B The Change Weekly: June 12, 2020
Delivered on Fridays, B the Change Weekly delivers the most important and most relevant stories about people using business as a force for good. The newsletter features a weekly note from the B the Change team alongside insight and context on the stories we share here on Medium. Below is our latest roundup. To receive these insights directly in your inbox, sign up for B the Change Weekly today. Now on to the good stuff:
In recent weeks, the world has seen stark reminders of systemic racism as well as inspiring displays of activism and solidarity. As calls for change ring loudly, including calls from B Lab co-CEO Anthea Kelsick and Head of Partnerships and Strategic Growth Jodeen Olguín-Tayler, Certified B Corporations are turning to education, worker supports, and conversation as they realize their role in shaping society and shifting culture.
Through actions as well as words, B Corps can advance the work to dismantle centuries-old structural racism and white supremacy and build an economy that works for all.
Taking Action to Dismantle Racism
As a community, the women of B Corp Ellevate Network use their collective power and support to enact change in the workplace, for themselves and their colleagues. On B The Change, Ellevate Network CEO Kristy Wallace says it’s critical to recognize the intersectional nature of the discrimination, injustice, and inequity women of color continue to face day in and day out — in the workplace and elsewhere — and to be an ally and advocate to change that.
Restorative Justice Principles as a Guide
For years, businesses have spoken out on issues such as climate change, economic empowerment, gender equality, and mental health. Then there’s the issue that’s uncomfortable and almost always avoided: racism. A racial justice movement shows that’s no longer the case, and Amanda Yogendran of B Corp BBMG says business leaders and workers can turn to the principles of restorative justice for guidance on how to change the rules and restructure systems to be anti-racist.
Speaking Out Is the Norm
For some businesses, taking a stand on white supremacy and Black Lives Matter was new territory — and not much more than virtue signaling. But for Ben & Jerry’s, speaking out on social justice issues has always been essential to its business. On B The Change, contributor Chris Marquis shares how the ice cream company has grown its social impact and its bottom line over the last four decades.
Stay in the Know
Here’s your chance to catch up on recent articles:
- How Restorative Justice Can Guide Businesses in the Work Against Systemic Racism: Where Do We Go From Here? Reckoning, Reparations and Rebirth
- Ben & Jerry’s Isn’t Afraid to Speak Out — And Finds Sustainability in Business Through Purpose and Profit: B Corp Certification Builds on Longtime Commitment to Business Social Responsibility
- Change the World? Start with Your Team: It’s Time for Leaders to Listen for Understanding and Commit to Action
- New Report Shares Direct Benefits for Businesses of Taking the B Impact Assessment and B Corp Certification: Measurement by Third-Party Platform Key to Impact Improvement and Authentic Purpose
- Fueling a Circular Economy through Sustainable Everyday Products: Pela Aims to Eliminate Single-Use Materials for a Waste-Free Future
- How Businesses Can Encourage a More Resilient Food System in Africa: During and Beyond COVID-19: Initiatives and Investments Could Bolster Rural Farmers and Create a Sustainable Future
B the Change gathers and shares the voices from within the movement of people using business as a force for good and the community of Certified B Corporations. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the nonprofit B Lab.
Going Beyond Virtue Signaling was originally published in B The Change on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
