Mobilizing New Power for Change | Sustainable Development Impact Summit 2020

TL;DR

Panelists discuss the rise of activism and new power in companies, highlighting the importance of employee activism, collective action, and the need for sustainable leaders.

Transcript

hello everyone my name is rebecca blumenstein i'm with the new york times and i'm speaking you today for my home in maplewood new jersey i'm very pleased to be here today to introduce our panel mobilizing new power for change these are such interesting times and i'm pleased that we have a panel that's just amazing they are on the front lines of thi... Read More

Key Insights

• 😮 Employee activism is on the rise, with employees demanding that their companies take a stand on social justice and environmental issues.
• ✊ Tech workers have been at the forefront of workplace activism, using their proximity to power to drive change within their companies.
• 🙈 Companies that embrace activism and prioritize sustainability are seeing positive outcomes and enhanced reputation.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Young people are increasingly becoming active citizens, holding governments and corporations accountable for their actions.
• 🥰 Inclusion and diversity are essential in activism, ensuring that all voices are heard and decisions are made collectively.
• 🔨 Consumer behavior is a powerful tool in driving change, as companies are increasingly responsive to consumer demands for ethical and sustainable practices.
• 🤩 Collective action is a key strategy for driving meaningful change in institutions and corporations.

Questions & Answers

Q: How is employee activism different from traditional shareholder activism in companies?

Employee activism is driven by employees who want their companies to align with their values, particularly around social justice and the environment. This activism is not solely focused on financial returns but on creating a positive impact in the world.

Q: How can collective action lead to more significant changes in institutions and corporations?

Collective action brings together employees, consumers, and other stakeholders to advocate for change. By uniting their voices and demands, collective action can exert pressure on institutions and corporations to address issues and make meaningful changes.

Q: What role does consumer behavior play in driving change in companies?

Consumers have the power to influence companies through their purchasing decisions. Companies are increasingly being held accountable by consumers, who prioritize sustainability and ethical practices and may boycott companies that do not align with their values.

Q: How can young people spark change in the workplace and advance racial equity?

Young people should form diverse coalitions, build collective power, and advocate for change within their workplaces. By organizing and speaking out, they can push for policies and practices that promote racial equity and inclusivity.

Q: How can companies be encouraged to adopt a participatory approach to activism?

Companies can be incentivized to embrace activism by aligning consumer demands, shareholder pressures, and regulatory frameworks. By demonstrating the value of stakeholder capitalism and the benefits of sustainable practices, companies can be motivated to adopt a participatory approach.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Companies are experiencing a shift in activism, with employees now driving change around social justice and environmental issues.

• Tech workers have been at the forefront of workplace activism, using their proximity to power to advocate for change in their companies.

• The private sector, including beauty companies and corporations in Latin America, are embracing activism and seeing positive results.

• In Kenya, young people are becoming active citizens, holding their government accountable and pushing for real policy change.

• Inclusion plays a crucial role in activism, with the need to prioritize diverse voices and ensure all stakeholders are involved in decision-making.