Tag: 3BL

Originally published in American Airlines’ 2023 Sustainability Report

Combating human trafficking

American has long been committed to combating human trafficking, modern slavery and child exploitation. We conduct mandatory human trafficking awareness training for our frontline, customer-facing team members — including flight attendants, pilots and airport customer service representatives. This training is required for new hires and as part of our recurrent training programs. We also provide modern slavery training developed by TRACE International for team members with international purchasing responsibilities. Vigilance is key in fighting human trafficking and modern slavery, and we stand ready to help. Our team regularly updates our reporting and security processes with the latest information and best practices.

American has received recognition for our efforts, including a Pro Bono Service Award from the U.S. Government’s Legal Services Corporation in January 2024. Nominated by Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, we were praised for our role in “establishing and scaling a collaboration to help survivors of human trafficking obtain expungements and resolve other life-altering civil legal problems.”

Our collaboration with government agencies, industry partners and nongovernmental organizations is an essential component of our human trafficking prevention program. For example, our Vice President at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport sits on the Governor’s Council to Combat Human Trafficking in Arizona. The Council addresses human trafficking in the state through strategic and targeted human trafficking prevention and awareness efforts.

Our partners in American’s effort to combat human trafficking include the following:

PACT

This nonprofit works to protect every child’s right to grow up free from child sexual exploitation and trafficking, through education, legislative advocacy and partnerships. American is a signatory to the PACT Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct. We have also donated AAdvantage® miles that will enable members of PACT’s Survivors’ Council to participate in meetings with members of Congress and other elected officials to share their expertise and recommendations to improve trafficking prevention legislation and policies. These individuals can also travel to legislative advocacy and community education events to tell their stories. Learn more about PACT.

It’s a Penalty

This organization combats human trafficking, exploitation and abuse through educational campaigns during major sporting events around the globe. Through its work, It’s a Penalty has helped protect more than 17,000 survivors of abuse, exploitation and trafficking, and prevented the victimization of many more.

Our team members have volunteered their time by joining It’s a Penalty’s latest Las Vegas Super Bowl campaign launch and supporting its advocacy efforts. American also promoted the organization’s mission on our seatback and wireless entertainment platforms during the first two months of 2024. As with PACT, we have donated AAdvantage® miles to help facilitate trainings, awareness sessions and other initiatives that can benefit from air travel. Learn more about It’s a Penalty.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Blue Campaign

This national public awareness effort educates the public, law enforcement and industry partners about human trafficking. In early 2024, American’s Professional Women in Aviation Employee Business Resource Group hosted human trafficking awareness sessions with either DHS or other partners at the following six locations: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and London Heathrow Airport. Learn more about the DHS Blue Campaign.

New Friends New Life (NFNL)

This Dallas-based organization works to restore and empower formerly trafficked teenage girls and sexually exploited women and their children. According to NFNL research, Texas ranks second in the country for trafficking prevalence, with more than 300,000 victims annually statewide. By providing access to education, job training, financial assistance and mental health support, NFNL helps women and their children overcome backgrounds of abuse, addiction, poverty and limited opportunities. NFNL also joined American at DFW to train team members on signs of human trafficking and how to prevent it. Learn more about NFNL.

Texas Businesses Against Trafficking

This public-private awareness and prevention initiative is led by the Texas Secretary of State. Learn more about Texas Businesses Against Trafficking.

Our Legal team oversees the company’s compliance with applicable domestic and international modern slavery and human trafficking laws. In June 2023, we published the annual update of American’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement to comply with the United Kingdom’s Modern Slavery Act 2015 and Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018.

“As the airline representative on the Governor’s Council to Combat Human Trafficking in Arizona, I know American can lend a unique perspective to the fight against trafficking. The council is a prime example of how collaboration between the public and private sectors can help us reach our collective goals.”

— Sophia Philis-Ortiz 
American Airlines Vice President, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Read more

In early October, over 20 EHS professionals, representing 12 different technology companies in the data center space, came together for EHSxTech, hosted at Salesforce in Chicago. This marked the second event focused on data centers. Over the past year, the industry has seen not only significant growth but also a heightened emphasis on Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS).

