# Ben & Jerry’s CEO: Democracy Is on the Ballot and Business Must Engage Corporate leaders must actively support democratic institutions to ensure long-term economic stability and community prosperity. - **Source:** [Fortune](https://fortune.com) - **Published:** 2026-10-31 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7c18009b-b997-46ea-a141-503bf4377925 ## Corporate Responsibility in Democracy Ben & Jerry’s maintains that businesses cannot thrive in environments where democracy is failing. The company views the protection of voting rights and democratic institutions as a fundamental responsibility. By integrating social missions into their core governance, they argue that companies must actively participate in safeguarding the political systems that support economic stability. ## Linked Prosperity Governance Model The company operates under a unique Linked Prosperity model, which balances economic value with community impact. This governance structure ensures that social missions hold equal weight to product goals. While this approach often creates internal tension, leadership believes that such friction is necessary to prevent the mission from becoming merely a performative corporate statement. ## Historical Commitment to Advocacy The brand has a long history of political engagement, dating back to 2016 with the Empower Mint flavor. Previous campaigns include supporting Florida’s Amendment 4 in 2018 and promoting Black voter participation through initiatives like Change Is Brewing. These efforts demonstrate a consistent, multi-year commitment to addressing systemic issues through creative, mission-driven marketing. ## Strategic Grassroots Partnerships Recognizing their own limitations, the company collaborates with expert organizations like the ACLU and Black Voters Matter. By leveraging their resources to amplify the work of these grassroots partners, they aim to reach voters effectively. This strategy focuses on providing practical information and support in communities directly affected by restrictive voting laws. ## Measurable Election Season Impact During the current election cycle, the company engaged over 175,000 people through various advocacy actions. Their Razz Up! campaign and associated events in cities like Detroit and Houston reached nearly 10,000 individuals. These efforts are designed to bring attention to partner organizations while making complex political issues feel accessible to their broad consumer base. ## Financial Commitment to Organizing Beyond marketing campaigns, the company provides significant financial backing to democratic causes. Their Waffle Lotta Good initiative raised nearly $100,000 in October for grassroots groups. Furthermore, they have committed a $3 million unrestricted investment to the People’s Action Institute, ensuring that community organizing efforts continue well beyond the immediate pressures of Election Day. ## Direct Communication Strategies The company intentionally avoids hedged language, exemplified by their Fudge Fascism campaign in Washington, D.C. Leadership believes that serious threats to democracy require clear and direct communication rather than distant corporate speak. By using their brand voice to address sensitive topics, they aim to normalize corporate involvement in critical national political discourse. ## Long-term Civic Engagement The CEO encourages other businesses to join the Civic Alliance to learn how to support nonpartisan democratic commitments. Because democracy is viewed as a habit rather than a one-time act, the company emphasizes that corporate involvement must continue through local elections and beyond. Sustained engagement is essential for maintaining the health of democratic institutions. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/10/31/ben-jerrys-ceo-democracy-midterms-business-must-show-up/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._