Advocacy: Changing Corporate Citizenship

There are many opportunities for citizens and shareholders to participate in the change that is under way to forge a more responsible approach to corporate citizenship. Now that we have at our fingertips the ability to network with like-minded people and groups throughout the world, you can be part of this change by devoting some of your time to citizen advocacy, whether locally, nationally, or globally.

Shareholders hold particular power to influence corporate policy via proxy voting and working with others to submit resolutions; this has led to Home Depot's no longer selling old-growth timber, FedEx Office's using only recycled copy paper, and McDonald's abandoning polystyrene foam cups. Individuals and companies can join with groups like the American Sustainable Business Council to participate in public policy, engaging with regulatory agencies and Congress to help establish higher standards and expectations for corporate behavior.