These data center companies have transitioned from reactive safety practices to a proactive EHS approach, with leadership grounded in clarity and purpose. By embracing the shared responsibility for EHS standards, industry leaders are fostering an open exchange of ideas and creating a collaborative knowledge base. This collective effort, driven by a commitment to protect workers and contractors, is shaping the future of EHS leadership and raising standards across the industry.

The discussions at this event centered around some of the most significant health and safety challenges in data centers, including the introduction of new tools and processes to address these issues. Participants also explored topics such as safety metrics, lone worker protocols, heat stress, noise management, and emerging EHS trends in the field. These gatherings foster an environment for open dialogue, emphasizing the non-competitive exchange of peer knowledge and best practices.

A Culture of Safety and Engagement 

To kick the event off, Scott Bystrek, Director of Health & Safety for Salesforce, the host of the event, presented some context for the day. He noted, “Data centers are going through rapid changes and it’s important for us as safety professionals to understand and meet employees where they are at with consistent messaging and engagement of our programs.” He emphasized that employee engagement is crucial, and Salesforce has set up Health and Safety programs which build employee trust, drive high performance, enhance risk resilience, and in turn help attract and retain top talent.

Continuing that theme, Gareth Evans, VP, Health, Safety & Environment at Yondr Group​, explains, “It’s not safety culture, it’s just culture.” EHS programs should be fully integrated into a company’s culture with strategies that align with a company’s overall vision and are practical to implement. The goal is to empower employees to take action through engagement and adoption of EHS principles.

Lone Workers 

One key topic from the event was the unique risks faced by lone workers in data centers, highlighting the need for targeted engagement and protection strategies. A primary takeaway on this topic includes ensuring lone worker safety is being proactively assessed. A couple of approaches to help control risks include:

Communication within the organization and facility of risks of lone work, high risk tasks, and proceduresClear roles and responsibilities of workers and operations managers, and emergency action plansDetermining the best technology and tools for lone workers (e.g. GPS tracking, two-way radios, etc.)

Heat Stress and Noise 

Another focus of the event was addressing physical work conditions, especially the ongoing risks of heat stress and noise in the high-tech, high-energy environments of data centers. Key discussions included:

Noise in data centers is a multifaceted hazard that can vary based on factors such as the acoustic landscape, fan noise, equipment density, maintenance schedules, and HVAC setup for cooling, particularly in hot aisles.Controlling noise risks through engineering controls remains limited, and although new technologies such as liquid cooling are being implemented, the verdict of noise reduction is yet to be determined. Additionally, PPE controls such as double hearing protection with Bluetooth-enabled features (e.g. Sensear) are being implemented in the interim.Heat stress remains a complex issue and a present risk throughout the indoor and outdoor data center environments. There are various approaches for assessing heat stress risks including ISO 7933, the Berkeley University Model, and other published methods, which emphasize the need for the data center industry to adopt unified guidance.

A Look into the Future: What’s on the Horizon? 

As companies grapple with these immediate risks, the horizon could bring even more complex challenges. Looking ahead, the data center industry is poised for rapid transformation, driven by new technologies such as AI and its rising demand. The push toward carbon neutrality remains a priority, with a keen focus on alternative power sources and the implications for data centers. Issues such as nitrogen fire suppressant systems, particularly in Europe and Japan, underscore the need for swift and consistent safety protocols.

The increasing size and complexity of data centers require more robust procedures and communication strategies, especially concerning lithium-ion battery safety and climate change resilience. The industry also faces significant opportunities in emergency response and safety in design, while striving for consistency in training and risk management.

Engaging local communities, addressing noise concerns, and fostering proactive partnerships with emergency services are crucial steps. Moreover, the sector must balance privacy considerations with fitness-for-duty programs and ensure workers understand the physical demands of their roles.

Ultimately, the event emphasized the importance of having an industry-wide voice and fostering collective action to address these challenges. A consistent, unified approach will be crucial as the data center industry continues to grow and evolve.

Interested in attending our next event? Connect with us to learn more.

In early October, over 20 EHS professionals, representing 12 different technology companies in the data center space, came together for EHSxTech, hosted at Salesforce in Chicago. This marked the second event focused on data centers. Over the past year, the industry has seen not only significant growth but also a heightened emphasis on Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS).

