Podcasts about shareholder advocacy

The post Shareholder Advocacy in 2026: A Season Defined by Upheaval and Resilience appeared first on AIO Financial - Fee Only Financial Advisors.

Shareholder Advocacy in 2026: A Season Defined by Upheaval and Resilience *A deeper look at the key themes and proposals in the Proxy Preview 2026 report by As You Sow and Proxy Impact* The 2026 proxy season is arriving amid one of the most turbulent regulatory environments shareholder advocates have faced in decades. Actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under Chair Paul Atkins have introduced a series of new barriers to shareholder participation — limiting who can file resolutions, restricting exempt solicitations on EDGAR, and signaling a broader retreat from the corporate disclosure requirements that have defined the modern era of investor oversight. Filing thresholds have been quietly tightened. The procedural goalposts have moved. And the agency that once served as a neutral referee on what does and does not belong on a proxy ballot has, in practice, stepped off the field. And yet, shareholders are not retreating. As Proxy Preview publisher Andrew Behar puts it, they are “standing shoulder to shoulder” — the early warning system that corporations have long relied on, whether they admit it or not. The proposals filed this year are, if anything, more ambitious than in seasons past. Investors are not waiting to see how the regulatory landscape settles. They are filing, litigating, and engaging on the assumption that the right to ask questions about material risk is theirs to exercise regardless of who chairs the SEC. This year’s Proxy Preview, produced by As You Sow and Proxy Impact, offers a sweeping look at the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) proposals headed to shareholder votes in 2026. The themes range from the data center buildout reshaping America’s electricity grid, to the legal liabilities mounting against Big Tech, to the quiet but consequential question of who gets to decide what counts as “proper business” at an annual meeting. Here’s what investors need to know. The Political and Legal Backdrop The story of the 2026 season cannot be told without first addressing what happened to the SEC’s no-action process. Historically, when a company wanted to exclude a shareholder proposal from its proxy statement, it would file a no-action request with the SEC, which would review the proposal on its merits and issue guidance. That process — imperfect but functional — was effectively suspended this year, triggered in part by a prolonged government shutdown that left the agency without the bandwidth to render decisions. The result was a free-for-all. Companies, sensing an opening, filed notices of intent to exclude proposals on a range of novel theories. The most aggressive of these was the so-called “Delaware Proper Business” argument, which holds that advisory shareholder proposals — the non-binding resolutions that have been the backbone of shareholder advocacy for decades — are not “proper business” for an annual meeting under Delaware corporate law. If accepted, that theory would effectively wipe out the entire category. Shareholders pushed back, hard. Lawsuits were filed against AT&T, Axon, Chubb, BJ’s Wholesale, and PepsiCo. AT&T and Pepsi settled quickly, restoring the proposals to their proxies. At Axon, a federal court ordered the parties to explore a negotiated resolution rather than rule on the merits — a signal that judges are skeptical of the broad exclusion theories companies have been advancing. The Chubb and BJ’s cases remain in active litigation as of this writing. Meanwhile, in a parallel front, a federal court struck down Texas Senate Bill 13 — the state’s anti-ESG law that restricted public pension funds from doing business with financial firms deemed to “boycott” fossil fuel companies — as unconstitutionally overbroad and vague. It is the first federal court decision to invalidate this type of statute, and it sets up a potential precedent that could unwind similar laws in roughly a dozen other states. The pattern, taken together, is clear. Where companies and state legislatures have tried to use procedural and legal tools to silence shareholder voice, the courts have so far been unwilling to go along. Climate: Data Centers, Stranded Assets, and Insurance If there is one new climate story dominating the 2026 season, it is the AI buildout. The numbers are striking. In 2025, the number of proposed fossil gas plants in the U.S. nearly tripled, driven almost entirely by soaring electricity demand from new data centers. Utilities that had been quietly retiring coal and gas capacity are now reversing course, citing grid commitments to hyperscale tech customers as the rationale. Investors are responding. Proposals at Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet request disclosure on how the companies’ growing data center operations are compatible with their previously announced climate commitments — many of which include net-zero pledges that look increasingly difficult to reconcile with multi-gigawatt computing expansion. Similar proposals target the utility side of the equation, including Dominion Energy and Southern Company, both of which are major suppliers to data center hubs in Virginia and Georgia. At the same time, the U.S. is in the middle of a climate-driven insurance crisis that is starting to attract serious investor attention. Insured natural-catastrophe losses reached $117 billion in 2024 — more than double the ten-year average. Homeowners insurance premiums rose 24% between 2021 and 2024, and entire ZIP codes in California, Florida, and Louisiana have effectively become uninsurable on the private market. As You Sow has filed a novel “subrogation” proposal at Chubb, asking the insurer to explore using subrogation claims against large emitters to offset climate-related losses. The legal theory borrows from the playbook used against tobacco and opioid manufacturers: if you can identify the parties whose conduct caused the harm, you can pursue them for the cost of paying out claims. Climate transition planning remains a critical investor concern more broadly. Proposals at Harley-Davidson and Verizon push these companies — both of which have ambitious net-zero commitments but published no sustainability reports in 2025 — to develop credible, stand-alone transition plans. The implicit argument is that a target without a plan is not a commitment; it is a press release. Biodiversity: Horseshoe Crabs and Avocado Supply Chains Two of the most distinctive proposals this season concern biodiversity, and both illustrate how shareholder advocacy can move industries that regulators have not. The pharmaceutical industry’s dependence on horseshoe crab blood for drug safety testing is under fresh scrutiny. The compound extracted from the crabs — limulus amebocyte lysate, or LAL — is used to detect bacterial endotoxins in injectable drugs and implantable medical devices. Each year, roughly 1.1 million horseshoe crabs are harvested and bled, with the industry historically claiming low post-bleeding mortality. Independent research suggests the actual mortality rate is closer to 30%, with knock-on effects for shorebirds and other species that depend on horseshoe crab eggs as a food source. Synthetic alternatives — recombinant Factor C, or rFC — have been commercially available since 2003 and are used routinely by Eli Lilly and others. The U.S. Pharmacopeia, the standards body that governs pharmaceutical testing in the U.S., updated its standards in November 2024 to place rFC on equal regulatory footing with the animal-derived test. That removes the last meaningful technical barrier to transition. Proposals at Abbott and Merck request disclosure about transition