 John Harwood recently discussed the formation of a new coalition of major corporations partnering with President Obama on various legislative issues spanning energy, healthcare, financial regulation etc. The purpose of the group is being referenced as "public advocacy" (rather than traditional lobbying) with long-term reform as the main goal. I think if you lived under a rock for most of your life, had just emerged and been introduced to a popular definition of CSR, you might see this as a great example of companies taking an active interest in the welfare of the community they cater to. In a lot of ways, it is just that - but also a perfect example of how its virtually impossible to separate the altruistic side of CSR from the benefit a company gains by ensuring certain social improvements are made (though if you share David Brook's take on these and other partners Obama has announced there's nothing voluntary about it!).
Of course politics are always murky, but given how much of social welfare is tied to policy decisions, along with the many changes we can foresee under our new administration, this is probably just one example of how companies will dedicate some of their social efforts. I'd be curious to know if those involved on behalf of the companies are in any way tied to more traditional CSR programs and outreach (I'm guessing more likely they've dedicated a fine-tuned legal and policy team along with top execs to these efforts) and whether the companies themselves (AT&T, Facebook, Microsoft and IBM along with a few others) see this in any way as a CSR effort, or as something different all together.
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