These data center companies have transitioned from reactive safety practices to a proactive EHS approach, with leadership grounded in clarity and purpose. By embracing the shared responsibility for EHS standards, industry leaders are fostering an open exchange of ideas and creating a collaborative knowledge base. This collective effort, driven by a commitment to protect workers and contractors, is shaping the future of EHS leadership and raising standards across the industry.

The discussions at this event centered around some of the most significant health and safety challenges in data centers, including the introduction of new tools and processes to address these issues. Participants also explored topics such as safety metrics, lone worker protocols, heat stress, noise management, and emerging EHS trends in the field. These gatherings foster an environment for open dialogue, emphasizing the non-competitive exchange of peer knowledge and best practices.

A Culture of Safety and Engagement 

To kick the event off, Scott Bystrek, Director of Health & Safety for Salesforce, the host of the event, presented some context for the day. He noted, “Data centers are going through rapid changes and it’s important for us as safety professionals to understand and meet employees where they are at with consistent messaging and engagement of our programs.” He emphasized that employee engagement is crucial, and Salesforce has set up Health and Safety programs which build employee trust, drive high performance, enhance risk resilience, and in turn help attract and retain top talent.

Continuing that theme, Gareth Evans, VP, Health, Safety & Environment at Yondr Group​, explains, “It’s not safety culture, it’s just culture.” EHS programs should be fully integrated into a company’s culture with strategies that align with a company’s overall vision and are practical to implement. The goal is to empower employees to take action through engagement and adoption of EHS principles.

Lone Workers 

One key topic from the event was the unique risks faced by lone workers in data centers, highlighting the need for targeted engagement and protection strategies. A primary takeaway on this topic includes ensuring lone worker safety is being proactively assessed. A couple of approaches to help control risks include:

Communication within the organization and facility of risks of lone work, high risk tasks, and proceduresClear roles and responsibilities of workers and operations managers, and emergency action plansDetermining the best technology and tools for lone workers (e.g. GPS tracking, two-way radios, etc.)

Heat Stress and Noise 

Another focus of the event was addressing physical work conditions, especially the ongoing risks of heat stress and noise in the high-tech, high-energy environments of data centers. Key discussions included:

Noise in data centers is a multifaceted hazard that can vary based on factors such as the acoustic landscape, fan noise, equipment density, maintenance schedules, and HVAC setup for cooling, particularly in hot aisles.Controlling noise risks through engineering controls remains limited, and although new technologies such as liquid cooling are being implemented, the verdict of noise reduction is yet to be determined. Additionally, PPE controls such as double hearing protection with Bluetooth-enabled features (e.g. Sensear) are being implemented in the interim.Heat stress remains a complex issue and a present risk throughout the indoor and outdoor data center environments. There are various approaches for assessing heat stress risks including ISO 7933, the Berkeley University Model, and other published methods, which emphasize the need for the data center industry to adopt unified guidance.

A Look into the Future: What’s on the Horizon? 

As companies grapple with these immediate risks, the horizon could bring even more complex challenges. Looking ahead, the data center industry is poised for rapid transformation, driven by new technologies such as AI and its rising demand. The push toward carbon neutrality remains a priority, with a keen focus on alternative power sources and the implications for data centers. Issues such as nitrogen fire suppressant systems, particularly in Europe and Japan, underscore the need for swift and consistent safety protocols.

The increasing size and complexity of data centers require more robust procedures and communication strategies, especially concerning lithium-ion battery safety and climate change resilience. The industry also faces significant opportunities in emergency response and safety in design, while striving for consistency in training and risk management.

Engaging local communities, addressing noise concerns, and fostering proactive partnerships with emergency services are crucial steps. Moreover, the sector must balance privacy considerations with fitness-for-duty programs and ensure workers understand the physical demands of their roles.

Ultimately, the event emphasized the importance of having an industry-wide voice and fostering collective action to address these challenges. A consistent, unified approach will be crucial as the data center industry continues to grow and evolve.

Interested in attending our next event? Connect with us to learn more.

