Q1 2023: Our Path to Impact

Spend a few minutes browsing through Intentional Futures’ body of work, and one theme will become clear: impact– our clients’ emphasis on advancing it, our employees’ dedication to making it lasting, and the hope that our mission, vision, and values will drive towards it. 

As part of our journey to B Corp certification, and in pursuit of collecting the sum of the impact our stakeholders have in our community and beyond, we are proud to present iF’s 2022 Impact Report. This report is an open reflection of our shared commitments and progress in 2022, as well as the gaps and goals we’re working towards for 2023 and beyond. Through this effort, we hope to look back each year with pride at what we have accomplished, rather than regret at what we failed to do.

Access the full report here.  

Our Dedication to Organizational Equity 

We’re sharing our new Organizational DEI and Antiracism Commitment Statement, crafted through a collective effort from individuals across Intentional Futures. This statement exists as a reflection point for all the work that we do, particularly when it comes to matters of hiring, organizational culture, and engaging with marginalized groups. 

Intentional Futures (iF) is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment for its employees as well as its broader stakeholder ecosystem. In our work across industries, sectors, communities, and geographies, we seek to leverage our position and resources to empower and elevate the voices of those with whom we work. This is especially true for communities, groups, and persons that face marginalization, discrimination, and oppression that target their identities and seek to prevent them from full participation in society, including work, social activities, community involvement, and business.  

We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are dynamic and ever-evolving. We therefore embrace the principle of continued learning and seek to continuously improve how we serve and work with communities impacted by colonialism and systemic oppression. We do so both in how we approach our projects and in how we conduct ourselves in the workplace. We do not discriminate based on sex, gender, race, ethnicity, age, or any parts of the identity of a person or group. We actively engage with curiosity and humility in learning, work, and discussion to unearth our implicit biases and be equitable stewards of the privileges we collectively possess.

Reinvesting in our Ethical Marketing and Privacy Policies

In addition to a refreshed DEI policy, we took time to update our marketing and privacy policies to stay in line with the latest legislations and changes in technology. 

Review the policies on our website here.

Happenings

Other things we’re working on include:

• Jessica, Tynan, Debi, Craig, and Michael are analyzing the marketplace and business implications for a large technology company’s strategic missions and technologies team.
• Mike, Michael, and Craig are collaborating with a venture fund to implement an instant payment solution in developing countries.
• Hina, Jen, Isabela, and Malia are working with a large multilateral fund to announce a green accountability call for proposals that empowers citizens and civil society to integrate their needs, concerns, and feedback into climate and environmental finance mechanisms and garner donor support.

Read, watch & listen 

We asked iFsters “What’s something you read, saw or heard this past quarter that gave you a practical, actionable takeaway?”

Alison Gazarek – Equitable Philanthropy Case Study: The 1954 Project Approach: Bridgespan

Recently I've been reading about equitable philanthropy and addressing racial barriers to capital - specifically investing in Black leaders. I'm especially interested in the recent case study on the 1954 Project as a model that addresses the historical disinvestment in Black-led organizations, and the barriers and opportunities for more intentional, equitable funding to these high-impact, necessary, and excellent organizations.

Debi Blizard – “ClimateJets.org”: created by 17-year-old local Seattleite Akash Shendure

This website illuminates the stark disparity between the jet carbon emissions of the ultra-rich versus the average American. It’s a great example of a simple yet powerful data visualization which exposes the hypocrisy of many billionaire climate change warriors who refuse to give up a life of luxury.

Tia Holiday – Trauma-Informed Instructional Design Practices: published by The Journal of Applied Instructional Design

This open access issue provided curriculum developers, and educators alike practical strategies, frameworks, and case studies, to apply trauma-informed pedagogy in learning environments.