ICCR (Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility)
The Sisters of Providence are members of ICCR, especially in connection to the Corporate Responsibility Committee (CRC). Working through investments, as shareholders, members can dialog with and submit resolutions to companies to effect change in a company’s policies and practices. In May 2011, at ICCR’s Annual General Meeting in Chicago, the “Human Trafficking Investor Statement” was adopted. ICCR members, including the SP’s leadership team, signed the statement. June 27, 2011 it was sent to core companies in industries with high risk exposure to Human Trafficking and modern day slavery including agriculture, apparel, electronics, food and beverage companies and retail (food and clothing). This is aimed at both the companies themselves and companies in their supply chain.
Website: www.iccr.org
CCRIM (Center for Corporate Responsibility, Indiana & Michigan)
This organization is a local chapter of ICCR. The member groups chose to make Human Trafficking a major effort for this year (or longer), in particular since the Super Bowl will take place in Indianapolis. The main thrust will be toward the tourism industry, especially hotels, travel agencies, airlines, airline security, etc.
Website: www.iccr.org
ECPAT-USA, Inc (End Child Prostitution/Child Pornography and Trafficking)
ECPAT is a network of organizations and individuals working together to eliminate the commercial sexual exploitation of children around the world. It seeks to encourage the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation. It has, in collaboration with ECPAT International, funded by UNICEF and supported by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, formed an industry driven method of enlisting tourism related companies in fighting the commercial sexual exploitation of children.
Suppliers of tourism services are asked to adopt a Code of Conduct containing six criteria:
- To establish an ethical policy regarding commercial sexual exploitation of children.
- To train the personnel in the country of origin and travel destinations.
- To introduce a clause in contracts with suppliers, stating a common repudiation of commercial sexual exploitation of children.
- To provide information to travelers by means of catalogues, brochures, in-flight films, ticket slips, home pages, etc.
- To provide information to local “key persons” at the destinations.
- To report annually.
Website: www.ECPATUSA.org
The Polaris Project
The Polaris Project is a leading organization in the United States combatting all forms of Human Trafficking and serving both U.S. citizens and foreign national victims, including men, women, and children. They use a holistic strategy, taking what they learn from their work with survivors and using it to guide the creation of long-term solutions. They strive for systemic change by advocating for stronger federal and state laws, operating the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline 1-888-3737-888, and providing services to help their clients and all victims of Human Trafficking.
Website: www.PolarisProject.org
8th Day Center for Justice
8th Day Center for Justice is a coalition of Catholic, religious congregations. It commits to act as a critical alternative voice to oppressive systems and to work actively to change those systems. They research many issues, publish documents and newsletters, invite us to appropriate action.
Website: www.8thDayCenter.org
Illinois Department of Human Services and US Department of Health and Human Services
These are government agencies on the state and federal level. There is more information to educate ourselves on the topic than might be expected.
Illinois Department of Human Services website: www.dhs.state.il.us
United States Department of Health and Human Services website: www.hhs.gov