Originally published on HARMAN Newsroom

Fostering an inclusive workplace culture where everyone can embrace every aspect of their identities is of the upmost importance to all of us at HARMAN. After all, people thrive the most when they feel they can be who they are while also belonging to a shared vision. We encourage everyone at HARMAN to feel empowered and emboldened to bring their innovative ideas to the table and fulfill their potential.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, HARMAN honored the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people by creating opportunities for our team members to highlight and share reflections on their rich, vibrant heritage. Take a look at how HARMAN people celebrated their heritage this month, how their backgrounds have informed their careers, and how they are advocating to advance Hispanic and Latinx communities…

HARMAN Employees Share Their Pride for Hispanic Culture

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, HARMAN invited our Hispanic and Latinx team members to reflect on what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them. Several of our HARMAN colleagues shared what makes them proud of their Hispanic heritage and the aspects they cherish most about their culture, offering a glimpse into HARMAN’s diverse workplace.

Cesar, an automotive engineer at HARMAN, celebrates the rich tapestry of his Mexican heritage with pride for his “culture full of colors,” Mexican candy, and the passion fans bring to soccer games. He reflects on how Mexican people foster a sense of community, resilience and joy – something he sees in common with his local community in Michigan. He encourages Hispanic and Mexican Americans to continue sharing their traditions, because that is the true beauty of diversity.

Amplifying Workplace Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

As part of their annual Hispanic Heritage Month interview series, Lorena Loya, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, joined CNBC to discuss the impact that her Hispanic heritage has had on her professional journey. Her advice to viewers: aim to learn something new every day, focus on your strengths, and raise your hand to get involved – by being bold you can gain experience and access to new opportunities.

Harman VP sounds off on equity, diversity & inclusion in the workplace

Conversation with U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján

To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, Lorena Loya spoke with U.S. Senator (D) Ben Ray Luján, New Mexico, about his Hispanic heritage, including how his parents shaped his passion and pursuit for a life of public service, his focus on advancing the issues of Hispanic communities, and the importance of using one’s voice to open doors for others, show up for our communities, and make a positive difference.

Senator Luján is also committed to the equity and impact of safety in transportation – an issue that disproportionately affects Hispanic and Latinx communities. HARMAN shares the same goal of creating safer experiences for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians through the development of advanced technologies, like HARMAN’s Ready automotive products, that can help to keep our communities safe and to save thousands and thousands of lives every year. Together, we’re advocating for vehicle safety technologies to help achieve safety for all.

As part of our ongoing commitment to culture of acceptance and belonging, HARMAN is proud to celebrate the heritage of all our team members around the globe. For more information about our DE&I commitment and initiatives, visit: https://www.harman.com/career/diversity

Name: Kieran McGuire | European Environment Health and Safety Manager

Company: Brown-Forman

Connect with Kieran on LinkedIn

Welcome to our series aimed at spotlighting the individual leaders within BIER member companies and stakeholder organizations. Learn how these practitioners and their companies are addressing pressing challenges around water, energy, agriculture, climate change, and what inspires each of them to advance environmental sustainability in the beverage sector and collectively, overall.

Briefly describe your role and responsibilities and how long you have worked with your company.

I’m heading up European environment, health and safety division for Brown-Forman as the European EHS manager. My responsibility is for our global production European facilities in Scotland, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands. In this role, I work on the implementation of the Brown-Forman Environmental Sustainability Strategy in the region, as well as support EU sites in their safety and environmental regulatory compliance programs. I’ve been with Brown-Forman for nearly three years. Prior to that, I worked with Diageo for 13 years. You could say I’m a bit of a veteran in the drinks industry; I’ve worked within the spirit beverage industry my whole career to date.

How has the company’s sustainability program evolved over the years, and what are your specific priorities for 2024?

Since the launch of the most recent Brown-Forman sustainability goals in 2021, there’s been a shift from the business by expanding our environmental sustainability team, which is led by Andy Battjes, our Global Sustainability Director. That team is tasked with helping deliver our overall Brown-Forman sustainability objectives.

At a regional level, within my role, the main focus for the European facilities is still very much climate action. With that, we’re looking at greenhouse gas reductions and also renewable energy generation. I support the teams by developing key performance indicators (KPIs) and working with them to identify how these overall targets will be achieved.

