| Putting our money where our values are |
| We all want financial security. We want our investments to get the highest yield we can. We want to know we will be okay in our golden years. The vision of "Freedom 55" is a siren song of endless possibilities.
We also want justice and equality in our world. We don’t want to gain at the expense of the poor and vulnerable. We want security for everyone. "Freedom for all" calls out to us to be heard. |
 © Mary Corkery |
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| Like everything that involves putting values first, it requires us to choose to know … to know where our money is invested today, and to ask questions and make choices based on the values we affirm. Sometimes we turn a blind eye … or shrug and say the decisions are out of our hands … or finances are too complicated. |
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| Our faith encourages us to go forward, eyes wide open, living the Gospel message of solidarity. And once we’re prepared to take the risk, the steps are not so hard. And they make a difference. |
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| The charitable organizations we support(including our parishes and dioceses) can also be encouraged to match their investments with values and principles. |
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Helpful links:
The Social Investment Organization is an umbrella organization of companies and individuals concerned with socially responsible investment in Canada |
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| At www.miningwatch.ca type in the name of the company that interests you or an issue of concern and see what their archives reveal. |
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| La mission du Regroupement pour la responsabilité sociale et l'équité helps its members, notably religious orders, use their assets to forward social justice. |
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| Amnesty International’s "Share Power" campaign lists particular actions to be voted on by shareholders with an emphasis on human rights. |
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For parishes and charities
Investing in Change: Mission-Based Investing for Foundations, Endowments and NGOs by Michael Jantzi Research Associates, 2003. |
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| Mission and Investing: A guide for United Church Congregations and Organizations available through the United Church Resource Distribution Product #500000032, $8.95 |
