Guidance offered for shareholders who want to vote in line with the denomination
by Darla Carter | Presbyterian News Service
Rob Fohr is director of Faith-Based Investment and Corporate Engagement for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (Photo by Rich Copley)
LOUISVILLE — The Presbyterian Mission Agency Board has approved this year’s proxy voting guide from the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A).
The PMA Board approved MRTI’s 2020 Shareholder Resolutions Directory with Proxy Voting Recommendations on Friday. It’s designed to assist the Board of Pensions, the Presbyterian Foundation and other long-term investors who want to vote in line with denominational recommendations.
In addition to investment agencies, “individuals or congregations or investment committees can utilize this resource,” said Rob Fohr, Director of Faith-Based Investing and Corporate Engagement for PC(USA). Publicly-traded companies “need to be accountable to their shareholders,” Fohr said.
Typically, shareholders receive proxy materials in the spring containing an annual report and a ballot to vote on particular issues.
The recommendations highlighted in MRTI’s guide are framed through the lens of PC(USA) policies and revolve around issues including climate change and human rights.
“If enough shareholders vote in favor of these proposals, it is very likely that the company’s management board will pay attention and correct course or respond in a way that’s favorable,” Fohr said.
The voting season typically begins in late April and continues into June, he noted.
To view the guide, go here.
Another resource, “Activating your Power as a Shareholder,” can be found here.
The Presbyterian Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment and Office of Faith-Based Investing and Corporate Engagement are part of the Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
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