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ON OUR MINDS
Brought to you this week by McPherson Strategies account executive and resident tall person, McKenna Gramoll.
Accelerating the fight against climate change
This week, influential leaders including John Kerry, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Madeleine Albright, and Leonardo DiCaprio joined forces with an impressive group of allies to launch “World War Zero”: an all-out effort to achieve net zero carbon emissions and create millions of new jobs in the process. Just as critically, TED and YouTube announced a new climate change initiative called “Countdown.” Armed with a coalition of global leaders and environmental experts, Countdown will “gather new ideas to combat the climate crisis, and is focused on five broad topics: renewable energy, infrastructure, transportation, food, and restoring ecosystems.” By leveraging the networking power of TED’s ideas, the visibility of YouTube’s platform, and the innovation of experts, Countdown is looking to turn ideas into action. We’re excited for these bright new ideas that might (actually) move the needle on climate change.
Allbirds challenges Amazon
Making rounds in both the Twitter-sphere and traditional media space, we applaud this open letter to Amazon from Allbirds CEO, Joey Zwillinger. Following a question from Christiane Amanpour about Amazon’s AllBirds-look-alike sneaker, Zwillinger wrote: “As we’ve done with over 100 other brands who were interested in implementing our renewable materials into their products, including direct competitors, we want to give you the components that would make this shoe not just look like ours, but also match our approach to sustainability.” Beyond being a brilliant PR move, the Allbirds letter touches on a core aspect of brand’s approach to sustainability: the need for collaboration. It’s not a race to the top. We need influential leaders working together to create solutions that more effectively address the world’s most pressing environmental threats.
Corporate America takes on #GivingTuesday
After the sales frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Weekend, it’s no surprise that corporations are finding ways to extend or amplify the generosity of their customers as part of Giving Tuesday. Platforms like PayPal and Facebook continued their matching programs to drive even more dollars toward social good. Since launching Miles on a Mission in October, United Airlines customers can donate miles to a rotating list of nonprofits in need of air travel – with a Giving Tuesday bonus match from United. In a piece for Forbes, David Hessekiel provided a closer look at how the corporate field participated this Tuesday. We second Asha Curran’s (CEO of Giving Tuesday) take on corporate involvement: when it comes to creating campaigns, the brands that embody authenticity and collaboration tend to win big on Giving Tuesday – and year-round.
ON OUR RADAR
Shop:
With the holiday season in full swing, we’re excited to share the second installment of our holiday gift guide for good!
- Gifts for Refugees: Those of us in the Midwest know how brutal winters can be. For refugees around the world, the items in the USA for UNHCR’s gift catalog provide life-saving resources to survive the winter and beyond. Bonus: as an extension of Giving Tuesday, all gifts are currently being matched by UNHCR.
- Modern Loss Winter Holiday Gift Swap: The “merry” season can feel anything but when you're living with loss, even if you don't observe any holiday at all. Reaching over 1,000 people to date, the minds behind Modern Loss created their gift swap to thoughtfully match perfect strangers around the U.S. and Canada who brace themselves for this time of year because of a loss at any time in their past. The detailed sign-up can be found here (final deadline is December 8 at 11:59 pm ET).
- Coloring Without Borders Coloring Book: For the kiddos (and those creative “big kids”) on your list, this non-traditional coloring book teaches lessons about compassion throughout. All proceeds go to Families Belong Together.
Check out the full guide here, and upcoming McP Memo for our final installment, including last-minute ideas.
Read:
- Social change doesn’t happen overnight. SSIR dives into how communications frameworks have transformed attitudes on issues from gay marriage to youth smoking.
- What does it mean to lead with impact? Fast Company taps leaders within its Impact Council for their responses.
- On the heels of #GivingTuesday, our client, the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, shared insights for millennials who want to create a “do-good fund.”
- Axios published (frighteningly) amusing stats about Baby Yoda’s internet fame compared to 2020 Democrats.
Listen:
- On her new podcast Bea The Change, Bea Arthur, a licensed therapist, helps listeners navigate life's tough situations to help give them power over their problems.
Watch:
- Bombshell, a film about sexual harassment at Fox News, premieres next Friday (December 13). Charlize Theron – playing Megyn Kelly – shares her behind-the-scenes take with NYT.
Cheer:
- Congrats to Laurie Segall and her team on the launch of Dot Dot Dot Media: a new content studio creating stories about technology through the lens of humanity. Susan is both an investor and advisor in the new media brand.
- From salary negotiation to food waste, Forbes’ annual list of 30 under 30 includes a roster of brilliant entrepreneurs who are leading with purpose.
Nominate:
- Who do you think are the most influential women of 2019? The Financial Times is gathering recommendations for its annual list. Sound off in the comments!
Apply:
- The Cognizant U.S. Foundation, a McPherson client focused on workforce development and STEM education, is hiring a Marketing & Communications lead and Program & Grants Manager. If you know anyone who might be a good fit, have them reply to this newsletter, and we'll share a copy of the job description(s).
- The Global Communications team at the International Rescue Committee is looking for a Senior Communications Officer to help bring its campaigns to life. Learn more.
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