Marie Ringler’s Post

Very curious and excited to see the outcome of this social experiment: Marlene Engelhorn is delegating the decision how a part of her inheritance (€25m) should be redistributed to society. 50 random Austrians ("Guter Rat") are tasked with this over 6 subsequent weekends with a final decison expected in July 2024. Expert inputs and meeting protocols will be published online: https://guterrat.info/ Marlene's ultimate goal - based on her belief in a fair democratic system, enabling economic and political equality in society - is to fairly redistribute a majority of her inheritance. What a refreshing and applaudable approach. Maybe this will ignite a trend amongst the priveleged. 💡🫶 #Philanthropy, #Democracy, #Fairness, #Equality, #LeadingByExample, #SocialImpact, #SocialJustice, #socialresponsibility, #InclusiveLeadership, #billionairemindset, #highsociety, #millionaireclub #familyoffice, #wealthmanagement, #impactinvesting, #foundation Foresight Institute, Giving Pledge, Millionaires for Humanity https://lnkd.in/eyGDbSrK

Marlene Engelhorn, Austrian heiress of the BASF empire, who received a fortune when her grandmother passed away in 2022, announced a few months back that she would be giving away 25 million EUR. She says: "I have inherited a fortune, and therefore power, without having done anything for it. And the state doesn't even want taxes on it". Austria abandoned inheritance tax a while back... While the act of giving away money is not an unusual thing, her approach to it is somewhat unusual in the philanthropy community. She sent out 10'000 letters to randomly selected Austrian citizens, inviting them to participate in her "Good Council for Redistribution". She would then select 50 members of this council (older than 16y). This council then has the exclusive mandate to distribute the 25 million EUR. Marlene herself is not involved in the allocation process. Today, it was announced, that this council has selected 77 projects / organizations / initiatives that will be receiving the 25 million EUR. Now the big question: Do you think that this democratic, participatory approach to philanthropy is a good approach or not? What are your thoughts and why? Please share your thoughts in the comments. I am very keen to see what people think. #philanthropy #wealth #taxmenow #marleneengelhorn #BASF #inheritance #taxation #families #austria Malgorzata (Gosia) Smulowitz Etienne Eichenberger

Now, this is a story of transparency, trust, and accountability that I am keeping tabs on for the remaining year. Marlene Engelhorn, an Austrian heiress, is redistributing her multi-million dollar inherited generational wealth. Four things from this story: ● She is giving €25 million (USD 27 million) — which she says is the vast majority of her inheritance — to fight wealth inequality. To me, that's clarity of 'why'. ● She is hiring 50 diverse Austrian residents as a council team to guide how this wealth can redistributed. That's building collective accountability and democratizing power. ● She hired a research firm to build a robust methodology based on science to build that council of 50 diverse people. That's building trust in the process. ● She has designed a set of guidelines, alongside the research firm, to set some ground rules for the future Council members (e.g., money can not be given to friends/family of Council members, selection must be science-based, money cannot be given to organizations/people who have shown unconstitutional, hostile or inhumane behaviors). Council members will also work on these guidelines. That's building transparency. I want more of this in my social and news feed – real stories of how wealth inequality is no longer tolerated - with measured, thoughtful, care-centered leadership approaches. Link: https://lnkd.in/g_jRHsah #nonprofits #nonprofitleadership

While the UN is talking about Human Rights, and Ocean Seagrass, and politicians/EU about farmers and CO2, and Bill Gates about synthetic meat, we actually have a "war escalation" by these very same people, "wanting" a full scale war with Russia. Escallation rather than peace talks, or the total restriction of the country that they should have done 2 years ago, with all businesses pulling out, rather than seeing their best most profitable years ever i.e. Rockwool and Ecco shoes. This week Macron wants boots on the ground, and Ursula von der Queen warns of WWIII, as did Putin just yesterday! Topping it off, Danish media tells the nation that the cancellation of their century long old Christian public holiday (Great Prayers Days) that was cancelled for good in 2022 by the new unelected government to fund WAR isn't enough. The 2% of GDP funding WAR is not enough, as also stated by our fantastic Danish Prime Minister who said this 2 years ago, that it more likely will be 4-6%! As I said, this war has been in the making for years, and if a WWIII happens, it is because "THEY" want it to happen. With a 90%+ taxrate in Denmark of your total wealth, (highest in the world), Media tells the Danes that it is NOT enough. It is NOT enough! Today I just got the bill for my childrens school which is NOT free at all (650dollars each/month), not to mention the 50-66% income tax, 25%vat, and property tax for all Danes at 10-20000 dollars/year, plus the 1325% on utilities. And the welfare system and TREATMENT OF citizens has been declining for decades over into a bullying and intimidating treatment. Meanwhile, last night, our fantastic minister of foreign affairs Lars L, just purchased one of the most expensive apartments in Manhatten New York, over 400Sqm, penthouse with huge terrase as we see in the movies of billionaires. This is an apartment for the upcoming UN representative for Denmark. This indicates more than just an apartment if you connect the dots (won't do it here on this platform). All in all, we, the world are being destroyed by FEAR, THREAT, and 100% BULLYING by our very own politicians and related organizations. And people still VOTE for such people????????? No wonder TRUMP is leading, because despite his brutality, he's an angel compared to any other leader on this earth! Want to understand the dark minds of these leaders, buy THE BEAST. https://lnkd.in/dTmcZZnd #truth #thebeast #bullying #bullyingnations #gaslighting #media #control #power #dysfunction #dysfunctionalleadership #leadership #history #politicians #eu

