Issuu

2021 IMPACT REPORT

“

[Net Impact] really started me on the path of understanding where I’m supposed to be... Anyone who is at a big company–or a small company–work on launching a Chapter, help us grow the Net Impact community even more. SUZANNE HILKER

Best Buy, Net Impact Member and The Regenerative Economy event speaker

Net Impact was the avenue by which I was able to learn about the interaction between sustainability and business. I attended a conference and had the opportunity to interact with folks in the business-sustainability world. It was also how I met International Paper. [Net Impact] is a great resource for making those connections. DEVIN GILES

International Paper, Net Impact Member and The Regenerative Economy event speaker

“

I worked for Net Impact beginning in 2014 and I left in

2016 to go to grad school... During grad school, my focus was around supply chain management and innovation

in, more specifically, retail. It’s sort of serendipitous that I landed at an impact investing firm that has a very deep supply chain focus and I don’t know that I would have been open to that opportunity had I not had the exposure and learning that my role at Net Impact afforded me. PAU L A L U U

Closed Loop Partners, The Regenerative Economy event speaker

TABLE OF CONTENTS 00

Letter from the CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................................................................ . . . 4

01.

Inspire. Equip. Activate . . . . . . . ................................................................................. . . . 5

02.

A New Alliance for Good .. . . . ................................................................................ . . . . . 6 Seizing the Moment: GOOD Institute 2021 GOOD Institute Impact Survey

03.

Global Programs that Inspire and Innovate .. .............................................. . . 10 Sustainable Solutions for Smallholder Farmers A Journey to Net-Zero Emissions

04.

A New Generation of Climate Action Leaders .......................................... . . . 14

05.

A New Vision for People and the Planet ...................................................... . . 16 Reimagining Capitalism The Regenerative Economy

06.

Documentary Film Programs that Spark New Conversations .......... . . 19 The Reunited States Seeding Change

07.

Up to Us .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................................................................................ . . . 23 Taking Action Online and On Campus

08.

In Good Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................... . . . 25

LETTER FROM THE CEO 2021 witnessed the hastening of business's

Challenge, the Up to Us Campus Competition, our

inexorable move toward ‘good’. This is driven in part

Reimagining Capitalism and The Regenerative

by the growing global social and climate injustices

Economy event series, or through new initiatives

(and crisis), the role that business can play as

such as our Climate Ambassadors program.

a positive force, and the demand by all people for agency and influence in shaping the global

Most significantly, Net Impact partnered with

narrative (to the diminished influence of wealth,

GOOD Worldwide and Upworthy to form a first-

power and institutions).

of-its-kind Social Impact Alliance to launch GOOD Institute, a think tank and accelerator that will

This year was one of immense growth and progress

address important issues, drive social action, and

for our organization as we listened to and leaned in

reimagine the possibilities for our shared future

with our network to empower and activate our next

by charting a new contract between business and

generation leaders. While our global community

society to meet today’s evolving challenges with

continued to be tested through hardships inflicted

regenerative solutions.

by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing reckoning with racial and social injustices, threats to our

As we reflect with pride on this past year, at the

democracy, and the struggle to make progress

success of our community to make a difference in

on climate, our community of social impact and

the world, we look forward, with hope, to the future

sustainability leaders demonstrated their passion,

as we work to make meaningful progress for the

leadership, and outcomes-based orientation in

betterment of people and the planet. The stakes

effecting a more just and sustainable world.

are high, and we are prepared to answer the call.

This year, our programs and events continued to provide the opportunity, tools, and resources to enact that change — whether through our

PETER M. LUPOFF

Food Solutions Challenge, the Future of Energy

CEO, Net Impact and GOOD Institute

Like-minded communities committed to making a difference in the world

J U S T I C E , E Q U I T Y, D I VE R S I T Y & I N C LU S I O N

E N VI R O N M E N T & C L I M AT E C H A N G E

ST E M F O R G O O D

LEADERSHIP

C I R C U L A R I TY: R E S P O N S I B L E PR O D U C T I O N & CO N S U M PT I O N

C I VI C E N G AG E M E N T

S O C I A L CA PI TA L & I M PAC T I N VE ST I N G

01.

