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Dear all,
Every other week for the last 19 months, I have penned the introduction to this newsletter sharing my reflections on the latest happenings, client activities, our team achievements and other various endeavors. As I sat down to write the introduction to this newsletter, I realized that for the first time, I had no words. Our world is such a challenging place right now for so many.
It was then I recalled this optimistic and powerful piece by my friend, Molly Jong-Fast, titled It Won’t Be January Forever. Molly shares: "Despite the blackest of black holes that we seem to be stuck in, there have been other times when American political life seemed untenable [...] When you take this perspective, it makes the 'unprecedented' situation in which we find ourselves feel a little less so.” For those of us in the U.S., January can be a difficult month for renewal. It's hard to imagine a fresh, inspiring start to the new year in the dead, dark of winter. Sometimes we all need a little reminder that the days in fact are growing longer, and January—and all the struggles we are facing during it—will soon be behind us.
Warmest,
Susan
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ON OUR MINDS
Brought to you by Account Coordinator Helena Medeiros-Cansana, who isn’t quite sure what her abysmal Wordle track record says about her.
Lead with purpose
It’s that time of year. BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink released his annual letter emphasizing the catalytic power of stakeholder capitalism, calling upon businesses to lead with purpose. Stakeholders are increasingly expecting more from companies. According to this year’s Edelman Trust Barometer, people want more business engagement on societal issues and view business as an effective driver of positive change. From advancing DEI initiatives to building a more equitable workforce, there is ample opportunity for companies to step up. Additionally, 88% of institutional investors subject ESG to the same scrutiny as other factors, making it clear that companies need to get on the same page as well as consider how ESG investing can generate a positive impact. As ESG advancements touch and transform all industries, even the most sustainable corporations must continue to evolve. For more insights about Fink’s letter, check out eight key takeaways from Tim Mohin, Chief Sustainability Officer at Persefoni, and a client of McP.
Fighting for the 50th
This past Saturday marked the 49th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade, which guarantees the right to an abortion. Now, reproductive rights hang in the balance as we await the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the constitutionality of Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban, which could lead to 26 states banning abortion. With unsafe procedures and medical complications, seeking an abortion before 1973 often meant risking your life. Since Roe v. Wade, the ability to access abortion care has afforded many the opportunity to fulfill their life’s goals and stay true to their gender identities. While the future of accessible abortion care is precarious, one thing is certain – we won’t give up.
We need representation (and so much more)
We know diverse representation matters. Media influences how we perceive and understand others, which results in real-life consequences. Case in point: the media children consume informs how they understand and evaluate ethnicity and race. With the release of the Disney movie Encanto, many parents took to social media to share their children’s joy in seeing someone who looks like them on their television screens. Learn more from Nicole Cardoza who explores the importance of Encantos’ representation of Colombian culture as well as the harmful stereotypes from Disney’s past. From money to marketing, it’s encouraging to see increased inclusive and diverse representation. That being said, let’s also remember that we still have more work to do. Following the release of the Ida B. Wells Barbie doll, Imani Perry dives into the complexities of representation in The Atlantic.
ON OUR RADAR
Read:
- Amidst record-breaking resignations, employee burnout and a growing preference for flexible work options, companies are trying out a four-day workweek.
- Learn about the challenges new nonprofit leaders of color face in The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
- If you are overwhelmed by the tragedies and injustices of our world, check out these tips on how to stay hopeful and do good.
- As we see historic numbers of women leave their jobs, “Pay Up” by Reshma Saujani lays out a plan to address gender inequities in the workforce.
- In Fortune, Ellen McGirt examines this country’s antisemitism, making it clear that we need to better support our Jewish communities.
- “New Year, True You,” Luvvie Ajayi shares her advice on how we can become truer versions of ourselves this year.
Attend:
- The Women’s Philanthropy Institute, a McP client, is hosting a discussion exploring research-driven insights that can inform gender and giving trends. Join us this Thursday the 27th at 12pm ET.
- Tune in to this webinar on January 31st at 10am ET featuring McP client and Persefoni’s SVP of Strategic Market Engagement, Mike Wallace, on the role of ESG in building smart cities.
Cheer:
Apply:
- Are you a creative and strategic thinker who’s passionate about social impact? Apply to join our team as our Vice President of Strategy.
- McP client New Profit is seeking to invest in 8 nonpartisan organizations to build civic trust and inclusive democracy. Apply here.
- Athletes Unlimited, a professional women's sports company, is hiring for a senior-level social impact role.
- Journey to Lead, a community and mentorship program connecting emerging talent with prominent women leaders, is accepting applications.
- America’s Promise Alliance is hiring for five new senior-level positions.
- Seeking volunteer opportunities? Find a position near you with AmeriCorps.
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