Commentary by Carolyn Berkowitz, ACCP President and CEO First published in The Well News As political attacks on environmental, social and governance initiatives increase, misconceptions about these important corporate practices continue to abound. A vocal minority of political actors continue to advance an agenda intended to discredit and malign ESG and related initiatives. Companies may be communicating about the work differently, but ESG practices are not going away because the work has never been more important. The recently announced U.S. Securities and Exchange climate reporti ..read more

ACCP Staff ACCP’s President and CEO is excited to speak with one of our newest board members, Deidra Parrish Williams. Deidra is the Director of Global Corporate Social Responsibility & Community Affairs at Trane Technologies and the Executive Director of the Trane Technologies Foundation. How did you get your start in corporate citizenship? I started my career as a journalist, and after about a decade, I transitioned into corporate communications and PR, where I was introduced to CSR work. It was an instant love affair. I took a deep dive into coursework that helped me develop a deeper kn ..read more

ACCP Staff In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, implementing effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) software is no longer an option but a necessity. These digital solutions streamline CSR initiatives and enhance transparency, accountability, and overall impact. However, successful implementation requires careful planning, strategic execution, and ongoing optimization. Below are some best practices and proven tips to help you navigate the process and maximize the benefits of your new CSR software. Define Your Objectives: Clearly define your organization’s goals and objecti ..read more

Lauren McCarthy, VP of Product at Bonterra (formerly CyberGrants) Alexandra Dailerian, VP of Impact & Inclusion at Comcast Today’s workforce increasingly prioritizes working for companies that cultivate a strong sense of purpose and an inclusive culture. As a result, leading businesses have implemented corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that reinforce a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Employee resource groups (ERGs), which are voluntary, employee-led groups that aim to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace and build a greater sense of community ..read more

ACCP Staff The ACCP Insights blog serves as a compass for corporate social impact trends and issues. The 2023 most-read blogs encapsulated the pressing issues and emerging trends of the past year. Our blog delved into crucial topics such as advancing equity, career advancement, CSR and ESG communications, and trends that are redefining the corporate social impact profession. As we begin the new year, let’s collectively pause to reflect on all the field has accomplished and explore the top 10 posts that resonated with our community, offering valuable insights and perspectives. 10 – Commemoratin ..read more

Cristina Vessels, Attorney Venable LLP Nonprofit Organizations Group The following is a summary of the remarks made by Cristina Vessels at the ACCP Annual Conference held in Denver, Colorado, on October 17, 2023. Cristina is an attorney in Venable LLP’s Nonprofit Organizations Group. She counsels nonprofit organizations and routinely advises on the full spectrum of legal issues and business considerations, ranging from general day-to-day counseling matters to challenging negotiations for multi-million-dollar agreements. Her practice focuses on advising charitable organizations and companies of ..read more

ACCP Staff How did you get your start in corporate citizenship? Starting with a summer internship dedicated to fostering relationships within the Latino community, I successfully transitioned into a public relations role supporting The Coca-Cola Foundation. In 2008, I joined the foundation’s team full-time. The field continues to evolve. What are the most critical skills and knowledge corporate social impact professionals need to be successful? Ten skills every CSR professional needs to be successful: Strategic Planning: Impact professionals should be proficient in strategic planning to desig ..read more

Benevity The world continues to demand that companies step up and use their platform for good. And in a divisive socio-political environment and challenging economic context, the need for corporate purpose programs powering positive change is greater than ever.  Benevity’s Chief Impact Officer, Sona Khosla, and Senior Director of Goodness Solutions, Susan Keith Bleekman, unpacked five trends shaping the future of the industry at ACCP’s recent Annual Conference – highlighting strategies, tactics, and new perspectives CSR leaders are adopting on their journey to create lasting impact. The ..read more

Taylor AmermanDirector of Social Impact CDW CDW Corporation, a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education, and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, “makes technology work so people can do great things.” And when it comes to the impact CDW has on its communities, the company believes amazing happens when everyone has equitable opportunities.  Taylor Amerman, Director of Social Impact at CDW, shares how the organization relies on data and empathy to help bridge the digital divide and create s ..read more

Victor Cordon, Director Social Impact Keenan Harrell, Program Manager, Community Impact Okta In 2020, following the death of George Floyd, we witnessed a racial reckoning that exposed the harmful inequities within our society, underscoring the need for systemic change. Recognizing the magnitude of this movement and the urgent need for greater action, Okta made a 3-year, $3M racial equity philanthropy commitment – promising to remain transparent and accountable in how they drive tangible change. Understanding that employee voice would be paramount to driving this commitment, Okta for Good stood ..read more