What You Can Do
Jesuit connections make our work more fruitful (GC 35, D 6, n 29). Jesuit-sponsored institutions and Ignatian colleagues can advocate for and influence corporate behavior for the common good in many ways. Following are some possibilities for collaborating with NJCIR.
Stay Informed
Social change is an evolving process with new issues emerging constantly. The following resources will help you stay current with news and information useful for influencing corporate behavior in conformity with our faith and values:
- Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR)
The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility is a coalition of 275 faith-based institutional investors, including the Jesuit Conference USA, with collective assets under investment of $110 billion. - In All Things: A Jesuit Journal of the Social Apostolate, Winter 2002 Issue
This particular issue of In All Things explores the various facets of socially responsible investing, how to get involved, and the Catholic calling to partake in it. - Social Funds
Social Funds features information on SRI funds, community investment, corporate research, shareholder actions, and daily social investment news. - Business-Human Rights
This online library provides access, through links, to a wide range of materials on subjects relating to business and human rights.
Pray
Your prayers for NJCIR and for all those with whom we dialogue help to ensure that NJCIR engagements advance the service of faith and the promotion of justice.
Gracious God, You gifted the earth with bountiful gifts –- gifts you intended to be shared equitably among all your peoples. You crowned the splendor of creation with the gift of human life, endowing each person with a measure of your own divine dignity. Bless the efforts of those who work to insure that all share fairly in your wondrous gifts.
Bless the efforts of those who work to insure that the dignity of all your beloved children is protected and revered. Move the hearts of those with power — corporate and civic leaders — to understand their responsibility to effect just policies and to be wise stewards of your gifts.
May all persons of faith be tireless advocates for those who lack a voice in our world and may we all work unceasingly for the dawning of that justice without which there cannot be true and lasting peace. Amen.
Vote Your Proxies
Each year, shareholders are given the opportunity to influence corporate management on issues of social significance by voting their proxy ballots. Proxies typically arrive four to six weeks before the company’s annual meeting. Strong voting in favor of social, environmental and governance proposals often spur management to resolve issues of concern. This is often done through dialogue and consultation with shareholder and stakeholder advocates.
Influence Your Investment Manager
Encourage your investment manager to vote your proxies according to guidelines established by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility. Mutual funds and other registered investment companies are required to make their proxy voting records available.
Co-file on a shareholder resolution led by NJCIR
A large number of co-filers demonstrate broad support for change in corporate policy. Co-filers are consulted and included regarding corporate dialogues and strategies to engage the company. While NJCIR does not anticipate filing a resolution for the coming year, your provincial representative can assist you with this straightforward process as necessary.
Contact your Jesuit provincial representative
Your provincial representative can offer you more information on how to collaborate with NJCIR or to learn more about what is happening locally with Jesuit shareholder advocacy and for guidance on how to vote your proxies consistent with our priorities.