Own The Freedom Charter Proudly: A Beacon for Unified Prosperity The Freedom Charter, with its visionary principles for a just, equitable, and unified South Africa, transcends the boundaries of time, urging us to own it proudly, both Black and White. We find ourselves in a pivotal moment of shared, mutual, unified prosperity, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Charter that envisioned a nation where all who live in it, black and white, share in its wealth and governance. The Charter's Legacy The Freedom Charter is not just a relic of the past but a living manifesto that has shaped the ethos of the nation. Its call for democracy, equal rights, and shared prosperity laid the foundation for South Africa's Constitution, embodying a shared vision that continues to guide the nation's journey towards equity and unity. A Moment of Shared Prosperity Today, as we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the principles of the Freedom Charter remain as relevant as ever. The call for the land to be shared among those who work it, for wealth to be distributed to the people, and for all to be equal before the law, are principles that continue to guide efforts towards economic inclusion and social justice. South Africa stands at a crossroads, where the collective efforts of both Black and White are essential to realize the dreams encapsulated in the Freedom Charter. Ownership of the Charter Owning the Freedom Charter means recognizing its values as the cornerstone of our national identity. It means working towards the realization of its ideals in our daily lives, businesses, and governance. The Charter's call for unity and shared prosperity is a call to action for every South African to contribute towards building a nation that truly belongs to all. The Role of the Private and Public Sectors Achieving the vision of the Freedom Charter requires concerted efforts from both the private and public sectors. The private sector, including the burgeoning numbers of entrepreneurs and commercial entities, plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation. By embracing the Charter's principles, businesses can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive economy. On the other hand, the public sector's role in enacting policies that foster social equity, land reform, and access to education and healthcare is vital. These efforts, rooted in the Charter's vision, must be fast tracked. A Unified Effort The path to shared, mutual prosperity is paved with the collective efforts of every South African. By owning the Freedom Charter proudly, both Black and White, we commit to a unified effort towards building a nation that reflects the diversity, resilience, and spirit of its people. This moment of unified prosperity is a call to action for all South Africans to work together, honoring the legacy of the Freedom Charter and striving for a future where its ideals are fully realized. PraVogue Media www.tradebrics.com

"Public investments alone will not cut it—especially if they reinforce a deeply inequitable economic system. An economic justice agenda needs to address deep distortions in our economy." In Nonprofit Quarterly, Suzanne Kahn (vice president, think tank) outlines five key pillars of such an agenda: 1️⃣ Reining in corporate power 2️⃣ Labor law reform 3️⃣ Tax reform 4️⃣ Racial equity 5️⃣ Care agenda #childcare #taxes #racialequity #labor #monopolypower https://lnkd.in/g7SnVzN4

