CSR News Archive
Disclaimer: From time to time the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program shares materials that you may find informative or useful in understanding corporate social responsibility issues. The views expressed in these materials reflect the positions of the outside organization and may not necessarily reflect an official position of ELCA.
Click a link below to read the related news story:
|
Illegal Alien Costumes Discontinued
|
Oct. 20, 2009 |
World Food Day
|
Oct. 16, 2009 |
Churches Week of Action on Food
|
Oct. 7, 2009 |
31 Ways to Fair Trade
|
Oct. 1, 2009 |
The Thirst for Water
|
Sept. 16, 2009 |
International Day of Peace
|
Sept. 9, 2009 |
A Manual for Investors
|
Sept. 2, 2009 |
Reverse Trick-Or-Treating
|
August 26, 2009 |
Announcing GoodWeave
|
August 19, 2009 |
World Humanitarian Day
|
August 12, 2009 |
Go PVC-Free for Back-to-School
|
August 5, 2009 |
TassaTag
|
July 13, 2009 |
Slavery Next Door
|
June 24, 2009 |
Community Investment Toolkit
|
June 3, 2009 |
Restrictions on BPA
|
April 13, 2009 |
Selective Purchasing Policy Guide
|
May 26, 2009 |
Commitment to Fair Trade
|
May 11, 2009 |
Water Scarcity Report
|
May 11, 2009 |
World Fair Trade Day
|
April 30, 2009 |
Preserve Gimme 5
|
April 13, 2009 |
Restrictions on BPA
|
April 13, 2009 |
Blue Heart Campaign
|
March 24, 2009 |
Prescription for Life
|
March 19, 2009 |
Ecumenical Women Advocacy Guide
|
March 11, 2009 |
Best Buy
|
March 2, 2009 |
Lenten Reflections
|
February 12, 2009 |
Eco-Palms
|
February 5, 2009 |
Investing with a Purpose
|
January 22, 2009 |
Beverage Container Recyling Report Card
|
January 13, 2009 |
Human Trafficking Awareness Day is January 11
|
January 6, 2009 |
Eco-Palms
|
January 6, 2009 |
File Sharing Resolutions
|
December 29, 2008 |
Responsible Shopping
|
December 8, 2008 |
| 60th Anniversary of Human Rights |
December 4, 2008 |
| 12 Days of Christmas |
December 1, 2008 |
| World AIDS Day |
November 21, 2008 |
|
Shareholder Resolutions |
January 23, 2008 |
|
Issue Papers Updated |
January 14, 2008 |
| Social Criteria Investment Screens Now Available Online |
January 9, 2008 |
| Twelve Days of Christmas |
December 6, 2007 |
| World AIDS Day |
November 26, 2007 |
| Violent Video Games |
November 8, 2007 |
| Jewelers Take Action |
October 18, 2007 |
| Buying Fair Trade? |
October 11, 2007 |
| SEC Proxy Regulation |
September 24, 2007 |
| Trade Week of Action |
August 28, 2007 |
| Saving Energy |
August 9, 2007 |
| Video Game Proceedings |
August 2, 2007 |
| What is Nanotechnology? |
July 26, 2007 |
| Free From Antibiotics |
July 24, 2007 |
| Arctic Tale |
July 10, 2007 |
| Fair Trade Farmers Get a Raise! |
June 7, 2007 |
| Environmentally Friendly? |
June 1, 2007 |
| Parental Awareness |
May 22, 2007 |
| Cotton and Coffee - How Much |
May 16, 2007 |
| Toxic Chemical Risk |
April 30, 2007 |
| World Fair Trade Day? |
May 3, 2007 |
| Sports balls and fair trade? |
April 23, 2007 |
| FTC Releases Report on Video Games |
April 18, 2007 |
| Earth Day |
April 13, 2007 |
| Timberland Launches Informative Shoe Labels |
March, 2007 |
| Commitment to Change |
March 2, 2007 |
| What's in Your Easter Basket? |
March 21, 2007 |
| Order Your Eco-Palms Now! |
February 20, 2007 |
| Learn More about the Amazing Grace Campaign |
January, 2007 |
| Shareholder Resolutions Filed |
January, 2007 |
| Valentine's Day Alternative Gifts |
January, 2007 |
| Violent Video Games |
December, 2007 |
| Lives for Sale |
December, 2007 |
| Holiday Turkeys |
December, 2007 |
| Youth Gathering Resources |
Summer, 2006 |
|
|
|
Illegal Alien Costumes Discontinued [return to top] |
October 20, 2009 |
|
The ELCA CSR program has learned of a campaign asking stores to discontinue sales of Illegal Alien Halloween costumes. To date Target and Toys R Us have pulled the costume from their web sales. As of Oct. 20 we have not heard of the status of these costumes in local stores. Congratulations to these companies for their discontinuation of sales of this item on the web.