INSPIRE. EQUIP. ACTIVATE. 130,000 + PEO PLE

300+ CHAPTERS

4000+

PROJECTS & EVENTS

in support of a more just and sustainable world.

TOP ISSUES

85%

191

say members felt inspired to create a more just and sustainable world

Chapters participated in Net Impact programs

Chapters engaged in programming, events, and projects: CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY/ RESPONSIBILITY

CLIMATE CHANGE

86%

79%

say members expanded their knowledge of social and environmental issues

say members built their network of individuals oriented toward making social or environmental change

CAREER SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT

JUSTIC , EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

02.

A NEW ALLIANCE FOR GOOD For nearly 30 years, Net Impact has forged a community centered on supporting next generation leaders who are driven to use business to make a positive impact for people and the planet. Now we embark on a new and exciting evolution in this journey. In November 2021, Net Impact, in partnership with

change. Both New Impact and GOOD Worldwide

GOOD Worldwide/Upworthy, launched a Social

brings a track record of excellence, issue and

Impact Alliance to scale impact initiatives, continue

functional expertise, and unique perspectives to

to engage the next generation of leaders, and serve

this new collaboration.

as a force for good for leading businesses. As a result of this alliance, the two organizations This Social Impact Alliance leverages more than

partnered to launch GOOD Institute, a new

45 years of combined experience to empower and

nonprofit thought leader and social action

influence millions of engaged citizens, students,

think tank, empowering socially responsible

corporations, employees, and activists throughout

organizations and individuals.

the world to create meaningful and lasting

SEIZING THE MOMENT: GOOD INSTITUTE The current environmental and social justice challenges we face as a global society have exposed many of the fragilities that have long existed in our economic and government systems. While the uncertainty of the moment is great, we believe there is still promise and possibility to create a better future for those to come. That is why we believe now is a crucial time for the launch of GOOD Institute, to help elevate our shared values to address the critical issues that destabilize global communities and harm the planet.

As GOOD Institute grows in 2022 and beyond, its mission will be centered around: MOBILIZING

forces for good in

business and community

PRESENTING science and factbased information to the public, seeking to re-establish a common set of facts to inform our discourse

ACTIVATING engaged generations of young business leaders who prioritize good as a core business value

BUILDING stronger relationships between the private and nonprofit sectors that enable collaboration and the infusion of purpose-driven decision making

2021 GOOD INSTITUTE IMPACT SURVEY As part of GOOD Institute’s launch, we conducted

Our survey results generated a broad agreement

a nationwide survey that set out to investigate

across the nation on the most critical issues facing

what the General Public as well as current and

the US and what is at stake for future generations

future Business Leaders consider to be the most

if not addressed. These findings indicated the

pressing issues facing our world now. And while

urgency to create a positive impact for people and

it is easy to assume that the country is hopelessly

the planet now. We believe that GOOD Institute

divided on every important issue, that’s simply not

can serve as a pivotal meeting point for the next

the case.

generation of leaders committed to making the world a more sustainable, just, and inclusive place.

Key Findings from the Survey include:

“Our vision has been to create sustainable impact in underserved communities and organizations that support them and to enable members to be more empowered, socially-conscious and informed changemakers.” YA S H I KA F U LWA N I

Co-President of ISB’s Net Impact Chapter

STORIES OF IMPACT FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Collaborating to Uplift Communities in India Students at the Indian School of Business (ISB), located in Hyderabad and Mohali in India, understand that collaboration is crucial for creating change. With over 800 members, the school’s Net Impact Chapter is the university’s largest club, demonstrating students’ commitment to social impact and the betterment of their communities. That commitment was put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic and the wave of variants that greatly affected cities and towns across India. Despite the challenges that the Chapter faced, members at ISB understood that they had the capacity to support their communities directly. As part of this work, a cohort of Chapter members worked together to enlist large-scale organizations to help provide COVID relief. Members began setting up partnerships with Goonj and India Welfare Trust to help raise funds for critical aid during the pandemic. They also collaborated with

