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ON OUR MINDS
Brought to you this week by Account Executive Fernando Snellings, who, like many other millennials, is rediscovering the joys of childhood
…and the Oscar goes to…
This past Sunday, the 94th Academy Awards were broadcast, celebrating a year of diverse voices across film. Hosted by trio Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes, the event marked ten years since the last ensemble of hosts in 2011. Unfortunately, the night was deeply overshadowed by Best Actor winner Will Smith, who, triggered by an insensitive remark by presenter Chris Rock, assaulted the comedian on live television. Despite later apologizing, Smith’s action took focus away from many trailblazing winners, including the second-ever deaf performer, Oscar winner Troy Kotsur, whose film, CODA, took home the best picture award. Kotsur, whose deeply moving speech brought the room to a full, signed applause, dedicated his speech to the deaf community. In an evening of sharp contrasts, acceptance underscored many speeches of the night, including best actress winner Jessica Chastain, who took a moment to reflect on the importance of acceptance, like her on-screen character, Tammy Faye Bakker.
I Will Survive…And You Will Too!
Just two days ago, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed the Parental Rights in Education (“Don’t Say Gay”) bill into law. The bill, which has drawn criticism across the United States, blocks public schools from allowing discussions surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity with children from kindergarten to third grade. Florida is not the only state to introduce anti-LGBTQ+ bills in 2022, most of which are aimed at the trans community. Since the beginning of the year, over 240 bills have been filed, with Texas and Arizona following Florida. Critics of the bill believe that lack of representation within the educational system will further limit a larger understanding of the queer community, and further alienate queer individuals from their peers. In the words of gay icon Tammy Faye Bakker, known for her outspoken acceptance of gay men during the height of the HIV/AIDs epidemic,"I say everybody must be who they are…young people, don't ever let anyone make you something that you're not."
Invest In Protecting Mother Earth
Last week, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission proposed new disclosure rules requiring companies to report their contributions to greenhouse gas emissions as well as how climate change might affect their businesses. Looking to reshape the American business standards in climate reporting to investors is a key reason for pushing these disclosure rules forward. Persefoni, a McPherson Strategies client, is one of the companies at the forefront of assisting in the movement towards more carbon footprint transparency. An additional push is coming from investors, who are keen to know how businesses they fund affect climate change, as well as the White House.
ON OUR RADAR
Celebrate:
- We’re thrilled to announce our amazing Liza Butegwa has been promoted to Account Executive! A whiz with words and an incredible force across all the client work she touches, Liza’s promotion is well-deserved. Congratulations, Liza!
- In an effort to reduce racial inequities across maternal healthcare, New York is offering free access to doula care.
- In the digital age, apps have enhanced our lives in every way - from travel to take out. Causeartist lists 19 social good apps that make it easy to leave your impact in the world.
- Lego Foundation has recently released a new grant competition to help children displaced by conflict, COVID, and other crises.
- Defying a war with Russia, Ukrainian artists grapple with conflict and show enduring resilience through art.
- McP client, Kendra Scott, has a biography coming out. With $500 to fund her dreams, the multi-hyphenate was inspired to create affordable, beautiful pieces – and give back. Scott discusses the highs, lows and in-betweens of how her success came to be.
Listen:
- Kent Bye with “Voices of VR” speaks to Alexander Glaser and Games for Change’s Susanna Pollack, a McPherson Strategies client, on their award-winning VR experience, On the Morning You Wake, and how they are using storytelling to bring awareness to nuclear non-proliferation.
- Listen to a rejuvenating conversation about connection and community with Susan and McP client Tulaine Montgomery on her Instagram Live series, “Say More.”
- “On Being,” once a public radio staple exploring human existence, is striking out on its own for a podcast future.
- Ever wonder how to launch a podcast? “We Are For Good” creators and hosts Becky Endicott and Jonanthan McCoy are spilling all their tips, secrets and tricks to launching – and sustaining a powerful podcast. Listen here.
Read:
- Philanthropists across the world are combining their love of true-crime and philanthropy to pay for vital services that police can’t always financially access to help solve decades-old cold cases.
- How startups (including client Persefoni!) are counting carbon emissions from companies across the globe, as told to the Wall Street Journal.
- New York Times photographer Sarahbeth Maney reflects on the history-making confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson, and the deeper story captured in her photography.
- When do you stand up, when your values conflict with those of your company’s? Author Laurie Hayes explores this modern dilemma against the backdrop of Ukraine, Disney, and other public issues.
Learn:
- New survey data from Luminary details the impact salary transparency has on women in the workforce.
- Screentime Network is hosting upcoming events surrounding children’s screentime. Check out their events here.
- The Riveter teamed up with AARP to launch its new study on disparities in life expectancy for Americans of Color, entitled "The Economic Impact of Unequal Life Expectancy."
Grow:
- MuckRack is hosting a seminar to discuss their findings from the 2022 State of Journalism report.
- Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies Summit, aims to tackle the question of what it means to be a business in 2022, and how to solve climate change.
Apply:
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