Dear Reader,

I hope this letter finds you all in good health and high spirits. As we embrace the blossoming beauty of spring, I wanted to take a moment to share a more personal note with all of you.

May is not only a time of rejuvenation and growth but also a month that holds great significance for mental health awareness. It is a topic that touches many lives, including my own, and I believe it's essential to create a brave space for open conversations about it.

Over the years, I have encountered my fair share of challenges and faced various obstacles, both personally and professionally. However, one particular hurdle has been more persistent and demanding than any other: depression. It is a topic that is often shrouded in silence and misconceptions, and I have come to understand the profound impact it can have on our lives.

Depression is not a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of; it is a genuine illness that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Its invisible grasp can make it difficult to seek help, leading to a sense of isolation and despair. I understand firsthand the weight it carries and the exhausting battle one fights against it each day.

But amidst the struggles, I've also discovered the power of compassion, empathy, and support. It is in these moments of vulnerability and shared experiences that we truly realize we are not alone. By bringing our struggles into the light, we take an active step towards erasing the stigma surrounding mental health. Together, we can foster understanding, offer support, and encourage conversations that help us grow as individuals and as a community.

I invite each and every one of you to participate actively in this discourse. Share your stories, offer encouragement, and let us know how we can best support you on this journey. Remember, it is in our collective efforts that we pave the way for a more compassionate and inclusive future.

I do also have a couple housekeeping things I want to make sure are on your radar as well. This month marks the five year anniversary of the documentary film Dawnland (click here to see the trailer). Dawnland is an Emmy Award Winning film that takes a peek behind the curtain at the truth and reconciliation commission in Maine as it pertains to the harms and atrocities faced by the Wabanaki nation. For the 5 year anniversary, you can stream the film for free here during the month of May, which is only for 5 more days, I highly recommend carving out sometime to watch this film.

Also, mark your calendars for June 22nd at noon ET. I've had the honor of collaborating with our friends at B Lab, the ACLU and with some amazing B Corps across the country (Mightybytes, Dr. Bronner's, Mixx Graphics, Alluvium Gatherings, and Cultivating Capital) for a virtual Pride is Still Protest event (click here to register). The event will be an opportunity to connect with other B Corps and social enterprises around how we can be supporting the LGBTQ+ community amidst the onslaught of over 470 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been introduced around the country with a record of over 70 of them codified into law. The event will be collaborative with opportunities to connect and share how this landscape is impacting you and your business and we will collectively work together to identify solutions and next steps we can all take to support our communities and team members. 

Last, but certainly not least, if you're ever in Yarmouth, Maine and you work for a certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet Member, or a non-profit, you are welcome to work out of our co-working space for free. Simply reach out to us at letscowork@dirigocollective.com and we'll send you all the info you need to know. 

Thank you for being a part of this community, and I look forward to embarking on this meaningful journey together.

With warm regards and gratitude,

Benn Marine (He/Him)

Director of Social and Environmental Impact | Dirigo Collective

Another Year of Giving 

We are so excited to celebrate that this past year we gave back 1% of all sales revenue to non-profits that give back to this earth! Last year we supported Teens to Trails, Carbon Offsets to Alleviate Poverty, and Only One. We encourage you to click and learn more about each of them. 

Celebrating a Century

OF PURPOSE! Amalgamated Bank hit a very big milestone and we had their Chief Sustainability Officer on the show to talk about all the different initiatives the bank has implemented over the years. 

Listen to the Podcast here

Camp Here, Stay Wild

Our paid media team is thrilled to be working and inspired by the people at Huttopia North America! We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our team put into taking elevating their brand by placing ads on billboards, screens in gyms, electric car charging stations, and more! Look for these ads in and around Boston! 

Impactful Decisions

Jared Meyers has a long list of accomplishments in the world of using business as a force for good, like founding the certified B Corp and 1% for the planet member Legacy Vacation Resorts. We discuss his various ventures and how they are having an impact.

Listen to the Podcast Here

Rebrand with Purpose

As we leave our skiing season behind us, we wanted to shed light on this beloved community mountain in VT that is making a big impact with their rebrand paying tribute to mental health awareness month and the indigenous people that cared for those lands for centuries. 

See our IG post for more

April's Impact Champion

🎉 Brittany Angelo, Impact Strategist 🎉

As we look for new ways to improve and reward our employee's we have partnered with Ecologi. With Ecologi's help, we will be planting trees and avoiding carbon from being contributed to our atmosphere. As a Certified B Corp and 1% for the planet member, our media and impact consulting agency, is also turning inward to evaluate ourselves. We want to lead by example which is why we are honored for April, Earth month to be the first month of this new program.  

Visit our Forest on Ecologi

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