CSR Initiatives That Drive Social Change

I’m seeing a real sea change in the anti-trafficking movement that gives me hope. Major corporations are mobilizing to take action against human trafficking in ways that actually matter. We’ve always had companies that cared. But to be honest, industry has often been more of the problem than the solution. Now? Major corporate brands are building out trust and safety teams. They care about business risk. They increasingly care about the positive business case for getting human trafficking and modern slavery out of their supply chains and off their platforms. What’s driving this shift? I think it’s consisten public pressure, consumer demand for accountability, and legal liability hitting their bottom line. The risk of inaction is finally too great. And some are becoming real believers that freedom and dignity are good for business. The evidence is growing. CSAM and Child Protection: Platforms can no longer turn a blind eye and hide behind free speech laws. Financial Services: I had a conversation just this week with a major company doubling down on their commitment to stop fraud, money laundering, and identify trafficking-related patterns across their portfolios. Supply Chain Accountability: Companies are realizing that willful blindness = complicity, and juries are starting to agree. This is how we generate change at scale. When economic incentives align with moral imperatives, systems shift. The future looks bright. The future looks free. And the future looks like companies being part of the solution. What shifts are you seeing in your industry? Who’s leading the charge? #humantrafficking #corporateresponsibility #supplychainaccountability #trust

It's a stressful, difficult time for many people, with all the chaos being unleashed from the White House. But I am interested in how businesses are fighting back, and trying to bring some good into the world. One story that warmed my heart comes from the women's workwear label M.M.LaFleur. 👩🏾💼 The brand specializes in creating outfits for women who still have a formal dress code at work--and politics is among those industries. So it has built profound relationships with customers in Washington, D.C. 👩💼 Now, thanks to Elon Musk and the DOGE mass layoffs in the federal government, many of these women are out of jobs. They're very worried, and for the first time in many years, they will need to start interviewing for new jobs. M.M. LaFleur is now trying to provide very tangible help. 👩🏽💼 Customers can come into the store to have their headshots taken (complete with makeup touchups and professional styling with M.M. LaFleur clothes). They are bringing in career coaches to do resume reviews, and to give talks about how to present yourself on the job market. Sarah Miyazawa LaFleur, founder and CEO, says that these efforts are an important way to stay connected to customers. But they also have the effect of keeping employees engaged, because they feel like they are doing more than selling clothes, but empowering women. At this chaotic time, CSR efforts aren't just about what you can do abroad, but what you can do to help hurting Americans here at home.

Here's a partnership that rights holders and brands can work together on, and it's good for the community... I'm excited to see more partnerships that go beyond signage and instead focus on real impact. The Seattle Sounders FC (my local MLS Team) and Puget Sound Energy (PSE) have launched a multi-year collaboration that fuses purpose, education, and community outreach while aligning with fan values and club culture. This partnership is the kind of strategic thinking that raises the bar in sponsorships. Seattle Sounders FC and Puget Sound Energy (PSE) have announced a new multi-year partnership focused on energy efficiency, sustainability, and impactful community outreach. Why is this important? - Purpose-Driven Partnership: PSE becomes Sounders FC's Official Energy Efficiency Partner, aligning brand purpose with community needs. I'm a big fan of these because rights holders can be the echo chamber for messaging. - Localized Community Impact: The partnership centers on reaching underserved households and educating them about PSE's energy-saving programs. - Player Ambassador Activation: Midfielder Pedro de la Vega will be the face of the campaign, helping to bridge the gap between fans and public resources. - Cultural Relevance: Tapping into the passion of soccer fans to inspire action around sustainability and energy awareness. Within Washington State, soccer has a very passionate fan base. - Strategic Alignment: Combines sport, environmental responsibility, and social good—all pillars of modern brand partnerships. How brands can activate partnerships like this: - Leverage player ambassadors for trust and reach. - Focus on CSR-related initiatives that resonate locally and regionally. Use team platforms and channels to scale educational messaging. - Partner with nonprofit arms (e.g., RAVE Foundation) for grassroots programming. When brands and rights holders lead with purpose and deliver measurable value, the result is more than just impressions—it's impact. This collaboration is a model for how teams and utilities (or other service providers) can empower communities while building affinity. For more, we're always here to help. #sportsbiz #partnership #heretohelp