Socially responsible investing

[earthwalker]

I've been wanting to take my savings out of mutual funds and put them into something more socially responsible. Does anyone have any pointers/suggestions? This might be a terrible time to sell any funds/stocks (but great time to buy) and I am wondering what the smartest/safest way to do this is. Any ideas?? Thanks!

[Donald Reid]

WHY INVEST IN BRAZIL / NATAL, RIO GRANDE DO NORTE
.
GREAT OPPORTUNITES IN NATAL AND RIO GRANDE DO NORTE
.
The Northern coastline of Natal is primed for major expansion.A massive new bridge opened last November connects the city and southern towns to beaches in the immediate north.Even more important for the longer term is the massive new international airport, with initial building phase starting this year (projected to be the 4th biggest aiport in the world, designed to take airbus)to the north of Natal which will bring in substantially more tourism and investment to this coastal region.
.
These tranquil,sleepy beach resorts all the way up the northern coastline ( especially Genipabu, Maracajau, Muriu and Sao Miguel do Gostoso) are bound to undergo a major transformation in the next couple of years to accommodate the huge international influx of tourists.
.
Plans to build over 15 golf courses alongside major resort projects have already been submitted and approved by local government.David Beckham visited the region(Feb2008) to announce the opening of his Sports academy and golf resort in Caraubus (50 kms north of Natal).
.
In summary,the coastal region, North of Natal is set for a property boom and we advise all investors to get in quick while the time is ripe!!
.
WHY INVEST IN BRAZIL
.
Brazil is a country of continental size, blessed with beauty, With its sunkissed beaches (over 7000kms of coastline) vibrant cities,teeming with colour and culture, music, ranging from frenetic samba to soulful bossa nova,obsession and passion for football and its people,exuberant,sensuous and ever friendly.
.
It has everything a tourist could possibly desire and in recent years Europeans and North Americans have started to come here in droves, taking advantage of better access and cheaper flights.The more astute of these foriegn visitors are buying up land and coastal properties in anticipation of substantial investment returns as the tourism industry and property market grow ever stronger.
.
We HAVE MANY PROPERTIES OTHER THAN BEACH PROPERTIES IN THE CITY AND THE INTERIOR!
.
ADVANTAGES OF BUYING PROPERTY IN BRAZIL
.
* Easy to buy property for a non brazilian, with minimal annual property tax.Foreign investment is actively encouraged and you are allowed full ownership of both land and property as a non resident
.
* Good quality houses in spectacular locations for very cheap prices(relative to europe)with high capital appreciation(up to 30% a year on property)
.
* Cheap cost of living, 3-4 times cheaper than Europe or the United States
.
* Great quality of lifestyle ,all year round sunshine, first world amenities in private healthcare, education,leisure, shopping and cuisine
.
* A strong robust economy with low inflation (4% per annum) and a popular democratic government (re-elected in November)
.
WHY INVEST IN NATAL
.
Natal on the north east coast of Brazil is a city in the throes of a major tourism boom.
New high rise condominiums,major hotel resorts, golf courses, marinas, massive infrastructure projects are all underway or completed. It has a population of over 900,000 and is the closest South American city to Europe (only 6 hours from Lisbon). The international airport has direct flights from all major European countries Other attractions include;
.
* 300 days of sunshine per year with average temperature of 26 degrees centigrade and cool offshore breeze all year round
.
* Fantastic beaches stretching 400kms
.
* Very safe in relation to other sizeable Brazilian cities
.
* Modern infrastructure,shopping malls,restaurants,international airport
.
* Vibrant local culture with numerous festivals,carnivals and cultural events plus a people famed for their hospitality and friendliness
.
* Raplidly expanding property market where prices are still cheap relative to the south of the country.

