Communicopia is part of a growing community of social entrepreneurs who aim to build profitable, sustainable enterprises that balance social change, environmental, and profitability goals.
Leading change
As one of the world's first new media firms, we built some of the first sites on the web back in '93. We survived the .com meltdown focusing on delivering real results for real clients. We saw ideas like corporate social responsibility, sustainable business and enterprising non-profits move from quaint to powerful movements driving change into the mainstream.
Our main community effort comes through founding, funding, and producing the Web of Change community and website which convene a global community of leaders who use the web to drive social change. Read more about our role and WOC's community driven model here.
Buying Local
As an enterprise we strive to tread as lightly as we can. Our purchasing guidelines have always favoured local, ethical, and sustainable sources. We’ve always used old-growth free paper, stocked fair trade footstuffs, supported transportation alternatives, and used sustainable building materials, as much as is possible.
We send our our old computers and electronic equipment to the Electronic Recycling Association for donation to local charities, children's facilities and non-profit organizations.
Staff like that we support a balanced lifestyle. We work flexible hours, choose projects we dig, and take pride in a work environment where no one has to check their values at the door.
Giving generously
In 2008 we donated time or deeply discounted our rates for at least these people:
Our head office is in Gastown, Vancouver, a block from the challenges of the Downtown Eastside, Canada's poorest postal code. We walk, ride, and live in this neighbourhood every day so are never far from the realities of people missing out on the benefits of our modern, wealthy culture.
Through our deep involvement with BC Social Venture Partners and other charitable organizations, we collaborate with others to offer grants, expertise, and innovation to non-profits working to improve people's lives.
We take a hands-on approach to collaboration. We typically have long relationships with organizations doing innovative, transformational work before providing donations on projects. Though we also love hearing new ideas! (as long as they're grounded.)
We aspire to be the change we wish to see in the world. These small acts — integrated into the core of our business — help advance our mission to serve the betterment of all.