As famed environmental advocate General Russel Honore acknowledged as he drove me around Cancer Alley Louisiana a few years ago, many of our environmental problems come down to greed. That’s a big part of why my current work focuses on the money behind the companies driving climate destruction, environmental racism, and the violation of Indigenous rights.
One of the world’s biggest managers of that money is Vanguard.
For almost two years, Earth Quaker Action Team and allies have pressured Vanguard to use its enormous power to push those companies in a better direction, or stop investing in them if they don’t. We’ve written letters, made phone calls, delivered petitions, and asked Vanguard leadership to meet with us to hear our concerns. We’ve even gotten arrested at Vanguard headquarters and held Quaker worship outside the CEO’s house. Now, we’re calling on customers to move their money out of Vanguard or Vanguard funds, and calling on people who are not customers to pledge not to invest in or work with the company.
For those who live in Oregon or who will be part of the national Quaker conference happening there in July, you can join us in person in Salem on the afternoon of July 6! We will be highlighting Vanguard’s role in Oregon, which includes heavy investment in TC Energy, the company behind the GTN Express pipeline expansion project (through Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and California). Oregon also relies on Vanguard for its college savings plan, so the state has a special role to play in pressuring Vanguard.
If you will be part of the FGC Gathering at Oregon University, we will meet promptly at 1:30 pm at parking lot H to travel 12 miles to Salem. Please RSVP, so we can estimate the number of rides needed and keep you in the loop! If you are in Oregon and not part of the Gathering, you can meet us at 2:15 at the Burger Kind next to the Chase bank at 5135 S. Commercial St, Salem. (Please don’t post about Chase on social media since we’re hoping to surprise them.)
Part of what I’m learning from this work, is that everything really is connected. The photo above is from a recent action that highlighted Vanguard’s role investing in polluting industries in the majority Black community of Chester, PA. EQAT members are shown with Chester residents and other allies in front of an incinerator run by Covanta. It turns out, there is also a Covanta incinerator north of Salem, OR. Vanguard is invested in the parent company–yet another example of the kind of thing I don’t want to invested in. I hope you’ll sign the pledge, too.
This website uses cookies to provide and improve its services. By continuing to use this website, you consent to our use of cookies. If you do not consent, please view our Cookie Policy for more information.Dismiss
