What Is As You Sow?
As You Sow is all about empowering shareholders to change corporations for good. It’s a movement that harnesses shareholder power to create lasting change and align investments with values. Their programs tackle big issues like gender inequalities, workplace equity, environmental health, and more. Simply put, they believe corporations can—and should—be part of the solution to the social and environmental challenges we face today.
The Main Benefit: Shareholder Power in Action
Here’s the deal: corporations hold a lot of responsibility for many of the pressing problems in society and the environment. As You Sow steps in to make sure these corporations are held accountable and pushed toward positive change. Shareholders aren’t just passive investors—they’re powerful advocates for better corporate behavior. Some key facts:
- Since 1992, As You Sow has been raising the shareholder voice to boost corporate responsibility.
- They engage directly with CEOs, senior management, and institutional investors to drive change from the inside out.
- Focus areas include waste reduction, waste management, racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
- Companies that think long-term—years, decades, even generations—tend to reduce risk and improve success.
Mission: Driving Corporate Responsibility
The mission of As You Sow is crystal clear: promote environmental and social corporate responsibility through shareholder advocacy, coalition building, and innovative legal strategies. It’s about pushing corporations to do better—not just for profit, but for people and the planet. This mission fuels their work every day, making sure that shareholder voices aren’t just heard but actually make a difference.
Vision: A Safe, Just, and Sustainable World
Imagine a world where protecting the environment and human rights is at the heart of every corporate decision. That’s the vision As You Sow is working toward. They see a future where businesses don’t just chase short-term gains but embrace responsibility for the long haul. It’s about creating a world that’s safe, just, and sustainable for everyone.
How Shareholder Advocacy Works
Shareholder advocacy isn’t just about filing proposals or making noise. It’s about real conversations with corporate executives—CEOs, senior management, and investors—to collaboratively develop policies that reduce risk and bring positive change. When companies focus only on short-term profits, they risk their reputation, their customers, and their own future. As You Sow presses them to see the bigger picture and act accordingly.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Addressing gender inequalities in the workplace.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promoting workplace equity and inclusion.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Advocating for racial justice and diversity.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Focusing on waste reduction and management.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Encouraging corporations to adopt sustainable environmental practices.
Why Long-Term Thinking Matters
Corporations that look beyond the next quarter or fiscal year tend to be more successful and less risky. As You Sow champions this long-term mindset, encouraging companies to consider the impact of their actions on future generations. This approach not only benefits the environment and society but also strengthens brand reputation and the bottom line. It’s a win-win that proves responsible business is smart business.
