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Dear all,
Back in 2012, my friends Aaron Sherinian, Henry Timms, and Asha Curran told me about an idea they had and invited me to be part of the founding advisory group. What if we created a holiday — something like Black Friday and Cyber Monday — that was focused on generosity and giving back? And so, #GivingTuesday was born.
Nine years later, it has grown into a global movement (70+ countries) and remains one of my very favorite days of the year. What’s more inspiring than witnessing generosity?
This year, I plan to donate to a few of my favorite organizations, including The 19th, USA for UNHCR, The Lower Eastside Girls Club, Hello Neighbor, She’s The First and Hello Future. I’m also thrilled that McPherson Strategies is matching our employee donations up to $500. What are your #GivingTuesday plans this year? I always love to learn about organizations making an impact, so please share!
For those who observe Thanksgiving, we’re wishing health and safety for you and your loved ones at your gatherings and holding gratitude for all of you. Let’s take a moment to collectively acknowledge the Native and Indigenous Americans who are the original and rightful stewards of the land we now call home and honor the diverse and vibrant Native and Indigenous communities who make their homes here today.
Thankful for you,
Susan
Grateful for these pups!
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ON OUR MINDS
Brought to you by Ellen Miller Gilcrest, who’s counting down the minutes until she joins Susan at TEDWomen in Palm Springs next week (and not just because it’s 20 degrees in Chicago at the moment).
Gratitude Over Greed
Black Friday: arguably the worst American holiday. Every year it seems to get worse, our consumerism on full display before we’ve even had a chance to digest the turkey. But this year, a glimmer of hope: Target and Walmart announced they will keep physical locations closed on Thanksgiving to show appreciation for workers. A tight labor market — and the need to keep employees happy — likely shaped these decisions, along with the fact that consumers want to buy from brands that align with their beliefs and values. Sustainable Brands breaks down the growing movement against Black Friday and how companies are responding.
We Believe in Leave
Federal Paid Leave is still on the table. Last week, Democratic lawmakers passed a bill that includes the proposal, and now its fate rests with the Senate. Unfortunately, Senator Manchin has made it clear he does not support the paid leave initiative due to cost concerns. Really, dude? Cue the memes and headlines we saw in October. The U.S., as you may know, is one of the few affluent nations across the global north without a paid leave policy, which makes no sense because the policies are wildly popular and supported by small businesses. Not to mention that requiring a person who just gave birth to return to work or stay home with no pay is inhumane and will continue to disadvantage women and caregivers. Without action from policymakers, how can companies help raise the bar for family leave?
This Is America
An upsetting (yet unsurprising) verdict this week in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial led to sickening reactions, with many hailing the young man as a “hero.” It was one of those moments that makes you pause and go: Is this the world we live in? The verdict sets a terrifying precedent. Can any person go to a public event with a gun, claim self-defense without much evidence, and kill people? The trial shed light on the injustices and flaws built into our justice systems — and the vastly different experiences of white and Black Americans navigating those systems.
Highlighting this contrast was the last-minute commutation of Julius Jones’ death sentence by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, who waited until four hours before Jones — who many believe is innocent — was to be executed despite two parole board rulings for commutation, millions of people signing petitions, tens of thousands of calls and international governments pleading on Jones’ behalf. Jones will spend his life in prison while Rittenhouse walks free.
ON OUR RADAR
Listen:
- December 1 will be a big day for abortion law. A four-minute NPR segment explains what’s at stake for Roe v. Wade.
- If you have a bit more time, this Bloomberg podcast further breaks down the Mississippi case — or what human rights attorney Julie F. Kay calls “the biggest threat to abortion rights.”
- Fun. We all like to have it, but what is fun exactly, why does it matter, and what does gender have to do with it? This episode of Glennon Doyle’s podcast resonated.
Read:
- I’m one down, 99 to go on The New York Times’ 100 Notable Books of 2021.
- “While many companies say human capital is a valuable asset, they aren’t always walking the walk.” Read client Dr. Angela Jackson’s POV in Fortune.
- Heartbreaking: Diaper need is an invisible part of poverty in the United States.
- In honor of Thanksgiving, enjoy this story about seven immigrant women who changed the way we eat in America.
Learn:
- Why do current corporate systems fail to enable Women of Color to reach their full potential? Check out PowHER Redefined, new research conducted by and for Women of Color.
- A new report from Project Include analyzes how workplaces can rebuild culture and improve accommodations to benefit everyone.
- Turns out that “thanks in advance” is the best way to close your email if you want a response.
Shop:
- Consider buying from BIPOC-owned brands this holiday season. Here’s a great list from CNN, including Tushy (IYKYK).
- Ever since we started working with iDesign, we’ve been so impressed by the company’s commitment to sustainability and a culture of caring. These gifts are perfect for anyone who loves home organizing.
- Gifting a book? Go for Bookshop over Amazon to support local booksellers. In related news, I am in LOVE with the new Semicolon store in my neighborhood.
Cheer:
Go:
- The Virtual Massachusetts Conference for Women (December 2) is open for registration. Don’t miss Stacey Abrams, Selma Blair, Regina King, Luvvie Ajayi and our very own Susan McPherson.
- How can we reimagine gender to unleash innovation? Hear from McP client Lisa Kenney at the Debug Summit, a virtual gathering for techies and leaders solving big problems, hosted by Lesbians Who Tech.
- For DC-based readers, the new FUTURES at the Smithsonian is a building-wide exploration of world-changing ideas. McP client Games for Change curated an exhibit on video games for impact.
Apply:
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