* No hazardous weather, geological conditions, no threat of terrorism, bird flu, war
.
Contact Donald Reid - [e-mail]
.
Site: www.andetur.biz
.
NOTE:
.
OUR SERVICES
.
Commission fee for finding and helping you buy a property is 5% of property value.
.
Service includes
.
1.) Extensive research and selection of the best valued, most attractive properties for you to choose
.
2.) Organizing your C.P.F number (tax i.d card)needed to buy property in Brazil). You can apply for this online before ever arriving in Brazil. We will send you complete instructions.
.
3.) Running a title search on the property
.
4.) Verifying all documentation is legal,all debts/taxes paid.Full registration of ownership by the property seller
.
5.) Negotiating the price on your behalf with the seller
.
6.) Full assistance in signing the purchasing agreement with the seller and making the down payment
.
7.) Assisting you with property transfer payments,local taxes and registration of the property in your name at the local notary office.
.
Expect to pay around 5% of property value to cover all taxes
We will be with you every step of the way to ensure the smoothest possible purchase at the best possible price
.
The Commission fee will be paid in two installments, 50% when the down payment is made and 50% at the time of closing the deal.

2.PROPERTY VIEWING GUIDE
SERVICE FEE R$ 200 (US$ 100 ~ per day (for 1-3 people)
.
We will pick you up at your hotel / pousada at 9am.
.
First off we will plan out the day for you,by explaining which properties we will see,where they are located and give you a general overview of the area.
.
We guarantee to show you at least 5 properties that are tailored to your requirements (price range,lot size, number of rooms, proximity to beach, house design etc) during the day.
.
We can point out many other properties/land options for you along the way and can stop at any time should you wish to find out more.
.
During the course of the day we can offer a range of tourist attractions / activities to visit and stop off for lunch at a good beachfront seafood restaurant to sample some real North-east cuisine.
.
We will return you to your hotel or pousada late afternoon.
.
We aim to find the perfect place for you and hope the trip will be informative, productive as well as being enjoyable and relaxing.
.
*Food,drink and tourist attractions not included in guide fee
.
* This PROPERTY VIEWING fee will be fully refunded if you buy a property through our company or ONG.


3.PERMANENT VISA FOR INVESTORS
.
You can get a permanent residents visa, good for 5 years by opening a company and investing US$50,000 in any productive economic activity, particularly those that provide employment for Brazilian nationals (could be real estate investment - rent houses or apartments - for example)
.
OBS: Our ONG ABTC-Brasil can arrange this visa for you through our accountant and lawyer here in Natal who provide very professional services at an extremely competitive price.
We will guide you through the process to ensure a smooth application and give you expert advice along the way. (For club or Association menbers)
.
.
OBJECTIVES
.
We can save you a lot of time, get you a good and fair price for your property and alleviate the frustrations of buying real estate in this country.
.
OUR GOAL IS TO FIND YOU THE BEST PROPERTY OR INVESTMENT AT THE MOST AFFORDABLE PRICE
.
Note: The NGO/ONG Association ABTC-BRASIL, besides supporting community tourism and ecological projects, also offers services to investors and potential immigrants (or those looking for investments) in Brazil. The attached file explains how to obtain the necessary TAX ID number if you are interested to invest or purchase property in Brazil.
.

[Donald Reid]

For years I have participated in a forum on About.com - NonProfit Charitable ORGS, managed by Joanne Fritz. The last few weeks they have been studying the effects of the economic crisis in the United States and the rest of the world.
.
I have been more interested in how it is effecting those of us living and working in Brazil.
.
In this report, published today on About.Com, Joanne published a story or theme called the 'The Nonprofit Hard Times Survival Guide' - Nonprofits Need to Ride Out Economic Storms.
.
Most of our forum members on Americans Living in Brazil and the Brazilian Travel Guide forums on Yahoo are aware that these two forums are operated by the Brazilian non-profit NGO/ONG Association ABTC-BRASIL. The Andetur Group Management forum, also operated and maintained by the ONG is more oriented towards those interested in buying properties and management. The last named forum is co-managed by Silvinio Potencio, a real estate and investment specialist in Natal.
.
I also serve as co-moderator on the forums Brazilsjoint and English-Portuguese and act as translator for several tourism journals.
.
I have added comments below to Joanne´s article about how we are trying to survive with our ONG in Brazil.
.
=======================================================

