Reflection and change

June 2020.  This month marks the beginning of our tenth year in business at Ramp.  It is also the month we recognize both Juneteenth and National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. 

Sadly, this June is really like no other in recent memory. The deeply upsetting events that have unfolded over the past month remind us that we are still so very far from properly dismantling the racism, discrimination, and violence that has oppressed people for centuries.

Anniversaries are always a good time to reflect and plan for change and growth but 2020 is truly a flashpoint.  We are optimistic because finally,  the world appears to be waking up to the full extent of the change that is needed.

As human beings, each of us must do more. As companies, we must do more. When we created Ramp, we wanted to stand for good and be a force for positive change. 

Our purpose is to make change happen

And so, we have reflected on our responsibility and on the action we must take. During this, our tenth year in business we are committed to the following:

• We stand in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour marketing and advertising professionals and have signed their Call for Equity requiring measurable action by Canadian agency leaders to create a more equitable, inclusive and anti-racist advertising and marketing industry.

• We have formed an internal committee that is tasked with addressing how Ramp can act on each of the 12 calls to action. Specifically, we will consider how to break down barriers for BIPOC professionals entering and progressing in the advertising industry, and ensure advertising content includes authentic BIPOC perspectives and representation.

• We are committed to doing the work to engage in analysis, education, and action on anti-racism, specifically anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism.

• We will broaden our pool of creative talent to purposefully include BIPOC artists and writers.

• We will collaborate actively with multicultural agencies to deepen our understanding and capabilities.

We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and are making a public commitment to track and be accountable for real and lasting change. We will continue to learn as we go and always strive for more. To our advertising colleagues and clients, we invite you to join us in this vital work.

Let’s change things.