- Dow in Brazil
Ecosmar – Matarandiba (Bahia): in 2007, Dow partnered with Federal University of Bahia (UFBA) to start a program called Ecosmar (Matarandiba Sustainable and Solidary Economy) following the principles of a Solidarity Economy - where the generation of employment and income is linked to the creation of a group of local and collective enterprises, which form a united economic network. Based on studies that identified the needs of the local population and mapped the relationships in the community, the project promoted a restructuring that resulted, among other initiatives, in the creation of a community association, a cultural association, and an infocenter - which promotes the training IT and offers Internet access.
Habitat for Humanity: this is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that operates in over 100 countries and works with Dow as one of its many global partners. Its purpose is to provide decent housing for people and communities throughout the world. In Brazil, Dow and Habitat for Humanity built 32 houses in a housing complex in Guarujá, State of São Paulo, for residents of a community located near the company's facilities and who were living a risky area. The project is also supported by Caixa Econômica Federal (Federal Savings Bank) and Guarujá City Hall. In the State of Bahia, Habitat for Humanity, Brazil joined the Dow in a project to urbanize an area known as Rocinha, located in Salvador Old Town. The 66 families living there under unstable hygiene and housing conditions will be provided with new housing units and related equipment.
Path to Self-Sustainability – Camaçari – Candeias (Bahia): in addition to supporting communities looking for better living conditions, the Path to Self-Sustainability Project is a strategy created to strengthen the company's relationship with the 11,000 residents of six communities living along the existing pipeline in Camaçari. Implemented in 2005 in partnership with companies that are part of the pipeline consortium, the project develops mechanisms for community participation and engagement, focusing on renewing social responsibilities and assuring collective sustainable actions.
Serasa Employability Program – São Paulo: this program is aimed at improving the professional qualification for people with disability. It was initially developed for SERASA employees only, but soon it started to include other companies and has been supported by Dow since 2008. This program includes four months of training in computer skills, administrative tasks and much more, in order to facilitate the integration of students into the labor market.
Community Advisory Panels - Matarandiba (Bahia) and Guarujá (São Paulo): Dow has Community Advisory Panels (CAPs) where our major industrial complexes are located, such as Matarandiba (State of Bahia) and Guarujá (State of São Paulo). These forums bring together a diverse group of teachers, association leaders, government representatives and other local businesses. In addition to allowing Dow to propose environmental, social and industrial actions, these PACs also give the community a space to discuss ideas or concerns about several issues. As a result, these panels have become a place for cooperation, trust and credibility among all participants. Dow Brazil has been creating CAPs and organizing forums in Guarujá since 1992, according to the requirements established by the Responsible Care® Program, which are nationally managed by the Brazilian Chemical Industry Association (ABIQUIM).