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ON OUR MINDS
Brought to you this week by Account Director, Peggy Atherlay, from Hartford, CT, where we put the ART in the capital city. Thank you to mural artist Corey Pane for creating “Let’s Grow” because we all need the reminder!
"Union is spelled with five letters. It is not a four-letter word.” - Dorothy Parker
April 4 is remembered as the day Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, but what drew him there was his support for the Sanitation Workers’ strike. Fifty-four years later, the recent union victory by Amazon workers in the Staten Island warehouse is helping to spur union growth after years of decline. The rise in the labor movement comes as a tight labor market empowers more workers while raising concerns among larger employers who say companies are being assaulted by the threat of unionization. While the outcome of the Amazon vote remains uncertain due to challenges to the ballot, the push-pull between management and labor will continue. And more forward-thinking investors, who have traditionally focused on the E (environment) in ESG, are increasingly turning their sights on the S (social) commitments. Some are even questioning if unions are as bad for shareholders as corporate executives claim. With climate change, ongoing global health and social inequalities persisting, businesses have the opportunity to double-down on ESG commitments to ensure value for all their stakeholders, especially their employees. Or they might go elsewhere (see open job opportunities below).
“You can’t be what you can’t see.” - Marian Wright Edelman
On the heels of a historic nomination in the U.S. Supreme Court, the National Urban League released its annual State of Black America report. The title itself speaks volumes: “Under Siege: The Plot to Destroy Democracy.” The report finds voting restrictions, medical treatment and housing inequality are just a few issues adversely impacting Black Americans. Despite economic and health gains, Black Americans have fallen further behind white people in education, social justice and civic engagement. Warnings of voter suppression and growing income inequality could precipitate the collapse of democracy in the U.S. as long as voting rights legislation remains stalled in Congress, the report urges a call to action for People of Color to combat voter suppression. One critical way to protect our democracy is at the ballot box, not just every four years, but in every election in your community. With the 2022 midterm and general elections are right around the corner, it is crucial your voice be heard; not just every two or four years, but every time your community has a referendum or local election.
Brands continue taking stands
“Capitalism has the power to shape society and act as a powerful catalyst for change. Your company’s purpose is its north star in this tumultuous environment,” stated BlackRock CEO, Larry Fink, in his recent annual letter to CEOs. Over the past six weeks, hundreds of companies have halted or curtailed business interests in Russia, using their power to support the people of Ukraine and help precipitate the end of an oppressive government. The war is also a wake-up call for investors to do better and create value for investors, people and the planet. Brands aren’t the only ones who can make a difference, learn how you can help the people of Ukraine.
Here at home, Abigail Disney, granddaughter of Walt Disney, penned an opinion piece criticizing the company’s “slow and bungled” reaction to Florida’s “Dont Say Gay” bill. First claiming neutrality, Disney faced unprecedented backlash from their employees (see union post above to reinforce the power of employee activism) before opposing the law. That led to threats of boycotts and other punitive actions from supporters of the bill. Whether it be standing down oppressive apartheid laws in South Africa, autocratic leaders in Russia, or discriminatory laws based on race or gender, companies have a history of taking stands to advance societal issues.
ON OUR RADAR
Celebrate:
- Last week was cause for much celebration, with the historic confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve as the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. Her nomination marks a turning point in the highest court in the land for the first time in 232 years white men will not be in the majority. On the steps of the White House, Justice Brown Jackson quoted Maya Angelou, saying she is “the dream and the hope of the slave.”
- The 15% Pledge seeks to get retailers to set aside, well, 15 percent of their shelves to Black-owned brands. See who’s pledged.
- Speaking of pledges, MacKenzie Scott strikes again, giving away $12 billion in two years to more than 1,250 organizations. While she seeks to stay in the background, her funds are reshaping the nonprofit sector.
- A new survey finds climate change and other environmental factors will influence Gen Z’s life decisions, including whether to have children.
- April is a season of renewal. The McPherson Team wishes all our friends and families blessings and peace as they celebrate Ramadan, Passover, Easter, Vaisakhi and Songkran.
- Mark your calendars: Earth Day is April 22.
Read:
- A cautionary tale: how an abortion arrest shook up a Texas town…and the nation.
- The privilege of having privilege: To be pro-choice, you must have the privelege of having choices.
- Check out Susan’s latest Connected interview with Sloane Davidson, Founder and CEO of Hello Neighbor, a nonprofit committed to the resettlement of refugees and immigrant families.
- We are thrilled to share news from McPherson Strategies clients:
Listen:
- “TED Health” podcast kicks off season two with host and McP client Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, who sheds light on our changing relationship with death and is helping to transform the end of life experience through her work at End Well.
- The podcast “Finding Humanity” by the Humanity Lab Foundation and Hueman Group Media is nominated for a WEBBY Award. They are one of five best broadcasts in the world in the Public Service & Activism category. Please consider voting here (voting ends April 21).
- Be part of a live conversation with McP client Tulaine Montgomery and Nick Tilsen, Founder of the NDN Collective to dig into place-based innovation, and how we find power and self-determination in community. Join on Instagram Live next Thursday April 21 at 7pm ET!
Learn (special issues for those in the job market):
- Looking for a job in sustainability? The profession is doing just fine.
- Welcome.US’s CEO Council launches a new commitment from 35 leaders to support resettlement, upskilling and hiring of newcomers from Ukraine and Afghanistan.
- A new poll found that 77% of managers declare WFH is over and that they’d fire or cut the pay of employees not returning to the office.
- If you're an employee of one of the 77% above, check out this list of The 100 Best Companies to Work For.
- But before you leave, be sure to check out this advice from former McP client, Brooklyn LAB. You don’t have to be a teacher to ensure you leave on good terms.
Apply:
In Memoriam:
- Our deepest condolences to the family of Eric Boehlert. Through his journalism, books and commentary on platforms including Salon and Media Matters, he was a staunch media critic, as well as a powerful defender for democracy, social justice and truth.
- Coping with loss is never easy, may The Modern Loss Handbook bring peace to help navigate through grief to resilience.
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