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Gap went for fairer pay even though the rest of the country wasn't really doing it? Cool.

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Gap Inc.

Because companies in America just plain aren't required by law to pay employees more than minimum wage, many just plain don't. These companies take advantage of the situation, and while their corporate profits go up, employee pay does not.

Recently, Gap joined some other great companies like Costco, Whole Foods, and In-N-Out Burger in voluntarily raising wages for their employees. Unlike some other large retailers, these companies don't want their employees' wages subsidized by the government.


WAIT — WHAAAAT? Yeah, that's right, big companies that don't pay their employees a decent rate are essentially setting up those employees to rely on welfare to make up the difference. (McDonald's and Walmart employees are on welfare BIG TIME, BTW.)

Try thinking of it this way: When companies pay their employees more, they are unburdening our nation's debt. Following that logic, if all companies paid their employees a higher hourly rate, the United States would have less debt and happier people. You go, Gap.

If you're interested in why and how Gap raised their minimum wage, you can read up on that here and here, but I've summarized some of the best points below:

  1. When the minimum wage is raised, it gives people more money to spend. That equals increased demand for goods, which equals more demand for jobs.
  2. When the minimum wage is raised, companies (like Gap) can retain staff longer, which actually brings costs down. Training new people can get expensive when you have to do it a lot! Plus, they get to keep working with amazing people. Those amazing people get more job satisfaction.
  3. When the minimum wage is raised, employees work harder and are happier. Everyone wins.
  4. And who knows? Gap's story might inspire other companies to step up, too. If you're interested in what is considered a living wage in your town, you can find out here.

Here's a bit more about why Upworthy thinks this particular thing Gap is doing is really worth highlighting:CLICK HERE.

If you think it's a step in the right direction, there're little sharey guys right down there. It's up to you. I would be just as excited if you did a happy dance for fairer pay, too.

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

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A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.

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