News & Press

Business for America is working with businesses in Indiana to bring them into collaboration with state efforts to advance civic education. It’s opened a branch in Indiana to lead the formation of an Indiana Business Alliance for Civics, building on commitments from Cummins, Elanco and Salesforce, among others.

The nonpartisan nonprofit Business for America recently interviewed more than two dozen executives at 18 companies and found this to be a common theme. “The way they’ve rolled out D.E.I. has exacerbated divides even while addressing valuable issues,” said Sarah Bonk, BFA’s founder and chief executive. “It has created some hostility, resentment.”

Businesses are concerned that too many young people lack a basic understanding of the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the responsibilities of being a citizen. This limited education about our democratic system makes people more vulnerable to misinformation and sowing distrust in the electoral process, which are destructive to our country’s social cohesion and economic competitiveness.

The summit highlighted some of the work that needs to be done and how educators and non-educators alike can promote civics. The event included five panel discussions that examined civics education along with the role of the private business and the legal community in fostering civic engagement.

State Representatives Jesse Topper, R-Bedford, and Jared Solomon, D-Philadelphia, discussed their differences — and some common ground — on a host of topics related to elections reform on Friday. The event, “Lunch with Lawmakers” is part of what the group Business for America hopes will be an ongoing series. It was co-hosted by a spectrum of business-oriented organizations including the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce.

Last year, we saw a great example of putting country ahead of party, with the bipartisan congressional introduction of the Civics Secures Democracy Act (CSDA), co-sponsored by Senators Cornyn (R-TX) and Coons (D-DE). Streamline is proud to have joined Timberland, Allstate, Cummins, Patagonia, Business for America and many other companies in encouraging congressional leaders to pass the bipartisan legislation.

The nonpartisan advocacy group Business for America is on the Hill today and tomorrow to push for movement on the [bipartisan bill to overhaul the Electoral Count Act] before the House changes hands next year. Business leaders from Salesforce, Cummins, Hannon Armstrong, PepsiCo, Marriott, Bitwise Industries and the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce are set to meet with [members of Congress] about the bill.

There are real risks to developing deeper corporate civic responsibility; but, not supporting our representative democracy is even riskier. BFA Founder Sarah Bonk describes how companies can step up their efforts—and how the “fringe benefits” for culture and business climate make civic engagement an even more worthy investment.

“The future of our republic relies upon effective election administration, public trust in the results, and the peaceful transfer of power — and so do our markets and businesses. Our country cannot afford a constitutional crisis,” said Sarah Bonk, the founder and CEO of Business for America.

As a partner of National Voter Education Week, Business for America continues to encourage and mobilize companies to be an elections resource for their employees. "Any business can help create a more engaged citizenry who are better informed on the issues and able to spot mis- and disinformation... Everyone agrees it's a winning investment,” said Sarah Bonk, founder and CEO of Business for America.

The nonpartisan organization Business for America is mobilizing the business community with a sign-on letter to support the passage of the Electoral Count Reform Act. "The future of our republic relies upon effective election administration, public trust in the results, and the peaceful transfer of power — and so do our markets and businesses," Sarah Bonk, the founder and CEO of Business for America, said in a statement. "Our country cannot afford a constitutional crisis."

Business for America is mobilizing companies to sign a letter urging Congress to pass comprehensive bipartisan civics education legislation in 2022. The letter is open to the business community who will join a growing and diverse list of signatories including Allstate Insurance Company, American Sustainable Business Network, Aspen Skiing Company, Hannon Armstrong, Naturepedic, REI Co-op, Salesforce, and the San Francisco 49ers.

“An investment in civics education produces a more informed and engaged citizenry, which leads to a more educated workforce, greater market stability, and better economic outcomes,” said Sarah Bonk, founder of Business for America.

The legislation has backing from… some business groups hoping to build public confidences in the political and economic systems. “Continued neglect of civics education will further weaken both our democratic institutions and our economic competitiveness,” said Sarah Bonk, founder of Business for America.

“Continued neglect of civics education will further weaken both our democratic institutions and our economic competitiveness,” said Sarah Bonk, founder of Business for America. “An investment in civics education produces a more informed and engaged citizenry, which leads to a more educated workforce, greater market stability, and better economic outcomes.”

More than 60 businesses across Pennsylvania signed a letter to legislative leaders, calling on them to focus on improving the economic climate and abandon efforts making it harder for people to vote.

The movement is a part of a larger trend toward civic engagement and protecting our democracy… Sarah Bonk started the civic organization Business for America after realizing that business engagement would be essential to overcoming political partisanship.

"Research shows that companies with more women in leadership have better financial performance, more innovation, and less risk. When our public servants more closely resemble America’s diverse voices, our democracy will work better, too. It’s an honor every day to work with women from across the country fighting to make our democracy truly representative." —Sarah Bonk, Business for America

Companies can support the PA Back to Business Campaign, which is a nonpartisan effort led by Business for America and the West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative to encourage the state Legislature to focus on economic recovery instead of voting restrictions.

"Our business members and partners agree that a competitive economy functions best in a representative democracy backed by the rule of law and adherence to norms. The assault on democracy in Ukraine is a stark reminder that we must also protect our democratic institutions here at home."

Business for America, whose members include PayPal and Warby Parker, said it was not enough for employers to issue statements and encourage staff to vote. “We urge all companies to ensure their future donations go to those supporting free, fair, accessible, and secure elections that represent the will of the people,” it said.