Our Greatest Asset – Our Greatest Allies
Many were blindsided by this event, particularly Canadians, many of whom felt deceived by the Joe Fresh brand. Unlike the era of Nike and the Gap being at the forefront of child labour accusations, something still fresh in many of our minds today, Loblaw has nowhere to hide. Within moments, Twitter, Facebook, and texts were flying out spreading the word, and the Joe Fresh Facebook page was booming with responses of shock and dismay from consumers.
Today, the CBC reported that Loblaw will be compensating the families of those who were killed, and the company has met with the Retail Council of Canada to discuss changes. They released a statement saying, “We are committed to finding an approach that ensures safe working conditions, drives lasting change in the industry and [helps prevent] other tragedies.”
From where I am sitting, it seems like Loblaw got the message from its consumers. They know that they are practicing business in a time where any error in judgment large or small can easily come back to hurt them in the long run. I don’t believe for one second that Loblaw as a corporation is concerned about the health and safety of workers in developing nations. Not for one second.
I do however, believe that they understand that we as consumers do care, particularly Gen Y’ers. In fact, corporate social responsibility is near the top of our list when it comes to making purchasing decisions. So really, it doesn’t matter if the shareholders care, it matters that they understand that we care.
This situation with Loblaw is a perfect of example of how powerful our purchase power is collectively, and how a corporation will move toward progress when presented with no other option. With the many obstacles we as a society face in trying to make change, from food laws to changes within the education system, our money is our most powerful asset.
We make the decisions with our money here in North America, and it isn’t enough that companies greenwash, or pinkwash or simply donate to philanthropic causes; these companies need to be truly responsible and held accountable for every aspect of their businesses.
World Malaria Day 2013
(Editors Note: The following is a contribution from Krishann Briscoe.)
As a mother I am passionate about investing in my babies. I realize that they will grow up become contributing members of society. They might grow up to be leaders, innovators, and philanthropists — agents of change.
The potential I see in them is limitless.
And yet the same potential I see in them can be seen in the faces of children across the globe. Because I know that my children will not grow up and walk the world alone I realize the value in investing in all of our children not just the ones we tuck in bed at night. And by investing in all children I am investing in the future.
April 25 is World Malaria Day 2013. It is a day in which a worldwide effort is made to reflect on the advancements made in the efforts to prevent the spread of malaria and other infectious diseases. And with reflection comes the desire to look ahead to a future, concurrently developing a plan of action so that the time might come when malaria is no longer a threat to the lives of our children.
According to WorldMalariaDay.org, malaria deaths in Africa have been “cut by one third within the last decade” and in numerous countries impacted by malaria there has been a case reduction by 50%. Additionally in countries where access to malaria control interventions has improved most significantly, overall child mortality rates have fallen by approximately 20%.
That information is huge and filled with hope and promise much like our world’s children. However, with less financial support for malaria control the advancements made are “under threat.”
That means that there is still so much work to be done in order to ensure that the goal to eradicate Malaria becomes a reality.
When we see that change is being made and statistics seem to be in our favor it is easy to get comfortable and pull out of the fight; however, the threat is till very real and the desire to keep fighting ever present. How you fight, is up to you.
Whether it be raising awareness and/or donating funds there are numerous ways we can unite with the world April 25th and after as we look to the future, a future in which all children have the chance to grow up and carry the torch for the various nations that make up this amazing planet we all call home.
For more on World Malaria Day visit worldmalariaday.org.
Wisdom Wednesday ~ Non-Judgment Week Edition
It’s Day 4 of Non-Judgment week, and today Wisdom Wednesday is dedicated to this subject.
Many of you have signed up and taken the pledge, and since some of you are bloggers, I wanted to offer a link-up for you to share your thoughts on Judgment.
Please link up below – and tell me, how is your week going?
Generosity Day 2013 ~ One Million Acts of Generosity
I can’t tell you how often I hear people scoff at the idea of Valentine’s Day. Perhaps it is a dated celebration? Certainly at one time it was enjoyed by couples seeking a little romantic refuge. Today however, we know that the card shops and big box chains have commercialized the holiday so much that it doesn’t really mean anything anymore to a large majority of people.
What if we could turn Valentine’s Day into something greater? Something that can actually give our heart muscles a stretch?
This Thursday both those who enjoy Valentine’s Day, and those who shun it have the option to join countless others in celebrating Generosity Day. Much like Giving Tuesday, Generosity Day is all about acts of kindness, and this year the goal is to accomplish together one million acts of kindness!
Here are some ideas of what you could do this Thursday:
- Volunteer at a local non-profit
- Use your blog to raise awareness about your favorite charity or cause
- Donate to you favorite charity
- Pay for the next person in line while grabbing your coffee
- Give a stranger a compliment
- Smile at everyone that crosses your path
- Become a local media ambassador for Generosity Day
- Turn off your cell and give those you interact with 100% of your attention!
The Generosity Day website launches Monday, February 11th with more details. For now you can check out the Facebook page. I can’t wait to see how many individuals join in for this amazing celebration of generosity and kindness.
How will you celebrate Generosity Day this year?
A Course for Aspiring Authors
I recently connected with Chaunie of Tiny Blue Lines, a space she using to shatter the stigmas associated with unplanned pregnancy and young motherhood. While perusing her site and reading about her forthcoming book, I discovered an amazing E-Course she created which starts VERY SOON!
I have been working on my book for over a year-and-a-half, and have used many resources. I attended the BlogHer Writers conference in 2011 which really set me on the right path. Eventually I purchased Danielle LaPorte’s Your Big Beautiful Book Plan, which really helped me to complete my proposal. However, had I known about Chaunie’s course, I would have signed up in a heart-beat. It is exactly what someone writing a non-fiction book needs!
This course is 4-weeks long, and Chaunie will cover everything you need to know about writing a Book Proposal and will also include the following:
- How to create your platform.
- How to grow your online presence, including blogging and social media strategies.
- How to connect with agents and editors.
Really is a huge portion of what you need to know.
Best part? This course is a STEAL at $50. My jaw-dropped when I saw this and added up how much I have spent through my entire proposal process.
Even if you aren’t 100% sure you want to publish, this course will help you decide and really, a $50 pricetag is so affordable you won’t regret the knowledge you gain.
What are you waiting for friends? Go sign up here! Class starts soon!
My New Gig!
When I started this blog back in the spring of 2011, one of my bigger hopes was that I would eventually have the opportunity to write for some of the websites where I have found inspiration and guidance.
Today, it happened.
I’m very excited to share that I am now a regular contributor over at Beliefnet!
Beginning this month I will be sharing my perspective in a couple of posts per month, which I will link to from here once they are up. Just like here, the subjects will be Spirituality and Personal Growth.
Can’t wait to share!
xo
Heidi
