Tag: Dan Crosby

By Frank Sherman

December is a time of hope……a time to reflect on the past and dream of the future.

As I look back on 2018, I think of Nobel Peace Prize winners Nadia Murad, 25, who became the voice and face of women who survived sexual violence by the Islamic State, and Dr. Denis Mukwege, 63, the Congolese gynecological surgeon has treated thousands of women in a country once called the rape capital of the world. I think of Time magazine Persons of the Year, “The Guardians” – a group of journalists who have been targeted for their work. I think of CNN’s Hero of the Year, Dr. Ricardo Pun-Chong, a physician who provides rooms for poor families who bring their children from the countryside for life saving surgery in Lima, Peru. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. 

What about our members of Seventh Generation Interfaith? Are they making a difference?

This year SGI members worked with Midwestern electric utility companies to develop long term climate change scenarios and set ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. We promoted transparency in corporate political spending and lobbying. We challenged pharmaceutical companies to base their executive remuneration policies on innovation and patient outcomes rather than predatory pricing. We helped companies eliminate deforestation and reduce water pollution in their supply chain. We asked food brands and restaurants to improve their nutritional profile and follow marketing-to-children guidelines to fight obesity. We advocated for human rights policies and ethical recruitment to support workers and communities impacted by global corporate supply chains. 

Our message is growing. Over the past year, SGI added 5 new members and are developing many more prospects to diversify our faith traditions. Our quarterly webinars, semimonthly blog articles and weekly newsletters kept our members informed on our issues and trained on our tactics.

So what do we have to look forward to in 2019? Our Corporate Engagement Plan is bigger than ever including 53 companies in active dialogue with over half of our members. SGI members have filed or cofiled 28 resolutions to amplify our voice to the broader shareholder base. SGI staff and members are active in ICCR leadership and program workgroups. 

Fr. Dan Crosby said it best in his keynote speech at our 45th anniversary when he spoke of his bother Fr. Mike’s conviction to live the Gospel. He reminding us that “change is inevitable, growth is optional”. He ended saying that “…four virtues are essential to SGI’s work: collaboration, solidarity, courage, …….and hope”.

A very blessed holiday season to you and your family, and a hopeful New Year!