Welcome to our monthly Impact News Roundup, where we highlight interesting news in
the impact investing industry along with insights from Oikocredit US. We are dedicated
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Webinar: An "Evening" with Yves
We had such a delightful time speaking with Yves Komaclo, Oikocredit International's Investments Manager for West Africa, in a special webinar hosted jointly by Oikocredit US and Oikocredit Canada in partnership with Oikocredit International. Yves talked about the effects of Covid-19 and opportunities for growth in the region. At the peak of the webinar, 50 people were in attendance from across the world, including North America, Europe and Africa.
New Retirement Planning Rule Gets It Right: Sustainable Investing Is Here to Stay
The world is catching up with Oikocredit's mission. Thanks to new changes in regulations, more retirement plans will be able to select socially and environmentally responsible investments without fear of unfair regulatory interference.
"Over the last 25 years, there has been a regulatory back-and-forth over the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) guidance on the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). ...Plan sponsors now have clear guidance to support integrating sustainable investing strategies into defined contribution plan design."
Why has Sister Corinne Florek been called the "Godmother" of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)?
How does a Catholic Sister use her faith to empower herself and others to make an impact in low-income communities? Find out in the latest episode of Alignment: Using Your Values to Invest in Social Change. For 40 years, Corinne Florek, an Adrian Dominican Sister, has been working in the field of community economic development as a manager, educator, consultant, financial administrator and strategic planner. Whether administering a 50-member craft cooperative in Appalachia or a small business loan fund for low-income women in San Francisco, or managing international loan funds, she has focused on using capital innovatively to empower low-income people.
Financial Advisors are 100% Talking to the Wrong People: Next Gen Investor Fernando Scodro
The next generation has a chance to pave the way to more ethical investing strategies.
"How does a 20-something newcomer to finance shift his family's entire investment strategy? Heated arguments may be inevitable, but investing 100% for impact shouldn't be a big deal, says Grupo Baobá's Fernando Scodro. Now, he says, advisors need to catch up."
How to Integrate the Sustainable Development Goals
Social change starts at the ground level. That's why it is imperative to bolster the communities who are the most in need.
"Everyone’s trying to tackle the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and that’s a good thing. But the goals are complex, and they can’t be addressed one by one. To make progress on any SDG, we need to dive deep into the local context, to understand how culture and circumstances affect action."
Can You Help Us Reach Our Goal?
It isn't too late to help us reach our goal of $17,910. Our board has stepped up with a larger than ever matching pool. All donations received by December 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar until the total of this pool is reached.