The second event, which took place at the height of the pandemic, was adapted to better meet COVID restrictions without minimizing impact. The ISB Chapter sent members out into community centers to work with small groups of students in their home locations. This initiative continued to promote student growth and wellbeing. Specifically, members worked with young children to help them gain skills around how to protect the environment,

GiveIndia to help raise funds for COVID aid.

map out personal goals, and understand the basics

Not only did the ISB Chapter support COVID

change today,” stated Sneha Ram, co-president of

relief during the pandemic, they also hosted events centered on making an impact on local communities. In the first event, 300 members worked with over 500 children from local organizations such as orphanages, HIV care centers, and others. They facilitated activities that taught

of financial planning. “We aim not just to create the Chapter, “but to inspire agents of change who will spark a movement wherever they go.” It is clear that the Net Impact Chapter at ISB is working hard to ensure that they are uplifting the voices of today’s social impact leaders while building a pathway to success for the changemakers of tomorrow.

kids about issues related to equality, teamwork, self-awareness, health, and the environment.

03.

GLOBAL PROGRAMS THAT INSPIRE AND INNOVATE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS 2021 Food Solutions Challenge

In 2021, Net Impact and Bayer, with support f rom the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and The Coca-Cola Company, partnered for the fifth year of the Food Solutions Challenge. The challenge calls on our global community to reimagine unsustainable systems and create innovative solutions to critical issues in food and agriculture. Smallholder farmers are an integral part of the global food production ecosystem, providing up to 80% of the food needed in developing countries.

2021 CHALLENGE QUESTION:

However, climate change, daunting political, economic, and social barriers, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic threaten their livelihood and food production. To address the issues faced by smallholder farmers, over 50 solutions were

How might we strengthen the resilience of smallholder farming through market-based solutions?

submitted from teams around the globe for this year’s.

ZIM MAGGOT PRODUCERS Zim Maggot Producers from Great Zimbabwe

other farm animals. The team proposes that

University in Masvingo were the 2021 Food

these lavra can revolutionize the feed industry,

Solutions Challenge winners. The team, led

as their approach does not require large plots

by Moja Shepherd, Josphat Nyika, Rudo Chikwanha, and Chivuzhe Modern, was chosen for their unique approach to lowering the cost of food production and increasing food availability

of farmland, water, or pesticides. “The idea of turning ‘trash into cash’ using the black soldier fly larva will positively impact the lives of small-scale farmers through the provision

by making stock feeds cheaper for smallholder

of alternative cheap and organic stock feed,”

farmers.

noted the Zim Maggot Producers team.

In countries like Zimbabwe, it has become

The team noted that winning the Food Solutions

increasingly challenging to produce enough

Challenge allowed them to increase their visibility

soy for livestock feed, due to high production

and gain additional interest from outside

costs, low yields, inefficient farming methods,

organizations. They plan to develop their solution

and inadequate infrastructure. The Zim Maggot

to scale their impact and build strong networks

Producer team saw an opportunity to innovate

with partner organizations and communities

and address this problem by turning larvae of

until food security is realized in rural populations.

black soldier flies into feed for fish, poultry, and

“Participating in the Food Solutions Challenge has been an extraordinary opportunity that has connected me with international colleagues whom I now call friends. The program has deepened my communication, planning, and critical thinking skills which will be applicable in any future career.” F O O D S O L U T I O N S C H A L L E N G E PA R T I C I PA N T

A JOURNEY TO NET-ZERO EMISSIONS 2021 Future of Energy Challenge

For four years, Net Impact and Shell have partnered on the Future of Energy Challenge. The Challenge not only increases awareness around the critical energy issues facing our planet, but it inspires our community to ask how they can help pave the pathway to a more sustainable energy future. 2021 provided an urgent reminder of the

The Future of Energy Challenge signifies

devastating impact that human-induced

that only through a dynamic, multi-faceted

climate change has had on our planet and our

approach that brings together diverse voices,

global society. Increased wildfires, drought,

skill sets, and perspectives across industries and

catastrophic hurricanes, floods, and tornados

areas of expertise can we actualize a future that

devastated cities, towns, and natural places.

is better for people and the planet.

