Should the government regulate CSR?

Corporate Social Responsibility is at the forefront of “bigger, better, brighter” business. Many companies have voluntarily adopted policies that make them more appealing to the eco-friendly and socially responsible consumer, but for the most part these efforts are left largely uncoordinated across the varying fields of business.

An event hosted by the Brookings Institute discussed topics relating CSR to government policy and what the link between the two should potentially be. The question that this brings to mind is: should the government have regulation over CSR practices? If the government does gain control of these policies will the “good natured” connotation behind a company practicing social responsibility change? How could government regulation affect business? The event summary and transcript from the event can be found here. Seeing the growth of CSR in the recent years, what do you see for its future (with or without government regulation)?

Can Wal-Mart make-up for its tarnished irresponsible past?

One of our students, Matt Dowthit, e-mailed out this recent NYTimes article highlighting Wal-Mart’s promise to be more socially responsible. As many of you know, Wal-Mart has an all but retched reputation when it comes to corporate citizenship. The article describes chief executive, H.Lee Scott’s promises:

“In a lofty address that at times resembled a campaign speech, the chief executive of Wal-Mart Stores, H. Lee Scott Jr., said that ‘we live in a time when people are losing confidence in the ability of government to solve problems.’ But Wal-Mart, he said, ‘does not wait for someone else to solve problems.’”

Can Wal-Mart actually change its perception? Can it really be responsible? Will you start shopping at Wal-Mart because of these promises?

Evaluators Needed for the Council on Foundations Awards

Council on Foundations is a clearinghouse for charitable foundations. Each year the Council gives an award called the Wilmer Shields Rich Award for Excellence in Communications to foundations that compete against each other (in their own size categories) by submitting annual reports, newsletters/magazines, websites, or special reports.  They need evaluators to work in teams and rate each entry on a pre-printed evaluation sheet.
 
This year the evaluation session will be on Friday, February 1, at the Council’s new headquarters in Crystal City, Virginia (exact location is 2121 Crystal Drive, Suite 700 · Arlington, VA 22202 · 800/673-9036)  The session will start at 9:00 a.m. and will run a good deal of the day (depending upon the number of entries received).  Breakfast and lunch will be served and the Council will reimburse for parking fees.  Further information can be found at the Council’s website address:  www.cof.org 
 
If you are interested please e-mail Ashley Duque Kienzle, adk38@georgetown.edu, with your name and contact information (the Council likes to send out thank you letters to participants) and also a short (one paragraph) bio.

Marketing/Communications Internship with Mentors, Inc.

MENTORS, INC. Mentors, Inc.’s mission is to increase the success rates of Washington, DC’s public high school students by pairing them with caring, adult volunteers in structured and enriched mentoring relations that promote personal, academic and career development.  Our goals are to ensure that each of our students graduate from high school ready to transition into meaningful work or higher education. We provide access to enrichment opportunities in college preparation and career exploration, community service and life skills development.  Graduating seniors are eligible for scholarships and all students and their mentors enjoy free or low-cost tickets to local sports events, museums, concerts and other cultural events.  Marketing/Communications Internship Purpose: The Marketing/Communications Assistant is responsible for helping build organizational capacity by raising Mentors, Inc.’s visibility among its multiple constituents (e.g. youth, mentors, businesses, community organizations and funders).  Reports: The Marketing/Communications Assistant reports to the Development Manager and the Executive Director. Key responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Maintaining, updating and enhancing the Mentors, Inc. website to serve as a resource for program participants and to communicate with the public;
• Producing outreach and publicity materials;
• Drafting and disseminating press releases and public service announcements to support recruitment efforts and visibility;
• Helping to design and produce events that will elevate the organization’s profile in the community.
• Designing and disseminating quarterly online and print newsletters;
• Drafting/disseminating/formatting program materials;
• Producing weekly “Cool Ideas” newsletter for mentors/protégés;
• Developing mentor-protégé profiles for use in organizational publications;
• Creating a template for and producing an annual report;
• Updating and maintaining development database and e-newsletter data system;
• Assisting development and fundraising efforts, including but not limited to conducting grant research and providing administrative support for special events.
• Performing daily news searches and keeping staff abreast of relevant local and national news related to youth, education, and mentoring.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with web editors and skill in and/or willingness to learn more about web-based communications;
• Exceptionally strong writing and oral communication skills;
• Experience in document layout, design and/or production;
• Proficiency in basic office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Access) and basic database skills;
• Ability to organize information graphically for presentations and publications;
• Strong information and resource gathering skills;
• At a minimum an undergraduate degree – ideally in one of the following: English, mass communications, journalism, graphic design or marketing;
• Interest in improving circumstances of low-income, minority youth;
• A desire to be part of a busy organization undergoing change and seeking to establish itself as a leader in its field.
• Event planning experience is desired, extremely useful, but not essential.

