Below are templates that can be adapted for the audience you seek to engage with.
Letter to the Board Chair
Letter to your Federal member of Parliament
Letter to the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Post Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Board Chair's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Post Code]
Dear [Board Chair's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern regarding your company's current approach to social investment as a proportion of profits before tax. I believe that corporate responsibility and ethical practices are critical for the well-being of our society and future generations.
Your company has undeniably achieved remarkable financial success, which is commendable. However, it appears that the level of social investment as a proportion of profits before tax is disproportionately low. As someone who values the long-term health and sustainability of our community, I implore you to consider your influence on society, corporate responsibility, future generations, public perception, and competitive advantage.
Your company's actions and decisions have far-reaching effects on the lives of ordinary citizens like me. Increasing your social investment can have a significant and positive impact on addressing various social issues, from education and healthcare to environmental conservation and poverty alleviation.
Being a responsible corporate citizen is not just about maximizing profits, it's about contributing positively to the society that sustains your business. By allocating a more substantial portion of our profits towards social investment, you demonstrate a commitment to ethical business practices.
We have a moral obligation to consider the well-being of future generations. By investing in socially responsible initiatives today, we help build a better world for our children and grandchildren, ensuring that they inherit a more equitable and sustainable future.
In an age of transparency and social media, public perception plays a vital role in a company's success. A strong commitment to social investment can enhance your reputation and foster goodwill among the public.
Companies that actively engage in social investment often enjoy a competitive advantage. They attract socially conscious consumers, investors, and partners who value ethical and sustainable business practices.
I respectfully urge the board to reevaluate your social investment strategy and consider increasing the allocation of your profit before tax toward socially responsible initiatives. This decision would not only align with the growing expectations of consumers and investors but also contribute to the betterment of our community and the world at large.
I geniuly believe that you can make a positive impact and set an example for other companies to follow. Please consider this letter as an earnest plea from a concerned citizen who envisions a brighter and more responsible future for your company and society as a whole.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I hope that your company will embrace a more significant role in building a better future through increased social investment. I look forward to your response regarding this important matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Post Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Member of Parliament's Name]
[Address of MP's Office]
[City, State, Post Code]
Dear [Member of Parliament's Name],
I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. As a concerned citizen deeply invested in the well-being and future of our nation, I am writing to respectfully request your advocacy for a crucial ammendment to the Corporations Act 2001 - the inclusion of a standardised definition and annual reporting requirement for Social Investment.
In an era marked by increasing corporate influence and responsibility, it is imperative that we enact measures to ensure that businesses not only prioritise profitability but also actively contribute to the betterment of our society and the environment. Social Investment, in this context, holds immense promise for building a better future for all Australians and future generations.
Here are a few reasons why advocating for this change in the Corporations Act 2001 is essential:
Clarity and Accountability: A standardised definition of Social Investment will provide clarity and consistency for businesses, regulators, and the public. It will set clear expectations for what constitutes social investment and ensure accountability in the corporate world.
Future Generations: The decisions we make today have profound consequences for future generations. By promoting Social Investment, we can help create a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.
Economic and Social Well-being: Social Investment not only benefits communities but also has the potential to strengthen our economy. It can drive innovation, job creation, and social cohesion, ultimately leading to a more resilient and prosperous society.
Global Reputation: As Australia strives to maintain a positive global reputation, a commitment to Social Investment will position us as leaders in responsible corporate governance. This can attract international investments and partnerships while enhancing our nation's standing on the global stage.
Transparency and Public Trust: Standardised reporting on Social Investment will promote transparency, allowing the public to assess a company's impact beyond financial profits. This transparency fosters trust between businesses and their stakeholders, contributing to a healthier business environment.
I kindly request that you champion this cause by advocating for the inclusion of a standardised definition of Social Investment and an annual reporting requirement in the Corporations Act 2001. This step will not only align our nation with global trends in corporate responsibility but also empower businesses to actively contribute to the betterment of our society.
I am confident that your leadership and advocacy can bring about positive change that will benefit all Australians, now and in the future. I am more than willing to support your efforts in any way I can and look forward to your response regarding this important matter.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue, and I appreciate your dedication to building a brighter and more socially responsible future for Australia. I look forward to your response regarding this important matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter or Emal Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Post Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
The Australian Institute of Company Directors
Level 30, 100 Market Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Dear Members of the Australian Institute of Company Directors,
I hope this letter finds you well. As a concerned citizen and a firm believer in the power of corporate responsibility, I am writing to respectfully request the Australian Institute of Company Directors to provide comprehensive guidelines to Company Boards regarding the inclusion of Social Investment in their annual reports. This initiative holds immense potential to shape a more responsible and sustainable future for our nation, one that benefits not only the present but also future generations.
The role of businesses in society has evolved, and their impact goes beyond financial performance. Companies are increasingly expected to contribute positively to social and environmental well-being. To ensure that this important aspect is integrated into corporate reporting practices consistently and effectively, I propose the following guidelines and initiatives:
Guidance on Social Investment: The Australian Institute of Company Directors should provide clear guidance on what constitutes Social Investment. Defining this term comprehensively will help Boards understand the scope of their social responsibility.
Standardised Reporting: The Institute should offer guidance on how to report Social Investment in annual reports in a standardised and transparent manner. A standardised approach will facilitate comparisons across companies and industries.
Annual Report on Social Investment: I request that the Institute publish an annual report that assesses and ranks the top 200 ASX listed companies based on their Social Investment as a proportion of Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT). This report will encourage healthy competition among companies to excel in social responsibility.
Here are some reasons why these guidelines and initiatives are crucial:
Future Generations: The decisions made today have far-reaching consequences for the well-being of future generations. Encouraging Social Investment ensures that we build a more equitable and sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.
Transparency and Accountability: Standardized reporting and ranking of companies based on their social investment promote transparency and accountability. This, in turn, fosters public trust in the corporate sector.
Global Competitiveness: As global markets increasingly value ethical and socially responsible practices, Australian companies that excel in Social Investment can attract international investors and partners, enhancing our global competitiveness.
Economic and Social Well-being: Social Investment not only benefits society but can also stimulate economic growth, job creation, and community development, contributing to a more prosperous Australia.
I believe that the Australian Institute of Company Directors has the expertise and influence to lead this change. By providing guidance on Social Investment definitions, reporting methods, and publishing an annual report on the top 200 ASX listed companies' Social Investment as a proportion of EBIT, you can play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for our nation.
I kindly request your support and consideration of this proposal. Your leadership can inspire companies to embrace their social responsibility, creating a more sustainable and equitable Australia for all.
Thank you for your time and commitment to the betterment of our society and economy. I look forward to your response regarding this important matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]