A Forum on Divestment and Sustainable Reinvestment
350Mass-Berkshires will host a panel presentation and discussion on fossil fuel divestment for individuals and organizations on Saturday, May 21 at the Ralph Froio Senior Center in Pittsfield. The concept of fossil fuel divestment is simple: it is the withdrawal of investments in the oil, coal, and gas companies that are destroying our climate. The purpose is to expose and stigmatize these corporations for using their enormous profits to influence legislators to pass laws that protect fossil fuel interests and block our necessary transition to clean, renewable energy sources. Divestment has historically been an effective tool for justice in fighting powerful interests such as the tobacco companies and the apartheid government in South Africa. Presenters include: Karin Chamberlain, Clean Yield Asset Management, Norwich, VT; Harry Moran, Owner/Founder of Sustainable Wealth Advisors, Saratoga Springs, NY; and Libby O’Connell, Green Century Funds, Boston, MA. Topics will include:
- How to divest your investments of fossil fuel holdings or get your employer to offer a fossil-free option in your 401k;
- How to reinvest in sustainable community options; and
- The economics behind the fossil fuel divestment campaign.
The 350Mass Divestment campaign has been focused on supporting Senator Ben Downing’s bill to divest the Massachusetts State Pension Fund of fossil fuel holdings. It has also helped 14 municipalities and numerous religious institutions pass resolutions calling for divestment. With this forum, attention is turned to helping businesses, non-profit organizations, and, especially, individuals to divest. While the concept may be simple, the actual mechanics of divesting and reinvesting in sustainable options may not be. The goal of this event is to provide some guidance and answer questions about the process. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. May 21, 10:00am-11:30am. Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 (Parking in rear). RSVPs are appreciated but not required to: Info@350ma-berkshires.org. For more information, contact Gary Stoller 413-717-8350