March 24, 2008
Things You Can Do To Wake Up Fidelity
Investors Against Genocide just put out a statement letting us know that momentum is on their side. Essentially they are working to get Fidelity to stop investing in companies that fund the genocide in Darfur.
Most people would have said a year ago that this small group of people could never effectively “break into” one of the biggest banks in the world to rid them of assets that are dangerous to human life. But they are close to doing it and need support. Penetrating the walls of a seemingly impenetrable bank in order to rid both that bank and the world of something terrible. Does that remind you of any one? Oh, yes: I’m looking at the lanky boy with red hair who can’t get his eyes the young woman with bushy hair standing next to the bespectacled young Wizard with the scar on his forehead.
Click Below To Find Out Ways That You May Help. While everyone can do something, the people that can do the most are going to be those who own shares of Fidelity or who are connected to people who do.
Things That Each Of Us Can Do (particularly if we or someone we know has Fidelity shares):
- Help spread the word about the April and May votes. Basically shareholders in the funds that are connected to genocide are going to have the chance to vote for Fidelity to become “genocide free.” Investors Against Genocide has posted suggestions and samples at www.InvestorsAgainstGenocide.org/HowToHelp on how to spread the word about this. Ideas include raising awareness at your workplace, contacting friends, sending emails, posting to blogs, and submitting a letter to the editor of your local paper. It’s easy to share this email with others and ask them to sign up for their mailing list at www.InvestorsAgainstGenocide.org.
- You or people you care about can vote, if you or someone you know (a parent, a friend, etc) is a Fidelity shareholder in these funds. I know this going to sound a bit complicated to some of you (it does to me!) but if you think you may actually have one of these funds or know someone who does, you (or they) check your proxy ballot to see if it includes a shareholder proposal regarding GENOCIDE. For a complete list of relevant funds, check www.InvestorsAgainstGenocide.org/ShareholderHelp. If you discarded your proxy materials you can still vote. If you wish to change your vote, you can. For help, check www.InvestorsAgainstGenocide.org/FidelityVotingHelp. Let them know if you have any difficulties casting your ballot.
- Does your employer offer Fidelity funds in its 401K or 403(b) plan? If so, volunteer to be a company captain and help “get out the vote.” For suggestions, check www.InvestorsAgainstGenocide.org/HowToHelp.
- Donate to their campaign. Every dollar contributed will go directly to the “get out the vote” effort. Donate online at www.InvestorsAgainstGenocide.org.
- Submit more shareholder proposals. If you own shares of mutual funds, please join this historic effort for genocide-free investing. We’ve made it easy for you to submit a proposal. Learn how at www.InvestorsAgainstGenocide.org/ShareholderHelp2. We want to submit the proposal to hundreds of funds and cover all the major mutual fund companies. We need your help to do it!
