Purchasing with Purpose

Welcome to the first edition of the Purchasing Pioneers newsletter - Each month, we’ll share updates, insights, and resources on impact-led procurement. In this issue: ✅ Why it matters. ✅ How to get started. ✅ What to read to build your knowledge. Get in touch in the comments below if there are things you'd like us to cover in future editions!

The theme of SOCAP25, held Oct. 27-29 in San Francisco, is “The Future Is Collaborative: Taking Impact Mainstream”. We couldn't agree more! Collaboration is at the heart of the Purchasing with Purpose collective of impact networks, enterprises, policy makers, and business leaders. Help us bring these 3 important and connected session topics to the stage by voting for them during #SOCAPOpen. Community voting ends April 13th! #1 Put your money where your mouth is - impact-led purchasing: good for local people and the planet. Featuring Grace Rodriguez for Impact Hub Houston, James Okina for Watson Institute, and Rebecca Dray for Purchasing with Purpose. https://lnkd.in/gzE--z5g #2 Everyday purchasing that creates jobs and prosperity for our community and marginalized people. Featuring Ryan McMillan for Change Please Coffee US, Kellie Brownlow for First Step Staffing, and Zoe Koskinas for Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI). https://lnkd.in/gBrtEsuS #3 People and Planet First Ecosystem Mapping. Organized by Alexandra Miller for Just Results and featuring Shailah Maynard for SEW VALLEY and Rebecca Dray for Purchasing with Purpose. https://lnkd.in/gt42auC5 #Peopleandplanetfirst #socialprocurment SOCAP Global

If you work for or lead a purpose-driven enterprise, you are invited to be part of a nationwide survey Just Results is disseminating in partnership with Purchasing with Purpose, Good Market, and networks and other actors across the US. The results will be anonymized and used to produce a public report that will be shared with survey participants, community networks, aligned policymakers, potential funders, buyers, and other supporters.   Fill out the survey here: https://lnkd.in/gfrQCkV4   ✅ Respondents who submit the survey before April 6, 2025 will automatically be entered in a $10,000 prize drawing with one $5,000 winner and five $1,000 winners.   ✅ Survey participants that qualify for the global People and Planet First verification will receive the first year of verification for free and will have access to additional market opportunities and other benefits.    If you know someone who is running an enterprise of this type (whether for-profit or nonprofit), send them to the 10-minute survey! #peopleandplanetfirst #socialenterprise #sustainablebusiness #cooperative #fairtrade #buylocal #postgrowtheconomy #mutualism

Across the country we are coming together as networks, enterprises, supporters and leaders to map the beautiful diversity of enterprises that prioritize people and the planet over profit extraction. Please join us in Mapping the Movement 2025. If you work in one of these enterprises, fill the short survey and add your voice. It takes about 10 minutes and there is a $10,000 prize draw! Share across the U.S. - fill the survey https://lnkd.in/gfrQCkV4 #Peopleandplanetfirst #socialenterprise #sustainablebusiness #cooperative #fairtrade #buylocal #postgrowtheconomy #mutualism

🌍✨ Happy Social Enterprise Day! 👏 👏 👏 Today, we celebrate the incredible organizations transforming lives and communities through self-sustaining business models. They exemplify how businesses can be a force for good—creating jobs, addressing social challenges, and driving environmental sustainability. 💚 Let’s continue to support and champion these organizations that are playing a critical role to build a better, more equitable and sustainable world. #SocialEnterpriseDay #ImpactEconomy #BusinessForGood #PeopleAndPlanetFirst SEWF - Social Enterprise World Forum C.I.C. People and Planet First

The People and Planet First Supporter Directory is here to open up a world of opportunities for People and Planet First verified organizations. While purchasing from impact-making businesses is a powerful way to drive change, it's not the only way. From listing procurement requirements to offering pro bono or discounted services, providing funding, or integrating People and Planet Verified businesses into your platform—there's something for everyone to get involved. https://lnkd.in/g78zSrnJ ✨ For Verified Businesses ✨ The directory is your gateway to connections and unlocking exclusive offers and opportunities to amplify your impact. https://lnkd.in/ezXFYR6g Let’s work together to support businesses that put people and the planet first. 🌿 #Sustainability #SocialImpact #PeopleAndPlanetFirst #SocialProcurement #BusinessForGood #peopleandplanetfirsweek

