Section:
csr
By investing in corporations, the congregation has a voice as a shareholder. This is even the case for corporations who do business that’s counter to our mission, like those in the business of promoting militarism and weaponization of space—in these instances, the congregation holds the minimum amount of stock necessary to have a voice.
How do we manage the tasks involved in Corporate Social Responsibility?
The members and staff of the Committee for Responsible Investment (CRI) take action to:
- monitor our investment portfolio
- vote shareholder proxies
- dialogue with corporations
- file shareholder resolutions and attend shareholder meetings
- provide updates through congregational publications
- make recommendations for divestment or placement of restriction on the investments in the portfolio.
In keeping with the Franciscan heritage and the tradition of the congregation, we give priority to the promotion of:
- global peace and an end to the culture of violence in our society
- justice and equality in the workplace both within and outside of the United States
- sensitivity to ecological balance and care for the environment
- health and wellness of the consumer
- utilization of corporate profits in a just and responsible manner
- equitable access to the goods of the earth.
Through these actions, we hope to get the attention of corporations and their investors. Even as little as 3% of a vote is considered a successful effort—the beginning of a dialogue, a relationship that will hopefully lead to social and environmental change. We are one of the 275 faith-based institutional investors who make up Interfaith Center of Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), a 36-year-old international coalition of investors with combined portfolios worth an estimated $100 billion. For more information, contact us.
