action: TIAA-CREF campaign

[colist-admin at comm-org.utoledo.edu]

[ed:  here is another example of an attempt to use the Internet in an 
action campaign.]

From: NJWollman at manchester.edu

EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO MONEY IN THE TIAA-CREF PENSION FUND,
           PLEASE TAKE THREE MINUTES A WEEK TO LEND YOUR VOICE--LITERALLY
We are continuing our battle to get the TIAA-CREF (TC) higher ed pension
system to do "positive investing" with a small portion of its socially
responsible "Social Choice Account" (SCA). It can mean up to $300 million
going toward such things as loans for low-income area housing and business
start-ups, and venture capital for companies championing a new
socially/environmentally responsible product. Companies thus supported can
become stronger models for other new companies and the very prominent TC
could become a model for other institutional investors (a  large ripple
effect ).

Our original effort to get the SCA started took five years, so, after three
years, "We have just begun to fight." We have a long list of prominent
group/individual endorsers and media stories keep coming--Wall Street
Journal, L.A. Times, etc.. But with a group as large as TC ($280 billion in
assets; 2 million participants, etc.), the inertia and paternalism is
strong. We started a new tactic that takes a few minutes weekly-- and your
involvement could really help. Thanks, Neil  (mark your calendar or ask if
you want brief bi-weekly campaign updates and reminders about
calls--njw at manchester.edu)
===================================================================================================
Mondays will be call-in days to John Biggs, their CEO. PLEASE TAKE THREE
MINUTES A WEEK TO LEND YOUR VOICE in support of the proposal. Call
1-800-TIA-CREF (842-2733), ext. 4280.; or 212-490-9000. You'll likely have
to leave a message with his secretary, but do ask for a response if you
can. We are creating a weekly "presence" that will continually remind him
of our concerns!
--more info:
http://ARES.manchester.edu/department/PeaceStudies/njw/disclaim.html
--please post this to appropriate listserves