Core77

Here's why: The Designers Accord isn't a manifesto, and it's not about "green" design. It's not a trend or a website, and it's most decidedly not a professional organization. The Designers Accord is a global coalition of powerful change agents from every creative discipline across six continents, working together to create the future of design.

In an industry where we are expected to have all the answers, the Designers Accord gives you the right to ask for help, share your stories, and challenge each other, our schools, and our clients to think bigger and design better. All around the world, our members benefit from actively sharing knowledge with each other through real-world events and online activities.

When you are part of the Designers Accord, you have a new kind of permission. It's the permission to use design to tackle the most important challenges of our time: those around climate change and humanitarian issues. We're not overly earnest (this is a granola-free zone), but we do believe we have a responsibility to be more than stylists or storytellers. We believe designers have the most prepared minds and the right kind of optimism and creativity to change the world.

So how does it work?

The barrier for entry is low—the Designers Accord has no fees, and it's straightforward to join. All we ask is that you start doing the best work of your career.

You can adopt the 5 guidelines of the Designers Accord through your profile on designdirectory.com, or by emailing info[at]designersaccord[dot]org. More info at designersaccord.org.

Valerie Casey is a designer and change agent. She is the founder of the Designers Accord.