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172 / Language, Legislation & Love, Sweet Love
Published 7 months ago • 5 min read
As a toddler mom with another one on the way, the first few moments of the new “Protect What We Love” short film (shared in today's 5 Links) hit me hard.
In two minutes, it captured my “why” for working in the sustainable business space — to do what we can to leave the world better than we found it for our kids and theirs and theirs after.
In the wake of a tumultuous few weeks of natural disasters and conflict, this task feels even more urgent. We need to be showing up in our sustainability roles stronger than ever, confident in our power with a range of tools in our change-making toolkit, to drive the action that’s so desperately needed.
If you’re feeling motivated to become a more effective change agent — and want to hone those skills in a supportive community of fellow practitioners — we’ll be convening an intimate and inspiring eight-week learning journey in October. I invite you to join us.
Join me on October 15th for our next Reconsidered Coffee Chat! I’ll be discussing the topic of "Influencing Without Authority", sharing a prompt to discuss in breakout rooms and answering questions about our upcoming Sustainability Change Agent Accelerator. This free virtual networking series has become a community favorite — and we cap registration at 100 so save your spot soon.
Our signature eight-week change management and leadership development program returns October 22-December 10, with fresh upgrades and a more accessible pricing tier (as well as employer funding support and scholarships for those who find tuition a barrier). I couldn't be more excited to lead our fourth session of this very special learning journey 🥰. Learn more below and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
We’re gearing up for October in the Change Hub and this month’s Hot Topic is Behavior Change. We’ll be co-hosting a Member Roundtable on how internal sustainability leads apply behavioral insights in their work, hosting a Book Club Meetup on Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life and lots more. Join the fun by signing up for our membership community for busy sustainable business professionals.
Coming off Climate Week NYC, climate journalist Amy Westervelt felt surreal — and a bit scared — by what a colleague called “the zombie-like repetition of 'we have to stay positive!’” In this reflection, she makes a case for why an overemphasis on positivity and solutions may not be helping our cause. “We need both good news and some realism about the struggles still to come; we need to hear about all the available solutions and we need to make sure none of them are bullshit, because we do not have time to waste.” #realtalk (5 minutes)
👉 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Agree or disagree with Amy’s take? See what other sustainability professionals are saying in our LinkedIn Group.
If you feel like we're in an “ESG is dead” echo chamber, you’re not alone. The problem, says ex-Unilever CEO Paul Polman, is that this story bears little resemblance to the truth. In this Barron’s article reposted to his LinkedIn newsletter, Polman lays out an evidence-driven, point-by-point case for why “responsible investing is not even dented, despite the noise.” (3 minutes)
September was a big month for recycling legislation in California 🙌. Among the highlights: a broader ban on single-use plastic bags at grocery store checkout, an extended paint recycling initiative and a green light on U.S.’s first Extended Producer Responsibility textile recycling program. As with any California state legislation, these moves are expected to have broader implications across the country (at long last). (7 minutes)
A bit of encouraging news from LinkedIn’s annual whitepaper on the climate labor market — job seekers with green skills or titles have a 54.6% higher hiring rate compared to the workforce overall 🎉. Check out the full reportfor more insights, including the most in-demand job titles. (6 minutes)
👉 GET THOSE SKILLS: We’ve compiled 100+ courses, trainings and leadership programs in our Impact Upskilling Hub.
🎥 Protect What We Love — Potential Energy Coalition x Our Kids Climate x Global Optimism
Created by a coalition of non-profits, this two-minute film and accompanying letter-signing campaign reminds viewers of the power of “the most powerful tool known to mankind” — love — as a force for positive climate action. Watch and share. (2 minutes)
👉TAKE ACTION: Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or concerned adult, you’re invited to sign the Parent Letter to World Leadersfrom Our Kids Climate.
Marissa Garcia is the Senior Global Social Compliance Manager at sports lifestyle brand '47 and a member of our Change Hub. In this profile, she shares how her education shaped her interest in human rights, the career skill she considers indispensable and the ongoing developments in responsible sourcing that encourage her.
BONUS: Change Hub members get up to 20% off all our featured courses — for many of them, that means you save more than the cost of membership, so it’s really a 2-for-1 deal 🙌.
📈 What role do higher education professionals play in building an inclusive field of sustainability? Sign up here to join Diversity in Sustainability for the launch of their new report on October 9th! **
💥 Join 15,000 of us in the Reconsidered LinkedIn Group, where members have recently been sharing jobs, advice on the best sustainability certifications for career pivoters and climate fellowships.
🎤 On October 9th, the virtual 2024 Mission Forward Live Leadership Summit will gather national social impact leaders to explore how to navigate today’s most pressing issues. Reserve your complimentary seat. **
** Partner Post. Launching a new project before the end of the year? Our Q4 sponsorship slots are officially open!
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Reconsidered is an impact strategy and communications studio dedicated to helping sustainable business leaders drive bigger, bolder, more sustainable change. Here are a few ways we can support your work:
✅ Helping your company articulate a brand-aligned ESG mission and framework that clearly communicates who you are, what you stand for and how you make change happen
✅ Creating internal employee engagement strategies that use behavior change principles to integrate sustainability right into the core of your company’s culture
✅ Delivering non-sucky trainings and talks that leave participants feeling equipped, energized and reconnected with their sense of purpose
Get fresh finds from the world of corporate responsibility, sustainability + social impact delivered straight to your inbox, every other week. Each issue includes 5 thought-provoking links, a curated list of impact job opportunities, interviews with global impact leaders and loads of exclusive tools + resources for sustainable business professionals.
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