Announce Institutional Commitment to Values-Based Purchasing

When announcing an institutional commitment to values-based procurement, there are institution-specific considerations that may be relevant. Below are some considerations that may arise. 

When making announcements about its commitment to values-based procurement, an institution is often addressing both internal and external audiences. The exact audiences will differ depending on the institution and its desire to engage particular groups. Further, certain methods of announcement may be more effective at reaching or influencing certain audiences. Institutions preparing to announce a commitment should consider their target audiences and strategize accordingly. 

For example, a higher education institution’s target audiences might include students (both current and prospective), faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and trustees. Pledges, action plans, and informal partnerships may be successful in reaching current students, faculty, and staff. Prospective students are more likely to see commitments if they are prominently placed on the institution’s website or in brochures and materials shared during visits or tours. Press releases and reports have an increased potential to reach alumni, donors, and trustees—especially when paired with an informal partnership or MOU with a values-based partner. 

On the other hand, a corporate institution’s target audiences may include employees, executive officers, board members, shareholders, clients (current and prospective), and the general public. Reports will be important for reaching board members, shareholders, and clients, particularly when they incorporate progress metrics and accountability structures outlined in action plans and memorandums of understanding with values-based partners. The general public, meanwhile, tends to benefit from press releases and prominently placed information on the institution’s website. 

These kinds of audience breakdowns can be applied across institutions and help identify the various constituencies an institution should consider when announcing a commitment to values-based procurement. As another example, hospitals may tailor their strategies to reach patients, doctors, staff, board members, and donors when crafting an announcement strategy. 

Most institutions will want their announcements to reach potential values-based partners, including nonprofits, food hubs, and producers. Because these organizations may not regularly engage with an institution’s website, reports, or formal pledges, more direct and relationship-driven methods (such as informal partnerships and MOUs) may be most effective. Press releases are also a useful method for reaching these types of external audiences, especially when picked up and shared by local media outlets.