What Is CSR & How To Be A CSR Activist (NGO)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to business practices involving socially beneficial initiatives. Corporate social responsibility can include a variety of tactics, from a portion of corporate earnings to charity to the implementation of “greener” business operations. The role of a CSR activist is to help in the implementation of CSR by the companies. 

Corporate social responsibility policies play a role as a self-regulatory mechanism by which enterprises monitor and ensure that they actively observe the spirit of the law, ethical standards, and national or international norms. Hence, the aim is to increase long-term profitability and shareholder trust through aggressive public relations and high ethical standards to reduce corporate and legal risks by assuming corporate responsibility.

Thus, the CSR strategy encourages companies to have a positive impact on the environment and stakeholders, including consumers, employees, investors, communities, and others. To foster this CSR activist play an important role. 

There can be different approaches to CSR activities

1. Philanthropy

This includes monetary donations and assistance to non-profit organizations and communities. Donations in areas such as the arts, education, housing, health, social welfare, and the environment, but excluding political donations and business sponsorship.

2. Environmental

One of the main focuses of corporate social responsibility is the environment. Enterprises of all sizes have large carbon footprints. Hence, they can take any steps to reduce these footprints and are considered to be good for both the company and society as a whole.

3. Creating Shared Value

It is based on the idea that business success and social welfare are interdependent. Businesses need a healthy, educated workforce, sustainable resources, and a good government to compete effectively. To flourish, it is necessary to develop and support profitable and competitive enterprises to generate income, wealth, taxation and philanthropy

Now, comes the main agenda.

How to be a Social/CSR Activist?

First thing, who is an activist? What do they do?

Activists are the people who want to bring change and devote time to do something. A vision for a better future and their passion drives them in this direction. Activism naturally flows to some people, and others, when they experience harm to them or their love, they will be imposed on them. Whether you want to be an activist or not, you can do so, regardless of your age, your means, or your background. It is people like you who believe they can change, and who will ultimately change the world.

The role of a CSR activist is crucial in defining CSR. CSR Activist are committed to ensuring that companies become or remain socially responsible, and they do so in two ways: criticism or confrontation. Criticism can have an impact, but complex confrontational tactics, such as boycotts or large-scale demonstrations, can create a huge crisis. Thus, the presence of many  CSR activist explains why companies are continually investing in efforts to improve their image and reputation.

However, the community of CSR activists must be careful, according to the researchers. If they rely solely on criticism, they are less likely to have an impact on business behavior. However, if they continue to trigger crises – that is, they will fight the extreme level – the target companies will assume that they will never be able to give up their efforts from engaging in socially responsible activities.

Here are a few musts to do’s to be a CSR activist

1. Identify a social problem

The first step is to identify all the social problems which touch you. Next drill down to those problems which you really want to work for passionately. Passion is the most important factor which determines one’s success in any field.

2. Learn how to message effectively

While maintaining your passion and also maintain a sense of courtesy, respect and a basic understanding of motivation psychology. In short, no one likes to be told that their life is wrong, certainly, you will not. Rather, the emphasis is on making people aware of social and personal practices that transcend their usefulness and provide a realistic and accessible alternative.

There is a positive vision, one that shows your purpose, not just your objections. Remember that fear is the core of much resistance. The fear of joblessness and lifestyle degradation is a special concern that drives the resistance to the message of activists. However, if you do not provide alternatives that are viable, feasible and respectful of people who may be affected, do not be surprised if they object to your call to change.

3. People skills

People skills are important in any realm of life. People’s skills can be defined as the ability to listen, communicate, and connect with others at an individual or professional level. Good people skills also include the ability to solve problems, empathy for others and the common interests of the common efforts of the will. If you have no empathy for others, you will not be able to raise your voice and bring about social change.

4. Find Like-Minded People

When you are part of a network of like-minded people, your career has a stronger purpose and you will benefit from their friendship, support, and knowledge. Social media and volunteer services can help you connect with people with similar interests, but do not stay there. Summon your activists to work in everyday conversations. You never know who may share the same passion. And, you may just recruit another member for your career! Remember, when it comes to activism, there must be the power of numbers!

5. Use of Social Media

As you all know, social media is a buzz these days. Everyone is so overwhelmed with facebook, twitter, etc these days that it has become the best media to get support, promote or preach something.

Use social media to raise awareness of errors, injustices, or problems. Tell a story, short, clear, and let it quickly grab your readers. Point them to where they can find more details; more leads – readers need to read more before trusting their cause.

Even an anonymous Facebook group or post can spark a revolution. It should hit the right notes and exposes injustice. However, if you choose to stay anonymous, keep polite and well researched, leave links and pictures, etc., so people find and verify your statements.

Tweet:  Use words or phrases prefixed with # symbols on Twitter to help spread and share information about a topic. Hashtags can be used to coordinate protests, update people about ongoing crises, and crowd sourcing information.

Publish on YouTube: Have you witnessed injustice? Record it on your phone and post it to YouTube. You’ll need a YouTube account with a mobile setting that you can upload directly from your phone to your YouTube channel. Or provide a feed of events on the ground as they happen with a live video broadcasting app.