Our model is simple yet radical: we generate revenue by selling research, consulting, and training services to civil society organizations. We then distribute the majority of our annual profits as philanthropic contributions to grassroots non-profit organizations. Current and former employees own our shares and participate in the various governance bodies of our cooperative.
What do we believe in?
We are committed to human rights, justice, economic equality, equity, and civic participation. Empower was founded to serve civil society organizations, NGOs, unions, workers, community movements, universities, philanthropic organizations, and other groups affected by the unchecked expansion of financial capital and corporations.
By closing the knowledge gap between civil society and business, stakeholders can build long-term power through human rights advocacy, strengthening institutions, and building democratic economies.
Principles that guide us:
- Human rights and justice; we work for those who defend rights.
- Solidarity and dignity for all work.
- Equity and inclusion of all communities and workers, regardless of origin, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
- Participation and representation of communities and working people in their local, labor, and political institutions.
Who we don’t work with:
- We do not work for companies or governments, unless their interests specifically align with our short- and long-term Social Commitment.
- We do not research to maximize corporate profits or to reinforce repressive state power.
- We do not get involved in internal conflicts between civil society organizations. Our mission is to rebuild economic relationships from the ground up, promoting organizational solidarity, not opportunism or sectarian conflict.
Ethical standards
We are committed to:
- Organizational transparency and compliance with applicable legal regulations.
- Accountability to clients, partners, the board of managers, and worker-owners.
- Absolute respect for the information and privacy of clients and partners.
- Consultation and clear information about research results.
- Human rights perspective internally and externally.
- Participation of worker-owners in organizational decisions.