[Image alt text: As You Sow® banner with logo and image of dark mountains. A stamp says Update.] Dear John,

Last month, I reached out to alert you to the far right’s anti-ESG crusade and the letter from 21 red state Attorneys General to asset managers like BlackRock and Vanguard, and to ask for your help fighting back. You stepped up magnificently!

Today, I’m writing with an update.

The AGs’ letter attacked the entire concept of any environmental, social, or governance (ESG) consideration in investment decisions, mentioning As You Sow 38 times. It accused asset managers of potential illegality for encouraging banks and insurance companies to stop financing and insuring fossil fuels. In May, red state Treasurers followed up with their own letter, demanding that asset managers answer a raft of ESG-focused questions.

This anti-ESG rhetoric is driven by a breathtaking degree of self-interest and short-term profit, creating real danger to sensible, risk-aware investing and frankly, the future of our planet. We are driven by the certainty that together, we can protect a future we want to see.

Because you stepped up, we’ve been able to begin building a legal foundation to demolish the claims those 21 red state AGs made. We’re formulating robust, evidence-based arguments that encourage institutional shareholders to stand firm and continue to vote their proxies aligned with their fiduciary duty. We’re helping create ongoing social media messaging that counters the anti-ESG drumbeat.

Would you be willing to help with the counter-messaging on social media? We’d like to offer you access to our ESG-positive content library that we update continuously. We call it “AmplifyESG,” and you can join. Just click this link < [link removed] > and you will be invited to a special Hootsuite platform where you can select the memes, images, links, stories, videos, and other media to post to your own account. It’s totally up to you how often and what you post.

Another way you can make a difference is by voting your proxies. If you own shares directly, you can sign up with As You Vote < [link removed] > , for one-click values-aligned voting. This can be totally automated if you get proxies sent to your email, or if you get paper ballots you can type in the control number. We vote our ESG-aligned voting policy < [link removed] > on every item including the board, auditor, Say on Pay, shareholder resolutions, and all other matters. You have total control to customize each ballot and to get reports.

This fight is far from over. We’ll keep you informed with periodic emails, and please reach out if you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to further engage with As You Sow. I’d love to speak with you directly about what’s going on.

With gratitude and determination, [Image alt text: Signature of Andy Behar] Andrew Behar

CEO, As You Sow

P.S. If you’d like to donate < [link removed] > , please know we use your donations responsibly and efficiently, earning Charity Navigator’s highest rating. We insist on the highest standards of accountability and transparency, ensuring every dollar is directed toward the greatest impact.

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As You Sow’s 30+ year track record promoting corporate responsibility spans a broad range of the most important environmental and social issues facing corporations, investors, and citizens today, including climate change, ocean plastics, pesticides, racial justice, workplace diversity, and executive compensation. Click here to donate. < [link removed] > < [link removed] > < [link removed] > < [link removed] > < [link removed] >

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