Carolyn Berkowitz
ACCP President and CEO
As we wrap up 2023, we can all agree that this was a year of both opportunities and challenges for the corporate social impact field. CSR and ESG professionals’ influence increased as it became more widely understood in the executive ranks that being a good corporate citizen is critical for long-term business success.
However, the challenges – from diminished resources to geo-political and natural disasters to ESG and DEI backlash – have been complex and steep.
ACCP’s priority this year has been to continue to partner with and support our community of CSR and ESG professionals with high-level resources and connections so you can more easily navigate these unique challenges and elevate the indispensable work you’re doing in your companies and communities.
2023 Highlights by ACCP Strategic Priority
Advanced Knowledge and Practice in the Field to Help You Stay Informed:
- 70+ member companies accessed individualized research and counsel from our expert staff through our ACCP Connect Member Support Service.
- Over 1,500 professionals used ACCP’s timely data and research published in our 4th Annual CSR Insights, Socio-Political Pulse Survey, and Making the Case for CSR to make the case and advance their work.
- New practical toolkits, developed in partnership with Rocket Social Impact, helped the field with Engaging Hourly Workers, Unlocking the Power of ERGs, and Navigating the Political Landscape as a Social Impact Professional.
- Expanded our Resource Library (Members-only) with more than 150 new and valuable resources.
- Continued providing affordable, high-quality educational opportunities accessed by over 1,100 professionals like you, including three Virtual Summits (ESG, Measurement, and Volunteerism), Forum – A CSR Intensive, ACCP’s Annual Conference, and webcasts.
Fostered Community that Created Space for Peer Learning and Connections:
- Seven active member groups met regularly to exchange ideas and connect with peers in a safe space.
- “Topical Thursdays“ monthly peer-led discussions on a relevant or emerging topic was introduced this year and open to all members.
- More than 500 ACCP members used our online communities to source answers from peers to their burning questions.
- Welcomed 35 companies to the ACCP Membership in 2023, expanding our community to over 250 companies for the first time in the organization’s history.
Focused on Advancing Equity in the CSR and ESG Field:
- Disseminated new data on representation in the corporate social impact profession and advocated for diversity and inclusion of CSR and ESG teams as essential criteria for maximum impact.
- Incorporated content with an equity lens into all ACCP programming.
- Fostered a welcoming and inclusive culture within the ACCP community, so all professionals in the field felt comfortable being themselves, were heard, and influenced ideas that shape our companies, communities, and profession now and in the future.
Advocated for the Value Proposition of CSR and ESG to C-Suite Leaders and Business Influencers:
ACCP leveraged the voice of our 250+ member companies to elevate the importance of corporate social impact and the necessity of prioritizing resourcing the function. Below are a sampling of articles and op-eds published in business media:
- Bloomberg: ‘Woke Capitalism’ Backlash Disrupts US Corporate Hiring Efforts
- Forbes.com: Following the Data: Why Companies Should Prioritize ESG and Tips for Success
- Nasdaq Tech Tuesday: Firms Mobilize Employees – to Volunteer
- Affirmative action ruling, politics stir fears of fallout for corporate responsibility efforts
As we look ahead to 2024, we are excited to continue to partner with you and all our members to advocate on your behalf, connect our community, and help you stay ahead of trends and increase your impact.
Mark your calendar with ACCP’s 2024 Programs.
On behalf of the ACCP staff and Board of Directors, it has been a pleasure to serve you in 2023, and we wish you a joyous, restful holiday season.