timelines. The avocado story is, in some ways, a more hopeful one — a case study in what sustained shareholder engagement can accomplish over time. Mexican avocado production has long been linked to illegal deforestation, with growers clearing protected forest in Michoacán to plant new orchards. As You Sow’s decade-long push for Pro Forest Avocado (PFA) certification — a satellite-based system that monitors orchards in real time for evidence of land-use change — has transformed the supply chain. As of March 2026, over 60 Mexican avocado packers are PFA-certified, and major U.S. retailers including Costco, Walmart, and Kroger have committed to sourcing from certified suppliers. The notable holdout is Albertsons, which has not responded to repeated engagement requests and is the focus of a 2026 proposal. Social: Human Rights, Surveillance, and Child Safety Big Tech is facing what Michael Passoff of Proxy Impact calls its “Big Tobacco moment” — the period when accumulating evidence of harm crosses the threshold from controversial to legally actionable, and the financial consequences begin to compound. The numbers from the past twelve months are difficult to dismiss. In March 2026, Meta was found guilty of violating New Mexico’s consumer protection law and penalized $375 million for its handling of minors on Instagram. Separately, a California court found Meta and Google guilty of creating addictive platform designs that harm young users’ mental health, in a verdict that is likely to be the template for similar cases in other states. Meta’s stock dropped 8% following the verdicts, suggesting the market is finally beginning to price in legal risk that shareholders have been flagging for years. On surveillance, investors at Alphabet/Google and Home Depot are pressing for oversight of customer and user data. The specific concerns are concrete. Home Depot cameras installed in parking lots have, according to public reporting, enabled ICE raids targeting day laborers. Google was hit with a $425.7 million verdict for tracking 98 million users after they had explicitly turned location tracking off. In both cases, the proposals ask not for the companies to change their business models, but for the boards to take responsibility for the data practices their products create. New this year, and likely to attract significant attention: a proposal at Palantir asking the company to conduct a Human Rights Impact Assessment related to its products and services. The proposal follows reports that Palantir’s software is being used by ICE to track and target migrants, including in operations that have separated families and detained individuals without prior criminal records. Palantir has historically resisted human rights disclosure on the grounds that its government contracts are confidential; the proposal tests whether shareholders can compel disclosure of the broader policy framework even when specific contract terms remain under seal. Political Spending and Lobbying Corporate political spending is under heightened scrutiny as the 2026 midterm elections approach. The Center for Political Accountability (CPA), which has been the leading shareholder voice on this issue for two decades, filed disclosure proposals at 29 companies this proxy season. The proposals ask for disclosure of corporate political contributions, including those made to trade associations and other intermediaries that often serve as a workaround for direct disclosure requirements. What is striking is the response. Despite the SEC’s effective invitation to exclude most shareholder proposals this year, only 7 of the 29 companies chose to do so. The other 22 let the proposals proceed to a vote — a tacit acknowledgment that the political risk of being seen to suppress shareholder voice on political spending now outweighs the cost of disclosure. The CPA proposal averaged 41.4% support over 13 votes in 2025, including five majority votes, putting it well above the threshold at which boards typically engage seriously with proponents. The lobbying disclosure campaign also continues, though with a revised proposal structure following a 2025 setback when the SEC sided with Air Products and Chemicals on a technical exclusion argument. The new, streamlined proposal — focused on direct federal and state lobbying amounts and third-party recipients — is being filed at 7 companies including Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley. The narrower scope is designed to be procedurally bulletproof, leaving the substantive question — should a public company tell its owners how much it spends to influence legislation — on the table for shareholders to answer. Governance: Board Accountability and Executive Pay Several governance proposals this season cut to the question of what boards are actually responsible for. Shareholders are requesting that boards provide specific oversight of AI development, climate change, Indigenous peoples’ rights, and data protection — areas where the gap between executive decision-making and board supervision has become particularly wide. A notable Vote No campaign: NYC Pension Funds, the third-largest public pension system in the country, urged Starbucks shareholders to vote against the re-election of two directors, citing over 700 unfair labor practice charges, 60 adverse administrative law decisions, and the quiet disbanding of a labor relations oversight committee that had been formed in response to earlier shareholder pressure. The campaign is significant not only for its scale but for the specificity of its case: this is not a general grievance about management, but a documented record of regulatory findings the directors are charged with overseeing. A new executive compensation proposal at Meta links CEO and executive bonuses to improvements in child safety metrics — a direct response to the company’s mounting legal liability over platform harms to minors. The proposal is structurally interesting because it does not ask the company to take any specific action; it asks only that the compensation committee tie pay to outcomes the company itself has acknowledged as material. If child safety is, as Meta has repeatedly stated in public, a top priority, then linking executive pay to it should be uncontroversial. The vote will reveal whether the board agrees. The Bottom Line The 2026 proxy season is, more than anything, a test of whether shareholders can maintain their voice in corporate governance amid a hostile regulatory environment. The evidence so far is encouraging. When companies have tried to unilaterally exclude proposals, they have largely faced legal challenges and backed down. When state legislatures have tried to penalize ESG-aligned investing, federal courts have intervened. When boards have tried to ignore mounting legal liability, the markets have begun to do the disciplining themselves. As shareholder advocate Nell Minow writes, the likely cost-benefit analysis from executives “who thought they could keep the proposals from going to a shareholder vote was not clear to them until they faced the very real possibility that a court ruling on the legitimacy of the challenged proposal would be a much bigger problem.” In other words: the bet that the SEC’s retreat would translate into a free hand for management has not paid off. The deterrents have simply moved from the regulator to the courts and the proxy ballot itself. Fundamental ownership rights — the right to ask questions about material risks — are not granted by regulators. They are inherent to ownership itself. The 2026 season is shaping up to be the year that principle gets tested, and so far, it is holding. — *Sources: Proxy Preview 2026, published by As You Sow and Proxy Impact. Full report available at [proxypreview.org](https://www.proxypreview.org/).*

Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Options: Aligning Financial Goals with ESG Impact Without Sacrificing Return Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) offers a compelling strategy for investors who want to generate financial returns while also supporting social, environmental, and ethical causes. The beauty of SRI lies in its ability to align your investment portfolio with your values, from environmental sustainability to social justice, all while aiming to provide competitive financial growth. The misconception that socially responsible investing requires a trade-off between financial return and social impact has been dispelled as SRI options have evolved. Today, investors can participate in SRI without sacrificing their financial goals. In this blog, we'll explore the different SRI options available, discuss the various degrees of screening and shareholder engagement, and highlight how these strategies can offer diversified, customizable solutions without compromising financial returns. Key SRI Approaches: Screening, Shareholder Advocacy, and Community Investing Socially responsible investing generally includes three primary approaches: A.         Screening: Aligning Investments with Values: Screening is the process of selecting investments based on specific social, environmental, and ethical criteria. There are two types of screening approaches: Positive Screening: This focuses on investing in companies that have robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. These companies are proactive in making a positive impact on society, the environment, and corporate governance. Negative Screening: This avoids industries with potentially harmful impacts, such as fossil fuels, tobacco, and weapons. Negative screening ensures that investors' money does not fund businesses involved in sectors that contribute to societal harm. This method screens out companies whose business models directly contradict investors' ethical or environmental priorities. Screening allows investors to align their portfolios with their values, ensuring that their investments reflect their ethical or environmental preferences. While some funds use stringent screening criteria to avoid harmful industries, others may take a more flexible approach, engaging with companies regardless of industry and advocating for better ESG practices from within. Shareholder Advocacy: Shareholder advocacy allows investors to actively engage with companies on corporate policies, influencing their ESG practices. This can include activities such as proxy voting, submitting shareholder resolutions, and communicating directly with company leadership. Shareholder advocacy is generally categorized into: Base Engagement: Base engagement involves basic proxy voting on major shareholder issues, with limited direct involvement in company operations. It allows investors to exercise some influence over companies without actively managing investments. Deep Engagement: Deep engagement goes a step further, involving consistent and ongoing interaction with companies to address specific ESG concerns. This might include regular communication with company leaders, as well as proposals and actions taken to improve corporate sustainability. Funds with deep engagement often have additional staffing and screening processes, resulting in slightly higher fees compared to standard funds. It's important to note that funds with deep engagement often require more resources for continuous interaction and monitoring, which may result in slightly higher fees compared to funds with base engagement or those that focus on passive ESG practices. C.   Community Investing: Empowering Underserved Communities: Community investing allocates capital to underserved areas to support affordable housing, local businesses, and access to financial services. This type of investment is typically channeled through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs),

In this episode of ESG Talk, Amy Brachio, global vice chair of sustainability at EY, and Michael Goldhaber, a senior research scholar at New York University's Stern Center for Business and Human Rights, join the show with Alyssa Zucker. Listen in as they explore how shareholder advocacy is evolving on environmental and social issues and what it means for companies.

In this 4-in-1 compilation episode, I've brought together the compelling stories of four changemakers who are rethinking how we use capital to create measurable social and environmental impact. Each of these guests takes a unique approach to closing the gap between profit and purpose, showing how financial tools and innovative strategies are driving true systemic transformation.Here are the featured guests:Ed Marcum, Managing Partner, Working Capital FundEd unpacks how his team is tackling systemic labor exploitation in global supply chains. By channeling investments into advanced tools like AI mapping and transparency technologies, he paints a picture of how these innovations are making accountability not just possible, but scalable – forcing companies to rethink their approach to labor conditions.Full episodeAndrew Behar, CEO of As You SowAndrew is a leader in shareholder advocacy. He emphasizes a collaborative approach – engaging with companies to reduce material risks in areas like climate change, diversity, and equity – rather than resorting to hostile tactics. This approach not only strengthens financial performance but also cuts systemic risks – creating wins for stakeholders at every level.Full episodeAdam Swersky, CEO of Social FinanceAdam breaks down how social impact bonds are redefining solutions for some of society's toughest challenges. He shares how these unique financial tools bring together governments, investors, and social organizations to tackle pressing issues like homelessness and criminal justice reform. By tying financial returns to measurable outcomes, they ensure accountability and create a ripple effect of lasting impact.Full episodePaul Miller, Managing Partner and CEO at Bethnal Green VenturesPaul focuses on identifying founders who combine tech innovation with a mission to create real impact. He's laser-focused on backing startups that merge sustainability with scalable business models. By investing in these early-stage companies, he's helping to drive solutions that tackle global environmental and social challenges head-on while paving the way for high-growth opportunities that have the potential to reshape entire industries.Full episode—The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email update.Visit the SRI360° PODCAST.Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE.Follow SRI360° on X.Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK. —Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)Ed Marcum - Mission to combat labor exploitation (03:35)AI and tech transforming supply chains (14:53)Investment process and impact measuring (19:50)Andrew Behar's journey to shareholder advocacy (34:01)Challenges and opportunities in shareholder advocacy (47:16)From greenwashing to greenhushing: Corporate response trends (58:23)Adam Swersky - the social impact bond model (01:03:13)The success story of Peterborough prison (01:18:34)Mental health and employment partnership initiatives (01:28:24)Paul Miller - origins of Bethnal Green Ventures (01:33:33)Definition of 'Tech for Good' (01:44:32)VC's impact potential (01:49:51)Diversity, growth tensions, and impact-washing (01:55:26)

The post Shareholder Advocacy 2024 appeared first on AIO Financial - Fee Only Financial Advisors.