While the need for real, sustainable climate action has boiled over, there is still a strong belief that innovation can help drive change for the planet. That's why this year's Future

2021 CHALLENGE QUEST ION:

of Energy Challenge sought solutions to address the critical issue of reducing scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions.

What solutions, whether applied to individual consumers or commercial activities, could support significant scope 3 emissions reductions?

“[Our solution] will create green energy infrastructure across the US at a fraction of the cost of anything available and possible today and create green energy sector jobs,” stated Whited. “We hope [our method] will become contagious and allow us to create a green energy movement that motivates people to switch to alternative fuel vehicles, re-think their habits and recycle, and ultimately support green energy developments in the US and across the globe.” TAT YA N A W H I T E D

NEW WORLD ENERGY New World Energy from Brownsburg, Indiana,

proposes to create 100% green hydrogen

was selected as the winner of the 2021 Future of

on-site and on-demand for 99% cheaper than

Energy Challenge. he team's actionable solution

today's methods.

proposed to turn waste into sustainable energy through a revolutionary method of hydrogen

The team plans to build a pilot station that

production that uses zero fossil fuels.

will produce as much as 3 tons of sustainable hydrogen per day. In addition, they plan to grow their team in order to improve their technologies at a faster rate, with the ultimate goal of providing reliable and affordable heat and electricity from their method within the next two years.

The team, comprised of Tatyana Whited and Vladlen Shvedov, developed a solution based on the current cost and production inefficiencies in producing hydrogen fuel. Traditionally, producing a sustainable form of hydrogen is more costly and limited in scalability. However, New World Energy

04.

A NEW GENERATION OF CLIMATE ACTION LEADERS THE NET IMPACT CLIMATE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM After another record-setting year for climate change, Net Impact is fervently leaning into our mission to inspire, equip, and activate emerging leaders to tackle the toughest environmental issues. For the past five years, climate change has

of climate change, become familiar with the

consistently ranked in the top three issues

highest-leverage climate solutions, and learn

that our members care about. In fact, 56% of

how to facilitate educational workshops using

Net Impact Chapters have put on their own

the En-ROADS simulator to inspire meaningful

Chapter-based engagements on climate

climate action in legislative halls, board rooms,

change just in the last year, higher than any

communities, classrooms, and beyond. Our

other issue area in our community.

inaugural cohort of Ambassadors came from a total of 10 different countries, 5 different

As a result, in the fall of 2021 we launched a

continents, and spanned a variety of educational

partnership with Climate Interactive and

and social backgrounds, united by their steadfast

MIT’s Sustainability Initiative, both long-time

commitment to participate in the climate

thought leaders in the climate policy space, to

movement. As we continue this program into

introduce the Net Impact Climate Ambassador

2022, we looked forward to seeing how our

Program. The program trains next generation

inaugural cohort works to mitigate climate

leaders on how to effectively communicate the

change in their own communities.

climate crisis, understand the system dynamics

DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

DIFFERENT CONTINENTS

CERTIFIED NET IMPACT CLIMATE AMBASSADORS

STORIES OF IMPACT FROM OUR COMMUNITY

The Next Generation of Civic Leaders For the Net Impact Chapter at Mesa Community College (MCC) in Mesa, Arizona, civic engagement is central to creating impact for local communities. As Chapter member Shelby Lynch describes, “we encourage servant-leadership and community building through diversity, equity, and inclusion.” Each Chapter member at MCC serves on the college’s Community Engagement Advisory Board (CEAB), which is a collaborative partnership of students, faculty, staff, and community partners that work together to address social issues, share

resources, host events, and raise awareness

resources, and create opportunities to strengthen

about the Census for students and members of

the community.

One of the crucial issues that the MCC Chapter

Students volunteered 1000 hours of their time

decided to take on was to create an initiative around

as Census Ambassadors, where they conducted

how to educate the college’s student population

educational outreach, distributed Census

and the Mesa, Arizona community at-large on the

promotional materials, and worked directly with

importance of the 2020 Census. The Census, which

members of their community. As a result, Chapter

can help determine where to build everything from

members engaged 1500 people who pledged

schools to homes to hospitals, also dictates where

to complete their Census form. The Chapter

to distribute funds and assistance to states and

demonstrated to their community the importance

communities. The MCC Chapter collaborated with

of civic engagement and how every voice counts in

the City of Mesa and local officials to create

building a more equitable and inclusive democracy that works for the benefit of all.

