Shareholder advocacy brings change

Dear John,

We’ve been engaging companies as shareholder advocates for the past thirty years – and today we’re seeing shareholders step up as never before. Our theory of change is moving to center stage in the financial and investor community.

This new awareness and active participation from shareholders is a trend that will only grow stronger, as investors increasingly see the need to engage with corporations directly, first to compel transparency and then action.

Let’s make that happen.

[Image alt text: Piggy bank wearing a graduation cap standing on a stack of books in front of a building]

College Endowment Announces 80% Success Rate at Shifting Corporate Behavior

Warren Wilson College (WWC) has been making an impact by actively engaging the companies in their endowment portfolio. The college points to real progress in addressing climate change and racial justice, according to a new report < [link removed] > detailing how WWC has influenced companies’ actions through proxy voting and shareholder engagement.

"WWC’s experience can provide universities across the country with valuable insights on how to effectively engage the companies in their endowment portfolios. The college’s successful resolutions targeting industry leaders are a prime blueprint for endowments, institutional investors, and those seeking to promote meaningful change via the boardroom," said Nicole Torrico from the Intentional Endowments Network.

In addition to resolutions, WWC has influenced the actions of companies by using As You Sow’s ESG-aligned proxy voting service, As You Vote, to vote 13,000 proxy ballot line items at approximately 1,200 companies, including 420 shareholder proposed ballot items.

When shareholders use their power, rapid progress is possible.

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Reducing Lead and Cadmium in Chocolate

The chocolate industry can reduce unsafe levels of lead and cadmium by new handling practices, changes in farming practices, and other measures, according to a new report released by As You Sow < [link removed] > in collaboration with the National Confectioners Association (NCA).The research was a result of the California Proposition 65 court settlement < [link removed] > As You Sowreached in 2018 with 32 members of the confectionary industry.

Christopher Gindlesperger of the NCA commented: “NCA and its members in the chocolate industry welcome the report resulting from the expert committee investigation. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to implement feasible measures that assure product quality and safety so that consumers can continue to enjoy chocolate as a delicious treat.”

The report’s conclusions represent eight years of work by As You Sow’s Toxic Enforcement team.

Your support enables As You Sow to engage with companies to create change that benefits us all.

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The Regressive Attempt to Derail Corporate Progress

Radical conservatives are actively promoting an anti-ESG, pro-fossil fuel narrative, boycotting companies taking even the mildest climate action, and attempting to force a permanent reversal of corporate progress. Several radical right groups have specifically called out As You Sowas leading a “left-wing conspiracy seeking to destroy capitalism.” Through orchestrated media attacks and red-state legislative action forcing state treasurers and pensions to boycott major banks and asset managers, they are working to politicize and demonize good business practices that recognize ESG is an effective framework for evaluating risk.

As You Sowand our partners are developing a comprehensive strategy to neutralize the attack on ESG, to protect and advance ESG investing, and to continue compelling corporate progress.

The stakes have neverbeen higher. Please reach out to discuss further.Proxy voting is a crucial tool for shareholders who want to help corporations build a better future. Moving companies to improve policies and practices has immense impact, as corporate decisions influence supply chains, livelihoods, cultures, policy, and global markets.

We are happy to support proxy voting and values-aligned investing and would love the opportunity to speak with you on how to better engage with the companies in your portfolio.

For the future, [Image alt text: Gail Follansbee signature] Jenna L. Belisle

Director of Individual GivingAs You Sow’s30-year track record promoting environmental and social corporate responsibility and facilitating values-aligned investing spans many of the most important environmental and social issues facing us today, including climate change, ocean plastics, pesticides, racial justice, workplace diversity, and executive compensation. Click here to donate. < [link removed] >

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DISCLAIMER: As You Sow is not an investment advisor, nor do we provide financial planning, legal or tax advice.The content of our programming, publications and presentations is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be considered as information sufficient upon which to base any decisions on investing, purchases, sales, trades, or any other investment transactions. We do not express an opinion on the future or expected value of any security or other interest and do not explicitly or implicitly recommend or suggest an investment strategy of any kind.

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