The Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead  More information can be found at www.socialchangeleaders.net What exactly is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? What should social change leaders know about CSR? In this episode, we talk with Caitlin Kawaguchi, Chief Operating Officer at Parkes Philanthropy.  She is helping build an innovative new impact consultancy that helps nonprofits, corporations, and individuals to effect positive change in the world. In this episode, we discuss corporate social responsibility and learn from Caitlin’s experiences in working across multiple sectors to create change. In this episode we:  Hear about Caitlin’s background in the nonprofit and corporate sectors and within advocacy organizations Learn what CSR (corporate social responsibility) is and why it is important Get ideas about how a CSR strategy can establish a system of values and help companies have an impact in the world  Hear how companies are important to our communities as employers, but also as entities that drive culture and engage in engage policy-making Hear how corporate clients are understanding, in new ways, the value of doing good and how doing good can improve a business bottom line  Learn the power consumers have in asking questions of corporations and businesses to drive change and have impact Discover the importance of setting impact goals that are aligned with organizational values, measurable and actionable.  Listen to Caitlin discuss how to ‘institutionalize’ impact as a way to inspire action as well as shift culture and policy Hear ideas for how communities of practice, coalition groups and strategic business partnerships are supporting CSR goals of business More About Caitlin Kawaguchi  Caitlin Kawaguchi has worked over the last seven years to catalyze impact across sectors with nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and companies. As the COO at Parkes Philanthropy, she is helping build an innovative new impact consultancy that helps nonprofits, corporates, and individuals effect positive change in the world. Prior to Parkes Philanthropy, she was the Founding Director of Marketing & Partnerships at Bird + Stone, an impact e-commerce startup raising funds and inspiring action for causes. She also has extensive experience creating cross-sector, shared-value initiatives, including co-leading Project Belize, PwC’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility program in partnership with Belize’s Ministry of Education.  In addition to her work in corporate impact, Caitlin also has extensive nonprofit experience, most recently advising on digital strategy for nonprofits and coalitions working on youth justice reform and opportunity youth policy issues. Link to Parkes Philanthropy HERE Connect with Caitlin on Twitter or Instagram