05.

A NEW VISION FOR PEOPLE AND THE PLANET Never has there been more urgency for change in our world to protect the planet and ensure security and prosperity for all people. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, reckoning with racial injustices, and the negative impact of human-induced climate change, the Net Impact community understands they have the optimism and power to use their passion, skills, and careers to innovate and make a difference in our world. In 2021, we hosted events that centered on the themes of Reimagining Capitalism and The Regenerative Economy to provide our community with insights from top leaders in the fields of sustainability and social impact as well as the tools and resources to turn the tide of business and use it as a force for good.

REIMAGINING CAPITALISM From August 2020 through May 2021, our events

Each event in the series centered on a crucial

and programs focused on how we

topic, covering areas such as:

could reimagine the system of capitalism to build a better, more inclusive and just future for all. Through expert panels, workshops, and collaborative discussions, our Reimagining

Reimagining business and community partnerships Business’s role in creating value

Capitalism series shared with our community

Bridging the socio-economic gap

how we can repair the flaws of capitalism and

in the digital divide

envision a more evolved economic system

Addressing the racial wealth gap

that can drive better, more inclusive outcomes for shareholders, employees, consumers,

And more!

suppliers, communities, and the planet.

“It was very interesting to hear different perspectives on how capitalism could be used to create positive change, not just generate profits.” R E I M A G I N I N G C A P I TA L I S M S E R I E S AT T E N D E E

10 40+ 2,429

EVENTS

EXPERT SPEAKERS FROM THE SOCIAL IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY SECTOR

ATTENDEES

Reimagining | Solutions for the Future In July 2020, Seth Goddard, a former LIFE magazine

companies to align bottom line revenue and risk

journalist and e-commerce expert, joined the

with the globally-accepted United Nations 2030

Net Impact community for the first event in the

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The app

Reimagining Capitalism series. The event was

empowers employees to track their progress

a conversation with Harvard Business School

against selected SDGs so that sustainability can be

professor Rebecca Henderson about her latest

measured and easily presented to leadership teams

book, Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire,

and stakeholders. Seth credits Rebecca Henderson’s

and she spoke with enthusiasm about the urgency

insightful presentation, and the collective energy of

to address the problems we face globally. Inspired

the Net Impact audience that day, for “lighting the

by the conversation, Seth went on to found

fire” under him to pursue his app concept and his

Metrics.Earth and launched the company’s first

vision to use his skills as an entrepreneur to have a

Salesforce Partner application, OAKs (Objectives,

positive impact on the world.

Alignments and Key Results), which allows

THE REGENERATIVE ECONOMY Launched in August, The Regenerative Economy series was built on the belief that society must urgently work together to evolve an economic system leveraging regenerative principles. The series invites the Net Impact community to share in conversations with industry professionals, thought leaders, and experts to learn and apply regenerative principles in business and social innovation to reconsider what we value and how we work. By the end of 2021, we hosted three events as part of this series: Building a Regenerative Economy: How Green Swans Can Achieve Impact at Scale. Featuring a dynamic conversation between social impact thought leader and author, John Elkington, and social entrepreneur, Gary Sheng, the event explored the concept of “Green Swans” and how they can deliver exponential progress in the form of economic, social, and environmental wealth creation. Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation. In conversation with renowned climate activist and author, Paul Hawken, the second event in The Regenerative Economy series, sought to begin answering the critical question of what is the catalyst that will activate our generation to end climate change in our lifetime? Building a Regenerative Economy Together: Inspiring Stories and Community Connection. Featuring Danielle Kayembe, CEO and Founder of GreyFire Impact, Diana Yousef, Founder and CEO of change: Water Labs, Respect Musiyiwa, Leader at CASL Trust and Director at Precision Farming Africa, and Daniela Fernandez, Founder & CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance, this event highlighted BIPOC leaders in the Net Impact community and connected participants in an inclusive dialogue around common issues. The Regenerative Economy series will continue in 2022 with more events and conversations that excavate how we, as a society, can use regeneration as a means to preserve the planet and build a more inclusive society.

