As global temperatures reach new highs, people around the world are finding new ways to confront our climate crisis. Banks and other financial institutions have made this crisis worse by providing hundreds of billions of dollars each year to fossil fuel companies. Without this money, polluting industries couldn’t continue on with business as usual.
Communities are demanding change from these financial giants. Chief among them is Vanguard, the world’s No. 1 fossil fuel investor.
That’s why AFSC has joined other organizations in the Vanguard S.O.S. campaign. We’re asking people worldwide to boycott Vanguard until it stops funding fossil fuel projects and starts taking climate justice into account in its investment decisions.
Here are five ways you can help:
1. Sign the Never Vanguard Pledge.
Anyone can sign the Never Vanguard Pledge, whether you’re a customer or not. By signing the pledge, you are taking a clear stance against doing business with Vanguard until it takes serious steps towards cleaning up its act.
The Vanguard S.O.S. campaign has already moved at least $55 million worth of investments away from Vanguard so far. With your help, we can grow that number.
Additionally, if you are a Vanguard customer who has decided to join the movement by withdrawing your funds, you can use this pledge response to indicate how much you’ve moved.
2. If you invest with Vanguard, learn how to move your money.
For those interested in withdrawing their investments from Vanguard, there are resources for you to learn more. Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT), an environmental activist group and partner to AFSC in the Vanguard S.O.S. campaign, hosts “Moving Money Out of Vanguard” workshops to help you navigate through the process. To find EQAT’s next webinar, check out their events page.
3. If you have a workplace retirement plan with Vanguard, talk with your co-workers and employer about moving it to another firm.
Your workplace may use Vanguard for retirement plans. Talk with co-workers about the opportunity to make a difference by demanding that Vanguard clean up its act. Consider asking your employer about switching to a different firm for your retirement plans, especially if you have significant support from your co-workers.
This article has useful tips for these conversations: do your homework, talk to colleagues face-to-face, tell stories about why this issue matters to you, appeal to shared values, and stay polite and positive!
4. Tell Vanguard CEO Salim Ramji to meet with the Vanguard S.O.S. campaign.
Despite the millions of dollars that the campaign has already moved out of Vanguard so far, Vanguard CEO Salim Ramji still won’t meet with climate justice activists. Sign this petition urging him to meet with our campaign to start a conversation about clean investing.
5. Attend a meeting to learn more about the campaign.
Want to learn more about the Vanguard S.O.S. boycott before diving in? EQAT hosts monthly meetings—usually online—to share information and news about the campaign. Join one to keep up to date and get involved. Keep tuned for more about this campaign from AFSC, as well!