At AMS, we speak often about being a B-Corporation, and our dedication to the ideal of being good for the world. During this crisis period, our responsibility has been to value the health and wellbeing of our employees, and respond to the rapidly changing needs of our clients. In our last communication we talked about the steps we have taken.
What does it mean to be a B Corporation? The B Corp does not need a law passed to require respect for employee safety and health, respect for the client or customer, and respect for the community and environment. This respect is inherent; it is a higher standard voluntarily undertaken by management and employees – to be a business that is good for the world; one that values the human being and our Earth.
As a B Corporation AMS is part of a large community, made up of all types of businesses. In this series of blogs we will share information about what our community is doing during this time. Please enjoy the following information, re-posted from the “Be The Change” website.
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When shutdowns closed schools, disrupted the economy, and revealed social inequalities, Certified B Corporations saw the need for innovation and action — in their communities, their workplaces, and their industries. They have stepped up to fill in, serving as an example of what stakeholder capitalism looks like in action.
How B Corps Fill the Gaps When Classrooms Are Closed
As COVID-19’s emergence last spring forced the closure of schools and child care centers across the U.S. and Canada, people young and old felt their absence in many ways — from education to mental health to food services. Learn more about Certified B Corporations that are stepping up to help fill some of the gaps for families as they head into the new school year. Read the full article here.
How Retail Stores Can Protect Workers
Athleta has faced a challenge familiar to many retail companies throughout the pandemic: How to keep stores open and workers employed while keeping employees and customers safe. On B The Change, read Christopher Marquis’ interview with Emily Allbritten, Athleta’s manager of strategic opportunities, about how the company’s B Corp values shape its business decisions during more routine times and amid the current economic challenges. Read the full article here.
COVID-19 Business Response Keeps Families in Mind: B Corps Adapt by Adopting and Adjusting Policies
COVID-19’s impacts range much deeper than the outbreak numbers, as nearly a third of the U.S. workforce has children at home. Many of those parents are, of course, also employees who must juggle work and family responsibilities that at times may seem impossible — especially for single parents, essential workers who cannot work remotely, and others with nontraditional schedules. Read the full article here.
How 1% Can Collectively Make a Difference for the Environment
In 2002, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, created 1% for the Planet, starting a global movement to inspire organizations and individuals to support environmental nonprofit solutions through annual membership and everyday actions. Member companies pledge to give 1% of their total annual sales to environmental nonprofit partners. In 2019 alone, more than 3,000 members of the 1% for the Planet community spread among more than 40 countries gave over $27 million. Read the full article here.
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At AMS we want to build a stronger than ever foundation for a better world, and that involves communication. AMS Management is never too busy to listen and learn, and this too, is what it means to be a B Corporation.
