Corporate Giving Programs

Yesterday, I shared a veteran resource graphic focused on education, certifications, mentorship, transition support, and employment resources. The response was far bigger than I expected. Veterans, military spouses, recruiters, nonprofit leaders, and transition professionals jumped into the comments with additional organizations, corrections, and recommendations. After a few hours, I reviewed the feedback, verified programs, removed outdated resources, and tightened up the guide. This updated version is the result. The goal was simple: build something practical and genuinely useful for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. A lot of veterans leave service with leadership, operational experience, and adaptability. The hard part is often translating those skills, building the right network, and finding the right opportunities. Hopefully this helps shorten that learning curve for someone else. Please note that some organizations and programs can fall into multiple categories and may only be listed once or twice throughout the graphic. I’m also open to building more targeted follow-on graphics/resources for specific categories, industries, certifications, career fields, or transition paths if people think they’d be helpful. Feel free to share this with anyone who could benefit from it.

I've helped companies check suppliers robustly and where child labour was found, to remediate it for kids many times in my 20+ years supply chain human rights / responsible sourcing career. Somehow today though hearing about even more systemic cases made me a bit teary. It's another case of their home country (Burma) being under attack (people sell the regime weapons), so parents have little money, are migrants to Thailand, and free schooling (a super basic human right) is often not provided. This isn't a criticism of Thailand; I'm more annoyed with the root causes of all those (us?) making money (pensions?) selling "aerospace product" weapons and parts (the UK exports many "defence sector" "products") which empower some in Burma to cause others to need to leave their homes.... in 2024. For now though, better to see and understand than "see no evil, hear no evil" (which could lead to future risks), and I'm back to creating tailored guidance for my client on what can be done in this case inline with supply chains human rights due diligence legislation #LkSG #CSDDD expectations. Breathing beyond my sadness by knowing that these efforts can both help the client protect their brand; but most importantly, that the engagement we guide the client to increase (with local NGOs, etc) can help people (parents) on the ground get verified fairer incomes, and ultimately, some of these kids get the chance we all had for decent schooling before work. Keep up the "eyes open" everyone in Responsible Sourcing (dig deep as is expected by new supply chains due diligence legislation), and then where these issues are found, take the opportunity to use your buyer leverage to cause Change. In doing so we can help deliver the #livingincomes needed to end #modernslavery #childlabour and exploitation, ensure respect for #humanrights, and realise positive #socialimpact #SDGs including #SDG8 #decentwork #SDG1 No Poverty, to realise #SDG4 "Quality Education..for all". And if you want to ensure your pension etc isn't invested in weapons, for USA, click here: https://lnkd.in/eBwmHSzM and here's some in the UK: https://lnkd.in/e2QiuKSv and another with discussion: https://lnkd.in/eQzQM9Jp

Had the privilege of welcoming John Morrison, CEO of the Institute for Human Rights and Business, to our "Managing and Investing in Responsible Business" course at London Business School yesterday! 🎉 John really challenged how we think about sustainability and where human rights fit in. His main argument? Sustainability keeps struggling because we've shoved the social stuff to the side. We're obsessed with carbon metrics and green tech, but we keep forgetting about the people who are actually affected by all these changes. 🤔 John's stories really brought this home: 🔹 Coal workers in Collie, Australia who'll lose their jobs by 2029 after 130 years of mining - what happens to them? 🔹 Women salt workers in Gujarat who switched to solar pumps and actually improved their lives 🔹 His point: every transition needs to work for the people going through it, not just look good on paper 📊 What really got the students thinking was his take on technology. Soon, companies won't control the narrative about their impacts anymore. Satellites, worker apps, data models - it's all going to be out there whether businesses like it or not. No more hiding behind glossy sustainability reports! 🛰️ But here are the insights that really hit home: Systems perspective is essential 🎯 - Human rights violations rarely occur in isolation. Understanding the broader system - including weak institutions, power imbalances, and cultural contexts - is crucial for both prevention and response. Bounded rationality affects everyone 🧠 - Companies, communities, regulators, and activists all operate from limited perspectives. Effective human rights approaches require actively understanding others' viewpoints and constraints. Legitimacy has limits ⚖️ - While companies can and should address human rights impacts, they must be careful not to assume governmental powers they cannot democratically justify. Narrative matters as much as process 📖 - Technical due diligence and compliance systems are necessary but insufficient. Without stories that help people understand and connect with change, even well-designed programmes can fail. John's challenge to put human rights at the center of every business decision felt like exactly what this generation of leaders needs to hear. Real talk about building businesses that actually work for everyone. ✊ #HumanRights #ResponsibleBusiness #Sustainability #ESG #BusinessStrategy

