Dialogue and Resolutions

A Process of Engagement

An important element of our investment strategy is our proactive corporate engagement program. The goal of this program is to promote long-term sustainable business practices that eventually result in greater shareholder value.

Guided by the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church, we have positively influenced corporate business practices. We regularly review our investment portfolio to identify companies that could benefit from improved environmental, social or governance policies and procedures. Then, oftentimes working with other investors who share our values-driven approach, we employ a structured process to corporate engagement that starts with careful research of ESG issues and their implications for long-term corporate sustainability. We develop a specific goal for the engagement and begin our advocacy. Many of the conversations continue over several years and result in changes to corporate policy and business practices– clear evidence that advocacy can have a real impact on investment performance.

If attempts at direct dialogue are not productive, the General Board may file a shareholder resolution to encourage action by the company. We use these resolutions as a way to bring important issues before management, directors and other shareholders at the company’s annual meeting. A significant vote in favor of a resolution may prompt management to adopt new policies and/or improve current practices.

Current Corporate Engagements

The General Board has engaged the following companies through meetings and other communications or through the filing of shareholder resolutions. Click on the links below to read the history of the General Board’s work with a particular company, a description of the issue and the text of a resolution the General Board has filed.

Updated: June 2011

Sustainability Reporting

Environment 

Social

Corporate Governance

Health