Action Alert: SEC Proxy

Protect Your Voice as a Shareholder 

Your help is needed on a matter of urgent importance. Investors who care about issues of justice and environmental sustainability must act now to protect their rights.

Again and again, we have seen that investors have real power to change corporate behavior for the better. On issues from climate change to sweatshops, from toxic chemicals to CEO compensation, Domini and our fund investors have used that power to tell the companies we own what we expect of them, and to help build a fairer and more sustainable world. One of our most important tools is the right of shareholders to propose corporate resolutions, on which every company shareholder then gets to vote.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is currently considering whether to issue new rules that would restrict or eliminate shareholders' use of this essential tool. Domini, on behalf of our investors, has filed or co-filed about 150 of these resolutions since 1994, and they have helped us convince companies to report their greenhouse gas emissions, publish sustainability reports, disclose political contributions, prohibit discrimination against gay and lesbian employees, and more.

Please help protect the right of shareholders to be heard on the vital issues facing companies and society. Ask the SEC to drop the idea of eliminating the ability of shareholders to sponsor advisory resolutions.

How can you help? Please send the customizable message below to the SEC commissioners, urging them to protect the rights of shareholders like you. Click "Send email" below to send your message to Christopher Cox, the chairman of the SEC, and to the SEC's email box for public comments. Please note that your name (but not your email address) may appear on the SEC website.

The SEC commissioners may take action on this issue as soon as next Wednesday, July 25 - so it is vital that they hear from people like you who care about investors' rights. Your prompt action can make a difference!

 

 

 

Dear Chairman Cox:

As a concerned investor, I was alarmed to learn that the SEC is considering a proposal to restrict or eliminate one of the most important tools that shareholders like myself can use to make our concerns known to corporate management. I urge you to drop the suggested proposal curtailing investors' right to file advisory resolutions under Rule 14a-8. 

Advisory resolutions have proven to be a highly effective way to get management's attention on issues that matter to shareholders. They help to promote improved corporate governance, greater accountability, and more meaningful disclosure. They are a source of important new ideas, and often serve as the starting point for productive dialogue with companies. As an investor, I know that the right of shareholders - even small shareholders - to propose these resolutions has helped the companies I own to become better companies.

Restricting or eliminating advisory shareholder resolutions would be a disastrous step backwards. Please let me know what action you intend to take on this issue. 

Yours sincerely,