Intentional Futures was founded upon the belief that the world’s most complex challenges require collaborative approaches coupled with rigorous and imaginative thinking. Through our work, we strive to bring people together to generate solutions which center equity and sustainability in our communities, and create positive impact for as many as possible.
Over the years our dedication and collective commitment to making the world a better place has continued to grow. To crystallize this commitment, in 2021 we began the process of applying for B Corp Certification. B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on a variety of factors that impact people, community, and planet. From the B Corp website, certified organizations “are mission-driven companies that balance purpose and profit” and “they are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.”
While lengthy and rigorous, the B Corp application process has fostered a culture of introspection, accountability, and continuous improvement. As we eagerly move through it the stages of evaluation, we want to step back and acknowledge that the journey itself has already made iF a better place to work.
While lengthy and rigorous, the B Corp application process has fostered a culture of introspection, accountability, and continuous improvement. As we eagerly move through it the stages of evaluation, we want to step back and acknowledge that the journey itself has already made iF a better place to work.
The application encouraged us to review, document, and update our policies and practices to strengthen the iFster experience. One of the most notable outcomes of the B Corp application was the development of “iF Norms." The iF Norms became a valuable tool for circulating new and existing practices--proving incredibly useful for onboarding new team members, fostering inclusivity, and setting clear expectations for communication and working styles. It not only helps new hires but also provides a centralized reference for existing team members, ensuring a sense of belonging and access to vital information.
Community engagement is another pillar of the B Corp process, which challenged us to think more deeply about our community impact. It prompted us to implement paid volunteer time and host volunteer events, including adopting the street outside the new office. We formalized our commitment to donations and sought opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the community around us. These initiatives have not only benefited our community but have also strengthened our bonds internally, fostering a shared sense of purpose.
As a consultancy, our environmental impact differs from those traditionally thought of, such as manufacturing or retail organizations. Despite this, the B Corp application encouraged us to consider the environmental commitments we could make. We embraced sustainable practices, such as purchasing repurposed furniture and promoting alternative transportation options like ORCA passes for all iFsters. These changes aligned with our values and offered dual benefits, both for the environment and for iFsters.
A significant aspect of being a B Corp is the publication of an impact report. Many B Corps publish annual impact reports which serve as a valuable exercise in transparency and accountability. The 2022 iF Impact Report allowed us to highlight our client work and the internal initiatives we undertook to create positive change. The B Corp entity, by its nature, encourages transparency and public accountability, fostering an environment of continuous improvement across people, community, and planet.
The B Corp application process urged us to update policies, particularly in areas like data privacy and ethical marketing. It pushed us to exceed industry standards and ensure our business practices align with the highest ethical and security standards. These changes not only benefited iF but also resonated with our clients, who value rigorous privacy and security protocols.
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Applying to be a B Corp has been a transformative experience for iF. It has propelled us to reevaluate our practices, enhance our impact, and deepen our commitment to stakeholders which only furthers our mission.
While B Corp certification is not yet guaranteed, the process itself has already been immensely valuable for iF. Regardless of the outcome, the energy and excitement surrounding higher standards and ethical business practices will endure at iF.