Visit United Farm Workers for additional information.
Read the ELCA message on Immigration that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
World Food Day [return to top] |
Oct. 16, 2009 |
October 16 marks World Food Day. This year the 2009 World Food Day teleconference "will consider the impact of the financial crisis on those living in poverty, the responsibilities of the rest of the world and the solutions that are emerging."
The ELCA World Hunger program offers many ways to get involved. Learn how your giving can make a difference.
Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
| 31 Ways to Fair Trade [return to top] |
Oct. 1, 2009 |
October is Fair Trade Month! This year's theme "31 Days, 31 Ways. Make a Difference." encourages one to support Fair Trade. Learn how Fair Trade helps developing countries, what makes a product Fair Trade, where products can be purchased, where events are happening near you, and find resources on how to have a Fair Trade party!
Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
A Manual for Investors [return to top] |
Sept. 2, 2009 |
|
Before making an investment, know your rights as a shareowner. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute has a publication available, Shareholder Rights Across the Markets: A Manual for Investors. The manual "provides a brief summary of the current practices, recent developments, and legal and regulatory frameworks in each jurisdiction, and a detailed explanation of the key features and rights unique to each of 22 markets around the world."
Read the issue papers that govern the work of the Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
Announcing GoodWeave [return to top] |
August 19, 2009 |
|
RugMark Foundation is committed to ending illegal child labor in the carpet industry. To strengthen this work RugMark is phasing out its existing certification label and logo and replacing it with a new brand, GoodWeave! The new brand is expected to be available in stores this fall.
Read the issue paper on human rights that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
TassaTag [return to top] |
July 13, 2009 |
The mission of ECPAT USA, a non-profit children's rights organization, is to protect all children from commercial sexual exploitation. ECPAT has created a way through TassaTag to help raise awareness to the trafficking of children.
Learn how to "reclaim children's lives while claiming your luggage" with TassaTag.
Read the issue paper on human rights that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
Slavery Next Door [return to top] |
June 24, 2009 |
|
In some way each of us are touched daily by slavery - from the clothing we wear to the products we eat. A new publication entitled The Slave Next Door written by Kevin Bales and Ron Soodalter exposes "the disturbing phenomenon of human trafficking and slavery that exists now in the United States."
Learn more about The Slave Next Door and how you can purchase a copy.
Read the issue paper on human rights that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
Commitment to Fair Trade [return to top] |
May 11, 2009 |
|
In recent announcements Cadbury has committed "to achieve Fairtrade certification for Cadbury Dairy Milk, the nation’s top selling chocolate bar, by end of Summer 2009." and Mars Inc. has committed "to fundamentally changing the way sustainable cocoa farming practices are advanced by aiming to certify its entire cocoa supply as being produced in a sustainable manner, by 2020."
Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
World Fair Trade Day [return to top] |
April 30, 2009 |
|
Lutheran World Relief is a sponsor of World Fair Trade Day on May 9. This year's theme, Everything Is Better When It's Fair "reminds us that Fair Trade is more than just coffee, chocolate and handcrafts."
Visit Lutheran World Relief to find out how you can help break the record for the World's Largest Fair Trade Coffee Break.