What a great start to #PeopleandPlanetFirstWeek here in the US! In addition to the SPP USA Chapter event, we also had the opportunity to share about purchasing from People and Planet First businesses during the SAP Customer Success Day + Industry Leaders Think Tank US Local Chapter session hosted in NY yesterday. We couldn’t have asked for a better example than Change Please , which is tackling homelessness through coffee sales, to showcase the power of impact-led procurement. A big thank you to SAP for championing procurement that drives social and environmental change! Last week, SAP also hosted a similar event in Dallas, where First Step Staffing proudly showcased the impact they are able to create by providing work opportunities and a support system for individuals experiencing homelessness and those previously incarcerated. Thanks to Desire'e Doherty for creating these opportunities to share about Social and Sustainable procurement with Industry Leaders Think Tank US Local Chapters. We encourage you to explore SAP's Business Network platform and take advantage of their filter options for Social and Sustainability certifications, including People and Planet First verified suppliers and discover the possibilities of purpose-driven procurement. #PeopleAndPlanetFirst #SustainableProcurement #SocialEnterprise #SAP #ImpactPurchasing People and Planet First Rebecca Dray Jennifer Mielke Amelia Nickerson Kellie Brownlow

A big thank you to The Sustainable Procurement Pledge USA chapter for organizing this event to bring awareness about impact-led purchasing solutions and the transformative role procurement can play in benefiting communities! 🙌 We’re incredibly thankful to Augustina Kydonieus MCIPS and Anthony Fuller from SPP for spearheading the planning and hosting of this event, to Zoe Koskinas from Compass Diversified for being a steadfast supporter of this work, and to Patrick Bardsley and Kelli Fisher from Spectrum Designs Foundation, a People and Planet First verified organization, for their inspiring contributions. This webinar couldn’t have come at a more opportune time than during #PeopleandPlanetFirstWeek, a celebration of organizations committed to creating positive social and environmental impact. 🌍✨ Let’s keep taking steps forward in embracing Sustainable Procurement! #SustainableProcurement #ImpactPurchasing #PeopleAndPlanetFirst #SpectrumDesigns #SPPUSA #SocialEnterprise #Sustainability Rebecca Dray https://lnkd.in/gAPbqXBS

📅 Only 2 days left until SEWF Social Enterprise Day (21 November)! Join us in shaping the future of social enterprise that puts people and planet first! 🎟 Register for your free ticket today: https://lnkd.in/dcq5BCB7 Don't miss this chance to learn from global leaders creating purposeful change, including: 🎤 Juliana Adam, Biji-biji Initiative (Malaysia) 🎤 Eduardo Jose Bazan Agras, ProCuyo (Argentina) 🎤 Annalisa Contini, COSV - Coordinamento delle Organizzazioni per il Servizio Volontario (Italy) 🎤 Rebecca Dray, Purchasing with Purpose/People and Planet First (USA) 🎤 Gerry Higgins, SEWF / People and Planet First (Scotland) 🎤 Dena Hirschberg, HHPLift (USA) 🎤 Adele Laughton, Queensland Social Enterprise Council (QSEC) (Australia) 🎤 Mohammad Makki, PhD, COSV - Coordinamento delle Organizzazioni per il Servizio Volontario (Lebanon) 🎤 Helene Malandain, SEWF (Aotearoa New Zealand) 🎤 Nthabiseng Modjadji, SEWF/People and Planet First (South Africa) 🎤 Mirabelle Morah, People and Planet First/SEWF (Nigeria/Scotland) 🎤 Álvaro Mur (él/he/him), Red de Impacto LATAM (Perú) 🎤 Jessica Oyarbide, EKHOS (Argentina) 🎤 Megan Pepper, givvable.com (Australia) 🎤 Selyna Peiris, Selyn (Sri Lanka) 🎤 Tizzita Tefera, Social Enterprise Ethiopia /SEWF (Ethiopia) 🎤 Alexandra van der Ploeg, SAP (Germany) 🎤 Duygu Vatan, Impact Hub Ankara (Turkey) 🎤 Hina West SEWF/People and Planet First (UK) 📖 Explore the full programme: https://lnkd.in/dJvDxJAZ #SEWF #SocialEnterprise #SocialEnterpriseDay #CollectiveAction #SustainableImpact #SocEnt #PeopleAndPlanetFirst #PeopleAndPlanetFirstWeek #GlobalCommunity

It's People and Planet First Week! Learn how American College of Healthcare Sciences is strengthening its commitment to impact purchasing to promote sustainable communities: https://hubs.li/Q02YxZs70 In April 2024, ACHS signed on to participate in the Portland Impact Purchasing Pilot Program, a 12-month initiative in partnership with Prosper Portland and Purchasing with Purpose. This program aims to enhance inclusive, regenerative, and sustainable local economies by supporting organizations that prioritize people and the planet. As a Certified B Corp® since 2016 and People and Planet First Verified institution, this program aligns with ACHS' mission of promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. 🌱🌿 ACHS joins organizations including SAP, Port of Portland, and others in making this commitment. #Sustainability #ImpactPurchasing #CertifiedBCorp #Portland #CommunityFirst #EnvironmentalStewardship #Partnerships #PurposeDriven