Efforts to address inequality are not charity, they are our christian obligations to justice. Church and Society recently supported the official launch of "Zaccheaus Tax Campaign", a global ecumenical initiative aimed at reducing inequality and addressing the climate emergency through corporate and wealth taxation. Jesus went to the tree and told Zaccheaus that he would be a guest at his house on that day(Luke 19: 1-10). After meeting with Jesus, Zaccheaus begins a routine of giving half his possessions to feed the poor. The story exemplifies our shared responsibility to reduce economic and social inequalities, and repay past transgression. However a major part of the Church and Society's ministry at its United Nation's (UN) office is to help implement Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals where ever they overlap with our Social Pricinples - combating inequality is one such area: predating lending schemes and the protection of tax haven. So, Church and Society co-sponsored a high level program centered around Sustainable Development Goals No.10, reduced inequality, and No.13, climate action. Entitled "Taxation and Reparation: Tools for Promoting Equity, Climate Justice, and an Economy of Life". "The expert discussion offered various faith perspective on ways historical injustices and contemporary systems of taxation continue to fuel poverty, conflict, social disintegration and climate emergency and global comprehensive wealth tax. Furthermore, calls for progressive pollution and carbon taxes, an end to tax evasion and cancellation for nations impoverished by trans-atlantic slave trade or impacted by the climate crisis. United Methodists are encouraged to read up on the campaign and spread the word within their communities. We wont be able to achieve these ambitious imperatives without working together to demand action, they explained. The Zaccheaus Campaign authors call on churches to "study the issues around just taxation and reparation for slavery and ecological debt through the lens of the covenantal relationship that God calls us into with each other and the earth." sharing the story of Zaccheaus is a good place to start. Churches are advised to organise their individual finances, "in line with Zaccheaus Pricinples for just taxation, sharing resources, and reparation for historical injustice". Explore where divesting or reallocation could help us better live within our congregational ideals - even small changes can make a big difference. "Join the Zaccheaus Campaign, and with national governments for tax and reparative justice." As Christians and taxpayers, we are dual stakeholders. Let's demonstrate our priorities to local, regional and national legislators. - Alfred, Spintex

Really pleased to share this report I was commissioned to write by the Fairness Foundation. It uses corpus analytics techniques to analyse 25 years of 'fairness discourse' throughout the UK's parliaments. Politicians have a "shared language of fairness", but there are big differences between the groups and personas in society they believe are entitled to fairness. The research found that Conservative politicians were much more specific about naming the groups and personas in society they believe are entitled to fairness: "Fairness to the taxpayer" and "fairness to hard working families" were both popular personas. But fairness could also be used to divide. With "fairness to the taxpayer" often used as a way to justify cuts to public services or benefits. Have a read, I hope you find the research as fascinating as I did. https://lnkd.in/ezVWVNGC

I didn't vote today and I'm really pissed off about it. Turns out that as a German with pre-settled status who has been living in the UK for the last 5 years, I'm not entitled to vote in the Parliamentary Election. WTAF? Yup, that's the simple explanation for it. It's just the rules. I can vote in local elections and I did. I read the parties' manifestos for today's big dance and was all fired up to pick the best option of the not so great choices we have. But I don't get to make that choice and have my vote and it stings. I can vote in two other countries: Germany, where I was born, as long as I fill in a formal application because I'm no longer registered there. Or New Zealand, where I have citizenship, as long as I pop over for a visit within 3 years of the election. But the country I live in and pay taxes in? Nope. So in the absence of my cross being counted, here's what I'd love to propose. Call it my wishlist: ✨ future-proof education, care and healthcare by making the relevant degrees and training options free or at least discounting them by 50% to encourage people to consider these careers. Teachers and healthcare staff are some of the most important people in our country. They're helping us raise the next generations and keep us alive and kicking. ✨ before you approve housing projects, start by building communities. New-builds in massive estates look hideous and soulless. It's just hundreds of houses with nothing else - no services, no playgrounds, nowhere for people to meet. Take the concept of a village with a marketplace in the centre, add essential services, then grow things from there. ✨ fix the rivers, lakes and coastlines. For god's sake hold those water companies accountable. Invest in clean water, clean air and in keeping the environment healthy and thriving. The UK holds so much stunning natural beauty. Don't let private companies ruin it. Protect it for future generations and let's get to a place where we can all safely swim, walk, hike and cycle without catching diseases along the way. ✨ sort out childcare and support for families, whatever those families look like. Invest in education and the care sector and places to help families thrive. Instead of letting everyone fight for themselves, let's create communities. The North East (Northumberland in particular from my experience) has amazing services on offer for families and we need more of this across the country. Childcare needs to be affordable for families while ALSO ensuring childcare staff and educators are paid what they're worth (a lot!!!). There are plenty more things to address but those are the closest to my heart 💔 so I'll end here. I'm still pissed I can't vote, but you better believe I'll find other ways to get involved and make a difference. #ukelection

Check out EWDi Executive Director, Gabriela Sandoval's new article on why challenging excessive #wealth is necessary to achieve structural economic change. #excessivewealth #wealthtaxes #wealth #equality #economy #taxes https://lnkd.in/gEEbTA2u