4 Shopping Tips to Support Inclusion, Diversity, & Positive Change  June 29, 2022 – Posted in: Press

You already know that supporting and donating to organizations that prop up minority and disabled populations is important. But you should also know that where you spend your paycheck can have just as much power. By choosing to support businesses and brands that are dedicated to inclusion and equity as well as a diverse workforce, you can make even more of a difference in the world. And these tips from Toni D Newman can help!

Always Research Businesses Before Buying 

This is so important if you want to make sure you’re supporting businesses that are pro-diversity. Even so, we understand that time constraints can make digging into each and every company and product difficult. That’s why Glassdoor collected diversity statements from some of the most popular brands, including Nestle, HP, Microsoft, and Gap, to make consumers aware of who is stepping up to the plate when it comes to hiring an inclusive workforce. 

Look for Diversity and Inclusion in Marketing 

To maximize the impact of your dollars spent, you should also look for signs of inclusion in each business’s marketing efforts. With so many people being underserved, including the 0.22% of American consumers living with deafness (according to Gallaudet University), inclusive marketing has become a must for any business that wants to succeed. Before you shop, make sure brands are making an effort to close the diversity and inclusion gap.

Make Sure Brand Websites are ADA-Compliant

While you’re checking out corporate sites, note whether accessible features are present. Given that ADA compliance is required by law, you would think that big businesses would put an emphasis on features that support all consumers. With companies like Dominos facing ADA-compliance lawsuits, however, this isn’t always the case. 

Accessible features you should look for include adaptable text alternatives added to all multimedia content, the availability of content in various formats, and easily distinguishable content that is easy to see and hear. 

Search for Charitable and Political Donations 

Most corporations give back to communities and causes they care about, and you can find information about these donations with a little online research. Let’s take two current hot button topics: racism and equality. These are issues that have plagued communities across the country and have spurred companies PepsiCo, Apple, Lego, and Nike to pledge millions of dollars to nonprofits and organizations that are fighting to promote systemic diversity and change. 

While it can be an even trickier subject, political donations can also clue you in as to whether companies truly support diversity and inclusion in society. Because your own values will influence which political donations matter most, you should do your own homework to see which campaigns CEOs and companies have donated to in recent years.  

Representation, inclusion, and equity are all so important when it comes to protecting and promoting marginalized communities. You can help prop up these communities by being more selective about where you spend your money because as a consumer, you have more power than you know to influence positive change in our world. 

Toni D Newman is a 1985 graduate of Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She is currently studying law with plans of becoming a lawyer defending the Transgenders and their rights. Feel free to reach out today!

Photo Credit: Pexels

Nora Hood