The Nonprofit Hard Times Survival Guide
Nonprofits Need to Ride Out Economic Storms
.
.
By Joanne Fritz, About.com
.
How do you keep your nonprofit financially stable when the economy has the jitters and donors have cold feet? Weathering a bad economy should not send your nonprofit skittering to the bunkers, but it should sharpen your focus and improve your efficiencies. Here are several suggestions to consider for the economic bad times.
.
1. Don't pull back on fundraising.
.
Just as companies need to keep advertising during a downturn to keep their names before the public, nonprofits will gain nothing by retreating. Not only should you not retreat, you should become even more focused in your efforts. Look at your lists again, sharpen your case, get more personal, and cultivate your donors within an inch of your life.
.
OBS: (comment) - This is one thing that we cannot do. I am still fighting to gain a small foothold on our community projects. This last directors meeting we selected new directors that will continue even when I am too old or something happens to me. Too many people depend on our efforts.
.
2. Let your donors know that those you help are in more need than ever.
.
No matter how a donor may be hurt by an economic downturn, the disadvantaged are damaged far more and have less opportunity to recover.3. Find the stories that will touch the hearts of your donors.
.
Now, more than ever, search out the personal testimonies of your clients and let them speak to your donors in their own words. Don't sink into begging, but show the shared humanity between donors and those served.
.
OBS: (comment) - Most of the communities that benefit from our work were already in need before the 'economic crisis'.
.
2. Stay in touch with people who have stopped giving.
.
It is much better to keep in touch with lapsed donors. Keeping up communications will help those donors to resume giving when they can, once again, afford it. They will feel close to those nonprofits with which they have an unbroken relationship.5. Find new donors in industries that are still thriving.
.
Recessions don't affect everyone. Some businesses are fairly recession-proof. Look for money where other organizations are not. Keep up with the business press in order to spot those companies that are still doing well.6. Take the opportunity to lower fundraising costs.
.
For instance, eschew an expensive fundraising event and go directly to your donors for their help. Wrap a simple, low-cost mailing around the fact that you are lowering overhead by skipping the event, and ask for a direct gift that will put more services and money into your clients' lives. Do the same with your publications. Ask donors to help you devote more of their donor dollars to direct service.
.
OBS: (comment) - Our problem is not persons that have stopped 'giving' but those that never started. Our projects, so far, have been supported by personal funds (mine) and membership fees and donations by a few dozen regular forum members. Too many seem to enjoy our newsletters (as long as they are free) and don´t think that the work involved to keep the 'flow' going is work even a small donation. We want to increase 'club members' benefits and to do a real newsletter in color with loads of fotos. These benefits and professional newsletters cost money. Even those that can´t see or understand benefits of joining a travel

club, should be able to understand that even a small donation of US$ 10 - 25.00 goes a long way when added up.
.
3. Find the stories that will touch the hearts of your donors.
.
Now, more than ever, search out the personal testimonies of your clients and let them speak to your donors in their own words. Don't sink into begging, but show the shared humanity between donors and those served.
.
OBS: (comment) - Stories - we have hundreds! We publish these newsletters in English trying to reach our friends stateside and in Europe. The people in the communities do not speak English.
.
4. Find new donors in industries that are still thriving.
.
Recessions don't affect everyone. Some businesses are fairly recession-proof. Look for money where other organizations are not. Keep up with the business press in order to spot those companies that are still doing well.
.
OBS: (comment) - We are trying this approach in Brazil, especially with government agencies. This last weekend we were offered possible help or donations from PETROBRAS, the Brazilian oil company. However, we need volunteers stateside and in Europe to help us reach interested companies there.
.
5. . Take the opportunity to lower fundraising costs.
.
For instance, eschew an expensive fundraising event and go directly to your donors for their help. Wrap a simple, low-cost mailing around the fact that you are lowering overhead by skipping the event, and ask for a direct gift that will put more services and money into your clients' lives. Do the same with your publications. Ask donors to help you devote more of their donor dollars to direct service.
,
OBS: (comment) - Several of our members have suggested events like the Festa do Boi em Barretos, but this has never come to pass. We already are using the low-cost forums, but even these incur continuing costs like direct broadband internet and paid news feeds that suppy the news we report.
.
6. Cut costs - sensibly
.
In tough times, it can be just as important to cut costs as to raise revenue. But don't cut costs in a way that will impair your organization's long-term health or ability to achieve its core mission. Take a look at what is working well and what isn't; what is essential to the mission and what isn't. Cut the extraneous, the unfocused, the inefficient.

