MISSION
Working Assets was established in 1985 to help busy people make a difference in the world through everyday activities like talking on the phone. Every time a customer uses one of Working Assets' donation-linked services (Long Distance, Wireless and Credit Card), the company donates a portion of the charges to nonprofit groups working to build a world that is more just, humane, and environmentally sustainable. To date, over $50 million has been raised for progressive causes.
The company also serves as a strong political force, dedicated to giving its customers the opportunity to speak out on critical public issues through its Web site and monthly phone bill.
DONATIONS
Since 1985, Working Assets has generated over $50 million for progressive nonprofits, including Greenpeace, Doctors Without Borders, Planned Parenthood, Amnesty International and Project Vote, among many others.
Every year, a percentage of Working Assets' revenue is placed in a donations pool for annual distribution. Donations come from the top line (sales), not bottom-line (profits), therefore donations are made whether or not Working Assets makes a profit.
Customers can nominate nonprofit groups to receive funding each year. After a Working Assets project team evaluates the effectiveness of the hundreds of nominees, Working Assets employees and board of directors select 40 to 50 groups for the annual donations ballot. At the end of the year, customers vote on how to distribute the donations among the groups.
Customers can voluntarily "round up" their monthly long distance bills, donating the tax-deductible extra amount to Working Assets' general funding program. Working Assets also makes special appeals for round-ups, addressing immediate needs like emergency relief efforts.
ACTIVISM
In 1991 Working Assets created the Citizen Action program to provide customers with timely information and easy ways to speak out on important issues. Each month the company highlights two crucial national issues and five state issues (California, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington) under debate, explaining what's at stake and whom to contact. The company includes action alerts in its monthly phone bill. Working Assets customers can call the targeted decision-maker free of charge every day of the week, or have a low-cost, well-argued advocacy letter sent on their behalf. ActForChange.com users can take action online free of charge, about urgent issues of the day ranging from U.S. politics to environmental issues.
In 2006 alone, Working Assets customers generated nearly four million calls, letters and e-mails to Congress, the White House and corporate leaders on issues of critical public concern.
Created in 1995, Working Assets' Flash Activist Network (FAN) is a rapid response program designed to give customers a chance to speak out on fast-moving issues before all is said and done. Throughout the year FAN monitors critical events as they unfold and notifies members by phone, fax or e-mail when it's time for action. Members can call a toll-free number for details on the issues at hand, then be transferred directly to the targeted decision-maker, or send a personalized fax. For a low monthly fee, FAN members can influence public policy before it's too late.
VICTORIES
Working Assets is one of the most powerful progressive citizen-action groups in the nation. Each month, Working Assets customers generate approximately 80,000 calls and letters on important issues of public concern. Some recent political victories include: protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling; fighting political corruption, staving off plans to dump the Endangered Species Act and saving Social Security.
INFORMATION
For more information on Working Assets' services and programs, visit our Web site at WorkingAssets.com or call toll free 800/668-9253.
From the Working Assets website.
References / Past Projects
The donations we generate go to nonprofit organizations working around the world for civil rights, economic & social justice, the environment, and peace & international freedom. Over the years we've supported groups like the ACLU, Greenpeace, Doctors Without Borders, Organic Consumers Association and Planned Parenthood, to name a few. To see a complete list, click here
