LS&Co. Unzipped
May 10 2011
Doing the Right Thing for the Right Reason
“Leaders of Tomorrow" -- that’s how Time magazine characterized my father, Peter E. Haas, Sr., and my uncle, Walter Haas, Jr., in 1953.
It was a well-earned title for these two business leaders -- in the midst of making Levi’s® a staple of every American’s wardrobe, they also cut against the grain by creating racially integrated workplaces as they established Levi Strauss & Co. factories across America.This norm guided the opening of our California plants during the 1940s. It was also a non-negotiable principle in 1960: When the Company purchased a plant in Blackstone, Virginia, my family insisted on making it an integrated facility.
Peter and Walter were also part of the first generation of Levi Strauss Foundation leadership. It was my Uncle Walter, in fact, who almost thirty years ago asked me to take his place on the Board of Directors.
Deeply honored by his request, I accepted at once. I’ve been part of the Foundation ever since.
The main lesson I’ve learned at the Levi Strauss Foundation is to embrace our commitment to do what’s right, even if it raises a few eyebrows along the way. We stand by the notion that low-income people can save their way out of poverty, that it’s essential to improve the lives of apparel workers on and off the factory floor, and that a proper global response to HIV/AIDS begins by combating stigma and discrimination.
This foundation is a great source of pride for the entire Board of Directors. In the coming months, my fellow Board members will share some projects that make us unique. This one’s my personal favorite:
Through Pioneers in Justice, the Levi Strauss Foundation supports five of the most dynamic, next-generation social justice leaders in the San Francisco Bay Area. Together, they’re developing cutting-edge ways for their organizations to address the energy and events of our time. By using social media tools and powering innovative networks to advance justice, our Pioneers aim to engage a new generation of supporters and advocates.
In the social justice realm, it’s the way of the future.
Like Bob Haas -- President of the Levi Strauss Foundation and Chairman Emeritus of Levi Strauss & Co. -- once said, the foundation is a testament to our family’s belief that we “can both operate a successful company and have a positive impact on the community.”
Or, to paraphrase, that we stand behind doing the right thing for the right reason.
Posted By: Peter E. Haas, Jr., Director, Levi Strauss Foundation |
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Jerry Zhao (not verified) - May 18 2011
I always consider the levi's is a great brand. hope he is growing l stronger .
Sam Alexander (not verified) - May 13 2011
I work with Levi in the 70's. I was employed under the EEOC program. Levi was one ot the most professional and fair company that I have work with in my career. Thank you for giving me a great opportunity. Sam Alexander
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