STATEMENT: As UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, along with SR on climate change and human rights Elisa Morgera and SR on the right to development Surya Deva we call States at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to prioritize #humanrights and the planet In our statement, ✨we urge States to seize this important opportunity to underscore the need to reform international trade and investment law in line with international human rights law. 💥States’ obligations to prevent human rights violations and significant environmental harms, including to the climate system, encompass their duty to effectively regulate and monitor businesses, and do so according to stringent due diligence. UNCTAD-16 aims to shape the future towards transforming the economy for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development, we recognise that effectively addressing the drivers of the existential triple planetary crisis faced by humanity must be the center of economic transformations. 🔥Therefore, defossilizing our economies, while protecting biodiversity, reducing toxic contamination and protecting human rights, including the right to a healthy environment and to development, must be a priority in UNCTAD ⚡️UNCTAD-16 is a key opportunity for States to advance fundamental changes to ensure that the trade and investment architecture truly makes as its objective sustainable development, the protection of human rights and effective responses to the triple planetary crises This week States are also negotiating #bindingtreaty for businesses, and we urge States to reinstate the human right to a #healthyenvironment in the draft text States must e sure that investment treaties do not prioritize private interests of foreign investors over the public interest and the protection of the planet 🌎 and people Read the statement here: https://lnkd.in/gFXfzgPP #humanrights #healthyenvironment #UNCTAD #bindingtreaty #accoubtability

Anjali Gopalan, a human and animal rights activist and the founder and executive director of The Naz Foundation (India) Trust, shares her journey on The Mohua Show. She recounts her remarkable journey from advocating for undocumented migrant labor in Brooklyn to founding the Naz Foundation Trust in India. She discusses pivotal moments that fueled her passion for HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ rights advocacy, highlighting the Naz Foundation's significant milestones, such as challenging Section 377 and establishing care homes for HIV-affected individuals. In this episode, she addresses persistent societal taboos surrounding women's sexuality and LGBTQ+ issues, emphasizing the need for empathy and education. Discover how Anjali Gopalan is revolutionizing change to empower and protect marginalized communities. Here are some highlights of the podcast: ✅ How Anjali Gopalan's advocacy journey began in Brooklyn and led her to India, focusing on the rights of marginalized communities. ✅ How understanding rights through the lens of HIV/AIDS has shaped her approach to activism and influenced the initiatives of the Naz Foundation. ✅ How the Naz Foundation achieved significant milestones, including challenging Section 377 and establishing care homes for HIV-affected individuals. ✅ How societal taboos around women's sexuality and LGBTQ+ issues are being challenged and the importance of evolving conversations around sexual wellness. ✅ How the challenges in LGBTQ+ rights advocacy are being addressed and the strategies used to overcome these obstacles. ✅ How expanding rights and protecting vulnerable voices have become central to the Naz Foundation's mission. ✅ How bullying and abuse in schools are being addressed through targeted programs and interventions. ✅ How empowering social change through sports has become a unique approach in her activism. Link to the podcast: https://lnkd.in/gPsN6yr6 #HIV #awareness #LGBTQrights #leaders #entrepreneur #podcasting #inspiring

We’re back here again. “FIFA set clear human rights standards that any bidding country must meet, yet it is clear that Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup currently falls far short. The bid’s human rights plan simply ignores many of the enormous risks associated with hosting a mega sporting event in a country with such an atrocious human rights record,” said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Labour Rights and Sport. “Saudi Arabia’s World Cup human rights plan says nothing about the brutal muzzling of human rights activists or criminalization of LGBTI people, nor does it outline whether or how it will put an end in practice to the abusive Kafala system that exploits migrant workers. It is astonishing that such blatant risks can be so flagrantly ignored. Without urgent action to improve Saudi Arabia’s human rights protections, it is highly likely that the 2034 World Cup will be blighted by forced labour, repression and discrimination’

Frequently, society places the responsibility of advocacy solely on the shoulders of people with disabilities. While lived experience is central and irreplaceable, real change cannot happen if the rest of society sees accessibility and inclusion as “someone else’s issue.” Advocacy is most powerful when allies, whether policymakers, educators, employers, designers, or community members, take action alongside those directly impacted. Accessibility is not a disability issue alone, it is a human rights issue. From ensuring curb ramps and elevators are functional, to designing digital platforms that are screen-reader friendly, to creating classrooms where all learners can thrive, accessibility benefits everyone. Universal design is proof that when systems are built inclusively, society as a whole is stronger, more innovative, and more equitable. When non-disabled people step up as allies, the message shifts from “helping a marginalized group” to “building a society where everyone belongs.” This means speaking up against ableism, questioning policies that exclude, and investing in accessible infrastructure and technologies. It also means amplifying the voices of people with disabilities and ensuring they are leaders in decisions that affect their lives. Disability touches us all. Whether through aging, illness, or unexpected accidents, any of us could acquire a disability at any point in life. Recognizing this reality reminds us that building accessible systems is not an act of charity, it is an investment in the future we all share. Together, we can create inclusive communities where barriers are dismantled, opportunities are opened, and dignity is honored. Disability advocacy belongs to all of us because an equitable society requires collective responsibility. #Disability #Accessibility #Advocacy #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #DisabilityInclusion #InclusiveDesign #UniversalDesign #Neurodiversity #Equity #DisabilityPolicy #ADA Alt Text: Graphic with text: “Myth: Disability advocacy is only for people with disabilities. Fact: Everyone has a role in creating inclusive, accessible, and equitable societies.” Branded with “@AsieduEdmund” at the bottom.

