Corporate Engagement 2023-2024

The Corporate Social Responsibility office works in cycles that reflect the business cycles of the corporations that we engage. Although each company operates according to its own calendar and fiscal year, most follow a similar timeline. Fall is generally when our year begins, with many companies setting a deadline for shareholders to file proposals during these months. This is important, as it sets our timeframe to reach out to our companies to request dialogues on pressing environmental, social, and governance issues.

If our shareholder proponents believe that a corporation is making good-faith efforts to address policies or behaviors that negatively affect communities or stakeholders, we will keep the lines of communication open, but otherwise move onto the next company. If, however, the corporation is unwilling to honor its social contract to operate responsibly, or is averse to speaking with us, we may file a resolution asking all shareholders to vote on the merits of the proposal.

During the winter, we continue to dialogue and make the case to support our proposals with large investors, such as Blackrock, Vanguard, and State Street, as well as proxy advisory services Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis. Much of this culminates in the Spring when companies’ annual shareholder meetings occur. During these meetings, we are given the opportunity to make our case to the board of directors, corporate executives, and the shareholders. Summer is strategy time, deciding which actions and issues to prioritize.

There will always be vulnerable, marginalized people suffering from inequities. The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia use our corporate resources to advance the promotion of justice, peace, and reconciliation. Our efforts will continue to focus on human rights, climate change, access to health, worker safety, and environmental justice.

Click here for brief action summaries giving insight into our shareholder engagement for 2023-2024.