A World of Difference
For these entrepreneurs, social responsibility isn't just part of their PR campaigns--it's the essence of their businesses. And they're changing the world for the better, one community at a time.
"I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the
world." -Socrates
Though Socrates expressed this idea more than 2,000 years ago,
his words offer a glimpse into the future, where our global village
is pulled tightly together through technology. But in creating a
prosperous planet, one commodity has remained abundant: humanity.
With the socioeconomic and political climate turbulent and in need
of helping hands beyond appointed leaders, civic responsibility has
now been embraced not only by individuals, but also by
businesses.
The role of businesses in civic responsibility-actively working
in communities for positive change-blows past charity donations and
in-house recycling programs as businesses take an aggressive,
hands-on approach to making change happen in their communities.
Despite the tarnished image some business leaders have sustained in
recent years, there are shining examples of those who work to build
successful communities as well as successful businesses.
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The most recent Cone Corporate Citizenship Study illustrates
exactly how active a role Americans expect companies to play in
society. Of those surveyed, 78 percent felt companies had a
responsibility to support causes, and 84 percent said they decide
which companies they want to see doing business in their
communities based on companies' commitment to social
issues.
Whether businesses enact community programs out of genuine
concern isn't always clear, but there are benefits regardless,
says Nancy Adcox, community relations chair of Raleigh, North
Carolina's National Association of Women Business Owners
chapter and founder of motivational training firm Xanzia Inc. One major
benefit of starting service programs is enhancing employee morale.
Says Adcox, "Employees have the need to search for meaning in
their lives and to know they make a difference in the
world."
Tony Massengale, director of the Center for Civic &
Community Capacity Building in Pasadena, California, focuses on
teaching civic standards and political competency to
government/public agencies, philanthropic foundations and a broad
spectrum of nonprofit groups. He has joined forces with civic
business project Minnesota Active Citizenship Initiative (MACI) to
promote civic organizing to all citizens and organizations as an
approach for civic renewal. "Everyone has to ask themselves,
What can we do to improve the quality of life for those on the
margins?" he says. Massengale has found young entrepreneurs in
particular to be sincere and enthusiastic about being civically
responsible. But it's not just startups taking strides-the
desire to have a profitable venture and help communities is
widespread, regardless of what stage the business is at.
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