The Regenerative Economy at a glance:

500+

ATTENDEES FOR FIRST THREE EVENTS

CONTINENTS REPRESENTED

300+

CHAPTERS REPRESENTED

REPRESENTATIVES FROM NET IMPACT CHAPTERS IN ATTENDANCE

06.

DOCUMENTARY FILM PROGRAMS THAT SPARK NEW CONVERSATIONS Throughout 2021, we piloted a film screening series with our Chapters to inspire conversations and action around critical civic engagement, social impact, and sustainability issues. As part of this series, Chapters were given exclusive access to award-winning films and were provided toolkits and resources to help them host a film screening event. Net Impact Chapters are now at the forefront of these crucial conversations.

THE REUNITED STATES Net Impact and its initiative Up to Us jointly

Following the film screening, all 15 Chapters

launched The Reunited States Film Screening

hosted events about the film, prompting:

program, designed to create a space for Net

Discussion around the film’s challenging

Impact Chapter members to discuss what it takes

themes

to unite Americans. The program centered around

How to build consensus with family,

the documentary film, The Reunited States,

neighbors, colleagues, community members,

which explores bridge-building and addresses

and more, around polarizing issues

hyperpartisanship in a constructive way, all while

Sharing of resources and tools to practice

weighing what is currently at stake.

deliberative dialogues

Fifteen Net Impact Chapters in the United States

One Chapter participant noted, “Every minute of

were specially selected to participate in the

The Reunited States documentary was engaging

program. They were given special access to the

and it gave me the opportunity to think critically

documentary and a toolkit to help guide them

about how I approach conversations with people

through the film.

who may have different beliefs than me.” The Reunited States Film Screening program helped to exhibit what is at the heart of the Up to Us Movement — the belief that there is power in our collective action and that democracy only works through the active participation of all voices.

SEEDING CHANGE Net Impact partnered with the sustainable

Following the film screening, many of our

food company, Sambazon, to bring the award-

Chapters were inspired to take action and

winning documentary Seeding Change to our

executed on the following:

global Chapter network. The documentary tracks how Sambazon successfully navigates making impact scale. The film also tackles many of the challenges that social entrepreneurs face when leading sustainable business ventures. As part of the program, Net Impact Chapters

Facilitated expert panels with academics and business leaders on responsible consumerism and social impact Hosted thematic dialogues between Chapter members about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environment,

f rom across the US, India, South Korea, The

Social, Governance (ESG)

Netherlands, Kenya, and Ghana, among others,

Developed resources for public use on

participated in the film screening program

how to be more conscious and intentional

and shared in conversations about the themes

consumers and how to purchase more

explored in the documentary.

sustainable and Fair Trade goods

STORIES OF IMPACT FROM OUR COMMUNITY

A Determined Force for Good As the COVID-19 pandemic swept through New York

in dentistry; and many more. The Service Corp

City during 2020 and 2021, the Net Impact New York

Consultants Program also embodies Net Impact’s

City Crofessional Chapter (NINYC) was compelled to

mission by helping support its members to expand

act. While many organizations were forced to close

their skillset, network, and feel connected to their

their doors or scale back operations, NINYC, which

community, all while using their careers to make

comprises of 3000 members, was determined to

a positive impact. As one NINYC member stated:

adapt their work to a virtual setting and carry on

“I was looking for a way to not only get involved

with one of their most impactful initiatives: the

with the community, but also to leverage

Service Corp Consultants Program. This program

myself, my skills, and my network on behalf of

matches teams of passionate and skilled NINYC

a nonprofit or social enterprise who was doing

members with nonprofits and social enterprises to

work that really resonated with me.”

complete actionable 12-week pro-bono consulting projects that fulfill specific business and/or organizational needs.

