Successful advocacy results in a positive change in a company practice, policy or transparency. Success has taken many forms, such as stronger recycling programs, more inclusive human resource policies, agreements to provide for independent monitoring of labor conditions, or comprehensive public reporting. Walden also recognizes that cultivating corporate and public awareness on issues of concern is frequently the first step on the continuum of change. For this reason, Walden believes that raising public awareness of a social, environmental or corporate governance issue is a worthwhile endeavor in and of itself.

Sometimes success comes quickly, but more often it is incremental. We are proud of the results we have achieved with our clients, including the following:

• Walden has spurred changes in board composition through our appeals to diversify boards of directors by adding women and people of color.
• Walden has persuaded many companies to adopt more inclusive nondiscrimination policies and to provide comprehensive public disclosure on diversity initiatives, progress and results.
• Walden has helped convince major beverage manufacturers to increase recycled content in plastic bottles.
• Walden has successfully pressed major drug store chains to phase out the sale of mercury thermometers, which contribute to mercury pollution.
• Walden has won commitments from many firms to set goals for increased transparency on a variety of issues including environmental stewardship, labor practices, executive compensation policies and corporate governance reform.

For more examples of Walden initiatives, we invite you to visit Walden Actions to find Walden news, publications and press releases.