Take the World Fair Trade Day Pledge.
|
|
Preserve Gimme 5 [return to top] |
April 13, 2009 |
|
You have been using your Brita® water pitcher faithfully, replaced the filter when needed and reluctantly tossed it in the trash. Through the Gimme 5 program you can now recycle #5 plastics and Brita® filters.
Learn more about Gimme 5 and Preserve and how their recycling process works.
Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
Restrictions on BPA [return to top] |
April 13, 2009 |
|
Sunoco has taken a stance on restricting sales of the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA). A recent press release states "The move by the gas and chemical giant makes Sunoco the first manufacturer to acknowledge safety concerns" regarding this chemical.
Read more about the manufacturers of baby bottles who have agreed to stop using BPA in their products.
Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
Blue Heart Campaign [return to top] |
March 24, 2009 |
|
Recently the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched the Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking. The campaign helps raise awareness to the "millions of victims [who] are entrapped, and exploited every year in this modern form of slavery."
Learn more about the campaign.
Read the issue paper on human rights that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
Prescription for Life [return to top] |
March 19, 2009 |
|
The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA) has launched a resource guide, "Prescription for Life" that encourages active engagement to help children living with HIV. The guide provides information and resources for schools, families, faith groups and communities to empower young people to write letters to pharmaceutical companies and governments to improve testing and treatment for infants and children living with HIV.
Read the issue paper on international access to pharmaceuticals that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
Best Buy [return to top] |
March 2, 2009 |
|
In an effort to become more environmentally friendly Best Buy has launched Greener Together, a recycling program recently implemented in all stores nationwide. In addition to offering in-store recycling, the program provides options to safely recycle items that are not currently accepted in stores.
Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
Lenten Reflections [return to top] |
February 12, 2009 |
|
Environmental Lenten resources are now available. The resources are "a Lenten journey of Reflection, Remembrance, Rediscovery, Repentance, Reconciliation, and Recommitment on our way to becoming more faithful stewards of God's creation."
Subscribe now to receive your daily Lenten reflection "Living Earth: Joining the Hymn of All Creation" beginning on Ash Wednesday.
Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
Eco-Palms [return to top] |
February 5, 2009 |
|
There's still time to order your Eco-Palms from Lutheran World Relief. Support the farmers who harvest the palm fronds by placing your order now! Deadline for ordering on-line is March 9.
Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
You may also be interested in the National Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Program about Eco-Palms. |
|
Beverage Container Recyling Report Card [return to top] |
January 13, 2009 |
|
Ever wonder what the leading bottling companies are doing about recycling their product? As You Sow has released a Beverage Container Recycling Scorecard and Report that evaluates 23 of the largest beverage companies.
To find out how they did view the 2008 report.
Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
Human Trafficking Awareness Day is January 11 [return to top] |
January 6, 2009 |
|
All are affected by this abuse of human rights. You can promote awareness, advocate for others, and take action in many ways.
Find out more through:
Stop Trafficking! - Anti-Human Trafficking Newsletter
Not For Sale - A Campaign to End Slavery
Learn more on this issue through the ELCA Justice for Women program.
|
|
File Sharing Resolutions [return to top] |
December 29, 2008 |
|
The ELCA Board of Pensions at the request of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program has filed eight (8) shareholder resolutions to date in the 2008-2009 filing season.
- Citigroup, Inc. - Loan Servicing Policy and Report
- ConocoPhillips Corporation - Report on Indigenous Peoples
- Goldman Sachs Group - Loan Servicing Policy and Report - Withdrawn
- The Home Depot, Inc. - Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity Report
- Macy's, Inc. - Product Stewardship Report
- The PNC Financial Services Group - Loan Servicing Policy and Report
- Southern Company - Emissions Reduction Report
- Wells Fargo and Company - Credit Card Lending Report
View these resolutions
|
|
Responsible Shopping [return to top] |
December 8, 2008 |
|
Looking for the perfect gift for that person that's not so easy to buy for? The Green Gift Guide, a resource from Co-op America offers many holiday gift options. You'll find everything from organic and fairly traded items to eco-friendly jewelry.