Shareholder Advocacy in 2024: Steering Companies Towards a Better Future In 2024, advocates have been active, presenting over 527 resolutions that touch on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues for the proxy season. This shows a slight decrease from the 536 proposals of the previous year. Yet, the commitment to influencing positive change in corporations remains strong. Despite this commitment, there's been a noticeable decline in support for these initiatives. Major asset managers have scaled back their backing, influenced by various factors including legal challenges and shifts in the economic landscape affecting energy costs. However, it's worth noting that resolutions aimed at enhancing corporate social responsibility still gather more support compared to those against it. Even though the enthusiasm has slightly diminished from past years, the drive for social responsibility persists. The Importance of Shareholder Resolutions Shareholder resolutions have emerged as a vital mechanism for advocating for corporate accountability, especially on pressing issues like climate change and social justice. Although the path has been rocky recently, these resolutions continue to serve as a crucial avenue for shareholders to express their concerns and engage with corporate boards. Through these engagements, shareholders have been able to bring about significant changes in corporate policies and practices, aligning them more closely with societal values and sustainability goals. Despite the challenges faced, the impact of these resolutions cannot be underestimated. Navigating the Landscape The 2024 proxy season reveals the complex dynamics at play in shareholder advocacy. The cautious stance of some major asset managers, combined with economic pressures and geopolitical tensions, has added new challenges to promoting ESG principles. Still, the persistence of shareholders in advocating for ESG initiatives demonstrates a strong commitment to pushing for more sustainable and responsible business operations. Advocacy in Action: Case Studies and Strategies Efforts by shareholders have led to noteworthy corporate transformations, including commitments to environmental sustainability, improvements in labor practices, and greater board diversity. These successes highlight the effective strategies employed by shareholders, such as forming coalitions and engaging in direct dialogues with companies. These strategies, alongside leveraging legal channels and collaborating with institutional investors, have amplified the impact of shareholder advocacy, leading to tangible changes in corporate behavior. Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities Facing forward, shareholder advocates encounter both hurdles and potential growth areas. Opposition to ESG principles, particularly from certain political and legal quarters, poses significant challenges. Yet, advancements in technology and evolving regulatory landscapes present opportunities for further embedding ESG considerations into corporate and investment strategies. Conclusion: The Path Forward The journey of shareholder advocacy is a testament to both its achievements and the challenges that remain. The insights from the 2024 proxy season underscore the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and adaptability in the face of adversity. By deepening engagement with ESG principles across all levels - shareholders, corporations, and the broader public - we move closer to a future where businesses operate in harmony with sustainability, equity, and good governance goals. Together, we can continue to influence positive change, ensuring a more responsible and sustainable corporate landscape for generations to come.

On this week's episode of Lever Time, news editor Lucy Dean Stockton is joined by researcher Rosanna Landis Weaver and Andrew Behar, CEO of the non-profit shareholder advocacy organization As You Sow, to discuss how they're using stock ownership in publicly-traded companies to promote corporate change from within. 50 years ago, economist Milton Friedman argued that a corporation's “greatest responsibility lies in the satisfaction of the shareholders.” In other words, the primary goal of every business is to increase its profits and maximize returns to investors. But in hindsight, even Fortune magazine acknowledges that the ideology of “shareholder primacy” has extensively damaged society. That's where shareholder advocates come in, since they use their ownership in publicly traded companies to influence company decision-making. Whether it's pushing for transparency, addressing ethical concerns, advocating for sustainable practices, or curtailing CEO pay, shareholders have the ability to shape the companies in which they own stock. In today's interview, Rosanna and Andrew explain how their organization As You Sow practices shareholder advocacy, including a recent win at Starbucks to reduce their plastic waste. They break down their annual list of “The 100 Most Overpaid CEOs,” which details how some of the highest paid CEOs actually underperform for their companies. And they discuss how the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee recently opened an investigation into As You Sow along with other organizations, as part of their culture war against ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) investments. A transcript of this episode is available here.Links: As You Sow The 100 Most Overpaid CEOs (As You Sow, 2023) BONUS: On Monday's bonus episode of Lever Time Premium, exclusively for The Lever's supporting subscribers, we'll be publishing our interview with journalist and author Cole Stangler about his new book Paris Is Not Dead: Surviving Hypergentrification in the City of Light, which explores how gentrification has affected the cultural makeup of Paris, and the public housing policies that have helped maintain the city's diverse, working-class character.If you'd like access to Lever Time Premium, which includes extended interviews and bonus content, head over to LeverNews.com to become a supporting subscriber.If you'd like to leave a tip for The Lever, click the following link. It helps us do this kind of independent journalism. levernews.com/tipjar

