Women's Environmental Network Presents: Socially Responsible Investing

The Women's Environmental Network is delighted to invite Tom Van Dyck, Senior Vice President and Financial Consultant in the SRI Wealth Management Group of RBC Dain Rauscher, and Patricia Jurewicz, Associate Director of the Corporate Social Responsibility Program for As You Sow, to present to WEN members on the topic of Socially Responsible Investing (SRI). The presentation will start with a brief history of the development of SRI, including the role of Bay Area activist groups like Rainforest Action Network and As You Sow Foundation, which Tom co-founded in 1992. As You Sow is also a leader in shareholder advocacy. Notable shareholder campaigns have focused on changing industry practices to more sustainable use of environmental resources and human capital such as: promoting sales of sustainably harvested wood at large hardware stores (Home Depot and Lowes); promoting codes of conduct for contract suppliers in the retail industry (Disney, Gap, Nordstrom, Nike and Wal-Mart); promoting e-waste recycling in the computer industry (IBM, HP, Dell and Apple); and promoting increased recycling of paper and PET plastics (Staples, Office Depot, Time Warner, Scholastic, Coke and Pepsi). After this introduction, the presentation will focus on the growing importance of Socially Responsible Investing for individuals, non-profits and other institutions. Do you think SRI involves a decrease in returns? Do you know the best ways to involve yourself and/or your organization in SRI? Are you up-to-date on mutual fund options, "mission specific investing," and clean tech venture capital opportunities? Tom and Patricia will touch upon all of these topics and more. Come with questions! Appetizers and wine will be provided by WEN. Buy tickets online: http://wenapril07event.eventbrite.com/