1. Honesty IS the best policy.

2. The initiative should start at the top.

3. Be transparent.

4. Enlist employees’ help in developing the plan; listen to what they have to say.

5. Be strategic. If you manufacture ductile iron pipe, for example, consider:

• developing a program to teach kids how pipe is made, starting with how cars are recycled for steel
  
• involve schools
  
• enlist the community’s participation
  
• create a visual for the media to make your point
  

6. Brand the effort. Give it a name and its own identity.

7. Affiliate with reputable groups.

8. Seek third-party endorsements.

9. Communicate your plan to all stakeholders before it becomes public.

10. Insert elements of FUN to enlist stakeholder support! (Example: Green Tuesday/Southwest Airlines.)

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