Andrew Behar, the CEO of As You Sow, is a well-known advocate for shareholder advocacy. With a rich background in documentary filmmaking, entrepreneurship, and technological innovation, he brings a unique perspective to shareholder advocacy.Behar's journey as a shareholder advocate was influenced by his personal experiences. Growing up near Long Island Sound in Connecticut, he witnessed the environmental impact of industry on his surroundings. These early observations of environmental degradation left a lasting impression on him.Before dedicating himself to shareholder advocacy, Behar explored entrepreneurial endeavors, including a medical device company that earned him five patents and demonstrated his commitment to using technology for positive change.Behar then transitioned to As You Sow in 2010. As CEO of a nonprofit organization, he began advocating for values-aligned investing and using shareholder influence to drive corporate responsibility.Behar emphasizes that As You Sow practices shareholder advocacy, which focuses on engaging with companies to improve their practices. Shareholder activism, on the other hand, often involves taking over boards or liquidating companies, a different approach that doesn't align with As You Sow's goals.The core philosophy of As You Sow is to compel companies to reduce material risks on various issues, including climate change, diversity, equity, inclusion, and more. Under Behar's leadership, As You Sow has developed valuable tools to empower shareholders, including the Investor Value Tool and As You Vote Tool.The goal is to create a win-win situation where companies make responsible decisions that benefit all stakeholders.In this episode, we'll explore Behar's journey and the core principles of shareholder engagement, shedding light on how it works, where it falls short, and how it can be improved. I really learned a lot from my discussion with Andrew, and I hope you will too!Show notes: https://sri360.com/podcast/andrew-beharAbout the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. In my interviews, I cover everything from their early personal journeys to insights on how they developed and executed their investment strategies and what challenges they face today. Each episode is a chance to go way below the surface with these impressive people and gain additional insights and useful lessons from professional investors. Connect with SRI360°: Sign up for the free weekly email update: https://sri360.com/newsletter/Visit the SRI360° PODCAST: https://sri360.com/podcast/Visit the SRI360° WEBSITE: https://sri360.com/Follow SRI360° on X: https://twitter.com/SRI360Growth/Follow SRI360° on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SRI360Growth/Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Andrew's journey into shareholder advocacy (06:55)Our rights as shareholders (15:31)The concept of materiality in advocacy (22:18)Investor Values and As You Vote Tools (25:23)Shareholder activism vs shareholder advocacy (38:48)Successful engagement campaigns (45:38)As You Sow escalation process (50:31)Driving change amidst culture wars (01:03:44)Is Shareholder Advocacy always a win-win (01:04:38)What asset managers need to do differently (01:08:54)Disclosure issues with private equity (01:20:17)

In Episode #11 of NAPFA Nation, Zach Teutsch, managing partner at Values Added Financial, talks with podcast host Marie Swift about helping “progressives” build financial lives they feel good about. Established in 2017, his fiduciary financial planning and wealth management firm is passionate about supporting people who want to leverage their wealth to make an impact and live a joyful life.   Setting the right goals and aligning those goals with one's values, he says, is the equivalent of setting the GPS for one's life. The principals and staff at Values Added Financial do not shy away from being real and are known for demonstrating their own diverse and progressive values in the world. This authenticity sets the stage for attracting remarkable and diverse clients and for working in a high-trust environment.  The company also attracts and retains quality team members who share their values, freeing everyone to focus on more meaningful work and values/goals alignment. He is an active member of ACP (Alliance of Comprehensive Planners), XY Planning Network, and NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors), three professional associations that provide methodologies, community, and resources for fiduciary financial planners.  In a nutshell:  Values Added Financial focuses on helping clients align their values with their financial goals. The firm has experienced significant growth over the past six years and has a team of six dedicated fiduciary advisors. They have found success by being open about their “progressive” values and attracting like-minded clients. Teutsch explains the firm's business model, which includes assets under management (AUM) plus a sliding scale financial planning fee (retainer), but acknowledges that there is no perfect pricing model. He believes in hiring based on “culture add” rather than just interpersonal fit and uses an interview process that uncovers emotional intelligence and reflects the actual work involved. Teutsch talks about reasons for doing advanced work in shareholder advocacy and socially responsible investing and says that being upfront about values liberates the advisory team and empowers them to work on issues they care about, such as racial injustice and social safety nets. He emphasizes the importance of building a team that represents diversity and brings new perspective. Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible. Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at https://www.NAPFA.org.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”  Ephesians 6:11Chris Meyer is Manager of Stewardship Investing Advocacy and Research at Praxis Mutual Funds,  an underwriter of this program.  What exactly is shareholder advocacy and how does Praxis do it?Many people begin by screening or avoiding certain industries or companies based on their values.Screening is a valid approach but has limited power to create real change.Praxis uses seven different impact strategies for investments.Shareholder advocacy is one of these strategies, leveraging ownership rights to drive change.Shareholder advocacy includes activities like writing letters, filing proposals, and engaging in dialogues with company management.The goal of shareholder advocacy is not to chastise or embarrass companies but to encourage profitability while also promoting positive impact.Praxis collaborates with other investors, primarily from the faith community, in their advocacy efforts. How does Praxis work with many other investors, especially the faith community, to advocate for Christian values? Collaboration with others significantly enhances the impact of their work.Coalition efforts with various faith-based institutional investors broaden and deepen their reach.Companies are more receptive when approached collectively by a coalition.Collaborations focus on common interests and shared capacities.Example: Praxis collaborates on human rights and child labor issues, while others may focus on pharmaceutical companies and medication affordability.Praxis takes leadership roles in some engagements and partners actively in others.Prioritization of issues and companies is essential due to limited resources. What kind of preparation goes into this type of engagement? Engagement preparation involves issue prioritization and collaboration with investor partners.Teams are formed, leadership structures are established, and goals are set.Education and strategy sessions, both in-person and virtual, are organized to become well-informed about relevant topics.External expertise is often brought in to enhance understanding.Example: Engagement with Target and Walmart on human rights and child labor issues.Focus is on encouraging robust human rights policies and supply chain enforcement.Pre-engagement research includes reviewing company publications, reports, and industry news.Input from human rights experts and NGOs is sought to understand global supply chain issues.Thorough preparation is crucial for gaining understanding and credibility in engagement with companies. If company dialogues are central to real change, what do these engagements look like, and what makes an effective conversation or dialogue with a company?Meaningful dialogue with company management is the pinnacle of shareholder advocacy for impactful change.Engagement usually starts with an investor letter outlining concerns and requesting dialogue.Initial communication may be with investor relations and corporate counsel.The goal is to engage with decision-makers overseeing the relevant issue, often vice presidents.Dialogues are typically in-person or via video conference, lasting one to two hours or longer.Building strong, trusting relationships is crucial.Success comes when companies see a vested interest in their future success and the relevance of the concerns raised. So what is the end game? How do you know you've been successful in making meaningful change in supportive kingdom values in these engagements?Setting clear goals and ways to measure success is crucial in advocacy.Having a vision of the desired outcome of the dialogue is important.Long-lasting engagements can lose meaning without a clear endpoint.Avoid being seen as a nuisance by the company or becoming their free consultants.Common scenarios for ending dialogues include a company refusing to engage or dismissing concerns.In the best case, all goals are met or exceeded, and the engagement transitions to a monitoring phase to ensure commitment follow-through.Learn more about Praxis at PraxisMutualFunds.com. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: Is there a more affordable way to handle the Medicaid paperwork and power of attorney, given limited financial resources?What's the best way to invest for a child's future? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.  

