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Your Shareholder Rights Are at Risk – Here's How to Speak Up Thumbnail

Your Shareholder Rights Are at Risk – Here's How to Speak Up

Education Engagement News & Commentary

The deadline is November 20. A few minutes of your time can make a difference.

In our September 21 article, we explained how the Securities and Exchange Commission's proposal to rescind Rule 14a-8 represents a serious threat to shareholder rights and responsible corporate governance.

We promised to follow up with practical guidance on how to make your voice heard.

Now is the time. Public comments are due Friday, November 20, 2026.

For 84 years, Rule 14a-8 has given qualifying shareholders a practical way to bring questions and concerns before the companies they own.  Eliminating that federal framework would make it substantially more difficult (if not practically impossible) for investors – particularly individuals and smaller shareholders – to participate meaningfully in corporate governance.

At Newground, we understand that ownership brings with it a responsibility to use our voice.  Shareholder voices deserve to be heard.

Why Your Comment Matters

The SEC is required to consider public comments before reaching a final decision.

One of the arguments advanced against shareholder voice is that shareholder proposals originate with a relatively small number of proponents.  Thus, comments from individual investors, retirement savers, and others will demonstrate that the value of shareholder rights extends far beyond those who regularly file proposals.

You don't need to be an expert.  You just need to speak from your own experience.

How to Comment – Five Minutes

Begin with:

"I oppose the SEC's proposal to rescind Rule 14a-8."

Then add two or three sentences explaining why having a voice in the companies you own matters to you.

Here are several simple talking points:

  • I own shares in American companies, and Rule 14a-8 is one of the few practical ways I can raise a concern with the companies I own.  Please don’t take that away.
  • If this rule is rescinded, whether I can even raise a question would depend on which state a company is incorporated in and what its bylaws allow.  That trades one clear national standard for fifty, and prices out ordinary investors like me.
  • The SEC’s own analysis admits this change could silence useful proposals and fall hardest on smaller investors.  That alone is reason to stop.

Have Ten Minutes? Make It Personal.

Consider sharing an example:

  • Have you ever read or voted on a shareholder proposal that informed your investment decisions?
  • Have shareholder proposals helped you understand a company's risks or governance?
  • Does an investment manager's proxy voting record influence your choices?

Specific, personal comments are especially valuable.  Please use your own words.

Visit ProtectShareholderVoice.com, an in-depth guide to writing a public comment to the SEC, created by our friends at the Shareholder Rights Group. 

Make Your Voice Heard

>> Submit Your Comment Directly to the SEC

Or email rule-comments@sec.gov, including S7-2026-32 in the subject line.

Deadline: Friday, November 20.

Shareholder engagement is not an act of opposition.  It is an act of ownership.

Let's ensure that right is preserved.

Bruce Herbert, AIF®Chief Executive, Newground Social Investment



Note: This material is intended for educational purposes only.  As with all our public writing, blog posts do not constitute tax, financial planning, or investment advice. Likewise, they are neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy any investment or security.