Learn more about our new responsible business plan to drive economic, environmental and social advancement.
By: Rebecca Nicole Laming
When the world thrives, we all win.
In the early weeks of the COVID-19 crisis, Verizon stepped forward to offer support to organizations on the front lines and communities hit hardest by the pandemic. This was not the first time we saw a signal for help and sprang into action. Running toward a crisis is simply something we do as V Teamers.
Doing well by doing good is a guiding force behind how we operate and show up for society. So, it should come as no surprise that Verizon announced today a new responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon, reinforcing our deep-rooted commitment to address pressing societal issues through action and accountability.
Citizen Verizon will serve as a framework to assess how we leverage our resources, technology, and employees to drive progress in three key areas where we have an existing legacy and the opportunity to expand our impact.
Digital Inclusion
Our commitment: Provide 10 million youths with digital skills training and one million small businesses with resources to help them thrive in the digital economy by 2030.
Using next-gen technology, Verizon is developing an education platform for grades K-12 that will support the hybrid learning models emerging from COVID-19. The platform will support district leaders, teachers, parents and students by enhancing resources with a focus on remote education and leveraging technology for learning. Parents will also receive digital literacy training to help the entire family prosper.
Championing digital inclusion and education is not new to Verizon. These commitments and actions expand upon our Verizon Innovative Learning program which provides 350,000 underserved middle school students across the country with technology, connectivity and immersive curriculum to help close the digital divide. Since 2012, the Verizon Innovative Learning program has provided more than $535 million in market value towards STEM education.
Additionally, we will continue our support of small businesses to help them be digitally ready today and into the future. By 2030, Verizon will provide 1 million small businesses with resources to thrive in the digital economy.
Climate Protection
Our commitment: Verizon pledges to be carbon neutral in our operations by 2035, reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy and purchasing carbon offsets.
Just last year, we reduced 8.8 million metric tons of emissions, equivalent to taking 1.9 million cars off the road for one year. Verizon was also the first U.S. telecom company to issue a Green Bond, with nearly $1 billion in net proceeds for renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, sustainable water management, biodiversity and conservation. By deploying 24 megawatts of additional on-site renewable energy by 2025 to planting 10 million trees by 2030, we are continuing to demonstrate our commitment to protecting the planet.
Human Prosperity
Our commitment: By 2030, Verizon will prepare 500,000 individuals for the jobs of the future through skills training and mentorship.
We know the rapid advancement of technology requires new skills to succeed in an increasingly digital workforce. Verizon is providing tools and services to help prepare the most vulnerable and under-resourced communities for the jobs of the future.
Citizen Verizon Assembly
On July 28, Verizon will bring together activists, social entrepreneurs and both nonprofit and business leaders for the inaugural Citizen Verizon Assembly: Charging Social Change Forward. The hour-long virtual event will focus on the importance of corporate responsibility in addressing the most pressing economic, environmental and social issues.
Citizen Verizon Assembly will be live-streamed on Yahoo Finance on July 28 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM ET. Stay tuned for more information on participants!
Calling all V Team volunteers
Now, more than ever, the world needs all the good we can offer. While Verizon has a strong scorecard and rich legacy when it comes to doing right for the greater good, Citizen Verizon is how we intend to double-down our efforts, lead the way and deepen our impact.
You can help by offering your time and service as a V Team volunteer and contribute to our company-wide goal of 2.5 million volunteer hours by 2025. While no one person can change the world on their own, your actions will be matched by the strength of over 135,000 Verizon employees.
We have the power to make a difference and use our shared ingenuity to build a brighter future with Citizen Verizon guiding us #ForwardTogether.