Social Responsibility

October 2008

Incoming IABC/Toronto president Brent Carey, ABC spearheads member Think Tank initiative to develop the chapter’s first Social Responsibility policy.

Social Responsibility Policy focusing on governance, environment and community betterment approved by board of directors.

Volunteer Canada becomes IABC/Toronto’s official charitable partner.

Mary-Ellen Hynd agrees to chair IABC/Toronto’s first Social Responsibility Committee for the 2009/2010 board year. Mary-Ellen is also representing IABC International as a global contributor to establish the ISO 26000 International Standard for Social Responsibility.

Boosting People Planet and Profit (joint IABC/Toronto PIC) panel discussion at The Spoke Club featuring CSR evolution, business case and ISO 26000 sneak peek (Mary-Ellen Hynd) and best practices from One Million Acts of Green (Elaine Taylor, Ogilvy) and RBC’s Blue Water Project (Lynn Patterson, RBC). Volunteer Canada receives partial event proceeds.

Social Responsibility Committee established following IABC/Toronto Volunteer Recruitment event. Members include Carrie MacAfee, Frances Roberts, Bernard Hellen, Anne Ptasznik, Leila Fenc, Gillian Welsh, Kate Heron and Pana Bountis.

Social Responsibility Committee holds its first meeting and commits to five initiatives: (1) a sustainability-themed Munch ‘n’ Mingle, (2) virtual volunteer communications team to support Volunteer Canada, (3) an IABC International Conference community volunteer initiative at Evergreen Brick Works (4) creation of the Green Guide for Communicators and (5) committee communications strategy and plan.

Virtual Communications Committee of IABC/Toronto members spearheaded by Leila Fenc and Gillian Welsh provides support and direction for Volunteer Canada’s communications plan.

Show Your Love for the Planet Munch ‘n’ Mingle event featuring social responsibility bingo icebreaker held at Haworth showroom and attended by more than 70 members and guests.

Social Responsibility Committee hosts World Conference Community Event at Evergreen Brick Works. IABC members from around the world take part in naturalization projects that begin with an environmentally friendly bus trip to the site, educational tour and visit to farmer’s market. IABC donates $2,500 to Evergreen. Videotaped by Snippies.

Pitching Social Responsibility to Your Organization Presentation on June 7th at International Conference by Mary-Ellen Hynd and Bob Willard, author of The Sustainability Champion’s Guidebook.