The Advisory Committee for Corporate Social Responsibility recommends resolutions for filing for the ELCA. New recommendations of potential resolutions to file can be found at resolutions.

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The Corporate Social Responsibility program has developed issue papers that govern and offer guidance to the work of the ELCA, its institutions, and individual members. Four of the issue papers have been updated.
Read the updated issue papers:
Caring for Creation: Global Warming and Climate Change
Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All: Domestic Access to Capital
Caring for Creation: Environmental Topics
Caring for Health: International Access to Pharmaceuticals

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The ELCA addresses the area of socially responsible investing through the Corporate Social Responsibility program. Using ELCA social policy, social criteria investment screens have been developed and approved by Church Council.

Read the social criteria investment screens.

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For the Twelve Days of Christmas the Corporate Social Responsibility Program Gave to Me…

A direct giving opportunity

A "Keep the Promise" advent calendar

A Socially Responsible Investing Handbook

An opportunity to support Fair Trade products

Tips on greener twinkling lights

A Retail Comparison Chart for buying video games

A Video Game Report Card

Safer toy options for children

A SweatFree Consumer Guide to shopping

Ecolabeling: Voting with Our Wallets

Lots of eco-friendly options for shopping

A U.S. Department of State report on the human rights of children

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World AIDS Day is December 1 - a day of shared global action and awareness to the AIDS epidemic. You can become involved through the many options and resources that are available through the ELCA.

The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance has produced an devotional calendar titled "Keep the Promise - Advent in a Time of AIDS".

Read the issue paper on international access to pharmaceuticals that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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The holiday season is right around the corner and at the top of many wish lists this year will be requests for video games. The Interfaith Center on Corporate Social Responsibility (ICCR) has made available a holiday flyer (pdf) to help educate consumers on the issues around violence and video games.

Learn more about ICCR and its campaignn that relates to violence and video games.

Before you place that video game in your cart check out what the Entertainment Software Rating Board has to say about it.

Read the issue paper on violence that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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The Jewelers of America (JA) represent 11,000 member stores in the United States. JA has issued a press release (pdf) detailing their concerns about the current unrest in Burma. Letters have been sent by JA to Congress along with an advisory to its members.

Read the issue paper on human rights that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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October is Fair Trade Month and there is still time and opportunity for you to promote and support this effort.

Individually or with your congregation you can impact your community by showing your buying power at the local grocery store. Find out how through Lutheran World Relief's Fair Trade project.

Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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The Security and Exchange Commission has promulgated proposed rules around access to the proxy ballot. One of these proposals would impact the shareholder resolution process in which the ELCA currently engages. For further information and potential action steps please click here.

This work is governed by the call in the ELCA Constitution to "give expression to the church's concern for corporate social responsibility (16.12.d05.i).

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October 14-21 is Trade Week of Action. The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance has developed a resource guide to help people take action on trade issues. It includes stories, action ideas, Biblical reflections and tips for campaigning. Order or download a copy of the resource guide and learn how you can take steps to make a difference.

Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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Before you purchase another major appliance check out the new U.S. Department of Energy shopping guide to find out what all those energy efficiency labels mean. These energy saving tips can save you time and money as well as help you understand the jargon - from what a BTU is to what does SEER mean.

Read the issue paper on global warming and climate change that govern this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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The proceedings from the last National Summit on Video Games, Youth and Public Policy are available through National Institute of Media and the Family. The proceedings focus on how to improve the rating system, how to best educate people about the impact of video games, and what affects legislation and public policy initiatives might have on this issue.

Read the issue paper on violence in our world that governs this area of the work and the educational resources on video game violence available through the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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Many manufacturers fabricate components at the scale of 100 nanometers or less in the production of hundreds of consumer products. This is called nanotechnology.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has released a health fact sheet and an issue paper on this topic.

View the shareholder resolutions filed through the Board of Pensions about the issue of product safety.

