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ON OUR MINDS
Brought to you by Account Executive, Gloria Kostadinova, who can’t wait to indulge in turtlenecks, leaf peeping, and hot apple cider.
We’re not out of the woods yet
As much as we would like to keep the infamous January 6 insurrection in the past, the ongoing attack on voting rights at the state level is a constant reminder of the arduous road to fixing our democracy. On September 18, a pro-Trump group is set to host a Washington, D.C. rally in support of the January 6 rioters who are now being prosecuted. While police ramp up security measures outside the U.S. Capitol ahead of the rally, inside the Capitol lawmakers scramble to pass a new version of federal voting legislation that would safeguard the integrity of future elections. The political opposition to the voting rights legislation is far more than a delay in the legislative process; it is a threat to the health of our democracy and the future of free and fair elections. Ronald Brownstein explains how the election fraud narrative planted a seed of doubt in our democratic institution, manifesting in the California recall and sham audits of the 2020 election results that only perpetuate the ‘Big Lie.’ With the Edelman Trust Barometer reporting business as the most trusted institution over NGOs and government, now more than ever business leaders have a responsibility to remain steadfast in their public commitments to protect democracy. Our client Leadership Now Project recently published a statement in support of the Freedom to Vote Act, describing the legislation as “a step toward making our institutions capable of tackling the significant challenges facing us today.”
Reproductive freedom is economic freedom
In the two weeks since the Texas abortion law (SB8) came into effect, anti-choice activist groups have sprung into action to resurrect abortion whistleblowing, while other states are considering copycat laws to restrict abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy. Not only has the Department of Justice deemed SB8 a violation of constitutional rights, filing an emergency order to halt the Texas law, but denied abortion access also has serious implications on the mental, physical and economic well-being of women and their families. Women of color and women experiencing low wages are also more likely to be affected by abortion restrictions, as half of people who get an abortion live below the federal poverty level. When it comes to the corporate community, many Texas-based companies continue to remain silent on the issue. In times like these we need bold action and leadership that uphold corporate values of equity and inclusion. Salesforce is among the corporate leaders stepping up to help its employees and their families relocate if they’re concerned about the ability to seek reproductive care in Texas. Brands and advertising agencies are also reevaluating their role in initiating change from supporting their employees to advising clients on how to authentically weigh in on the issue. Business leaders looking to take action to support their communities and employees (while also improving retention) can check out the Don't Ban Equality coalition.
Climate change takes center stage — finally
This year, Climate Week NYC comes on the heels of the latest IPCC report and a wave of natural disasters. This week President Biden gathers world leaders in the lead-up to COP26 in hopes of mobilizing urgent global action, but global diplomacy won’t be enough to right this ship. The business community plays an equally pivotal role in mitigating climate impacts. It seems as though, finally, climate change is taking center stage. Over the last few years, media and public radio have been ramping up climate coverage, and this week Covering Climate Now announced 39 finalists selected for the first-ever Covering Climate Now Journalism Awards honoring exemplary coverage of the defining story of our time. And the momentum keeps building with celebrity activists like Leonardo DiCaprio bringing the climate issue to the silver screen. Meanwhile, tech billionaire Bill Gates is backing a new publication dedicated to the coverage of the climate crisis. Climate change is even making a comedy debut coinciding with the start of Climate Week, and to top it off, a climate opera comes to Brooklyn along with 21 tons of sand.
ON OUR RADAR
Read:
- After a firestorm of criticism, the CBS reality show The Activist will now become a one-time documentary special instead of a five-episode competition series.
- Ivelyse Andino, founder and CEO of Radical Health, explains why we need to address systemic inequities to achieve healthcare equity.
- McP client and Persefoni’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Tim Mohin, speaks with The Business Times about the changing role of the CSO.
- In his insightful column, Arthur C. Brooks describes how earned success and service to others are two intrinsic goals that can lead to real satisfaction and happiness at work.
- The Helm launched its first digital magazine issue, The Future of Women’s Healthcare featuring 20+ stories covering everything from health's key female innovators to the four biggest industry trends we're betting on.
- New research from Catalyst sheds light on women and the "Great Resignation," exploring the links between empathy in corporate leadership and retention of female employees.
Listen:
- In the latest episode of the “Planet Purpose” podcast, Conspiracy of Love Founder and Chief Purpose Officer Afdhel Aziz explains how employees can find and unlock the power of their own purpose, and why that matters.
- “Culture (Un)fit” is a newly-launched podcast hosted by Nikkia Reveillac on defying culture's expectations of how you should look, feel or behave when navigating your career journey.
- McP client Dr. Jim Tucker, director of UVA’s Division of Perceptual Studies, describes his decades of work researching children who report memories of previous lives and what it reveals about the nature of human consciousness in this episode of “Your Truth Revealed.”
Watch:
- This gut-wrenching PSA video, set to the tune of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” sends a powerful message in support of the Sandy Hook Promise vision of a future where children are free from shootings and acts of violence in their schools, homes, and communities. Learn more about how you can help protect children from gun violence.
- McP client Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, practicing physician and founder of the End Well Project, breaks down the science behind the Texas abortion law in this MSNBC interview.
- On September 20, tune in for a special #MovieMonday screening of RGB in honor of her life followed by a live discussion with Director Julie Cohen and Founder of the Future of Film is Female Caryn Coleman.
Celebrate:
- These 32 companies are leading the way by championing financial security, equity, and opportunity for their workers, according to the latest JUST Capital survey research.
- Ilyse Hogue, longtime movement leader and former President of NARAL, recently joined Purpose as the firm’s new President.
- To kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrate with this collection of Latinx and Hispanic films, recipes and books and brands by Latinx and Hispanic creators.
- Fortune’s 40 under 40 list highlights the rising entrepreneurs, influencers and executives who have shaped the global pandemic experience and are paving the way for what comes next.
- Going back to work just got a little better thanks to McP client M.M.LaFleur, the brand for modern working women. M.M. is launching a Rewrite the Rules Bus tour bringing the spirit of back-to-school season to the women of NYC next week!
- McP client, Telemundo launched its first ever bilingual Hispanic Heritage Month campaign. Take a look at their PSA here.
Attend:
- Join the Press Freedom Speaker Series hosted by International Women's Media Foundation on September 21 to hear from the Black women journalists carrying on the legacy of Gwen Ifill. Reserve your tickets here.
- In a series of panels, fireside chats and IG lives, TheLi.st and New Power Media host powerful conversations about how we redefine success at work and in our personal lives. Join the upcoming talks with Stacy London on how to Recharge Your Life on September 21 and how to Reimagine Your Possibility with author Ashley C. Ford and CEO Ann Shoket on September 28.
- Join The Meteor for a workshop After Texas: The Fight for Abortion Access on September 20 to find out what SB8 means for states cross the country.
- On September 23, Benevity will host a webinar featuring Chris Jarvis of Realized Worth about how to create employee engagement programs that have the biggest impact. Register for the event here.
- The Marshall Plan for Moms is hosting a virtual symposium on September 24 to discuss the urgent need to include caregiving infrastructure as part of the ongoing efforts to “build America back better.” Register here.
Apply:
- McP client Persefoni, a fast-growing carbon accounting technology company, is seeking a Content Writer to join their marketing team to craft stories that promote Persefoni and its award-winning platform, both internally and externally. If interested please reply and we will put you in touch!
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