This December, we are highlighting nonprofits that try to improve the livelihoods of those living below the poverty line.
Indian Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen wrote, “Economic growth without investment in human development is unsustainable and unethical.” According to The World Bank, for almost 25 years, the number of people living in extreme poverty—less than $2.15 per person per day—was steadily declining. That trend was disrupted in 2020, when poverty rose due to factors caused by the COVID-19 crisis, as well the ongoing effects of climate change.
Ending poverty in all forms everywhere is the first goal of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development agenda, and companies, particularly those in the private sector, have an opportunity to contribute to ending global poverty through their existing operations. Such investment in human development in turn creates business value and builds competitive advantage amidst evolving labor markets, thereby increasing customer and stakeholder expectations for the sector to contribute to sustainable development.
In addition to activating systematic ways to combat inequality, we invite the Deed community to fight poverty through giving, volunteering, education, and engagement. As always, included here are also opportunities and ideas for engaging your employees, ERGs, and community.
In our December “Cause of the Month: Poverty” toolkit, you will find:
- Volunteer and giving opportunities in the U.S. and around the world
- In-depth look at specific cause areas, including: people of the global majority, women, LGBTQIA+, and more
- A calendar of awareness days in December
- Employee and ERG engagement ideas, as well as a walkthrough of how to craft your anti-poverty campaign
- Recommendations of worthwhile books, podcasts, and films on poverty
Preview:
We selected poverty as December's "Cause of the Month" through our first-ever "Partners' Choice" poll, which gave our growing community of Fortune 500s and fast-growing tech companies the chance to choose our focus area. Reach out now to find out how to join us, and to claim your copy of our December “Cause of the Month: Poverty” toolkit.