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Tyson Foods, Inc. the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken has announced that all of its fresh chicken will be produced free of antibiotics. Tyson began selling 100% All Natural, Raised Without Antibiotics last month nationwide.

Read more about the "Raised Without Antibiotics" press release.

Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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How is climate change affecting the Great North and its wildlife? Is global warming changing the frozen landscape of the Arctic? Paramount Classics and National Geographic Films have paired up to present "Arctic Tale" to help raise awareness on this issue. The movie opens to the public in late July/early August.

Learn more about the movie and information on free screenings in your area.

Read the issue papers on global warming and climate change and environmental topics that govern these areas of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Fair Trade Coffee Project ensures that more of the money you spend on coffee actually reaches the farmers who grow it. For the first time in 20 years the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations (FLO) recently announced that farmers of fair trade coffee will begin receiving increased earnings as of June 1, 2007.

Read the news release from Lutheran World Relief and to find out more about the LWR Coffee Project.

Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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Is there a paradigm shift in mainstream business becoming more eco friendly? In 2005 General Electric launched ecomagination, an initiative to market new technologies to address environmental challenges.

Today Home Depot is offering Eco Options on thousands of environmentally friendly products to consumers.

Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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Research shows parents are increasingly restricting what video games their children play, according to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

View the recently released ESRB study (pdf).

Read the issue paper on violence in our world that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

View the resolution that has been filed on this issue through the Board of Pensions.

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May 16, 2007 

How much does it really cost to bring every day commodities into our homes? The BBC World Service had explored this in a two-part series on the cost and value of coffee and cotton - via workers' stories at each stage of production.

To listen now, download, or podcast visit
The Cost of...Part One - Cotton
The Cost of...Part Two - Coffee
Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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April 30, 2007 

Ever wonder how many toxic chemicals and materials you come into contact with in a single day? Ever wonder what companies are doing to eliminate toxins from the products they produce or sell to consumers? The Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN) has produced the "Fiduciary Guide to Toxic Chemical Risk" that will help you make a more informed decision as a shareholder when voting this proxy season.

Learn more about IEHN and view the guide.
Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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May 3, 2007 

Lutheran World Relief is sponsoring World Fair Trade Day on May 12. The theme this year, "Kids Need Fair Trade," emphasizes the need for trade to work for those most disadvantaged by conventional trade. Fair Trade creates economic opportunity and development which enables producers to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

You can participate in many ways. Find out how.
Whole Foods has created a program called "Whole Trade Guarantee". See how they are committed to Fair Trade principles.

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   Sports balls and fair trade?

April 23, 2007

When we think of fair trade we often only think of coffee, chocolates, and hand crafted gifts. What about sports equipment? Fair Trade Sports, Inc is the first sports equipment company in the US to launch a full line of fair trade sports balls.

Learn more about these sports products and what you can do to help.
Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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   FTC Releases Report on Video Games

April 18, 2007

Did you know that unaccompanied children, ages 13-16 were able to purchase an M-rated game 42% of the time, down from 85% in 2000? The lasted Federal Trade Commission report on marketing violent entertainment to children has released their mystery shop data. Read the FTC Report.

The CSR program is in dialogue with Best Buy, Blockbuster, Circuit City, Costco, and Sears around the issue of selling M-rated video games to children. A resolution was filed with Electronic Arts, Inc. and withdrawn due to constructive dialogue.

View the resolution filed with Electronic Arts, Inc.

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   Earth Day

April 13, 2007

Earth Day is right around the corner and people all over the world will be marking April 22 as a day to make a difference in protecting the Earth's natural resources. A variety of environmental stewardship resources are available for you and your congregation.

Read the Presiding Bishop's Earth Day message.
Find out how you can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
Learn more about what's planned for Earth Day in your part of the world.
Whether cleaning up or clearing out, learn the what, when, and how for recycling items from A to Z.

