At ASBN, we specialize in representing the sustainable business voice and bringing together the businesses and experts needed to build our collective power and lead effectively for impact Our expertise lies in identifying the most pressing issues and opportunities for sustainable businesses, convening elite groups of topical experts, and distilling complex information to determine the best path forward in driving a just and regenerative economy.
With over 15 years of experience shaping the regulatory landscape, we design high-impact engagement strategies at the state, local, and national levels. Through our network of state affiliates, we ensure that the business voice is a leading force in state policy. Our members and partners have numerous opportunities to engage—because we are your voice.
At ASBN, we specialize in representing the sustainable business voice and bringing together the businesses and experts needed to build our collective power and lead effectively for impact Our expertise lies in identifying the most pressing issues and opportunities for sustainable businesses, convening elite groups of topical experts, and distilling complex information to determine the best path forward in driving a just and regenerative economy.
With over 15 years of experience shaping the regulatory landscape, we design high-impact engagement strategies at the state, local, and national levels. Through our network of state affiliates, we ensure that the business voice is a leading force in state policy. Our members and partners have numerous opportunities to engage—because we are your voice.
To serve our network effectively, we have developed a dynamic criteria and policy vetting process that ensures our engagement strategies focus on the most urgent issues facing sustainable businesses today.
We encourage members and partners to bring potential impact areas to our Policy Committee, which monthly. This committee—composed of topical and policy experts, including board members, staff, and members—reviews proposals in two rounds.
Round One
Evaluates the proposal’s impact and alignment with ASBN’s mission.
Round Two
Assesses the proposal at an operational level.
If, after two rounds, the committee determines that ASBN is the right organization to take the lead, the proposal moves to our Policy Team for engagement strategy refinement.
This process ensures that ASBN remains focused on the policies that matter most to our network—amplifying the sustainable business voice where it is needed most.
ASBN’s policy approach is community-driven, ensuring our network has full input in shaping our advocacy. Through an open, two-round vetting process, members and partners bring forward key issues, collaborate with experts, and guide our engagement strategy—allowing us to stay entirely focused on servicing our community and its most urgent needs.
Transparency is a cornerstone of ASBN’s policy process, ensuring we lead with our principles of justice and regeneration. We believe full transparency at every stage fosters accountability and trust. By making decisions transparently, we ensure our advocacy remains mission-aligned, community-driven, and impactful.
Policy success is built on research and expert collaboration. Our collaborative community with diverse stakeholders ensures data-driven advocacy, credibility, and thorough vetting of policy implications. By prioritizing evidence-based decision-making, we guarantee that our engagement is both impactful and aligned with the needs of sustainable businesses.
We evaluate proposals using a 0-5 rating system for each criterion. Any question receiving a 0 results in automatic disqualification. With a total of 30 possible points, a proposal must average at least 24 points to advance to Phase 2—without any zeros.
Does the issue fit our mission of creating a more vibrant, just and regenerative economy?
Does this proposal do so in fresh ways, that changes the status quo?
Is the voice of business needed on the issue? (0-5)
Is the issue relevant to the economic concerns of small to mid-sized companies (economic or otherwise), or would it be if they had more information and actionable tools?
Which of the two categories does the issue area fall in?
Are there members or key allies that will take an active lead role?
We evaluate proposals using a 0-5 rating system for each criterion. Any question receiving a 0 results in automatic disqualification. With a total of 30 possible points, a proposal must average at least 24 points to advance to Phase 2—without any zeros.
This transparent and community-driven process ensures that ASBN’s policy work is strategic, well-resourced, and impactful, upholding our commitment to a just and regenerative economy.
Policy proposals originate from ASBN’s community, including members, staff, affiliates, partners, and board members. Every proposal must have a proposal lead who is one person or organizations that champions the initiative through the proposal process.
The community sponsor presents the proposal to the Policy Committee, opening the floor for questions and discussion.
Voting Policy Members independently score the proposal based on ASBN’s criteria. A proposal must receive 75% of voting members consent to move for. If unanimously approved, the proposal advances to Phase 2. If unanimously denied, a detailed explanation is provided to the sponsor, and the topic is archived in ASBN’s Knowledge Hub. If no consensus is reached, the committee holds a follow-up discussion.
If approved, the community sponsor collaborates with the ASBN Policy Team and Leaderships to develop a high-level strategy, assess funding needs, and map key stakeholders. This phase may involve coordination with existing steering committees and ASBN’s policy work.
The Policy Committee reviews the Phase 2 strategy and ensures the proposal has operational alignment and fiscally viable. The committee approves next steps, ensuring adequate funding and a clear engagement strategy for success.
As a member, you’ll gain a powerful platform to share your vision, drive impactful policy changes, and connect with a network of passionate, like-minded leaders.
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