Target's Wage Hike Is Example of Effectiveness of Social Activism

Social activist groups are becoming more effective at enacting corporate change, some with newer tactics like shareholder resolutions, according to TheStreet's Emily Stewart. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has a history of using shareholder campaigns to effect change at corporations like General Electric, Johnson & Johnson and DuPont. In April, Domino's investors will vote on shareholder proposals over whether to add vegan items to its menu, another issue brought by PETA. Recently, PNC Financial agreed to stop financing companies that pursue mountaintop removal of coal in Appalachia, McDonald's said it will stop using antibiotics in chicken, and Walmart raised its minimum wage, all in yield to advocacy groups, investors and consumers.