INSPIRED IMPACT™ gives voice to social entrepreneurs and leaders of purpose-driven organizations who are making an impact in their communities, industries, and around the world.
Shireen Karimi is the Director of Digital Communications of Green America headquartered in Washington DC. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube and learn more at greenamerica.org.
WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am Shireen Karimi and I manage the communications department of the organization, which focuses on the individual/consumer/broader public audience. At Green America, our mission is to harness economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. Therefore, we strategically focus on three key areas:
1. Consumer Education and Mobilization: Consumers are the pressure point for economic change. It always starts with the customer demanding change.
2. Green Businesses: Small businesses are the innovators and job creators. A green economy requires a vibrant small green business sector.
3. Supply Chain Solutions: Direct engagement with major supply chain players for solutions at scale.
Consumers demand the change, green businesses prove it can be done, and major players bring it to scale for system transformation.
WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR? WHY DOES THE WORLD NEED YOU?
Our organization is unique in a few ways:
1. Integration of both social justice and environmental values. It’s what we mean when we say “green.”
2. Economic focus on marketplace solutions
3. Interconnection of consumer, business, and supply chain strategies
We focus on four areas for system transformation:
1. Climate and clean energy
2. Sustainable food and agriculture
3. Responsible investing
4. Fair labor
We also fully believe in the power of the individual. We each are empowered to create the world we want to live in, and when we come together, we truly can shift entire industries and see real solutions.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
For the last few years, Green America has been focusing on pushing major companies to switch to renewable energy from fossil fuels. We are delighted to report that the targets of our campaigns – Amazon, AT&T, and Sprint – have all made huge shifts to clean energy recently. This proves the power of our voices coming together to push for real change.
We are also shifting the agricultural system to more sustainable, regenerative practices that are better for soil health, pollinators, and our own health, as well as able to capture carbon and combat the climate crisis.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
We have an amazing team of people at our organization. We all truly care about these issues and inspire each other. Also, we collaborate with other organizations that are doing great work as well. Our members are also an inspiration with their actions and support. Plus, we can see that our work makes a difference. It can be overwhelming sometimes, but all the victories and progress keep us going.
WHAT’S YOUR VISION, YOUR BIG DREAM, FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
We work for a world where all people have enough, all communities are healthy and safe, all creatures are protected and thriving, and the bounty of the Earth is preserved for all the generations to come.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THAT DREAM COME TRUE?
Broader reach and collective action. If everyone signed our petitions and took actions with us, we could shift entire industries to more sustainable and just practices. That partly requires more money and capacity to spread the word and engage more people.
WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU FACING?
Reaching more people with information and empowering them to take action. We are bombarded by so much content today it’s hard to stand out and break through. Storytelling is key and yet sometimes difficult to adequately implement.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Stay strong in your values and keep working towards the world you want to live in. Sometimes all the problems in the world can be overwhelming, but we are making progress. We just have to be smart and strategic in our approaches.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT THE IMPORTANT WORK YOU’RE DOING?
A better world starts with you. Take action in your own life, push companies to change, and contact your legislators on issues that matter to you. We help you do all of these things with our resources and publications. We offer tips and information on how to green your life and green your world.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
Join us! Sign a petition, sign up for our email list, become a member and donate, and follow us on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/Greenamerica/
https://www.instagram.com/greenamerica_/
https://twitter.com/greenamerica
http://linkedin.com/company/green-america/
Orapin Marketing + Public Relations supports purpose-driven brands and leaders with a rallying cry and a deep desire to make an impact. We share their stories, news, expertise, and advice to build awareness, trust, and engagement. If you would like to be featured on INSPIRED IMPACT™, reach out to hello@orapinmarketing.com.