Benefit Corporations: Champions for Social Justice

Across the country, individuals, families and communities are protesting systemic racism that kills, maims, and snuffs out the soul of Black Americans.

Change is not only needed but critical for our democracy to survive. Reform needs to come not only from within law enforcement, government, education, judicial, penal, and other institutions but with in the hearts and minds of the business community. 

Black people are being discriminated within the workplace. Most of the business community does not welcome them. They experience financial disparities in obtaining loans and financing. Black businesses struggle for their viability and often get ignored. Yet they bring creativity, hope and optimism with their services and products.

They deserve a chance, like other American businesses, to thrive and be a part of a vibrant economy – one that is not based on white supremacy but on equality for all.

The Business Model that Values People (and Planet)

We have failed Black and Brown people in the business world. But a new business model, embodied in benefit corporations, has emerged with its core commitment to do “good for the commons” supporting social justice.  States around the country have written legislation that recognizes benefit corporations backing this premise.  Here is what the Oregon’s Secretary of State’s website says (other states have similar language):

“An Oregon Benefit Company is a type of corporation or LLC company that wants to consider its impact on society and the environment in the business decision-making process, in addition to earning a profit. Benefit Companies differ from traditional corporations and LLCs with regard to their purpose, accountability and transparency. The purpose is to create a general public benefit, which is defined as a “material positive impact on society” and the environment, taken as a whole, for the business and operations of the company. “

You’ll find many of the allies of “Black Lives Matter” among the leaders, the CEOs, the owners of Benefit Corporations , B Corps and Benefit Companies who are vocal about the need to step up and fulfill their mandate to end systemic racism.  As one of the 4 endorsed certifying entities for Benefit Companies in the State of Oregon, we double-down in our assessment of companies seeking certification with questions about inclusivity, hiring practices and engagement with diverse often marginalized communities.

Practice What You Preach

Yes, the triple bottom line, “people, planet, profit,” embraces sustainability and environmental responsibility, but the first “P” is a commitment to PEOPLE.  That means ALL people.  The companies that we have certified as “Benefit Corporations for Good”  are fulfilling their responsibility to learn, grow and understand the realities of racism in America and speaking up.

Here are just a few actions several certified Benefit Corporations for Good have undertaken over the past weeks. There are many more.

 Julie Eickhof from Eickhof Creative : Supports through donation black girls breathing, which creates space for Black women to manage their mental health via meditation.

Kim Flick, leader of Mighty Epiphyte:  Penned a powerful article with resources and actions allies can take today.

 Michael Jonas, JD, of Rational Unicorn Legal Services:  Hosts workshops for small businesses  and participates and promotes forums such as “Stop Killing Us: Call to Action Online Rally Against Racism,” sponsored by the organization Don’t Shoot Portland.

David and Angela Anderson of Syndicate Wine Bar: Post daily about racism and its challenges provoking others to join the conversation.

These are just a sampling of the commitment to social justice by certified Benefit Corporations for Good who are proactive in actualizing the values they believe in.

We challenge all B Corps, Benefit Corporations and Benefit Companies that believe in the principles  of social justice and seek systemic change to end racism, to not be silent.  It is not the time to be neutral to avoid the conversation. Use your power as a business owner and a consumer: Buy dinner from a black-owned restaurant, spend your money and partner with black-owned businesses.

Stand up and join the movement. Show your community that you’re indeed the champion for a better, more equitable world.

~benefitcorporationsforgood.com~