Do you sometimes feel you’re spiritually at war with your own investments? How do you take on corporations that engage in ungodly policies and practices? On today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will talk with Chris Meyer about one way to become involved in the companies in your portfolio through shareholder advocacy. Then Rob will answer some questions on various financial topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Included in this episode: 1. These Are the Most Overpaid CEOs, According to a Shareholder Advocacy Group 2. Omicron Can Raise the Risk of Diabetes, Study Says 3. Plants Must Migrate to Survive Climate Change. But They Need Our Help 4. How Turkey Can Rebuild Better After the Earthquake .

Shareholder advocacy group As You Sow judged CEO pay based on stock returns, shareholder opposition, and the ratio of compensation to average worker pay.

Have you just made your first ASX share investment? Did you know you can attend company annual meetings (AGMs) and have your voice heard on key issues like CEO pay and environmental policies? Today's guest is Rachel Waterhouse, the CEO of an organisation you might not be familiar with, but probably want to be, the Australian Shareholders Association, or the ASA for short. In a nutshell, the ASA aims to be the voice of retail shareholders, people like you and me who own shares in ASX-listed companies. Rachel and Kate talk about what the ASA does, what shareholder advocacy looks like, the idea of strength in numbers and taking an active role in attending AGMs and voting on key company issues. Ready-made ETF portfolios? Rask Core has you covered! Take one of our amazing money & investing courses (think ETFs, shares, property and FIRE) on Rask Education. ASK A QUESTION: https://bit.ly/3QtiY00 If you want to thank us for putting this show together, please give The Australian Finance Podcast a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - it's a 5 second task which really helps support the show (and puts a big smile on our faces). Pearler, the broker for long-term investors. Sign-up to Pearler using the code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit: bit.ly/Pearler We're proudly supported by Global X ETFs. Learn more about the growing range of leading ETFs, on the Global X website: https://bit.ly/gx-funds Boost your investment potential, with FundLater. With InvestSMART's Fundlater, you can start a $10,000 investment portfolio, with only $4,000 upfront. Find out how: rask.com.au/inv-fundlater Investing Made Simple. Thanks to InvestSMART's ready-made ETF portfolios, you can start investing now in a portfolio managed by experts. Not only that, you can invest confidently knowing your investment fees are capped. Learn more: rask.com.au/inv-pma DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you're confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Full individual disclosures for each guest are available via the show notes page. Owen, Kate and The Rask Group Pty Ltd do NOT receive anything for mentioning Super funds, products, shares, bank accounts, etc. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AIO Financial (https://aiofinancial.com) is an active participant in shareholder advocacy on behalf of our clients.  Shareholder advocacy provides a way for company owners (shareholders) to make real impacts in companies.  Advocates can address: climate change, wage inequality, disclosing political contributions, board diversification, worker rights, …  That may all change if the Financial CHOICE Act, specifically Section 844 is passed. At present, a shareholder can file a proposal (resolution) with a company if s/he has held 1% or $2,000 worth of shares in a company, whichever is lower, for at least a year. This threshold allows a broad range of shareholders to participate in the proposal process. Section 844 would severely curtail shareholder democracy – only the largest shareholders (a small number of multi-billion dollar funds) would be able to file shareholder proposals with public companies. These changes would undermine your rights as a shareholder and prevent us, as your investment advisor, from effectively working with companies to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Specifically, Section 844 would change the existing rules as follows: Require a 1% ownership (of total market capitalization) over three-years to submit a proposal: For context, a shareholder would have to hold over $7 billion worth of Apple shares to qualify. This ownership threshold limits access to the resolution process to a handful of mutual fund managers. Increase resubmission thresholds: Proposals must garner increasing support to qualify for resubmission to the company the following year. The proposed changes would mean resubmission thresholds increase to 6% in year one (from 3%); to 15% in year two (from 6%); and to 30% in year three (from 10%). From 2007 through 2009, only about 17% of the proposals that came to a vote achieved the support of 30% of the shares voted, and from 2010 onwards, this has been approximately 30% of proposals filed. If these thresholds had been in place in recent years, proposals that have led to changes in corporate behavior, reduced risks, and created value would not have been brought back to the ballot. Prohibit the submission of proposals on behalf of a shareholder: This provision would disqualify your investment advisor from filing resolutions on behalf of any client. I appreciate any feedback for our AIO Financial blog. Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, and suggestions. You can comment here or contact me through Facebook, Twitter, email (bill@aiofinancial.com), or call 520-325-0769.

