Viridian Wealth Management Pty Ltd: She'll be right - Part 1

Viridian Wealth Management Pty Ltd: She'll be right - Part 1: "Every quarter, the Association of Superannuation Funds Australia (ASFA) update their Westpac ASFA Retirement Standard . The standard benchma..."

But What Happens Next?

The rallies today in the major capitals calling for climate action were certainly encouraging. But what happens next?

As I have said in previous postings, marching in the streets and starting social media campaigns are certainly highly visible activities. But how much real change will they effect, and what else can be done.

The adshel situation showed that 'people power' could make an impact. However, within a day of returning the ads, they were being defaced in homophobic attacks. So, the ads were back, but maybe attitudes were not altered that much at all.

That is why we assist people to review where there investments are, particularly their super, and help them invest in line with their personally held values. By supporting companies financially that you support morally, they are financially encouraged to broaden the work they are doing. Avoiding and withdrawing from companies that you do  not support sends a real message that can affect companies at the share price.

Finally, you can go even further and and show your activism positions at the shareholders meetings, and put forward your point of view to the people who make decisions.

This financial 'activism' is not nearly as visible as taking to the streets. However, it may be more long lasting, and effective in getting the message across to the decision makers, in a language that they understand.


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What else gets you riled up?

The last few days have seen some really powerful examples of, for want of a better term, people power. There have been some really evocative issues and people have put themselves out there to stand up for things they believe in.

First, there was 'slutwalk'. Then live exports of cattle became an issue. Then over the last day or so, there has been the adshel controversy. While there has been some debate as to the language used, and redeemability of the word slut, what can't be debated, is that these issues have struck a chord, and that people have chosen to act.

These three highlighted issues are important. Regardless of the wording, there is no excuse for rape, and no excuse to blame a victim for being raped. The treatment of the animals in the overseas abattoirs was appalling to watch. Finally, in 2011, are people still scared of seeing two men hug?

But thinking of the positive messages makes me question other things. I don't wish to take away from these issues, but it gets me to thinking about what else riles people up?

I noted the other day that the Australian Government (with your money) invests in companies that manufacture nuclear weapons for Indian submarines via the Future Fund. Is that enough to get you riled up? Or how about your super fund investing (again, with your money) in companies that make weapons, use child labour or damage the environment?  Is any of that enough to get you riled up?

Most people I know would not support weapons manufacture, child labour or degradation to the environment. Except, that they do passively via their superannuation investment. Most people I know would not eat chocolate produced by slave labour in West Africa , yet they own the companies that produce it.

Moreso, the Greens are now getting 10% and upwards in votes at elections, yet only 2.5% of money invested in Australia is done via ethical and responsible investment. Why the gap?

If these things rile you up, then by all means march in the street. Send an email to your MP. But don't support  these things passively. It is possible to support want you want to support, and avoid what you don't like without it affecting your end returns. You can continue your activism by withdrawing financial support for companies that conduct themselves in ways you don't agree with.

To try and find out a little more, I will be asking this over on the Facebook page tomorrow. I would really love your feedback, so please, comment below, or head over to the Facebook page.

PS. News has come through that one of the bus shelter ads has been defaced. Really?


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