Introduction

Ben & Jerry’s CEO Jochanan Senf argues that businesses have a profound responsibility to protect and strengthen democracy, especially when institutions face unprecedented pressure. As a Vermont-based brand with a global reach, the company has long tied its social mission to the health of the communities it serves.

What Happened

This election cycle, Ben & Jerry’s launched the Razz Up! campaign to amplify partner organizations working on voter access and democracy defense. The brand invested nearly $100,000 through its Scoop Shop initiative, Waffle Lotta Good, and committed $3 million in unrestricted funding to the People’s Action Institute to support grassroots organizing beyond Election Day. Millions have viewed the content and over 175,000 people have taken action with Ben & Jerry’s this election season. A midterms-focused flavor and experiential events in Detroit and Houston reached nearly 10,000 people, while a pop-up called Fudge Fascism in Washington, D.C., marked the 1965 Voting Rights Act anniversary with a direct message about the stakes.

Why This Matters

The company’s Linked Prosperity model holds that a business’s success should be measured by the value it creates for both customers and the communities it relies on. With voting rights, freedom of expression, and fair elections under threat, Ben & Jerry’s argues that no business thrives in an authoritarian climate. Partnerships with the ACLU, Black Voters Matter, Community Change, and the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium have expanded their reach, helping educate voters and protect the right to participate.

Key Takeaways

  • Ben & Jerry’s has a multi-year history of supporting voting rights, from 2016’s Empower Mint flavor to 2018’s Amendment 4 campaign.
  • The Razz Up! campaign, supported by flavor partnerships and grassroots events, directed thousands of engaged consumers to partner-led voter protection efforts.
  • $100,000 raised in October and a $3 million investment in community organizing demonstrate a significant financial commitment to democracy.
  • The company encourages other businesses to join nonpartisan coalitions like Civic Alliance to build collective action.

Conclusion

Democracy, the CEO emphasizes, is not a one-time event but a habit that requires ongoing commitment from businesses and individuals alike. As the nation looks ahead to 2028, the message is clear: sustained engagement, local involvement, and corporate responsibility are essential to keeping the political system accountable and inclusive.