SOCIAL IMPACT
Why "S" Transparency in ESG is More Important Than Ever
Investors are demanding more ESG data and transparency from issuers. Issuers are also being asked to define and share their corporate purposes. Amid wide scale social unrest around the globe, many stakeholders are even questioning the value of capitalism. It is becoming incredibly important for municipalities and corporations to showcase their added value to society. It is becoming incredibly important to showcase how capitalism is a social good for society at large. AVG has identified the following areas where our firm can make the most meaningful social impact:
- Hire & Train Veterans
- Utilize & Employ Diverse Suppliers
- Invest in Local Communities
Why AVG?
AVG's mission is to provide both business value and transparent social impact to the communities where we serve. Through our innovative platform, we can showcase how communities we serve are positively impacted through each and every transaction where we serve. As Wall Street's first and only Public Benefit Corporation, we believe in our commitment to these initiatives, but also in providing data demonstrating those results. Measuring social impact is more important now than ever, and with AVG as a partner, each client can access metrics for Corporate Responsibility reporting.
Our clients share a common bond in that they care about making investments in the communities in which they operate and serve. Research has shown that shareholder value is enhanced when companies invest in their communities, utilize diverse suppliers, and hire and train veterans. AVG is best positioned to maximize social impact across all three pillars. We maximize social impact delivery while also adding business value.
Case Study: Leading Veteran Career Readiness Organization
We have been proud to partner with a leading veteran career readiness organization and provide them with grants to help fund several programs in New York, Boston, and Charlotte. This highly respected organization partners with top companies across the country to provide student veterans a semester-long program. Developed in partnership with Columbia University, the organization equips veterans with the tools to develop professional foundations and build connections, while introducing veterans to career paths to pursue after completing their education. Each cohort has coaches who have completed the rigorous curriculum and want to help fellow veterans maximize their time in the program. These grants will continue the development of formalized training for coaches and acquire the supporting technology/communication infrastructure needed to measure impact and follow-up with program participants during COVID-19.
Recent data shows that more than 60 to 80 percent of veterans leave their first job at sometime within the first year while the alumni of the organizations we've partnered with stay with their first employer beyond their first year, 77% of the time. American Veterans Group’s investment into these programs was used this past Fall to cover at least 120 current students, train 10 career readiness coaches, and two instructors. We look forward to continuing our partnership with similar organizations to address the emerging needs facing our veteran community.