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  Timberland Launches Informative Shoe Labels

March, 2007

A nutritional label on shoe boxes? Yes, you read that right. The Timberland Company has developed a way, as part of a broader footwear packaging initiative, to help educate their consumers on how the manufacturing of its product effects the environment and society.
Learn more about what will be included on the labels.
Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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  Commitment to Change

March 2, 2007

There is a growing commitment to address global warming among institutions of higher education. Three Lutheran college presidents have signed on to the "American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment," a pledge to eliminate their campuses' greenhouse gas emissions over time.

Read the issue paper on global warming and climate change that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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  What's in Your Easter Basket?

March 21, 2007

Looking for something different to give that special someone for Easter this year? How about filling their baskets with items that will have a global impact? There are a variety of options to choose, from giving to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal to purchasing fairly traded chocolates, handcrafts, and food.

A few choices to consider are:
ELCA World Hunger Appeal
Lutheran World Relief Chocolate Project
Global Exchange Fair Trade
A Greater Gift

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  Order Your Eco-Palms Now!

February 20, 2007

More than 300 million palm fronds are harvested each year for U.S. consumption alone - most of them for Palm Sunday. As you begin to plan your Lenten plans, consider the Lutheran World Relief program to help ensure the palm harvesters are earning a fair income for their labor, and the palms are being harvested in an environmentally sustainable way by visiting www.lwr.org/palms.

Read the issue paper on sustainability that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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  Learn More about the Amazing Grace Campaign

January, 2007

Inspired by the soon to be released film Amazing Grace, a social justice campaign has begun to raise awareness to organizations working against modern-day slavery. The Amazing Change Campaign is to generate interest and support to these organizations.

See the action this campaign is generating.
RugMark Foundation, a partner in the campaign and to the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program, is working to end illegal child labor.
Read the issue paper on human rights that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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  Shareholder Resolutions Filed

January, 2007

The ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program has filed eight (8) shareholder resolutions thus far in the 2006-2007 filing season by the ELCA Board of Pensions.

Costco Wholesale Corporation - Energy Efficiency resolution, withdrawn
CVS - Product Safety resolution
The Hershey Company - Vendor Standards resolution
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. - Adopt Human Rights Policy resolution
Sears Holdings Corporation - Sustainability resolution (withdrawn)
Six Flags, Inc. - Board Diversity resolution
Starwood Hotel and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. - Adopt Human Rights Policy resolution
Walgreens - Product Safety resolution

View these resolutions
View all current resolutions

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  Valentine's Day Alternative Gifts

January, 2007

When we think of Valentine's Day what often comes to mind are visions of flowers, boxes of chocolates, and heart shaped cards. This year, if you are considering such gifts, think where you make these purchases and how they impact others.

A gift alternative can be made to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal
Help artisan and farming families earn a better income by purchasing Fair Trade products.
Think green instead of red and give gifts from businesses that support people and the planet.
Choose products that are made sweatshop-free

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  Violent Video Games

December, 2006

The ELCA, in concert with other faith-based investors, is raising concerns with corporations about the inappropriate marketing of violent video games to youth. Find out more, including what you can do to help.

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  Lives for Sale

December, 2006

Lives for Sale is a new investigative documentary connecting human migration and sex trafficking. Produced by Maryknoll Productions it will be aired on public television stations nationwide beginning in January 2007. Read the press release on the documentary.

To assist in getting the show seen in your community contact your local public television station www.pbs.org and ask for it to be aired locally.

Read the ELCA's message on Commercial Sexual Exploitation.

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  Holiday Turkeys

December, 2006

Holiday gatherings and meal planning continue and so we take a look at turkey farming practices. The Union of Concerned Scientists are encouraging consumers to think about purchasing organic turkeys and those raised without antibiotics.

Read the issue paper on environmental topics that governs this area of the work of the ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility program.

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  Youth Gathering Resources

Summer 2006

From the banana republic workshop at Cruzando. Please visit the links below for sweat free resources.

Garment Industry Pyramid
Sweat free resources
Do your part to be a responsible consumer by taking the pledge
Apparel: Links in the Chain workshop
Apparel workshop story cards

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