         - Empowering Girls

Kenya                  - Accessing water

Cambodia          - Thwarting sex traffickers

India                    - Taking schools to children

USA                       - Creating leaders

Paradigm Shift: Women CSR Champions:  This, in turn, is effecting a major shift forcing culture change, transformation of organizations, community and workplace development programs.  Our leadership is continuing to be defined by innovative approaches that integrate sustainability into business operations, create a stronger workforce and build more impactful community development programs.

The following organizations’ are having a global impact on women by engaging in conscious commerce initiatives:

General Mills - Join My Village: Last fall, General Mills and CARE launched an initiative entitled ‘Join My Village,’ an innovative online community that is fighting poverty in Malawi through the empowerment of women and girls.  General Mills will donate up to $500,000 to increase economic and educational opportunities for women and girls in approximately 75 villages in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in Africa.  Through several activities such as telling a friend about Join My Village, or joining a village team – $1 will go to General Mills and will go to CARE’s poverty fighting programs in the Malawi villages.  Additionally, General Mills will match personal contributions dollar-for-dollar for up to $50 per donor, $15,000 per village or $150,000. Further information can be located at http://www.joinmyvillage.com/

Global Sister.org: A project of The Sisterhood is Global Institute (SIGI), is a global communications network and unique online social networking space, enabling women and organizations to collaborate, organize, and advance top-of-mind concerns such as violence against women, health and trafficking.  This is a virtual learning environment for women’s organizations to share and teach social organizing tools and techniques.  Further information can be located at http://www.globalsister.org/.

Unilever: Unilever has a number of programs that enable women to be progressively brought into the mainstream of economic activities to bolster development. The Fair & Lovely Foundation was set-up as a social initiative by Unilever Bangladesh Limited under its leading skin care brand Fair & Lovely. The mission of the Foundation is to "Encourage economic empowerment of Bangladeshi women through information and resources in the areas of Education, Career and Enterprise." The foundation provides scholarships that allow women to attend school and obtain degrees in fields such as engineering, commerce, science and medicine. Further information can be located at http://www.unilever.com.bd/sustainability/women-empowerment/FALfoundation.aspx.

The key is no longer ‘Why’ it is needed, but rather ‘How’ an organization is empowering women, developing and incorporating initiatives into core, everyday business and community development programs.

It is critical for an organization to treat and develop their own workforce well to be credible as they advocate for addressing pressing global concerns, impact and transparency of their programs.  Women’s career development programs are an important platform and link to CSR, as well as creating a global community of women citizens.  Through such programs, women are not only improving their economic potential but giving back to their communities through active participation and demonstrated impact.

And, they have the right and opportunity to earn more than 10 percent of the income and own 1 percent of the property.

Organizations have a timely opportunity to empower and galvanize a global grassroots level movement among women who are hungry to change pressing global concerns.

Sam Taylor

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