8. Take a new look at projects you intended to raise money for.
.
If the project is not "essential," perhaps it should be postponed. A new building project, while desirable, might not be the best project right now.
.
Think, rather, about services that go on despite a recession or even intensify. Perhaps scholarships would be an easier thing for donors to support, or medical research in a significant health area. Books for children in under served areas and playgrounds in the inner city seem more worthwhile than an endowment fund in uncertain economic times.
.
Don't worry about changing course. Let your donors know, and explain why. If your reasoning is good and heartfelt, your donors will come along with you. You will not only do more good, but keep donors engaged until better times come along.
.
OBS: (comment) The most important project - the ecological reserve and guest ranch Sernativo (www.acari-rn.com.br/sernativo.htm) has been put 'on hold' because this requires an active investor - it is a combination of a private enterprise that supplies jobs with a social project of helping a poor community.
.
The Mandalla projects, however, have available funding from government and Federal backed sources, as well as the universities. Just this morning we were offered student volunteers to help implant the projects.
.
We still need money - donations of equipment and working funds - i.e. laptop computers (at least two), software, a GPS for mapping, tools, a pickup truck to transport equipment and material, provide books and training, office supplies, internet services, computers for communities, etc.
.
=======================================================
.
BOTTOM LINE:
.
It´s Christmas time ... the New Year 2009 is approaching fast. We need at least 10 new members on the US$ 100.00 special Silver Card, and lots of small donations so that we can start 2009 right.
.
Presently we are using PayPal as the Amazon system is being revised. So, send your membership or donation via PayPal (www.paypal.com) to [e-mail]
.
The ONG also has an investment fund for small investors interested in investing in projects in Brazil. http://andetur.org/Investment_fund.htm
.
We already have some 18 mandallas to install:
.
Quilombo Boa Vista - 6 mandallas
(http://ourworldcommunity.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mandalla-project-q...)
.
Projeto Bico do Arara - 6 mandallas (www.acari-rn.com.br/mandallas.htm)
.
Projeto Carnaúba dos Dantas - 6 mandallas (http://www.acari-rn.com.br/dantas.htm)
.
Capt. Donald Reid - ONG ASSOCIAÇÂO ABTC-BRASIL e Sistem Mandalla,
registered IBAMA – Ministério do Meio Ambiente – as Técnico Federal N° 235492 “Uso de Recursos Naturais / utilização do patrimônio natural; Turismo / complexos turísticos e de lazer, inclusive parques temáticos”

[Donald Reid]