Women's Reproductive Health & Rights Stasia Obremskey, Managing Director at RH Capital Shelley Alpern, Director of Shareholder Advocacy at Rhia Ventures Dr. Ushma Upadhyay, Professor in Residence at UCSF

Christians are called to go into the world but not become part of it. That's always a challenge, especially with investing. We'll talk about faith-based investing today with Chris Meyer. Chris Meyer is Manager of Stewardship Investing Advocacy and Research with Praxis Mutual Funds. Praxis is a faith-based family of mutual funds that has been around for over 26 years and prides itself on delivering real-world impact in support of Kingdom values. When many people think of integrating their values with their investments, their focus is usually screening out companies that don't share our values. However, the Praxis approach clearly goes beyond screening. Meyer explains that Paxis believes screening is important, as a clear expression of the values Christians hold. But he says there are also other strategies beyond weeding certain companies out of your portfolio that can make a difference. One of those strategies is shareholder advocacy. The means engaging company to promote positive change. That could mean letter writing, filing sharehold resolutions, and dialogue with company management. Meyer says in most of Praxis' corporate engagement, they collaborate with other faith-based investors and organizations. Praxis is a member of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, a member-based organization dedicated to shareholder advocacy. Meyer says that collaboration helps to multiply their impact. Praxis has been a part of engagement companies are a range of important issues including human trafficking, economic inequality, and creation care. For more information about the efforts of Praxis and its investment services, visit PraxisMutualFunds.com. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● What are I-bonds and are they a good investment? ● Is the The Monte Carlo retirement prediction method accurate, and is it a good way to plan for retirement? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Christians are called to go into the world but not become part of it. That's always a challenge, especially with investing. We'll talk about faith-based investing today with Chris Meyer. Chris Meyer is Manager of Stewardship Investing Advocacy and Research with Praxis Mutual Funds. Praxis is a faith-based family of mutual funds that has been around for over 26 years and prides itself on delivering real-world impact in support of Kingdom values. When many people think of integrating their values with their investments, their focus is usually screening out companies that don't share our values. However, the Praxis approach clearly goes beyond screening. Meyer explains that Paxis believes screening is important, as a clear expression of the values Christians hold. But he says there are also other strategies beyond weeding certain companies out of your portfolio that can make a difference. One of those strategies is shareholder advocacy. The means engaging company to promote positive change. That could mean letter writing, filing sharehold resolutions, and dialogue with company management. Meyer says in most of Praxis' corporate engagement, they collaborate with other faith-based investors and organizations. Praxis is a member of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, a member-based organization dedicated to shareholder advocacy. Meyer says that collaboration helps to multiply their impact. Praxis has been a part of engagement companies are a range of important issues including human trafficking, economic inequality, and creation care. For more information about the efforts of Praxis and its investment services, visit PraxisMutualFunds.com. On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● What are I-bonds and are they a good investment? ● Is the The Monte Carlo retirement prediction method accurate, and is it a good way to plan for retirement? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

For this episode of the four-part ESG for Impact! miniseries, Kimberly invites three difference-makers in sustainable shareholder advocacy to outline their unique focus on ESG investing and mutual funds. This week, Leslie Samuelrich, the president of Green Century Funds, and Kim explore plastic pollution, recycling, climate change, sustainable supply chains and how Leslie's campaigns are … Continue reading 57. Sustainable Shareholder Advocacy with Leslie Samuelrich, Sam Adams, and Sarah Adams – Part 3 →

AIO Financial has updated their four ebooks. They are all free:  Investing (the basics of how to invest)  Sustainable, Responsible, Impact Investing (how to make an impact with your investments). Expat Financial Planners (financial planning for Americans living abroad). Inversiones (Investing eBook in Spanish). AIO Financial is a fee only, independent, comprehensive financial planning firm. AIO Financial, LLC is registered with the SEC. They have five divisions with different specialties.  There is overlap between the specialties. For example, AIO Financial has expat clients who are very interested in impact investing. However, each division has its own webpage and social media channels which primarily focus on their individual specialty:  AIO Financial Planners (comprehensive financial planning).  Impact Financial Planners (sustainable, responsible, impact investing – investing in line with your values). Expat Planners (financial planning for American living outside the US). AMA Financial Advisors (financial planning for the specific needs of Athletes, Musicians, Actors). Tus Financieros (financial planning for Spanish speakers in the US and abroad). The following is a list of the chapters and sections in the Investing eBook. In this free eBook, you will learn about different types of investments, how to create a diversified portfolio, and the mechanics of getting started. You can download this eBook: here.  3.0 Investing Overview  4.0 Exchange Traded Funds  5.0 Mutual Funds  6.0 Individual Stocks  7.0 Individual Bonds  8.0 Alternative Mutual Funds  8.1 Long/Short Funds  8.2 Multi-Strategy Alternative Funds  9.0 Structured Products  9.1 Market Linked  9.2 Buffered Notes  9.3 Enhanced Return CDs  10.0 Illiquid Alternative Investments          10.1 Energy          10.2 Real Estate          10.3 Other  11.0 Options Trading  12.0 Steps to Investing          12.1 Liquidity Needs          12.2 Risk Tolerance          12.3 Diversification  13.0 Evaluating Investments          13.1 No Load Funds          13.2 Expense Ratio          13.3 Performance and Ratings  14.0 Example Portfolio  15.0 Investing Mechanics          15.1 Where to Invest          15.2 Consideration if Looking for an Advisor          15.3 Account Maintenance – Rebalancing  16.0 Resources   The following are the chapters in the Sustainable, Responsible, Impact Investing eBook. This eBook teaches you the different ways to make a positive impact in our world through your investments. It presents the basics of screening, shareholder advocacy and community investing. It gives real investment options so that you can get started.  You can download this free eBook: here.  3.0 What is Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)  4.0 Growth of SRI          4.1 Degrees of SRI          4.2 Motivation for SRI          4.2.1  Avoiding Undesirable Companies          4.2.2  Political Tool          4.2.3  Specific Issues  5.0 Three Major Components of SRI  6.0 Screening  7.0 Shareholder Advocacy          7.1 Shareholder Advocacy Involvement by Fund          7.2 Major Initiatives  8.0 Community Investments          8.1 Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Structures          8.2 Community Investment Returns          8.3 Green & SRI Bonds          8.4 Alternative Investments  9.0 Evaluating Investment          9.1 No Load and I Class Funds          9.2 Mutual Fund vs ETF          9.3 Expense Ratio          9.4 Performance and Ratings  10.0 Steps to SRI  10.1 Liquidity Needs  10.2 Risk Tolerance  10.3 Diversification  10.4 SRI Questionnaire  11.0 Examples of Mutual Fund-ETF Investments and Performance          11.1 US Large Cap Growth          11.2 US Large Cap Value          11.3 US Large Cap Blend          11.4 US Mid Cap          11.