New Veterans in Sports episode features Linley Seip Fenlason, Director of Talent Acquisition for the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, who has built one of professional sports' most intentional SkillBridge programs. They spent months identifying the right departments. Interviewed 15-20 candidates over five months before their first hire. Created new headcount specifically for SkillBridge rather than forcing fit into existing roles. The result: both of their service members have thrived and the program has internal credibility that makes expansion easier. Key insights from our conversation: — Leadership buy-in matters — "I'll take anything" is the wrong answer when asked which role interests you — Military jargon on resumes creates barriers - translate to civilian terms — Slow, intentional programs create lasting impact; quick initiatives don't — Mission-oriented mindset and servant leadership translate directly to sports Linley's advice for organizations: Don't just support veterans ceremonially on game days. If you're serious about military hiring, get executive buy-in, identify structured departments with mentors, and commit to a timeline measured in months, not weeks. Her advice for transitioning service members: Be intentional about which roles you pursue. Research what you actually want to do. Demonstrate you understand the specific opportunity, not just that you want any opportunity in sports. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

In an era where only 63% of consumers trust brands to do what is right, here’s how companies can crack the code by becoming true guardians of societal good! Consumers are increasingly skeptical of brands that appear self-serving in their marketing. I found this particularly relevant when reading a fascinating 2024 study examining more than 150 award-winning Cannes Lions campaigns from 2018-2023. Here's what stood out to me about brands that successfully built trust and drove real impact: 1️⃣ They identified authentic societal challenges where their involvement could make a tangible difference. Take Patagonia's "Don't Buy This Jacket" campaign. The company encouraged consumers to think twice before making purchases and choose quality over quantity, emphasizing environmental sustainability. 2️⃣ They demonstrated unwavering commitment beyond quick publicity stunts. Consider Domino's "Paving for Pizza" initiative: in 2018, the brand filled potholes in towns across America and earned one billion media impressions in just eight months. 3️⃣ They prioritized education and mentorship. For instance, K-Lynn, a multi-brand lingerie retailer, creatively used its catalog poses to demonstrate breast self-exam techniques. This led to greater awareness of mammogram benefits and an increase in local mammogram screenings. In my view, the most impactful brand initiatives emerge when companies identify problems where their expertise and resources can create meaningful change. The focus shifts from "getting attention" to "driving impact." I'm curious to hear your thoughts—what examples have you seen of brands successfully balancing business goals with genuine societal impact? #BuildingTrust #SustainableMarketing #SocialGood

‘By the age of 16, 64% of girls in the UK will drop out of sport.’ I saw this the other day and had to share. ASICS EMEA partnered with Inclusive Sportswear and mental health charity mind to tackle that exact problem. They discovered that being uncomfortable in their P.E. kit is a huge reason why girls drop out of sports. Cue flashbacks to shorts made even more uncomfortable because the style was not created with my figure in mind, and couple that with not wanting to be out on the field in the rain getting whacked in the face with a ball. *shudders* They spoke to real kids in real schools, found out what they wanted, what would actually make a difference. And then they actually made the kit. THIS is what we mean by campaigns with purpose. It’s a partnership that actually makes sense. On a topic that’s important. It doesn’t feel like a “look at us” moment, but a collaboration rooted in insight, empathy, and action. With women’s sport in the spotlight, Red Roses smashing it at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the Lionesses being household names, it feels very in touch with the climate, making it more important than ever to get this right. What really stood out: they included real voices of girls in the campaign. Their comments didn’t feel forced. It felt like a genuine look into how these girls were feeling, about sports, about the kit, and about being seen. That’s the mark of purposeful campaigns: you’re not just creating a message, you’re creating change. You’re combining deep understanding of your audience with the brand’s unique role in solving a real problem. Rare to see a brand balance impact with authenticity like this. Honestly, I’m impressed. This is exactly the kind of work I’ve been championing and pitching to brands for years. ASICS, you smashed it!