Corporate Engagement 2021-22
It is that time again when the Corporate Social Responsibility Office gets a little “antsy” because we’re still voting proxies, virtually making last-minute decisions on corporate resolutions with “not so happy” corporations, and preparing for corporate annual general meetings (AGM). However, when we reflect on our ministry, we are privileged to be participants in this most important work. We are inspired by Pope Francis, who reminds us:
“A better future can exist only if it is built by everyone for everyone. No one must be excluded!”
108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, May 5, 2022
Actually, that is our mandate as we witness to living the Gospel and practicing justice and solidarity with the many and diverse organizations and corporations that we work with every day. Our shareholder advocacy work with corporations and people on the margins or at the bottom of the pyramid is very much aligned with the message of Francis. We witness to the daily tragedies around our neighborhoods, cities, nation, and global community. Mass shootings, such as the deadly incidents in Buffalo and Uvalde, have been fueled by purposely hateful speech and facilitated by unfettered access to lethal, military-grade weapons. For two years we’ve all lived through a national and global pandemic/climate crisis, political ill will, and severe human rights abuses. We now add the war in Ukraine, which will continue to impact every aspect of our lives—spiritually, socially, economically, emotionally, and otherwise. The global supply chain has been interrupted; there are millions and millions of migrants and climate/war refugees; the oil/gas industry (one of the most egregious) has been told to drill; and there is little evidence of diplomatic progress.
Click here for brief action summaries giving insight into our shareholder engagement for 2020-21.