In this episode you'll hear:A briefing on what shareholder advocacy is and how it works.Why Green Century, a unique mutual fund company owned by nonprofits, utilizes direct engagement as a purposeful strategy.How companies like Bunge Limited, JPMorgan Chase and Proctor & Gamble have all adopted more sustainable practices as a direct result of Green Century's work.What investors and advisers can do to support this kind of engagement.Related Article:  Stay ahead of ESG regulatory changesInformation on the U.N. SDG #15Green Century Capital ManagementCredit Suisse/Responsible Investor study on biodiversity financeDocumentary film, Lever, exploring shareholder activism Guest Bio: Annalisa Tarizzo is a Green Century shareholder advocate, leveraging the Funds' and the firm's clout as a shareholder to drive companies to adopt more environmentally sustainable policies and practices. Prior to joining Green Century, she served as a sustainability program specialist, a waste reduction coordinator and an environmental organizer. She holds a BA in Romance Languages and Literature with a minor in Global Sustainability from the University of Michigan.

Natasha Lamb, Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager at Arjuna Capital, and Kevin Wilhelm, CEO of Sustainable Business Consulting, discuss gender equality progress and what's new in the sustainable finance sector.  Natasha integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into Arjuna's investment process while engaging major corporations to improve their performance through shareholder advocacy. Previously, Natasha was Vice President, Shareholder Advocacy and Corporate Engagement, and an Equity Analyst at Trillium Asset Management. Natasha has been profiled on the cover of Bloomberg Businessweek, and in Forbes, Fast Company, and the Boston Globe, while her work has been featured in Rolling Stone, the Economist, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times, as well as on NPR and CNN. In 2016, Natasha received the Upstart Business Journal Upstart 100 Award and the Aiming High Award from Legal Momentum for pioneering a shareholder campaign on gender pay equity. Her 2014 landmark negotiation with Exxon Mobil led to the company's first public report on global warming and carbon asset risk. Natasha is a trustee of The Food Project and Chair of the Crane Institute of Sustainability, host to the Intentionally Designed Endowments Network. She teaches sustainable investing at Presidio Graduate School and holds an M.B.A in Sustainable Business from Presidio. Natasha received her B.A. cum laude from Mount Holyoke College.

Related Links:Waste and Opportunity 2020: Searching for Corporate LeadershipListen now & subscribe to The Indisposable Podcast to stay updated on more solutions-focused inspirations!

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The shareholder advocacy proxy season is upon us, yet many investors are unaware of just how important their votes and voices are. As a way of bringing about meaningful change in the companies you’re invested in, shareholder proxy voting is one of Kimberly Griego-Kiel’s biggest passions. Today, she’s breaking down everything you need to know … Continue reading Episode 6 — What You Need to Know for the 2019 Shareholder Advocacy Proxy Season →

4. Josh Zinner - Shareholder Advocacy by GuideStone Funds

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In this post, I will provide some shareholder advocacy updates. Shareholder advocacy involves: direct dialog with companies, filing shareholder resolutions and voting proxies. The post Shareholder Advocacy Report appeared first on AIO Financial Advisors Fee Only Fiduciary.

In this post, I will provide some shareholder advocacy updates. Shareholder advocacy involves: direct dialog with companies, filing shareholder resolutions and voting proxies. The post Shareholder Advocacy Report appeared first on Fee Only Fiduciary Financial Planners, Retirement Planning, Socially Responsible Investing, Tucson & US.

In this post, I will provide some shareholder advocacy updates. Shareholder advocacy involves: direct dialog with companies, filing shareholder resolutions and voting proxies. The post Shareholder Advocacy Report appeared first on Fee Only Fiduciary Financial Planners, Retirement Planning, Socially Responsible Investing, Tucson & US.

In this post, I will provide some shareholder advocacy updates. Shareholder advocacy involves: direct dialog with companies, filing shareholder resolutions and voting proxies. The post Shareholder Advocacy Report appeared first on Fee Only Fiduciary Financial Planners, Retirement Planning, Socially Responsible Investing, Tucson & US.

As You Sow chief strategist for the environment and fracking Michael Passoff says shareholders are demanding that the energy-industry self-regulate in order to minimize risk.