by Pamela Olsen, J.D, M.S., Advisory Board Member, Ethical Markets Media
The Social Venture Network Conferences never cease to be inspiring, thought provoking and just plain wonderful! The 2009 series of spring and fall conferences were of course no exception. We find ourselves in a world that is truly reaching the “tipping point” where change is both inevitable and necessary, whether considering Wall Street, our economic structure, business, or health and welfare of our human family. A few conferences ago, while the attendees knew change needed to happen in all sectors of our economy and societal structures, a sense of urgency was less apparent compared with today’s widespread public attention.
I recall Chip Conley’s speech at a previous SVN conference. Chip, who runs Joie de Vivre, a hotel out of San Francisco, referenced Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and how higher purpose and action in treating employees and customers made for an extremely successful bottom-line and customer experience — a true win-win, instead of the zero sum game where the employee and environment usually lose out! As a holder of a Master’s degree in psychology, I share his passion for triple bottom line practices. I now see that we must self-actualize because of our need to survive! This idea of surviving through implementation of our best societal practices conjoined with job creation gives a new and profound meaning to sustainability. It seems that we will need to thrive in order to survive!
Ethical Markets Media (USA and Brazil) was a proud sponsor of this year’s conferences both in Chicago and in San Diego. President and Founder Hazel Henderson supports and assists this vision and movement for truly sustainable practices in business and in our global economy for the benefit of all humankind. Philosopher Ken Wilber says that we achieve the greatest impact with the “greatest depth for the greatest span.” Please go to our website (if you are not reading this from our site) at www.ethicalmarkets.com and also www.ethicalmarkets.tv to discover the vast resources of news, information and commentary on current issues, in all media from around the world.
In the Products & Services Expo portion of the conference, I had the distinct privilege of discussing the concerns, interests, and various issues of many of the SVN attendees. A key concern of ours here at Ethical Markets Media is to help everyone from the individual to the business executive understand their impact as well as power for change/sustainability in the economy at all levels and for the environment. I know that my own 401(k) and the various holdings which are not SSRI based can be placed to initiate change. Being the change you want to see in the world has never been more relevant, and the vision and need to change the game has never been stronger. I spoke with many SSRI oriented financial planners who gave simple advice of how to approach employers and inform them of how this is a win-win situation which may even save them money! We simply cannot stand by in our world and allow the usual zero sum game to continue any longer. The change starts with each of us! Ironic how base level survival needs are now motivating such profound and meaningful change for the good of our entire world.
Obviously the means by which people receive information is a major factor in social change. This year’s fall SVN conference highlighted some major media contributors. Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post expressed her frustration at the media attention the “balloon boy” story was given versus the real planetary concerns. The Huffington Post is a great combination of news and blog, creating a game changing combination from the traditional business model of network television or print media. Hazel Henderson and Ethical Markets Media’s mission is to reform markets and grow the green economy globally, mainstreaming triple bottom line accounting, correcting GDP, as with the Calvert-Henderson Quality of Life Indicators, co-created with the Calvert Group and updated regularly at www.calvert-hendeerson.com. Many PBS outlets are running the Ethical Markets TV Series and the one-hour show “Growing the Green Economy.” Look for our new TV special “The Money Fix” this fall (check local PBS listings). “Ethical Markets” programming is available for classroom showing, colleges, libraries, business and government training programs at www.films.com.
Ethical Markets Media and other social media outlets are attempting to sway media away from the “it bleeds it leads” mentality and run stories which include real reform solutions and ideals. Print and conventional media business models are now failing as audiences move online. In this faltering economy, more than ever the “thrive to survive” media brands have a chance to reach the mainstream. The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and only network dedicated to independent film and related programming, 24 hours a day, uncut and uncensored. Evan Shapiro, who oversees the strategic development, management, and operation of IFC and Sundance Channel, sees it as the “destination” for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Social reform to address issues such as climate change, environmental concerns, shareholder activism, fair trade, health and wellness, and Global Corporate Citizenship can become the new norm. This information is now readily accessible in the many forms described.
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