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ON OUR MINDS
Brought to you this week by Account Coordinator Liza Butegwa, who just celebrated one month together with her pup Ziggy Marley :)
An ever-evolving catastrophe
The far-reaching effects of the war in Ukraine are yet to be known. Estimates show that over 800 civilians have been killed and over three million people have fled the country. While brands continue to put economic pressure on Russia — McDonald’s, Pepsi, Netflix and TikTok to name a few — it’s equally important to drive much-needed dollars to the organizations best suited to support those both on-the-ground and in need of resettlements. Meanwhile, the ongoing pandemic, famine and food insecurity, and conflict situations across the world mean that aid groups are struggling to support the overwhelming need we are faced with. In times of crises, we must all show our support but the question remains: how do we sustain this as businesses, nonprofits and individuals to ensure that we are better prepared for what may come next and some of the trickle effects we will continue to see?
Businesses stand up
SXSW is wrapping up in Texas this weekend. And although there has been much to celebrate, it’s difficult not to focus on the ramifications of the destructive bills coming out of Texas, Florida, and other states across the U.S. that aim to limit access to gender-affirming care for minors. These have been widely condemned as harmful to trans youth. While it can sometimes be hard to put yourself in another person’s lived experiences, I’d highly recommend reading the perspectives in this open letter from the Human Rights Campaign highlighting voices from the affected communities. In response to the bills, more than 65 businesses including Apple, Google and Paypal penned an open letter calling on public leaders in Texas to abandon efforts that write discrimination into policy. Their stance shows a growing recognition that businesses serve communities, and exemplify how the private sector can wield its power for good.
#BreakTheBias
The world celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) last week with the theme #BreakTheBias, designed to encourage us to imagine a world free of gender stereotypes and discrimination. With powerful stances from brands such as The Economist, Spotify and Adidas, it was a moment to take stock and celebrate all that has been accomplished for equality, while calling out ways we are still held back. The day also shed light on the importance of brand authenticity, with this Pay Gap App calling out companies with gender pay gaps that had actively promoted IWD on social media. While there’s been much talk about the Great Resignation and the impact of the pandemic on jobs in the U.S. and beyond, we are still struggling to address the meaningful factors that affect women at work so that a “return to normal” does not mean a “return to the status quo” which did not work for many women.
Protecting our planet
“Delay means death” was the dire warning in the sixth report from the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Scientists say we can adapt to many changes brought by an overheating planet, but some things will be lost forever. In their latest newsletter, Protocol offers tips on how to write a climate plan that doesn’t suck. Spoilers: tie executive pay to climate targets and back policies that meaningfully benefit the climate. McP client and Persefoni CEO Kentaro Kawamori was quoted in the Wall Street Journal today highlighting that for companies crunching carbon numbers the math is “multifold more complex” than for financial accounting. This will be even more critical going forward as the SEC is expected to announce its climate disclosure proposal for publicly listed companies on Monday, March 21.
ON OUR RADAR
Celebrate:
- We’re thrilled to announce our very own Gloria Kostadinova was recently promoted to Senior Account Executive! Since joining the team a little over a year ago, Gloria has proven to be a multi-talented force, and a joy to work with too. Big kudos and well-deserved!
- Major congratulations to McP client Zoetis for being recognized among Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for 2022! Zoetis is the only stand-alone animal health company to be included on this year’s list.
- A number of McP clients participated at SXSW EDU and SXSW this year. Shout out to New Profit, End Well, Games for Change and the Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS). Congratulations to On the Morning You Wake (to the End of the World), a VR documentary about nuclear threat produced by Games for Change, for winning the jury award for best extended reality experience at the SXSW Film Festival.
- Now this is a throwback! The country’s first newspaper devoted to abolition is being reimagined for today’s world. Look out for The Emancipator launching next month.
- Diébédo Francis Kéré became the first Black winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. He spoke with NPR about how his unique perspective influences his signature style.
- Check out this list from Women Change Now highlighting 25 women who are shaping our future that you should know about.
- ESPN launched the first season-long Fantasy Women's Basketball series ahead of this year’s season!
Watch:
Give:
- UN Women is looking at ways to protect and empower Ukrainian women and girls impacted by the war. Every donation counts.
- The $1k project is a way to support Ukrainian families with a $1,000 donation. Share this initiative with your networks and help support this important cause.
Read:
- McP client the Women’s Philanthropy Institute released its annual Women Give report last week that explores how gender and demographic factors affected giving to racial justice causes like Black Lives Matter in 2020.
- With all the doom scrolling going on, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself. Thrive Global shares tips on how.
- Work from home life, am I right?! Fortune shares insights on how Gen Zers are capitalizing on our new way of work and building professional networks. Psst, Susan is quoted!
- If looking for a great Spring read, check out Michelle Gadsen-Williams’ new book, Driven by Intention, for more about how to own your purpose and thrive as a businesswoman today.
- Citigroup joins a growing number of organizations committed to covering travel costs of U.S. based employees seeking an abortion. Axios digs deeper here.
Listen:
- Susan joined Deloitte’s “WorkWell” podcast and shared insights on how connections can change your world. Listen to the episode here.
- Dr. Yaba Blay breaks down all the things in the latest podcast episode of “We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle.” Listen in for a powerful discussion on rethinking everything — including why we need accomplices and not allies.
Apply:
- The UN SDG Action Awards are accepting nominations. This is an opportunity for people and initiatives who are “flipping the script and rethinking how we live and what progress and development look like.” Learn more and apply here. Deadline is May 1st.
- The ERA Coalition is looking for a President and CEO. Learn more about the position here.
- The Clinton Foundation is hiring a Senior Community Manager of Inclusive Economic Growth and Recovery. Apply here.
- Consumer Reports is hiring a Director, Campaigns & Community Engagement. Apply here.
- Sesame Workshop is hiring a VP of Strategy. Apply here.
- Planet is seeking a Sr. Global Director for Climate Change Initiatives. Apply here.
- Bloomberg Philanthropies is hiring. Learn more about the open positions here.
- Robin Hood is looking for a new Chief of Staff. Apply here.
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