I also work with external partners on exploring and finding sustainable solutions and technologies, doing a lot of feasibility work with them and selecting different technologies that fit into our operational sites. These activities align with our sustainability strategy and budget expectations to ensure that the right investments are made when large projects start to come online.

Much of my work involves discussions with external partners and subject matter experts about new/emerging technologies. It’s innovative and rewarding work. Often, consultants approach us with ideas, and some of them we don’t take any further than an initial discussion. However, some we take through to data sharing and even conceptual design work. That is why I enjoy my job so much. It’s the innovative part of finding solutions that’s the most interesting part of my role.

Learn more about Kieran McGuire in this BIER Member Spotlight.

MIDLAND, Mich., October 17, 2024 /3BL/ – Great Place To Work® and Fortune magazine have recognized Dow (NYSE: DOW) as #1 on the list of Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production for 2024. This is the fourth consecutive year Dow has been named to this prestigious list and the first time atop the ranking.

The Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production award is based on analysis of survey responses from over 96,000 current employees at Great Place To Work Certified™ companies in the manufacturing and production industry.

“To be named #1 on the list of Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production by Fortune magazine is an extraordinary honor that underscores the dedication and passion our employees bring to their roles every day,” said Jim Fitterling, Dow chair and CEO. “This recognition is a testament to our collective commitment to fostering a workplace where innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability thrive.”

Dow is consistently recognized for its commitment to a strong company culture. Some of the Company’s other awards include:

Great Place To Work® and Fortune World’s Best Workplaces™ 2023Great Place To Work® and Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list: four consecutive years, 2021-2024Great Place To Work® and Fortune 100 Best Workplaces for in Manufacturing & Production® list: four consecutive years, 2021-2024Great Place To Work® and PEOPLE® Companies that Care list: five consecutive years, 2020-2024

In the most recent analysis, 76% of employees said working at Dow is a great place to work, compared to 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company.

“I think it is very telling to see that Dow’s ranking on the Best Workplaces lists gets higher every year,” said John Sampson, Dow senior vice president for Operations, Manufacturing & Engineering. “That shows our momentum, and it reflects the enthusiasm that our people feel, a passion for building a career that supports their families and their communities, while at the same time fostering a more sustainable future for everyone.”

Great Place To Work said survey responses reflect a comprehensive picture of the workplace experience. Honorees were selected based on their ability to offer positive outcomes for employees regardless of job role, race, gender, sexual orientation, work status, or other demographic identifier.

“Congratulations to the Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production,” said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work. “These companies not only outperform the average for their industry but have created workplaces that outshine the average in every category, proving the importance of building trust with workers, no matter the industry.”

About the Fortune Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production List

Great Place To Work selected the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production by analyzing confidential survey responses from more than 1.3 million employees in the U.S. in 2023 and 2024. Of those, more than 96,000 responses came from employees at Great Place To Work Certified companies in the manufacturing and production industries, and this ranking is based on that feedback. Company rankings are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place To Work Trust Index™ Survey. Companies with 10 to 999 employees competed in the small and medium category. Companies with 1,000 or more employees were considered for the large category. Read the full methodology.

About Great Place To Work®

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Its proprietary platform and Great Place To Work Model help companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified and receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces™ List. Follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram or visit greatplacetowork.com and sign up for the newsletter to learn more.

About Fortune

Fortune upholds a legacy of award-winning writing and trusted reporting for executives who want to make business better. Independently owned, with a global perspective and digital agility, Fortune tells the stories of a new generation of innovators, builders, and risk takers. Online and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks and holds companies accountable. Fortune creates communities by convening true thought leaders and iconoclasts – those who shape industry, commerce, and society – through powerful and prestigious lists, events, and conferences, such as the iconic Fortune 500, the CEO Initiative, and Most Powerful Women. For more information, visit fortune.com.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

For further information, please contact:

Sarah Young                                                           
989-638-6871                                                         
Syoung3@dow.com                 

X: https://twitter.com/DowNewsroom 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dow/ 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/dow-chemical 
Instagram: http://instagram.com/dow_official                                  

SOURCE The Dow Chemical Company

Originally published by Sam Mednick and Ruth Alonga on AP News.

The number of people who received psychosocial support in camps around the main city of Goma increased more than 200% between January and June compared to the same period last year — from 6,600 to more than 20,000 — according to aid group Action Against Hunger.

