Jeff Hoffman & Associates, Global Philanthropy and Civic Engagement

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and since the murder of George Floyd, company’s government relations and corporate citizenship teams have begun to work more closely. As the public anger and outcry over the racist aspects of these events intensifies, demands that companies take a more active role in addressing social problems are beginning to include public policy advocacy. I spoke with representatives from Walmart Public Affairs and Walmart.org to explore the dynamics of the relationship between company’s government relations and corporate citizenship functions and how they can work together to greater effect. #CorpGov #ESG #CSR #PublicAffiars

Earlier this week I recorded a podcast on companies responses to COID-19 in Africa. I spoke with Dorcas Onyango, Head of Sustainability, Southern & East Africa Business Unit, The Coca-Cola Company, and Ruth Lewin, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Discovery Limited, to learn more about how the pandemic is impacting the African continent and how their businesses are stepping up to provide critical support for their employees, first responders, and the region. This is the fi...rst installment of a four episode series on Corporate Citizenship in the Global South During COVID-19 If you are interested in hearing my other podcasts and seeing my blogs, Join our The Conference Board Corporate Citizenship Newsletter mailing list. https://info.conference-board.org/v08J0xCL0WrZWWIYB009001 #ESG #CSR #CorpGov https://www.conference-board.org//Corporate-Citizenship-in

Today we commemorate Juneteenth. A Smithsonian newsletter I received this morning called this our country's second independence day. As our country, and the world, grapple with racial justice, my new blog, One Foot in the Company, One Foot in the Community, says Participate in meetings and conversations led by people in the community. And make sure that you are considering all of the community. The intended audience for this piece is corporate citizenship professionals,... but the message is certainly more broadly relevant. While it can be challenging to know where to begin or what to do, taking one step at a time both inside the company and in the community can begin a journey of discovery and learning. https://conference-board.org//community_relations_done_rig #ESG #CSR #CorpGov If you are interested in seeing my other blogs, Subscribe to our The Conference Board Corporate Citizenship Newsletter: https://conference-board.org/blog/corporate-citizenship #ESG #CSR #CorpGov https://conference-board.org//community_relations_done_rig

My latest blog entry, Recovery’s Long and Winding Road: Our Corporate Citizenship Journey Continues, summarizes the issues that companies need to consider during the transition from immediate relief to what will become the new normal(s). #ESG #CSR #CorpGov https://conference-board.org//corporate-citizensh/recovery

We are one in service of all. We are #CaliforniansForAll. Visit CaliforniansForAll.ca.gov to see how we stand united and how you can serve. California Governor ...Gavin Newsom & California Volunteers, Office of the Governor launched "Californians For All" to match Californians with safe volunteer opportunities so they can support their communities. See more

Companies often play an important role in disaster preparedness, relief and recovery. Coronavirus is no different. My The Conference Board blog outlines things businesses should be considering. #Coronavirus #CorpGov #ESG #CSR #Philanthropy #disasterpreparedness

Important words then, and important words for today! Meridian was founded with the vision that greater international collaboration leads to a more secure and promising shared future for all nations. Since 1960, Meridian has served as a place where global leaders gather, future leaders are found, and collaboration thrives. Congratulations to my friends at Meridian International Center on 60 impactful years! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4xRxMOQiSY #MeridianInternational #diplomacy #CorpGov #ESG #CSR

So I went to NYC this week to be the MC of The Conference Board's Philanthropy Conference. Then this happened. One of our presenters, Jenny Denney Lawson, hijacked the session, introduced Points of Light CEO Natalye Paquin, and they presented me with the Daily Point of Light Award!! My initial response was what are you doing Jenny?!?!, then it was oh! Really?! I am very honored to receive this recognition. And especially thrilled to receive it on December 5th which is... International Volunteer Day, Walt Disney’s Birthday and the one year anniversary of the funeral of our founder, President George H. W. Bush. A lot of symbolism here for me. Thank you to Points of Light, my fellow board members, our incredible staff past and present, the countless thousands of volunteers I have worked with over the years. The Daily Point of Light Award is presented by @PointsofLight each day, celebrating the power of individuals to spark change and improve the world. #ESG #CSR #CorpGov #volunteerism #volunteer #service #changemaker #pointsoflight #bethechange #IVD2019 http://bit.ly/DPOL6665

Important new report from California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, on Disasters! Building Disaster Resiliency #ESG #CSR #Disaster #Resiliency https://californiavolunteers.app.box.com/s/i1cl1py11r35hwpy

Tom Sheridan’s new book, Helping the Good Do Better: A White Hat Lobbyist’s Winning Strategies from the Front Lines of Social Change pulls the curtain back on how social issues, many that are important to business, get turned into legislation and policy. While the book is not written for business, it is full of useful information. My blog reviews. #ESG #CSR #CorpGov #Advocacy #HelpingTheGoodDoBetter https://www.conference-board.org/blog/postdetail.cfm

At the New York meeting of The Conference Board’s Global CSR and Philanthropy Council in April, water experts gave members an overview of water-related challenges facing the world. The speakers were Amanda Tucker, Manager, Reporter Services, CDP; and Mai-Lan Ha, Senior Advisor, UNGC Water Mandate, and Senior Researcher, Pacific Institute. #SDG6 #Water #ESG #CSR

Detroit has many of the same problems that face urban areas everywhere, but in the Motor City they are magnified. Recovery models from other cities are being replicated here, while new initiatives are being innovated, and shared with others.

The Conference Board’s Corporate Social Responsibility Council met in Los Angeles in early February to learn from business, nonprofit, government, and civic leaders about the issues and opportunities facing the City of Angels. My blog recaps the meeting. #ESG #CSR #CorpGov