Socially Responsible Investment Conference - Loyola University Chicago - SAC

The Shareholder Advocacy Committee (SAC) at Loyola University Chicago,in collaboration with the Responsible Endowments Coalition (REC) and the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR)are pleased to present Socially Responsible Investment: The Next Generation of Social Justice "Go forth and set the world on fire." Registration begins at 8:30am FREE, RSVP required by 3pm on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 (EXTENDED) Why attend? This Conference is a must for those interested in making a positive difference in the management of university and college funds. Socially responsible investment, especially in this economic environment, is of growing importance to students and higher education institutions nationwide. Participation in this event is designed for an energetic and forward-thinking audience, and will enable students and their institutions to begin thinking about how to integrate SRI into making viable investment decisions. Perspective and SRI. Universities and colleges nationwide want to perform in a productive and sustainable manner. Investment of funds is increasingly important, and there is growing concern voiced by students, faculty, and staff for institutions to use funds in ways that not only generate good returns - but also speak to their missions, benefit the environment, and contribute to a just society. Socially responsible investing (SRI), the use of investments for social good, is an incredible tool to promote economic and social democracy. It convinced Home Depot to stop using old growth timber, RJR Nabisco to discontinue its "Joe Camel" advertisements, and ARCO to withdraw operations from Burma, among other major victories, and is gaining popularity as a tool for activists. SRI began with divestment from companies involved in the Vietnam War, and gained fame in the 1980's as individuals, institutional investors, and universities came together to divest from corporations supporting apartheid in South Africa. These same investors began to experiment with various ways of using their assets to promote social change. Currently, one in nine dollars under professional management is invested in a socially screened fund. SRI is not a fringe movement, but an increasingly important way for people to ensure that their investments are serving their social goals. (source: Responsible Endowments Coalition) Benefits. This Conference is your opportunity to become aware of the changing societal climate supporting SRI endeavors that are becoming widespread. Additionally, you will: -Learn about linking mission and money -Hear from professionals and students involved in SRI efforts, and about how they they developed and implemented SRI policies -Learn what steps are needed to introduce SRI into your University or college