The Social Venture Network (SVN) Standards of Corporate Social Responsibility was published in 1999. It was created through the collaborative work of several SVN members in response to the growing consensus that companies and organizations have a social obligation to operate in ethically, socially, and environmentally responsible ways. SVN members, many of whom were and continue to be the pioneers in the movement to do well while doing good, have built successful, socially responsive businesses and thought it worthwhile to share those experiences with others. Indeed, these SVN pioneers, along with business leaders everywhere, are seeking tools to improve both the social and financial performance of their organizations.

SVN Standards of Corporate Social Responsibility (downloadable, 230k PDF requires Acrobat Reader, free from (Adobe) is a living document. It is a beginning. After an organization begins working with the content, a dialogue will undoubtedly ensue about tools and techniques, successes and failures.

In 2000, the Socially Responsible Business Awards, awarded in conjunction with the Natural Products Expo East convention and trade show, adopted SVN's Standards of Corporate Social Responsibility to determine the award winners.

Founded in 1987 by some of the nation's most visionary leaders in socially responsible entrepreneurship and investment, Social Venture Network (SVN) is a nonprofit network committed to building a just and sustainable world through business.

SVN's mission is to inspire a community of business and social leaders to build a just economy and sustainable planet.

SVN promotes new models and leadership for socially and environmentally sustainable business in the 21st century, through initiatives, information services and forums that strengthen its community and empower its members to work together on behalf of their shared vision.
For more information, visit www.svn.org.