A Perfect Storm for Socially Responsible Investing?
About.com - Thursday January 15, 2009
.
One of the silver linings of the current economic crisis is the potential for corporations and investors around the globe to embrace corporate responsibility; and the reexamination by investors of their reasons for investing and of where they are investing.
.
Does Socially Responsible Investing Pay Off?
About.com - Sunday July 6, 2008
.
Socially Responsible Investing has not always fared well with investing gurus. There persists a perception that if you want returns, avoid investing with your heart.
.
But that may be an outdated conclusion as Socially Responsible Investment funds (SRIs) have proliferated and grown better at providing good returns along with a good conscience.
.
An article in Contribute Magazine recently pointed out that SRI funds are matching or even outperforming the S&P 500. The Domini 400 Social Index, that tracks SRIs much like the S&P 500, shows that since 1990, the S&P 500 had a total return of 10.57% versus an 11.01% return of the Domini 400.
.
It seems that values and investing go well together. The article points out that there is an SRI for virtually "every religious belief, social cause, and global viewpoint," meaning that it should be relatively easy to pick one or more funds that match your ideals. And you won't be alone...between 1995 and 2007, total SRI dollars under professional management ballooned from $639 billion to $2.71 trillion, an increase of 324%.
.
Perhaps the popularity of SRIs is yet another example of the broad interest social causes have at this point in our history. One no longer needs to be a millionaire in order to be a philanthropist, and we can all add to our social impact with some savvy additions to our investment portfolios.
.
Socially Responsible Investing
.
Many people feel strongly about the political issues that confront the world today - abortion, environmental protection, and animal testing to name a few. Ironically, millions of investors are supporting companies that partake in activities and donate money to causes that are in direct conflict with their beliefs, ideals, and philosophies.
.
Regardless of whether your convictions are mainstream or more refined, there is a chance that one or more companies, mutual funds, or wealth management firms conducts its affairs in accordance with those beliefs. By investing in businesses that share your moral, religious, ethical, and political views, you can be sure that your money is doing more than increasing your standard of living - it's shaping the world into the kind of place you think it should be.
.
If you're already heavily vested, should you feel guilty about the investments you own? Probably not. Countless mutual funds have holdings in Philip Morris (symbol: MO), which is one of the most powerful tobacco companies in the world. For years, Kraft was a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, meaning every time you purchased Kraft products at the grocery store, you were putting money in the pockets of big tobacco. If you can live with that, you probably won't have to run out and dump all of your mutual funds.
.

[Donald Reid]

.

Brazil is the ninth largest economy in the world . It represents 42% of the GIP of Latin America including Mexico and 13,3% of all developed countries in the world including China.
Brazil as a business market or location for investments
.
Tom Jobim, the immortal composer once said: “Brazil is nothing for beginners!”

.

To almost all executives who came to do business, these words have been proven very true. Each and every one had to go through a tough phase of learning.

[Peter N. Jones]

I've recently invested in Calvert Alternative Energy funds. They are socially responsible, invest in alternative energy companies, have a very low "custodian" fee, and a low buy in. I also have investments in PaxWorld, another green/socially responsible fund. Both are mutual funds that have decent returns, and allow you to rest easy while not doing too much market management.

__________________________________________________
Director: Bauu Institute and Press
Publisher: Interesting New Books and Author Interviews
Editor: Indigenous Peoples News from Around the World
Editor: Indigenous Peoples Issues and Resources

[Jeff]

Thanks for that, Peter. I know I'll be looking into these funds.

Jeff

[Donald Reid]

The first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, has started to put her hand in the mass - or rather the earth.
She is preparing an organic garden in the garden of the White House, with the help of students from a primary school to meet the family of the President with plants for all meals.

Since she assumed the post of first lady, Michelle says that the search for more healthy eating habits is one of her favorite causes. The garden of the White House intends to symbolically confront childhood obesity, a problem that causes more concern for the increasing expansion of networks of fast food in the country.

Once you start to feed with broccoli and spinach that spring a few meters from the kitchen, the Obamas also will spread the idea of "local food," movement that tries to make people to consume foods produced locally. The goal is to reduce dependence on large agricultural enterprises and boost the local economy.
planne
And in the week that echoed scandals millionaires on bonuses to executives of American banks, a relief: a garden will cost only $ 200 (the equivalent of just over U.S. $ 450).

====================================

OBS: The garden planned by the first-lady demonstrates the concern for eating good foods and is the same idea I have been working with on our Mardalla systems in Brazil.

Donald