Don't forget the "12 Days of Christmas" offers great ideas too!
Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
|
|
Social Criteria Investment Screens Now Available Online [return to top] |
January 9, 2008 |
|
The ELCA addresses the area of socially responsible investing through the Corporate Social Responsibility program. Using ELCA social policy, social criteria investment screens have been developed and approved by Church Council.
Read the social criteria investment screens. |
|
Twelve Days of Christmas [return to top] |
December 6, 2007 |
|
For the Twelve Days of Christmas the Corporate Social Responsibility Program Gave to Me…
|
|
|
World AIDS Day [return to top] |
November 26, 2007 |
|
World AIDS Day is December 1 - a day of shared global action and awareness to the AIDS epidemic. You can become involved through the many options and resources that are available through the ELCA.
The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance has produced an devotional calendar titled "Keep the Promise - Advent in a Time of AIDS".
Read the issue paper on international access to pharmaceuticals that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
|
Violent Video Games [return to top] |
November 8, 2007 |
|
The holiday season is right around the corner and at the top of many wish lists this year will be requests for video games. The Interfaith Center on Corporate Social Responsibility (ICCR) has made available a holiday flyer (pdf) to help educate consumers on the issues around violence and video games.
Learn more about ICCR and its campaign that relates to violence and video games.
Before you place that video game in your cart check out what the Entertainment Software Rating Board has to say about it.
Read the issue paper on violence that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
|
Jewelers Take Action [return to top] |
October 18, 2007 |
|
The Jewelers of America (JA) represent 11,000 member stores in the United States. JA has issued a press release (pdf) detailing their concerns about the current unrest in Burma. Letters have been sent by JA to Congress along with an advisory to its members.
Read the issue paper on human rights that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
|
SEC Proxy Regulation [return to top] |
September 24, 2007 |
|
The Security and Exchange Commission has promulgated proposed rules around access to the proxy ballot. One of these proposals would impact the shareholder resolution process in which the ELCA currently engages. For further information and potential action steps please click here.
This work is governed by the call in the ELCA Constitution to "give expression to the church's concern for corporate social responsibility (16.12.d05.i). |
|
|
Trade Week of Action [return to top] |
Augsut 28, 2007 |
October 14-21 is Trade Week of Action. The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance has developed a resource guide to help people take action on trade issues. It includes stories, action ideas, Biblical reflections and tips for campaigning. Order or download a copy of the resource guide and learn how you can take steps to make a difference.
Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
|
Saving Energy [return to top] |
August 9, 2007 |
Before you purchase another major appliance check out the new U.S. Department of Energy shopping guide to find out what all those energy efficiency labels mean. These energy saving tips can save you time and money as well as help you understand the jargon - from what a BTU is to what does SEER mean.
Read the issue paper on global warming and climate change that govern this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
|
Video Game Proceedings [return to top] |
August 2, 2007 |
The proceedings from the last National Summit on Video Games, Youth and Public Policy are available through National Institute of Media and the Family. The proceedings focus on how to improve the rating system, how to best educate people about the impact of video games, and what affects legislation and public policy initiatives might have on this issue.
Read the issue paper on violence in our world that governs this area of the work and the educational resources on video game violence available through the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program |
|
|
Free From Antibiotics [return to top] |
July 24, 2007 |
Tyson Foods, Inc. the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken has announced that all of its fresh chicken will be produced free of antibiotics. Tyson began selling 100% All Natural, Raised Without Antibiotics last month nationwide.
Read more about the "Raised Without Antibiotics" press release.
Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program |
|
|
Arctic Tale [return to top] |
July 10, 2007 |
|
How is climate change affecting the Great North and its wildlife? Is global warming changing the frozen landscape of the Arctic? Paramount Classics and National Geographic Films have paired up to present "Arctic Tale" to help raise awareness on this issue. The movie opens to the public in late July/early August.
Learn more about the movie and information on free screenings in your area.
