ABHMS shares proxy voting guide for socially responsible investing
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 2/24/16)—As part of its Socially Responsible Investing ministry and in time for the 2016 proxy voting season, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) shares the “2016 Proxy Resolutions and Voting Guide” from the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR).
“Proxy voting is an important way for faith-based investors to speak into the values and practices of corporations,” says Michaele Birdsall, ABHMS deputy executive director/treasurer and chief financial officer. “It’s a way to give credible voice to why providing a living wage, protecting the environment and working for a more just and sustainable world is key to protecting and enhancing shareholder value.”
The guide features information about 257 ICCR member-sponsored shareholder resolutions, including those regarding emissions monitoring, lobbying expenditures, climate change, and deforestation and climate changes that impact the supply chains of food and consumer goods companies using palm oil.
“Proxy voting is a critical and vital part of your shareholder rights and responsibilities,” says Dave L. Moore Jr., ABHMS director of investments.
In addition, ABHMS reminds American Baptists about its “Revised Guidelines Relating to Social Criteria for Investments.” The resource outlines corporate securities in which ABHMS does not invest, including those related to tobacco, gambling and pornography.
Currently celebrating its 45th year, ICCR is the pioneer coalition of shareholder advocates who view the management of their investments as a catalyst for change. Its 300 member organizations comprise faith communities, socially responsible asset managers, unions, pensions, nongovernmental organizations and academic institutions representing combined assets of more than $100 billion with a record of corporate engagement that has demonstrated influence on corporate policies that further justice and sustainability.
ABHMS is a founding member of ICCR.
For more information about ABHMS’ socially responsible investing practices, visit www.abhms.org > Ministries> Justice Ministries > Socially Responsible Investing, or contact Moore at dave.moore@abhms.org or 800-222-3872, x2385.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
