Release of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Plan:
Letter from As You Sow
Board Chair Cari Rudd & CEO Andrew Behar
Our work to create a just and sustainable future, where protecting the environment and human rights are central to corporate decision making, begins INSIDE each one of us when diverse perspectives flourish and people feel they truly belong.
As the Board Chair and CEO of our organization, this letter reaffirms our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within As You Sow. We endorse the accompanying DEI Strategic Plan. We recognize the deep collective work necessary to get to this point and the strength of our community to embrace and implement it.
First and foremost, it's critical to recognize that DEI is not just a buzzword or a trend – it's a fundamental aspect of everything that we do. It is a core value of our organization to recognize diversity and foster an inclusive culture. We benefit greatly from broader perspectives, experiences, and talents. We value innovation, creativity, resilience, and perseverance. We apply these principles to our work toward shifting major public companies on the path toward sustainability and justice in order to attract and retain the best and the brightest.
Our own research shows that creating diverse and inclusive workplaces leads to outperformance and that companies with diverse leadership are more likely to experience success.
Achieving true DEI is not a flip of a switch – it requires commitment, effort, and ongoing work by staff, board, consultants, interns, fellows, and volunteers; each and every one of us every day. We commit to the work of creating a workplace culture where everyone is valued, respected, and heard, to make sure that our company is a place where everyone can thrive.
Sincerely,
Cari Rudd,
Board Chair
Andy Behar,
Chief Executive Officer