Calvert’s decision reinforces my point of view that some of the most important corporate responsibility work happens in so-called “vice” industries with the biggest social or environmental footprints. Engagement is essential to achieve change and as others follow Calvert’s lead, more investors will have both a carrot and stick with companies like mine.

Engagement can come in many forms. For example, Brown-Forman opened its doors a bit more last week by launching Our Thinking About Drinking: The Issues Forum. I believe it is the first time that a beverage alcohol company has been so transparent about where it stands on material issues and so open in soliciting stakeholder feedback.

Feel free to offer YOUR thinking about drinking at http://www.ourthinkingaboutdrinking.com.

Rob Frederick
Director of Corporate Responsibility
Brown-Forman

Now that the Press has been emasculated by the advertising drought, we depend on the SRI community to pressure business to maintain standards and make sustainable progress.

While corporate executives might bridle publicly at the attentions of the SRI community, most admit in private that they need influential outsiders to keep up the pressure for change.

Peter T. Knight
Context America

Working with what we have and changing things from the inside seems like a wonderfully mature approach to take to making a difference.

I really enjoy your blog Marc. Thanks for your contributions.

Barry