 The candidate must be highly organized, creative, critical thinker who is at ease in both professional and informal environments, attuned to the interests of youth, able to interact comfortably with diverse organizations and individuals, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team to plan and complete tasks.  Contact:                    Karin Sheets                                    KSheets@mentorsinc.org                                      (202) 783-2115

Press Interns

Freshman member of Congress is seeking 2 unpaid press interns for Washington, DC office.  Interns will assist Director of Communications with development and distribution of press releases, web site maintenance, blogs, social networking page, op-ed writing, development of constituent mailers, logistics of town halls, pitching to press, gather newspaper clips and more.  Interns will also be asked to attend committee hearings and follow specific legislative issues. Must have strong written and oral communication skills, and be able to work in a fast pace environment.Applicants should be professional, organized, able to take direction and willing to learn. Congressional internships are an excellent opportunity for both students and recent college graduates to gain Capitol Hill work experience. To apply, please e-mail a resume and cover letter detailing the times you are available to work to:  ResumeNY@mail.house.gov.

Burson-Marsteller Info Session on Tuesday, February 12 from 5-7PM.

Come join Monica Belsito (COL ‘05) and David Ambrose (COL ‘07) for an Information Session about Burson-Marsteller and the Harold Burson Summer Internship Program, Tuesday, February 12 from 5-7PM.

Alumni of the HBSI program, Monica and David will speak in more detail about the internship and B-M’s worldwide offerings. For more information about the program, see below.

“The Harold Burson Summer Internship (HBSI) Program is a paid internship at one of Burson-Marsteller’s U.S. offices. Each intern is assigned to a client team or specialist group, guided by an experienced professional. Every intern will have the opportunity to serve as an active team member, while learning critical communications skills. Colleagues from different specialty areas of the company conduct seminars for interns each week. Interns are also grouped into teams to work on a special HBSI project, which they present to a senior management panel for review. By the end of the summer, interns will have experienced many of the opportunities and challenges facing our clients. Additionally, the summer internship offers an invaluable career-development experience that may lead to an employment opportunity with us after graduation.”

Visit the event’s Facebook page where students can register to attend: http://georgetown.facebook.com/event.php?eid=7717118542. The event should also be listed on Hoya Career Connection.

Communications Job at Georgetown University

Georgetown University

Job No: 2008-0003B
Job Title: Media Relations Officer, International – Office of Communications
Department: Office of Communications
Grade/Level: (
Date Posted: January 02, 2008
The Media Relations Officer, International, is responsible for creating, implementing and managing communications for the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, the McDonough School of Business and international issues at Georgetown University; develops strong working relationships with key administrators, department chairs, deans, program directors, and faculty members throughout the University and develop a keen understanding of the University’s strengths and priorities in the particular area of global engagement and business; contributes to the communications strategies in support of Georgetown’s goals and objectives by generating increased visibility and awareness of the University’s academic excellence, research findings and the specific contributions of faculty in the University community; provides expertise related to the news media that cover issues in higher education, international affairs, and business; and provides guidance and/or direct assistance to colleagues on related public relations strategies and efforts. Reports to the Director of Media Relations. REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, liberal arts, international relations or related field of study; at least two years of experience in public relations, journalism, broadcasting, higher education, non-profit institution or related area; excellent written and oral communications skills; good judgment; ability to work on deadline; demonstrated interpersonal skills; and flexibility. Plus for proven media placement experience and knowledge of Microsoft Word and related systems.