About

ISG is a social issue research and advisory firm.

We deliver deep insights into social change.

ISG provides decades of research experience and insights for companies, brands, foundations and causes to build effective strategies and campaigns for inspiring consumer and public action for change.

We add depth and experience to your team.

ISG’s talented researchers, data analysts, designers, writers and administrative staff have collaborated with teams around the world and across the spectrum of social change to develop social issues, public action and movement campaign strategies.

 
 

The ISG Manifesto

 

We believe in the power of every individual to shape social change―and the power of every company, brand, foundation and cause to inspire them to do so.

 
 

We believe in empowering people working toward social change to share what they have done and learn from each other. We believe in the potential of these networked experiences and underlying insights to enhance and move forward every effort at improving our world.

We believe the role of a social issue leader is to drive progress by identifying new territory for the issue and those affected by it.

Cultural and social moments are the catalysts that drive support and advance society.

 

We are committed to equipping leaders with the data, insights, tools and guidance they need so that when such a moment occurs, they are ready to develop broader narratives, recruit new supporters and guide public action to adjust and reinforce their audience’s beliefs—a powerful factor in deepening an individual’s authentic sense of identity with and loyalty to people who care about the same social issues they do.

The Power of Knowledge

 

We believe that social change can occur only when efforts are based on verifiable data. Globally, more than half of all organizational data currently generated by user interactions is considered “unused, unknown and untapped”[1] and “a vastly wasted resource.”[2] Attempting to resolve any issue without data is tantamount to working in the dark. 

We are committed to knowing the most current research methodology while remaining open to new methods that preserve the integrity of the research.

We are committed to presenting relevant and verifiable data that can help cause and movement leaders define their goals and use their resources wisely to achieve them.

Critical Social Issue Change

 

We believe that leaders of social change create an environment in which well-informed and equipped supporters can achieve milestones that reinforce their efforts, tangibly note progress and claim the movement’s influence on public discourse around an issue.

This is what must occur before a movement can realize critical social issue change, because its leaders deeply understand their issues and the factors that have shaped and strengthened supporters’ beliefs around the issue you serve. 

Ensuring All Voices Can Be Heard

 

The aim of social change is to improve the world for everyone, creating an inclusive, diverse and kind world full of opportunity. Social progress cannot be limited, barred or withheld from certain groups of people because of their race, ethnicity, gender, abilities, faith, or political or sexual orientation. Thus, we are committed to working with diverse partners, clients and colleagues, and to conducting our work authentically and transparently while protecting the privacy of those individuals who request it or to whom we have overtly or implicitly promised it. 

 
 

[1] State of Dark Data report.

[2] Handbook of Research on Tacit Knowledge Management for Organizational Success.

 

 Here’s to leading for social change!