Ben & Jerry’s CEO: Democracy Is on the Ballot and Business Must Show Up
Corporate leaders must actively support democratic institutions to ensure long-term economic stability and community prosperity.
1Corporate Responsibility in Democracy
Ben & Jerry’s views the current political climate as a critical moment for corporate involvement. The company argues that businesses cannot thrive in an environment where democratic institutions are failing. By prioritizing the protection of voting rights, the firm aims to safeguard the stable economic landscape that all commercial enterprises require to succeed.
2The Linked Prosperity Model
The company operates under a Linked Prosperity model, which balances economic value with community impact. This governance structure ensures that social missions are not secondary but integrated into core decision-making processes. By rejecting the idea that businesses exist in a vacuum, the leadership commits to supporting the institutions that empower their local communities.
3Historical Advocacy and Campaigns
The brand has a long history of political engagement, dating back to 2016. Previous initiatives include the Empower Mint flavor supporting voting rights and the 2018 campaign for Florida’s Amendment 4. These efforts demonstrate a consistent commitment to using their platform to address systemic issues like voter participation and civil rights advocacy.
4Strategic Grassroots Partnerships
Recognizing their own limitations, the company collaborates with expert organizations like the ACLU and Black Voters Matter. This approach allows them to leverage their resources to amplify the work of grassroots groups. By following the lead of these partners, they ensure their advocacy is informed, effective, and deeply rooted in community needs.
5Measurable Election Season Impact
During the current election cycle, the company reached nearly 10,000 people through Step Razz Up! events in Detroit and Houston. Over 175,000 individuals have taken action through their platforms. Additionally, their Waffle Lotta Good initiative raised nearly $100,000 in October, providing direct financial support to grassroots groups working to protect democratic processes.
6Long-term Financial Commitment
Beyond immediate election activities, the company has pledged a $3 million unrestricted investment to the People’s Action Institute. This funding is designed to support community organizing efforts well beyond the current election cycle. Such financial commitments reflect a strategic shift toward sustained engagement rather than temporary, campaign-specific interventions in the political sphere.
7Navigating Internal Mission Tension
The CEO acknowledges that balancing a social mission with economic goals creates inherent tension. However, the company views this friction as a necessary component of progress. By embedding these values into their governance model, they force themselves to test their actions against their stated mission, preventing the social agenda from becoming merely performative.
8Call to Corporate Action
The company encourages other businesses to join the Civic Alliance to begin their own nonpartisan commitment to democracy. They emphasize that democratic participation is a habit, not a one-time event, requiring consistent effort in local elections. For the leadership, the work of supporting democratic ideals is a permanent, ongoing responsibility for every business.