Target’s new Racial Equity Action and Change committee (REACH) has created an action plan which focuses on four areas: Team, Guests, Communities and Civic Engagement and Public Policy.
Since the brutal murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police at the end
of May reignited the Black Lives Matter movement and more thorough
examinations of the systemic racism baked into our economic and social systems
in the US, we’ve seen a flood of support from companies large and small —
ranging from platitudes and sound bytes to donations to earnest
commitments,
changes in policy, and overdue reboots of heritage
brands.
Just days after Floyd’s death, Target CEO Brian Cornell shared the retail
giant’s commitment to
stand with Black families and fight against racism, starting with a $10
million
pledge to
advance social justice in local communities. Target then launched a Racial
Equity Action and Change committee (REACH) — made up of six senior company
leaders — to create an action plan. While the company continues to push for
progress on its existing
goals
around diversity and inclusion, Cornell and the REACH committee shared a new
action plan this week, which focuses on four areas: Team, Guests,
Communities and Civic Engagement and Public Policy.
Team
Target has committed to creating "a workplace where Black team members can build meaningful careers and experience success at every level." The company pledges to bring this to life through anti-racism training and education for all team members; as well as career development, progression and advancement for Black team members — with a
commitment to increase Black representation and reduce turnover at every level.
Guests
Target will "create environments where Black guests feel overtly welcome and see themselves represented across our products, marketing and shopping experiences." The retailer says it will source and design significantly more products from Black creators, designers, vendors, agencies, contractors and suppliers; offer its resources and expertise to help advance Black-owned and -founded businesses; and partner with companies that share and uphold Target's anti-racist policy standards.
Communities
Defying Online Algorithms with Authentic, Impactful Storytelling
Join us as representatives from BarkleyOKRP lead a thought-provoking discussion with two brands that care deeply about their workers' rights and wellbeing, Tony's Chocolonely and Driscoll's, about how to successfully involve consumers in social-justice issues with authentic storytelling that defies online algorithms — Friday, May 10, at Brand-Led Culture Change.
Target says it will "find new ways to accelerate the prosperity of Black communities" — including prioritizing philanthropic investments and designing volunteer projects to address racial inequities faced by Black communities. The retailer says it will even approach store development and remodels in ways that create solutions with community partners.
Civic engagement & public policy
In its work with policy makers, Target has committed to stand up on key issues that will help end systemic racism — including safety and police reform, education and economic opportunities; and support non-partisan efforts to encourage fair, accessible and safe voting.
Target says it will report back on its plans and progress in the coming weeks.
Published Aug 19, 2020 8am EDT / 5am PDT / 1pm BST / 2pm CEST
Sustainable Brands Staff