The number of people reporting suicidal thoughts has jumped from about five a month at the beginning of the year to more than 120, it said.

Read the article here.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Did you know Electric Vehicle (EV) operation can be three to five times cheaper than gasoline and diesel-powered cars? Along with cost savings, EVs deliver a quiet, smooth ride and require less maintenance.

We’re partnering with the University of Delaware and Exelon to demonstrate how EVs can do even more, utilizing their stored power to strengthen the electric grid during times of high demand. By electrifying our fleet and expanding charger access across the region, we’re making widespread EV adoption easier so everyone can enjoy the benefits of cleaner, more reliable energy.

NEW YORK, October 17, 2024 /3BL/ – Out of 87% of surveyed companies, almost all reference applying their corporate purpose as they made business decisions outside of social investments, according to Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose®’s (CECP) Giving in Numbers™: 2024 Edition. While this suggests an integration of corporate purpose into the company’s daily operations, 92% of companies also reported that their leadership referenced their purpose as they made social investment decisions such as grantmaking, strategy, and the development of focus areas. Data continues to demonstrate that corporate purpose communicates a comprehensive view of the company’s impact and integration across all business operations. And this year’s data is more in line with pre-pandemic trends, even as sociopolitical and economic uncertainty has C-Suite leaders asking their teams to do so much more with existing resources.

Median Total Community Investment (TCI) for all companies participating in Giving in Numbers in 2023 was US$22.9 million, which includes direct cash, foundation cash, and non-cash such as product donations or pro bono services. The median TCI increased by 2% between 2021 and 2023 and increased by 5% since 2019.

Median investments in the areas of Community and Economic Development increased by 87% between 2021 and 2023, while Environment increased by 33%. Disaster Relief increased by 6%, while Culture and Arts increased by 5%. Health and Social Services decreased by 2%, Higher Education decreased by 3%, and K-12 decreased by 11%. The biggest decrease was in Civic and Public Affairs, whose median decreased by 38%. This might indicate hesitancy on the part of companies to engage with any programs related to civic duty and public service, which, in the current cultural climate, could be considered political.

CECP’s Giving in Numbers™ is the premier industry survey and research, providing standard-setting criteria in a go-to guide that has defined the field and advanced the movement. Over 23 years, CECP has created the largest dataset on trends in the industry, shared by more than 600 multi-billion-dollar companies, representing more than $439 billion in corporate social investments over that time span. The report is embraced by professionals across all sectors globally to understand how corporations invest in society, with topics ranging from cash and in-kind/product, employee volunteerism and giving, and impact measurement. From quick questions to presentations to company teams, boards, and CEOs, CECP is the only business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable return on purpose, analyzing Giving in Numbers data to provide customized insights to advance strategy and measure the business value.

Additional key findings include:

69% of companies in a matched set had metrics that aligned their business practices with their corporate purpose in 2023, an increase from 65% in 2019.In 2023, direct cash was the most common funding type, with 94% of companies including it in their TCI. The average percentage of TCI that came from direct cash was 45% and the median dollar amount was US$11.6 million. Direct cash is consistently the most common funding type, as it has the lowest barrier to entry for making community investments.The median international community investment increased by 46% from 2021 to 2023, while domestic community investments decreased by 11%, indicating a shift toward a more international focus. Emerging focus areas of community investment that were particularly relevant in 2023 include climate change, which, in 2023, had a median community investment value of US$1.2 million. The other responsive community investment in 2023 was relief to Israel and Palestine, particularly in the wake of the October 7th, 2023 attack.Companies are also measuring the business value associated with community investments for their brand and customers. In 2023, 44% of companies measured brand value of community investments by leveraging external company-wide brand assessments (67%) and analyzing marketing data (51%). The most important benefit for 43% of companies was to improve their reputation/trust score.From 2021 to 2023, volunteer program offerings and participation rates saw significant growth. The median number of volunteer hours grew by 75%, and average volunteer participation increased by 8 percentage points, approaching pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, the median employee volunteer participation rate was 23%. Virtual Volunteering remained the most common employee volunteer program offered, with 85% of companies offering it to their domestic employees.

