What is Social Resonsibility?

How do you see yourself in the whole? What is your part? your companies part?

There are many definitions out there for social responsibility. We chose the definition from the Harvard Kennedy School, THE INITIATIVE DEFINING CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 

"We define corporate social responsibility strategically. Corporate social responsibility encompasses not only what companies do with their profits, but also how they make them. It goes beyond philanthropy and compliance and addresses how companies manage their economic, social, and environmental impacts, as well as their relationships in all key spheres of influence: the workplace, the marketplace, the supply chain, the community, and the public policy realm" 

This shows the vastness and importance of looking at the whole picture, be it personally or as an organization.

What are your views on this important topic? We are all part of the whole and how we take responsibility for our part MATTERS!

Conscious Threads is Coming to Life!!

5/5/12
Our newest installment here is about the excitement of planning for our new home. 

We have been given a donation that will allow for 2 years of rent for a warehouse space to open our doors. Much to do and plan for. We are actively seeking support and am working with many designers to create a space that will allow or healing and creativity.

Last week I had a chance to visit a world renowned program that supports ex-felons and addicts. Delancy Street, is a model that we have been studying and could potentially replicate at some time in the future. It is a live in situation and has a social enterprises that fund much of the costs of the program.

As the vision evolves, we are working diligently to  create a financial model that will sustain us and create a long term vision. We have hired our first man part time to help with the financials and business plan. His insights have been invaluable as we move forward.

Each and every day I work on this, I become more clear about how much it is needed! The mission to create jobs for ex-felons has taught me so much about the true meaning of the 6 Pillars of Character. As we bring this enterprise to life with the 6 Pillars as the core, I know that it will begin to show tangibly the power of living a character based life.


4/18/12
Quite exciting times for Character Counts! in Jacksonville.  We are in the process of creating a social enterprise. I will be sharing the journey to creating the business and praying the right resources come out to support it's success.

You might ask, "What is a social enterprise?" A social enterprise is an organization that applies business strategies to achieving philanthropic goals. Our social enterprises is structured
as a non-profit, with all profits going to educate and empower our employees, which are ex-felons.

Why A Clothing Company?
Conscious Threads is social enterprise that seeks to educate on the issues ex-felons
face as they re-enter society after serving time. We use ugly t-shirts to create fun, smart new ones. Like the t-shirts, many of us have things in our past that are not pretty. Like these shirts, their lives are not disposable. With creativity, love & determination all can be made anew.

I will be writing about the creation of the brand, the business case, the team...etc. I hope you will engage with me...

As we move forward, I will be sharing the journey with you, in hopes of:

• Creating support for the enterprise

• Time
• Talent
• Resources...AKA Dinero, Cash, Moola!! | Real Estate | Donate a Sewing Machine or Laser Printer | Donate/Subsidize Warehouse Space | Creative S
• Run a t-shirt/tie/scarf drive at your church, business group, company, etc

• Reveal the dynamic process of creating such a vision, knowing that as I share, I will gain insights and maybe you will too!

• Share the real life ins and outs of social enterprise development. 

And of course...fuel the mission of Character Counts!!

Spread The Word

Ethics Coalition Meeting Schedule

These highly interactive sessions will each have several speakers, including YOU to share insights and personal experiences.  Our goal is to create a supportive space that we can all grow and evolve ethically.  

Meetings held at:
Perdue Inc.
5 W. Forsyth St. Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32202 

Thursdays - 7:30-9:00 am

FREE for Coalition members • $10 for non-members, first 2 visits free.

June 14, 2012  |  Building a Socially Responsible Brand - Register NOW
This month we will explore the elements that must be considered to consciously build a brand that is socially responsible in all aspects of it's dealings. Organizations that are emotionally and socially intelligent are at the leading edge of innovation. You will learn several techniques to explore your personal social intelligence in relationship to your work.


Come join others who are seeking a deeper understanding of social responsibility and are willing to take themselves and organizations the next level. 


We will discuss:
• Aspects of social responsibility
• How emotional and social intelligence affect strategic development
• How social consciousness influences business growth and brand development
• Explore the Ethical Decision Making process to understand the ramifications of decisions.


July 19, 2012  |  Freedom & Fairness
What is freedom? How do we define fairness. These complex topics affect day to day decisions we all face. How organizations decide what is fair, affects all aspects of business, from pricing, to salaries, to business growth. We will examine the many ways to look at a decision to enable a holistic examination.




We have openings for speakers if you would like to share on the topic!


July 19, 2012  |  Freedom & Fairness


August 16, 2012  |  Caring Brands Inspire


September 13, 2012  |  Citizenship: Each Voice Matters!


October 18, 2012  |  Trustworthiness in Advertising


November 15, 2012  |  Creating Respectful Traditions


December 15, 2012  |  Responsible Business Planning