Taking the Pledge

The Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility states: “I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.”

A fork in the road is a terrible thing to waste

I like this idea a lot.  I like it because it’s a reminder to students, schools, and employers that we have a choice to seek out jobs that match our values.  That choice is quickly becoming a right, not a luxury.

So far more than a hundred universities, graduate schools—even some high schools—have adopted this pledge in varying ways: printing it in the commencement program, giving students wallet-sized cards with these words on it, wearing ribbons in honor of it.

When I was in college, I never took a pledge.  I guess I had a pledge in my mind, but it consisted more of a general sentiment than of specific tenets.

I decided to write down what those specific pledge items would be, and came up with the list of 10 things below.  I think it’s important to note that social and environmental consequences aren’t the only requirement for me.  It’s more about positive company culture, thoughtful decision-making processes, and a pro-social compass that guides the work.

I’m curious what others’ lists would look like.

I pledge:

1.  To advocate for transparency above secrecy

2.  To judge opportunities from every side, not only the most convenient one

3.  To consider the interests of all stakeholders fairly and evenly

4.  To ask the hard questions

5.  To build relationships with colleagues based on trust and mutual benefits

6.  To remember the community that exists outside my office walls

7.  Never to accept that my company’s social efforts are good enough

8.  Never to take the easy road over the right road

9.  Never to say, “The work is terrible, but the money is good”

10.  Never to make a decision at work that I wouldn’t make in any other situation

Image: “Another Fork in the Road“  // Flickr: whatnot //  CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

You may also enjoy:

1. Social Change From the Inside Out When a company is as environmentally responsible as Stonyfield, you’d...
2. No Tradeoffs Last week I participated in a conference call featuring Andrew...
3. What the Whole Foods Boycott Says About Social Responsibility I just spent an hour reading comments on message boards,...
4. Don’t Wait to Get Laid Off The down economy is tough on jobs, but I keep...
5. Your Obsession At Its Core What makes a successful business?  Is it a good business...