Here’s the charter:

We envision a new sector of the economy which harnesses the power of private enterprise to create public benefit. This sector is comprised of a new type of corporation – the B Corporation -
which is purpose-driven and creates benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.

As members of this emerging sector and as entrepreneurs and investors in B Corporations, we hold these truths to be self-evident:

- That we must be the change we seek in the world.

- That all business ought to be conducted as if people and place mattered.

- That, through their products, practices, and profits, businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all.

- To do so requires that we act with the understanding that we are each dependent upon another and thus responsible for each other and future generations.

“I see this downturn as an amazing opportunity for social and cultural growth…”

It seems to me that the debt that underlies this downturn is also a flywheel keeping us from adopting new ways of living: If consumerism dies so will the ability to pay the excessive debt–tragically, a moral in addition to an economic failure would result from adopting a more moral and responsible way of living.

Has it come to that, or can we find economic ways to value non-consumer goods? It seems that churches and other non-profit organizations do that on a limited scale, governments on a much larger one. Perhaps employee-owned businesses that provide essential services are another way of fostering the “right” kind of capitalism?

I’m way over my head here, but I know this. The thinking you are doing in this post is CRITICAL. Thank you!

Tracy

I think the bailout of failed banks was a terribly unwise decision – I think it’s going to cause far more damage in the long run than if we had simply let these failed banks die – I don’t believe the world would have come to an end. The management teams behind these failed banks should be on the street with resume-in-hand, or flipping burgers. Instead, we have lavishly rewarded gross incompetency.

I see this downturn as an amazing opportunity for social and cultural growth, but corporate-controlled media and political systems will not send this message. Instead, we will hear that an economic downturn is something to be feared, and that our governments (our taxes) must keep this system propped up at any cost. There are powerful forces at the highest global levels (energy, world banking, military-industrial, media, etc.) that are doing everything they can to sustain a largely unsustainable system.

However, as a pragmatist, I’m wondering what suggestions you might have for where do we go from here? What do you suggest we do, as citizens, given this knowledge? (besides spreading the word about this post?)