Trends Related Content

Deborah Leipziger provided an expert opinion on trends in CSR and examples of best practices in a CNBC article on the high profile of CSR at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Read the article on CNBC.

I just returned from judging the 2010 Cause Marketing Forum Halo Awards. And the winners are….

Actually, I am sworn to secrecy.  Sorry!  Finalists will be announced June 3^rd at the Annual Cause Marketing Forum Conference.  There truly are some amazing programs to look out for.

One of the best things about being a part of the cause-related world is that our collective field is constantly innovating, evolving, pushing the limits of what might be possible and, ultimately, raising the bar for all of us who practice in this space. It is an amazing experience to be part of a discipline that is old enough to recognize some best practices, yet still young and agile enough to be the source of fertile ground open to exploration. Continue reading →

When I hear about a theme or a trend that catches my attention, I tuck it away and know I will use it at some point. If I hear about it again in a different circle I know it is an idea that is “bubbling” and is something that will likely resurface, and so I start to think about its relevance to my world. The third time this theme crosses into my domain, I know it is an established conversation that many are having. And in the past 10 days or so, at varied intersections, I have been part of conversations about what it actually takes to work in the CSR field. Is it training? DNA? Professional experience? Formal education? I don’t know the definitive answer, but I do know there is more than one path.  Mostly, I am just thrilled the conversation is actually taking place in numerous circles. Continue reading →

Mark Feldman hosted a webinar on key findings from the Cause Consulting survey: The Greatest Challenges Facing CSR Professionals. This survey, based on one-on-one interviews with CSR practictioners, found that they were consistently challenged by questions related to internal integration, … Continue reading →

This week I facilitated a panel at the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship conference on how corporate social responsibility can fuel business innovation.  We had a rock star panel with Amy Skoczlas Cole (eBay’s Head of Environment and Director of eBay Green Team); Eve Callahan, (Umpqua Bank’s SVP, Corporate Communications); and Kris Bowring (Best Buy’s Senior Director, Home Management).

We had a dynamic conversation about how each of these companies are being intentional about creating disruption in their cultures and challenging the status quo.  They are doing this not because it’s fun and easy (we learned quite the opposite), but because ultimately their work will not only fuel their business and create new growth opportunities, but also positively impact society. From “real” community banking; to a sustainable shipping box; and a best-in-class electronics recycling initiative, we had a powerful session.
Continue reading →

Participating in the UN Conference for Global Change was a one of the most engaging six hours I have spent all year. Last month, I sat in a very outdated hotel meeting room at the end of a long table, surrounded by business leaders, United Nation’s staff and other NGO leaders. Everyone was committed to leading, learning and/or exploring CSR. The group was convened by the newly established Foundation for Social Change and the United Nations. It was the most powerful information sharing I’ve experienced in a long time.

Why so engaging?  Because the corporate and NGO leaders who presented their cases were well past searching for a business case for CSR, they are blazing the trail of corporate sustainability.  They were pioneers helping their businesses use CSR to be relevant, profitable survivors in today’s complex and competitive business world. 

Continue reading →

Zilch. It’s not a word we typically connect to something positive. Well, Nancy Lublin, my friend and Founder of Dress for Success and lead executive for Do Something has a fresh and real perspective in her new book Zilch.

Whether you’re in a company, nonprofit or searching for your next gig—Zilch speaks to how successful nonprofit leaders have built great brands, teams and organizations making real impact, without a lot of resources…well, not much at all.  It’s practical, honest and straightforward and, candidly, a breath of fresh air about how all of us can be empowered to do big things in our work by applying creativity, teamwork, passion and problem-solving and not typical approaches. Continue reading →

Last Thursday was the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day, a day that celebrates our planet. 

Earth Day has recently been used as a convenient opportunity for businesses to express their pledge to environmental consciousness and promote their up-and-coming green products.  Historically, many of these marketing campaigns were designed to appeal to  eco-conscious consumers, and could be perceived as “greenwashing.”  Last Thursday, we expected nothing less than the status quo.

What did we see instead?  An impressive showing of restraint from the business community.  Sure, there were the usual marketing gimmicks, but there was less hype and more substance.  Continue reading →

I just returned from judging the 2010 Cause Marketing Forum Halo Awards. And the winners are….

Actually, I am sworn to secrecy.  Sorry!  Finalists will be announced June 3^rd at the Annual Cause Marketing Forum Conference.  There truly are some amazing programs to look out for.

One of the best things about being a part of the cause-related world is that our collective field is constantly innovating, evolving, pushing the limits of what might be possible and, ultimately, raising the bar for all of us who practice in this space. It is an amazing experience to be part of a discipline that is old enough to recognize some best practices, yet still young and agile enough to be the source of fertile ground open to exploration. Continue reading →

My dad has given me many lessons over my lifetime and one of the ones I always seem to draw on is:  Do not confuse someone’s method with his motive.

This came to mind recently when Goldman Sachs announced a $500 million philanthropy initiative to help small business owners through higher education scholarships, access to capital and mentoring.  There is little doubt expressed by journalists and bloggers all around the country that what is motivating Goldman is a desperate need for good will coming out of months and months of revelations around the company’s role in Wall Street’s financial meltdown. Continue reading →

When I hear about a theme or a trend that catches my attention, I tuck it away and know I will use it at some point. If I hear about it again in a different circle I know it is an idea that is “bubbling” and is something that will likely resurface, and so I start to think about its relevance to my world. The third time this theme crosses into my domain, I know it is an established conversation that many are having. And in the past 10 days or so, at varied intersections, I have been part of conversations about what it actually takes to work in the CSR field. Is it training? DNA? Professional experience? Formal education? I don’t know the definitive answer, but I do know there is more than one path.  Mostly, I am just thrilled the conversation is actually taking place in numerous circles. Continue reading →

The 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game launched last night with a “high-five” to community service and volunteerism.  Five living U.S. Presidents honored five specific community heroes, during over five minutes of live prime time national television.  Kudos to Major League Baseball for helping to further embed civic participation and giving into popular culture.  If you missed this part of the pre-game show check it out.

Giving and volunteerism was core to the “Going Beyond” theme heralded throughout the All-Star calendar. During the Home Run Derby MasterCard held the “Hit it Here” promotion to benefit Stand Up to Cancer.  Also did you notice the RBI tally board in the outfield – throughout the game both teams were competing to hit the most RBI’s triggering a donation to charity. One-offs to be sure, but connected to a bigger, emerging national theme. Continue reading →

While waiting for spring to arrive in Boston, we are spending too much time watching TV and analyzing the ads.  Here’s a taste of our Earth Day viewing:

Green Stamp of Approval:   Wal-Mart’s “Earth Month Thanks” ad captures the spirit of the anniversary.  Wal-Mart understands the power of mobilizing their 200 million customers and are moving people toward earth friendly products.  The best news is that for Wal-Mart this isn’t just an “Earth Day Special.”  Year-round they are taking a lead on sustainability issues.  They certainly aren’t perfect, but we give them strong marks for making progress and pushing consumers and vendors to action. Check out their earth-related sales promotions and their master sustainability activities on their  website.  Also a January 2009 New York Times article tells the story of their green evolution. Continue reading →

Despite the economic downturn and tightening budgets, it seems the opportunities to speak, learn, and network in the CSR and Citizenship world are proliferating.  How can CSR professionals get the smartest bang for our conference buck?

We sat down with veteran conference planners, turned executive speaker consultants, Lori Zetlin and Jeanne Tee, of S3 – Strategic Speaker Services, whose clients include IBM, Fed Ex, and NetApp, to get their take on the rapidly evolving world of CSR conferences. Continue reading →