“As the results from Giving in Numbers illustrate, the world’s largest companies are capitalizing on corporate purpose not just because it is good for the world, but because it is good for business,” said Daryl Brewster, CEO, Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose. “Focusing and integrating corporate purpose is a smart business approach creating sustainable value for both the company and its employees, suppliers, partners, customers, investors, and the communities where it operates.”

Giving in Numbers™ provides helpful insights to practitioners seeking to find information quickly to benchmark their own programs against their peers’, as well as information on trends to provide contextual summaries for anyone looking to understand how and why the field is changing. One such case study highlighted in the report is how, for 20 years, Bank of America has invested in its signature philanthropic program Neighborhood Builders®, which offers nonprofit awardees the opportunity for a $200,000 unrestricted grant and yearlong support for long term success.

Key insights from the Giving in Numbers Survey of 2023 data were released at the CECP Summit in May 2024. CECP-affiliated companies can access custom analysis of the data at no additional cost through CECP’s secure online portal or by contacting CECP.

Note to Editors: the report author is available for comment and a more in-depth look at the community investment data collected from 219 of the world’s largest companies.

###

About Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP)

Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose® (CECP) is the only business counsel and network dedicated to driving measurable returns on purpose. We promote responsible purpose-driven business as it increases customer loyalty, builds employee engagement, improves brand trust, attracts top talent, connects with strategic investors, and contributes to the bottom line.

More than 200 of the world’s leading companies seek to improve their return on purpose through access to CECP’s solutions in research and insights, strategy and benchmarking, and convening and communications. With our companies, we harness the power of purpose for business, stakeholders, and society.

For more information, visit http://cecp.co.

October 17, 2024 /3BL/ – With nearly one in 11 people around the world facing hunger, Action Against Hunger tonight will host a gala to raise lifesaving funds and honor champions who are advancing the cause. Actress Viola Davis, critically acclaimed artist, activist, producer, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author, will receive Action Against Hunger’s Humanitarian Award for her efforts to champion food security and health for children.

The event, which focuses on 45 years of innovation, will be emceed by Mo Rocca, celebrated correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning, frequent panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” and co-author of the New York Times best-selling book Roctogenerians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks and Triumphs.

“As the host of Innovation Nation, I’ve been dazzled and dumbfounded by hundreds of gizmos, gadgets and inventions. But I’m especially impressed by novel ways to approach complex problems like global hunger. It’s hard to think of a more important crisis to solve,” Mo Rocca said. “So it’s a particular pleasure to help Action Against Hunger raise awareness and funds.”

Farida “Frida” Gadzhimirzaeva, Action Against Hunger’s Deputy Regional Director for Central America, and her team will be recognized for her passionate efforts championing food security across the region. Together, they have pioneered innovative efforts that range from climate-smart agriculture to a real-time database for tracking hunger levels.

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, will be recognized as the 2024 Corporate Honoree for its longstanding efforts to improve food security. A supporter of Action Against Hunger’s nutrition programs, IHG Hotels & Resorts is working to grow awareness of hunger and to engage millions of guests around the world.

The funds raised will support Action Against Hunger’s work in 59 countries and efforts to innovate sustainable ways to prevent hunger and respond in times of crisis. Individual donations are critical: Action Against Hunger’s 2024 Hunger Funding Gap analysis revealed a 65% gap between funding requests for hunger-related programs in countries dealing with crisis levels of hunger, up 23% from the previous year.

“The world produces enough food for everyone, so hunger isn’t just an issue of food; it’s an issue of equity. Food is a basic human right, and we believe everyone should enjoy a life free from hunger,” said Dr. Charles Owubah, CEO of Action Against Hunger. “We are grateful to Viola Davis for her longstanding work in spotlighting this crisis and sharing her own experience dealing with hunger as a child. Leadership like hers is critical to raising awareness and sparking change. Together, we can create a world where every life is well nourished.”

The gala will provide attendees the chance to learn more about the ways that global hunger is deeply interrelated to other urgent issues such as the climate crisis and conflict. It also will feature live music and a live auction.

Limited tickets for the charity gala are available for purchase via Action Against Hunger’s website. For those unable to attend, donations can be made directly through the website.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.