During the first year of the pandemic, the Service Corp Consultants Program recruited over 100 volunteer consults from the Chapter to partner with

Since its inception, the Service Corp Consultants

over 20 organizations. Consultants supported client

Program has collaborated with nonprofits and

organizations and helped them pivot and adapt

social enterprises such as Tomorrow’s Leaders of

during the pandemic. Many of the program’s clients

NYC, a youth organization that assists students in

emphasized that the Service Corp Consultants

overcoming emotional and academic challenges to

were vital in helping their organizations fulfill their

become engaged community leaders; Unlocal, an

own missions and withstand the impact of the

organization that provides free and low-cost direct

pandemic.

immigration legal representation, immigration legal consultations, and immigrant-focused community education; Unspoken Smiles, which provides access to dental care and oral health to all, while also providing career pathways for those interested

“Civic engagement is the foundation of our democracy and the youth generation are the political actors of social impact.” FA L L 2 0 2 1 C O M P E T I T I O N PA R T I C I PA N T

07.

UP TO US 10 YEARS OF BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FISCAL FUTURE This year we celebrated the ten-year anniversary of our initiative Up to Us, a college campus-based competition focused on empowering the next generation to advocate for and build a sustainable economic and fiscal future. Founded in partnership with the Peter G. Peterson Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative University, Up to Us has grown to include over 2000 competition team members that have engaged over 500,000 people on 1800+ unique college campuses across the country. Up to Us has worked with thousands of young people to help them possess a better understanding of our federal budget, the ramifications of our long-term national debt, and how to strike the balance between fiscal responsibility and addressing challenges through investment. In a world wrought with natural disasters due to climate change, inequality, and an aging population, the nonpartisan conversations that the Up to Us community partakes in couldn’t be more important.

The 2021 Up to Us Campus Competition at a Glance: Total Competition Teams:

Days of

135

Action:

People engaged:

Campus and community partnerships made:

People engaged through digital advocacy, Fall 2021:

44680

213

27,243

Taking Action Online and On Campus in 2021 BARUCH COLLEGE WINS THE 2020-2021 UP TO US COMPETITION The Baruch College team from New York were

Tasnia Hussain

Nayancie Matthews

the 2021 winners of the Up to Us Campus Competition. The team, led by Nayancie Matthews, ‘22, overcame the challenges presented by the

Comptroller to discuss the city’s budgeting and

COVID-19 pandemic and seized the moment to

debt challenges. The team’s impact also helped

create an innovative campaign that harnessed

to create a talent pipeline to uplift their fellow

digital platforms and virtual events to drive change,

students, including hosting events that helped

impact their community, and address the fiscal

two of their peers earn part-time offers from city

and economic priorities of their fellow students.

officials to advocate for policy reform.

Through targeted events, classroom presentations,

“The Up to Us competition presented an

campus partnerships, and creative social media

important opportunity for our team to serve as a

content, the team engaged 5,000 of their peers

driving force for change,” said Matthews. “Through

across the city of New York and submitted over

Up to Us, we expanded our knowledge on the

1500 signed Up to Us pledges to 75 elected

economy, developed new skills, and produced

officials and city representatives. They also

thoughtful conversations around our nation’s

established a partnership with the New York City

economic hurdles.”

IN ADDITION TO BARUCH COLLEGE, THE TOP 20 FINALISTS INCLUDED: Central Texas College

Stony Brook University

Earlham College

SUNY College at Old Westbury

Florida International University

University of Delaware

Howard University

University of California, Irvine

Independence Community College

University of Florida

Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus (Fall 2020)

University of Miami

Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus (Spring 2021)

University of Wisconsin-Oskosh

Mount Mary University

Wayne State University

Northwestern University

West Liberty University

Oakland Community College

“I learned that no matter what, never be afraid to spread the word about what is going on with our national debt and how it affects everyday people.” FA L L 2 0 2 1 C O M P E T I T I O N PA R T I C I PA N T

08.

IN GOOD COMPANY Forward-thinking companies from across sectors partner with Net Impact to foster meaningful dialogue and help solve real-world sustainability challenges with next generations leaders. Partner with us in 2022 and be a part of the solution.

OUR PARTNERS

To learn more about our impact and to partner with us, contact development@netimpact.org 25