With its new grassroots advocacy program, REI aims to leverage its 15,000 employees, 20 million co-op members, and larger customer base to fight climate change and progress toward equity in the outdoors.
In an effort to help folks take a more active part in key social and environmental issues, REI today announced the Cooperative Action Network, a grassroots advocacy platform. The top three policy priorities of the program are “climate action, outdoor equity, and the places we love (from national forests and other public lands to nearby nature like your neighborhood park),” REI wrote. And you can take part in advancing these priorities.
“Our co-op was founded on the principle of individuals coming together for the greater good. Now, the stakes have never been higher for our planet, ourselves and future generations,” said REI President and CEO Eric Artz.
“Today we’re announcing Cooperative Action — a new initiative to harness the collective power of our 20-million-member, 15,000-employee community to combat the most pressing issues facing our industry and society — climate change and racial equity.”
Be a Climate Advocate
Anyone can get involved. Wondering how to make your voice heard? Visit the Cooperative Action Network landing page to keep up to date with new advocacy initiatives and write to Congress, sign a petition, or submit a public comment about the issues that matter to you. You can also subscribe to email updates so you don’t miss a thing.
Initiatives REI is currently highlighting with its program include the REPLANT Act, the Connecting America’s Active Transportation System Act, and the Parks, Jobs and Equity Act.
You can write to Congress right now and help pass these bipartisan bills. Just click “Email Congress” and get writing.
REI’s 2020 Impact
The Cooperative Action Network is a continuation of REI’s investment in its impact work and future business operations. REI reported zero profits in 2020, but that doesn’t mean last year was a failure for the co-op.
Today, the brand also released its 2020 financials and annual impact report. Some of the highlights include:
- $2.75 billion in co-op sales
- $6.3 million invested in 400-plus nonprofit partners
- $112.4 million distributed in member rewards
- Commitment to cut its carbon footprint in half by 2030
- Commitment to advancing racial equity
- New product sustainability standards
- Curbside Pickup and other COVID-safe practices
- A used gear trade-in program
REI will continually update the Cooperative Action Network with more ways we can all further the common good and protect our shared outdoor spaces. So keep checking back to stay abreast of the issues and make your concerns known.
