Core principle: Use the language of material risk, compliance, and fiduciary duty. The goal is to trigger due diligence and decision-maker action, not to win a political debate.
1. Ground Rules: Safety, Ethics, and Legality
- Protect yourself and colleagues: Avoid sharing sensitive data in public channels. Keep internal discussions confidential and respectful.
- Use lawful access only: Do not access systems or documents you are not authorized to view.
- Follow professional conduct standards: Read the Campaigner Code of Conduct before acting.
2. Reframe the Issue as Material Business Risk
Anchor your advocacy in the risk framework used across the boycott campaign. This makes your case credible to legal, compliance, and executive stakeholders.
Weak framing: "This is controversial and makes us look bad."
Strong framing: "This exposure creates legal, financial, operational, and reputational risks under the Four Pillars of Material Risk."
3. Map the Decision Chain
Identify who can actually change policy or exit relationships. Start with governance roles and then map operational owners.
- Board and Audit Committee: Oversight of material risk and compliance.
- General Counsel and Compliance: Legal exposure and due diligence obligations.
- Procurement and Supply Chain: Contracts, vendors, and supplier risk.
- Investor Relations and ESG: Ratings, disclosures, and reputational impact.
- Business Unit Leaders: Revenue owners with authority to pause or exit programs.
4. Build the Evidence Packet
Credibility depends on evidence. Keep it concise and sourced.
- Internal commitments: Human rights policy, supplier code of conduct, ESG statements.
- Exposure map: Contracts, partnerships, subsidiaries, or vendors linked to Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) operations.
- External references: Use credible sources and legal context from the Legal Framework Guide.
5. Build an Internal Coalition
Change happens faster when multiple teams align behind a single, professional ask.
- Start with quiet 1:1 conversations to identify allies.
- Engage employee resource groups or workplace networks where appropriate.
- If unionized, consult union representatives for protected channels and advice.
6. Draft a One-Page Internal Brief
Keep it short and actionable. A one-page brief can move faster than a long report.
- Summary: One paragraph stating the exposure and why it matters.
- Evidence: 3 to 5 bullet points with sources or internal references.
- Risk: Map to the four pillars (legal, financial, operational, reputational).
- Ask: Start enhanced due diligence, pause high-risk contracts, and elevate to board oversight.
- Timeline: Clear next steps with a 30 to 90 day window.
7. Escalation Ladder (Internal First)
Start with internal channels and document responses at each step.
- Manager and team lead: Request a risk review.
- Ethics hotline or HR: File a concern referencing policy commitments.
- Compliance and Legal: Ask for enhanced human rights due diligence.
- Executive or Board escalation: Request formal oversight and a response plan.
8. Anticipate Pushback
Objections are predictable. Prepare responses in advance.
- Use the Objection Handling Guide to stay focused on material risk.
- Reiterate that this is a compliance issue, not a political statement.
9. When Internal Channels Fail
If internal channels are blocked or ignored, document the steps taken and seek safe, lawful options. You can submit information through the encrypted Secure Intelligence Reporting channel. Consider independent legal advice or union support if available.
10. What Success Looks Like
- Formal launch of enhanced human rights due diligence.
- Suspension or exit of high-risk contracts or partnerships.
- Board-level oversight and published remediation plans.
- Clear internal guidance on ethical boundaries and supplier expectations.
Last updated: January 2026