Read the issue papers on global warming and climate change and environmental topics that govern these areas of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
|
Fair Trade Farmers Get a Raise! [return to top] |
July 7, 2007 |
|
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Fair Trade Coffee Project ensures that more of the money you spend on coffee actually reaches the farmers who grow it. For the first time in 20 years the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations (FLO) recently announced that farmers of fair trade coffee will begin receiving increased earnings as of June 1, 2007.
Read the news release from Lutheran World Relief and to find out more about the LWR Coffee Project.
Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
|
Environmentally Friendly? [return to top] |
July 1, 2007 |
|
Is there a paradigm shift in mainstream business becoming more eco friendly? In 2005 General Electric launched ecomagination, an initiative to market new technologies to address environmental challenges.
Today Home Depot is offering Eco Options on thousands of environmentally friendly products to consumers.
Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
|
Parental Awareness [return to top] |
May 22, 2007 |
|
Research shows parents are increasingly restricting what video games their children play, according to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
View the recently released ESRB study (pdf).
Read the issue paper on violence in our world that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.
View the resolution that has been filed on this issue through the Board of Pensions. |
|
|
Toxic Chemical Risk [return to top] |
April 30, 2007 |
|
Ever wonder how many toxic chemicals and materials you come into contact with in a single day? Ever wonder what companies are doing to eliminate toxins from the products they produce or sell to consumers? The Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN) has produced the "Fiduciary Guide to Toxic Chemical Risk" that will help you make a more informed decision as a shareholder when voting this proxy season.
Learn more about IEHN and view the guide.
Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
|
Sports balls and fair trade? [return to top] |
April 23, 2007 |
|
When we think of fair trade we often only think of coffee, chocolates, and hand crafted gifts. What about sports equipment? Fair Trade Sports, Inc is the first sports equipment company in the US to launch a full line of fair trade sports balls.
Learn more about these sports products and what you can do to help.
Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
|
FTC Releases Report on Video Games [return to top] |
April 18, 2007 |
|
Did you know that unaccompanied children, ages 13-16 were able to purchase an M-rated game 42% of the time, down from 85% in 2000? The lasted Federal Trade Commission report on marketing violent entertainment to children has released their mystery shop data. Read the FTC Report.
The CSR program is in dialogue with Best Buy, Blockbuster, Circuit City, Costco, and Sears around the issue of selling M-rated video games to children. A resolution was filed with Electronic Arts, Inc. and withdrawn due to constructive dialogue.
View the resolution filed with Electronic Arts, Inc. |
|
|
Order Your Eco-Palms Now! [return to top] |
February 20, 2007 |
|
More than 300 million palm fronds are harvested each year for U.S. consumption alone - most of them for Palm Sunday. As you begin to plan your Lenten plans, consider the Lutheran World Relief program to help ensure the palm harvesters are earning a fair income for their labor, and the palms are being harvested in an environmentally sustainable way by visiting www.lwr.org/palms.
Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
|
Learn More about the Amazing Grace Campaign [return to top] |
January 2007 |
|
Inspired by the soon to be released film Amazing Grace, a social justice campaign has begun to raise awareness to organizations working against modern-day slavery. The Amazing Change Campaign is to generate interest and support to these organizations.
See the action this campaign is generating.
RugMark Foundation, a partner in the campaign and to the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program, is working to end illegal child labor.
Read the issue paper on human rights that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program. |
|
|
Shareholder Resolutions Filed [return to top] |
January, 2007 |
|
The ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program has filed eight (8) shareholder resolutions thus far in the 2006-2007 filing season by the ELCA Board of Pensions.
Costco Wholesale Corporation - Energy Efficiency resolution, withdrawn
CVS - Product Safety resolution
The Hershey Company - Vendor Standards resolution
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. - Adopt Human Rights Policy resolution
Sears Holdings Corporation - Sustainability resolution (withdrawn)
Six Flags, Inc. - Board Diversity resolution
Starwood Hotel and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. - Adopt Human Rights Policy resolution
Walgreens - Product Safety resolution
View these resolutions
View all current resolutions |
|