My interview for the ‘Women in Sustainability‘ series and the early influence of the Greenham Common women’s peace camp.
Women in Sustainability Interview
Understanding Change: Plastics
“What do we mean by social change? How can it be achieved?
Writing an essay on this nebulous subject when studying for a PG Cert in Media, Campaigning & Social Change last year was one of the most frustrating yet satisfying, parts of my course. Continue reading “Understanding Change: Plastics”
The Activist Companies
I spoke to Christopher Davies, International Director of Corporate Responsibility and Campaigns at The Body Shop International and Chris Gale, European Social Mission Strategy and Policy Manager, Ben & Jerry’s, two companies with a long history of social activism, to learn how business can leverage their capabilities and influence to mobilise supporters towards action in support of social change. Continue reading “The Activist Companies”
George Lakey’s Thoughts on Creating Change
Sharing a few learnings from a talk by George Lakey this week organised by Michaela O’Brien course leader of the MA in Media, Campaigning and Social Change at the University of Westminster.
Continue reading “George Lakey’s Thoughts on Creating Change”
Corporate Competition & ‘Field Level’ Change
In a recent blog I examined the approach of Stop Funding Hate, a campaign calling for companies to withdraw their advertising from newspapers – the Daily Mail, the Daily Express and The Sun – that often carry incendiary, divisive anti-migrant headlines.
It is a corporate responsibility approach to change according to Krznaric (2007) seeking to alter the behaviour of organisations through threatening reputation “with name and shame campaigns” (Krznaric, 2007: 59). Continue reading “Corporate Competition & ‘Field Level’ Change”
Stop Funding Hate: Corporates Need to Walk the Talk
In a recent discussion in class* it was noted that the objective of the Stop Funding Hate campaign was to change the headlines and tone down the anti-migrant and xenophobic rhetoric in the Daily Mail, Daily Express and The Sun.
I would question whether this is the aim of the campaign, even if this is the change they want to see.
Continue reading “Stop Funding Hate: Corporates Need to Walk the Talk”
Can Corporates Credibly Campaign for Social Change?
Patagonia’s latest campaign “Vote Our Planet” is seeking to mobilise voters to choose candidates in local elections who support strong environmental policies. Patagonia – the US outdoor apparel company – is a company founded by an environmental activist and has a long history of campaigning. But it is not the first. Continue reading “Can Corporates Credibly Campaign for Social Change?”
The Business of Campaigning
The lines are blurring between companies and campaigners. From CEO activism to corporate campaigns leading businesses become increasingly outspoken on critical environmental and social issues.
