Seattle Weekly is running a story Investing for Change, by Microsoft millionaire Jeff Reifman, about his journey to learn how to put his capital to work changing the world. Though I didn't agree with the whole piece, I found it a fabulous exploration of the state of socially responsible investing:
"I'd become wealthy at Microsoft. After eight years with the company, I left with about $5 million. What other baggage might I be carrying?
"I had known for some time that the investments I'd been making with my windfall were supporting corporations whose harmful practices conflicted with my values. Why would I allow my investments to operate with a different set of values than I demand of family, friends, and colleagues? Why is it acceptable for me to buy from and invest in corporations that exploit and harm people?
"I began a journey to discover what my money was doing and how I could become a more thoughtful consumer and investor. Along the way, I spoke with community leaders, investment advisers, and people with less, little, and no savings.
"I wanted to see if I could align my money with the kind of change I'd like to see in the world."
