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ON OUR MINDS
Brought to you by Account Coordinator, Helena Medeiros-Cansana, who has accidentally become emotionally dependent on the television show “Ted Lasso.”
And that’s a wrap!
Today marks the conclusion of COP26 in Glasgow. Over the past two weeks, we watched world leaders negotiate plans to tackle climate change, listened to climate activists from around the world, and saw businesses take their stances. But let’s not forget the voices that were missing from the Climate Summit. Can meaningful action come from an institution that has historically disregarded those facing the immediate and disproportionate effects of climate change? Well, the jury is still out. Despite a surprising partnership between the U.S. and China and more than 100 countries committing to end deforestation, international law is unenforceable, making these commitments reliant on goodwill and global peer pressure. The resulting chasm between words and climate action makes it hard to believe we’ll see meaningful change. With that said, the summit was not all doom and gloom; Ugandan activist Vanessa Nakate offered a message of hope as she called for accountability. And looking forward, it’s possible we may see progress from companies developing technological innovations that address climate change.
How business can help build back better
As President Biden’s new bill works its way through the legislature, it’s important to remember that the responsibility of building back better does not rest solely on government. As we see big businesses lobby against economic reforms to support health care, education and other safety net programs, it’s no wonder corporate social responsibility efforts face scrutiny. These criticisms heighten the need for companies that want to be better to do better. There are ample opportunities for businesses to step up, such as Kellogg’s recent commitment to provide support to employees experiencing menopause, pregnancy loss or fertility treatment. For companies wanting to improve their culture, take a look at Gender Fair’s new assessment system that lets organizations measure how they are doing on equality and diversity, building a path for progress. We all have a hand in creating a better world, including holding our fellow communications professionals accountable.
Systems and syllabi
Much of this year’s elections revolved around the inclusion of critical race theory in public school curriculum. The ongoing battle playing out in our classrooms and school boards reflects the broader rift in society around acknowledging the systems and structures that perpetuate racism in America. Now, we are seeing state lawmakers attempt to further restrict access to educational materials, including a book from Amnesty International on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These are frightening developments that will have far reaching consequences for public education.
ON OUR RADAR
Read:
- Highlighting the importance of meaningful connections, Susan’s piece in Fast Company features an interview with the co-founder of The Conduit, a diverse community of people passionate about positive impact.
- McP client Dr. Angela Jackson of New Profit co-wrote this piece in Newsweek on how President Biden’s Build Back Better Act can build an equitable workforce development infrastructure.
- TIME recently released its list of this year’s best inventions, featuring exciting technology that can increase accessibility.
- Don’t let the costume fool you––Cecily Strong’s Goober the Clown delivered a powerful message about abortion on “Saturday Night Live.”
- Read how Sesame Street, in line with its long history of providing accessible and inclusive education, quickly pivoted its programming to help children better understand the pandemic.
Celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month:
- Listen to Indigenous musical artist Raye Zaragoza redefine folk music on NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concerts.”
- Grounded in ancestral lessons, Joy Harjo's Poet Warrior is a beautiful mix of memoir, poetry and song.
- Featuring pieces about Native American history and culture, this JSTOR roundup is a valuable resource.
Cheer:
Learn:
- Representation matters. McP client Telemundo partnered with the SeeHer movement to release #WriteHerRight, a guide encouraging and empowering creatives to tell authentic stories about Latinas.
- “Women are more than half of the population, yet it’s men who are telling most of the stories.” New research from the Women’s Media Center found men overall receive 65% of news bylines and credits while women receive 34%.
- There is no better way to learn about systemic voter suppression than with a slice of pizza.
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