Guide to Crafting Your Commitment Letter to summarize your corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach
A commitment letter is a key document for structuring and communicating the vision, mission, values, and actions of a company or organization. It clearly showcases your ambitions and positioning to your stakeholders. Here is a guide to writing a powerful and coherent commitment letter. It is important to note that this commitment letter is a public document intended for all stakeholders, both internal and external
1 - Letter of commitment - WHY?
The commitment letter summarizes your corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. It outlines the commitments made by your company, based on an analysis of your organization’s impact on society and the environment.
This allows you to:
- Clarify your vision, mission, and values
- Formalize your commitments (social, environmental, etc.)
- Demonstrate alignment with reference frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or specific standards (e.g., ISO 26000). Referencing the SDGs is common practice among companies.
- Strengthen trust with your stakeholders (clients, employees, partners, etc.)
The most valuable aspect of drafting a commitment letter is the collaborative work required beforehand. This process helps unite teams and departments within the company around a common goal.
2 - Letter of commitment : HOW ?
Part 1 : Intro & context
The opening should capture attention. Briefly present:
- Who you are (company, organization)
- The purpose of the letter: your desire to affirm your commitments in CSR, sustainability, or ethics
Example:
“At [Company Name], [a company specialized in…], we believe it is possible to reconcile economic performance with environmental respect and positive social impact. Through this letter, we aim to formalize our commitments and reaffirm our determination to contribute to a sustainable future.”
Part 2 : Mission, vision et values
- Mission: Why you exist, your role
- Vision: What you aspire to become or achieve
- Values: The principles guiding your actions
Example:
“Our mission is to… We aspire to…”
Part 3 : Your concrete commitements
Present the actions you are implementing. Refer to frameworks like the SDGs or relevant certifications (ISO 26000, etc.). Ensure your statements are precise and pragmatic.
Example:
- “We support… (SDG …)”
- “We guarantee… (SDG …)”
- “We collaborate on… (SDG … and …)”
Part 4 : Call for collaboration
Conclude with an invitation. Show that your commitment is a collective and sustainable effort.
Example:
“We believe that together, through collective action, we can build a more respectful and supportive future. We invite you to join us in this endeavor and become agents of change alongside us.”
3 - Best practices to follow
- Authentic tone: Speak sincerely to inspire trust.
- Be concise: A clear letter, preferably one page long, will have a greater impact.
- Rely on concrete facts: Avoid vague promises; focus on measurable and verifiable actions.
- Personalize the letter: Adapt it to your stakeholders or specific objectives.
Writing a commitment letter is an essential step in formalizing your CSR approach and asserting your ambitions. It helps rally your stakeholders around your values and actions. Ensure it reflects your authenticity and your desire to contribute positively to the world around you, with actions that are measurable and verifiable. 🌍
