The Ticking Clock Edition

Belated wishes for a happy and healthy 2025.

Every year since 2015, I have penned an annual “look ahead” at what is coming in the world of social impact and sustainability. With just four days left before our country turns over to the new administration, things feel very different this time.

Nevertheless, those I interviewed for my article in Fast Company gave me introspection and guidance for what’s coming and how we should prepare. Yes, there will be uncertainty, yes there may be chaos, but as cliché as it may sound, we are, and will be, stronger together.

Please also note that on Friday, February 7th at 2pm ET/11am PT, McPherson Strategies and the Ravenyard Group are hosting a free webinar entitled “Navigating Uncertainty: Tools and Actions for Nonprofits to Adapt in a Changing Landscape.” Register here.

Lastly, let’s celebrate some promising news. Today, President Biden affirmed that The 28th Amendment (ERA) is the law of the land, guaranteeing all Americans equal rights and protections under the law.

With gratitude for your continued readership,

Susan

Brought to you this week by Canadian-based Account Director, Devinder Lamsar, who will be drinking plenty of tea and listening to classical music on repeat this year.

TikTok's Ticking Clock

The clock is ticking for TikTok, with the app set to shut down in the U.S. this Sunday. If you haven’t already heard of Xiaohongshu — loosely pronounced “Shau Hong Shew” and otherwise known as RedNote – and Lemon8, you will soon, as a wave of TikTok users are flocking to these apps ahead of the potential ban. TikTok’s impact on American culture has been staggering, with nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults using the platform several times per day. While rumors of a TikTok sale to Elon Musk swirl, communicators should act now to future-proof their brands and audience relationships.

Democracy for Sale?

Donald Trump’s new administration will be the wealthiest in U.S. history. What could go wrong? The wealth inequality gap has only widened nearly 15 years after the Occupy Wall Street protests. More than 8 in 10 adults view the gap between the rich and poor as a problem, citing the political influence of the wealthy as a major contributor. Americans should be united in questioning whether democracy can withstand increasing skepticism about fairness, ethics and the balance of power. The next four years will be a great test of why those principles matter – and whether citizens, institutions, and leaders can rise to the challenge of building an economy that works for us all.

Scorching High Insurance

As the L.A. wildfires rage on, they are on track to become the costliest blaze in history, with losses projected to reach $250 billion. This will put California’s already fragile insurance market to the test in the age of climate change. Despite the insurance industry reporting a record $87.6 billion in profits in 2023, coverage in California has become increasingly expensive and harder to secure due to the state’s vulnerability to wildfires. High-cost, last-resort policy options exist, but the scale of these fires will likely deplete those reserves many times over. This begs the question, who pays for climate damage? The answer is clear – all of us.

Media:

• The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism released journalism, media, and technology trends and predictions for 2025 based on a survey of 326 leaders from 51 countries and territories.?
• Learn about the top 10 social media trends you need to know in 2025 based on the 20th edition of The Sprout Social Index?, which surveys over 4,000 consumers, 900 social practitioners and 300 marketing leaders across the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia.

Business:

• McPherson client BSR outlines 6 actions for businesses in 2025 Post-Roe America.?
• Shoutout to all the female founders and brands for jumping into action to support L.A. wildfire victims.??
• A respect-filled workplace is an engaged workplace. However, according to a new Gallup poll, only 4 in 10 U.S. employees say they feel respected at work.
• Do you know a talented woman working in AI? Nominate her for the inaugural She Shapes AI award by January 31.?

Philanthropy:

• The new Trump administration could use the Department of Justice, IRS, and other entities overseeing nonprofits to launch aggressive, politically motivated, and potentially illegal attacks against charitable organizations. Learn more here.
• Global leaders say blending finance and philanthropy is essential to scaling investments, unlocking capital and driving systemic change in climate and nature initiatives.
• Planetary health is a global problem, but the most impactful solutions are local, according to Laudes Foundation CEO Leslie Johnston.

Culture:

• This MLK Day, honor Dr. King’s legacy and follow his children’s advice: celebrate his impact while paying close attention to Trump’s inauguration speech.?
• Combat loneliness with a Stammtisch ("shtom-tish"), which means “regulars’ table,” an age-old German tradition of meeting regularly with like-minded people to chat and share drinks.??
• Americans are now spending?more time alone than ever and it’s impacting our health, our communities, our politics, and even our understanding of reality, per The Atlantic.

Driving Global Digital Inclusion with HP Inc. and the HP Foundation

Applications are now open for The Digital Equity Accelerator, a joint initiative between HP Inc. and the HP Foundation. The Accelerator helps nonprofit organizations scale innovative approaches to meet digital inclusion needs among youth and adults who are historically disconnected. In its first three years, the Accelerator helped 27 participating organizations expand their reach by more than 9 million people. For the 2025 program, nonprofits in Greece, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Spain, including those using AI to advance impact, are invited to apply. HP will accept applications until 11:59 p.m. EST on February 12, 2025.

Connecting With Dee Poku Spalding

The latest issue of our CONNECTED newsletter features Dee Poku Spalding, Founder and CEO of The WIE Suite, a membership club redefining how women leaders achieve success by providing the community and tools they need to thrive. An innate community builder, Dee has created platforms that have attracted global business and cultural icons, including Queen Rania and Nancy Pelosi. Her initiatives, from The WIE Network to Black Women Raise, champion diversity, accelerate women’s advancement, and transform the leadership landscape. A former senior marketing executive in film, she now drives innovation at the intersection of leadership, community, and culture. Read about Dee’s intentionality with the people she surrounds herself with and how she prioritizes meaningful, quality interactions. Don’t miss future editions of CONNECTED—subscribe now to stay inspired by changemakers and thought leaders.

• Join McPherson Strategies for a timely webinar?to explore how nonprofits can employ tools to define threats, prioritize responses, and align actions with their mission and brand.?
• The Women’s Philanthropy Institute will be hosting its Philanthropy Trends in 2025 webinar on Wednesday, January 22 at 12 pm ET. Register here.?
• Take a Narrative Healing guided hybrid course with Omega hosted by McPherson friend, Lisa Weinert.
• Tech:NYC Foundation's Decoded Futures provides nonprofits with 6 weeks of AI training, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge AI resources. NYC-based education and workforce development nonprofits can apply by January 31.?
• On Inauguration Day and MLK Day, Tiffany Shlain and Let it Ripple invite you to participate in hosting gatherings in your home or office.?
• The United States Council for International Business (USCIB) is seeking a Senior Vice President of sustainability.?
• The Council on Criminal Justice is hiring a Director of Communications.?
• Adobe is recruiting for a Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist.