The Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force and BEST broke new ground in October by gathering business leaders from across metro Atlanta to discuss how businesses can prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of Georgia’s children and women. “Georgia businesses are already providing financial support and volunteers but when employers learn about this issue, they want to do more,” said BEST Director, Mar Brettmann. “The BEST Employers Alliance was founded by employers to provide resources for employers to be more actively involved in prevention efforts by also creating jobs for survivors and by establishing policies and training to uphold the rights of the sexually exploited.”
The BEST Employers Alliance is a partnership of public and private employers who are working to prevent sex trafficking by implementing best practices: (a) donating time and services, (b) providing employment, and (c)]aligning internal practices.
Phyllis Finley, Executive Vice President at Randstad, the world’s 2nd largest HR service provider, explained that Randstad strategically partners with organizations that complement the company's efforts to shape the world of work and benefit the communities in which Randstad operates.
Randstad participates in the Hire Hope program, executed in partnership with the Empowered Living Academy (ELA), that helps survivors of human trafficking or those at-risk flourish, by utilizing the knowledge and professional experience gained during a career-readiness curriculum to reintegrate into the economy in a positive way. 30-40 participants are placed in paid apprenticeships each year.
The BEST Employers Alliance is a partnership of public and private employers who are working to prevent sex trafficking by implementing best practices: (a) donating time and services, (b) providing employment, and (c)]aligning internal practices.
Phyllis Finley, Executive Vice President at Randstad, the world’s 2nd largest HR service provider, explained that Randstad strategically partners with organizations that complement the company's efforts to shape the world of work and benefit the communities in which Randstad operates.
Randstad participates in the Hire Hope program, executed in partnership with the Empowered Living Academy (ELA), that helps survivors of human trafficking or those at-risk flourish, by utilizing the knowledge and professional experience gained during a career-readiness curriculum to reintegrate into the economy in a positive way. 30-40 participants are placed in paid apprenticeships each year.
The Hire Hope program also has a positive internal impact on Randstad employee engagement. Hire Hope yields high employee participation and enthusiasm. For example, it is common to receive emails from employees asking how they can get involved with the program and expressing their appreciation that Randstad is committed to supporting vulnerable women.
Dave McCleary of Rotary agreed, “Our millennials care about this issue. It’s important for businesses and associations like Rotary to attract and retain this vital talent by addressing the issues the next generation is passionate about.”
In addition to providing philanthropic donations and jobs, employers are also working to align their internal policies and practices in order to uphold the rights of this vulnerable population. Dr. Brettmann explained, “Sex traffickers use employer properties, products, and services to exploit people. Unfortunately, a majority of sex buyers also come from the private sector and many solicit during work hours. It’s in the interest of employers to prevent this activity.”
Attorney Jere Smith said, “Sex trafficking and buying creates risks to employee safety and serious risks of criminal and civil liability for the employer.” Jere also serves on the board of CLAWS, an organization that uses civil litigation to increase restitution for survivors of sex trafficking.
With welcome remarks from Senator Johnny Isaacson and Commissioner Tim Echols, as well as participation from leading non-profits including Georgia Cares, the Salvation Army, and Street Grace, the luncheon represented employers across sectors—all working toward solutions to end the exploitation of children and women in Georgia.
To learn more about how your business might join this movement by the private sector, go to www.bestalliance.org or contact us at info@bestalliance.org.
Dave McCleary of Rotary agreed, “Our millennials care about this issue. It’s important for businesses and associations like Rotary to attract and retain this vital talent by addressing the issues the next generation is passionate about.”
In addition to providing philanthropic donations and jobs, employers are also working to align their internal policies and practices in order to uphold the rights of this vulnerable population. Dr. Brettmann explained, “Sex traffickers use employer properties, products, and services to exploit people. Unfortunately, a majority of sex buyers also come from the private sector and many solicit during work hours. It’s in the interest of employers to prevent this activity.”
Attorney Jere Smith said, “Sex trafficking and buying creates risks to employee safety and serious risks of criminal and civil liability for the employer.” Jere also serves on the board of CLAWS, an organization that uses civil litigation to increase restitution for survivors of sex trafficking.
With welcome remarks from Senator Johnny Isaacson and Commissioner Tim Echols, as well as participation from leading non-profits including Georgia Cares, the Salvation Army, and Street Grace, the luncheon represented employers across sectors—all working toward solutions to end the exploitation of children and women in Georgia.
To learn more about how your business might join this movement by the private sector, go to www.bestalliance.org or contact us at info@bestalliance.org.
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