ASA’s Investment Strategy

The American Sociological Association’s (ASA) investment strategy is informed by long-held guidelines decided upon by ASA’s elected Council. These principles are intended to maximize the organization’s financial stability while reflecting broad tenets of social responsibility. Like many individuals, ASA holds investments in mutual funds where socially responsible investing means applying multi-issue screens that have been developed by fund managers. Per this investment strategy, ASA has applied a diverse array of socially responsible screens that consider a variety of company policies and practices, including involvement in weapons and cluster munitions manufacturing, child labor practices, water and waste management, use of land and natural resources, carbon and greenhouse emissions, history of toxic spills and releases, ownership or operations of private prisons, revenue from tobacco products, and farming practices. ASA investment decisions are subject to regular review by the Finance Committee to ensure compliance and to assess whether and how adjustments should be made.