FAQs
“Businesses can play a decisive role in creating fair and equal justice systems. Nowhere is this more true than NC, where companies have the unparalleled influence and opportunity to drive meaningful change.”
— Celia Ouellette, Founder & Chief Executive of Responsible Business Initiative for Justice
Who is being approached to join the NC Workforce & Justice Alliance?
The North Carolina Workforce & Justice Alliance will be a statewide network created by businesses and for businesses. We are asking businesses across the state to lend their support, and we are looking for members from companies of all sizes, sectors, and locations across North Carolina.
Which organizations are supporting the NC Workforce & Justice Alliance?
The Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) has extensive experience supporting businesses behind the scenes. In all instances, RBIJ diligently vets and assesses opportunities; provides information about a proposed action; and is available for hands-on administrative support. With the NC Workforce & Justice Alliance, RBIJ will act as the secretariat and will convene relevant stakeholders, prepare memoranda and informational documents, and organize all associated activities.
The Alliance will also be supported and informed by a small cohort of community organizations and advocates on the ground, who will provide strategic guidance on where and how support can be directed to have the most impact. In addition to RBIJ, core advocacy organizations include: The Center for Community Transitions, Conservatives for Criminal Justice Reform, NC Second Chance Alliance Charlotte Chapter, and NC Justice Center. The NC WJA will also work closely with Disability Rights NC and Forward Justice.
What are the implications for joining the alliance?
Founding members commit to being a member of the North Carolina Workforce & Justice Alliance. In so doing, you will receive:
Inaugural and co-founder status with the newly formed alliance.
Guaranteed first rights to hosting the official launch of the alliance.
Praise and recognition at the official launch and onward.
Credit of co-founding status in any press or media related to the launch and ongoing alliance work.
If desired, inaugural members are also entitled to have their branding/logo included on traditional and social media surrounding promotion of the launch and subsequent events.
In turn, founding members are expected to commit a few hours over the course of one year to:
Connect. Identify key businesses who already are, or might be interested in, engaging on issues of justice and ask them to consider joining the Alliance. Make introductions to RBIJ (using provided sample email language, if desired).
Launch. Participate in the launch. Inaugural members are guaranteed first rights on hosting, if desired.
Engage. Founding members (and/or their representatives) are expected to attend quarterly to biannual meetings, as schedules permit.
Can you describe some of the potential engagement opportunities?
Specific opportunities will be carefully identified in consultation with campaign organizations on the ground, and will only be presented to members when
the opportunity is in line with the business’ stated values and will have a meaningful impact on the ground. Note: RBIJ will act as a secretariat to the NC WJA, identifying potential engagements and preparing notes and memoranda for review. Participatory members are never required to support an issue that is presented to them, they can choose to opt in on a case-by-case basis. Some examples of potential engagement opportunities include:
Private advocacy: direct, private outreach (letters, phone calls, meetings) to appropriate stakeholders.
Open letters or written statements of support to key decision-makers.
Public statements (interviews, op-eds, panels) in support of a particular piece of legislation or campaign. If desired, RBIJ will ghostwrite content, prepare talking notes, and facilitate speaking engagements.
Hosting meetings or events to raise awareness and increase membership of the North Carolina Workforce & Justice Alliance, and to educate fellow businesses about justice-related issues impacting the state.
Support for research and campaign groups.
Will you do anything with my name/business after I become a member?
Joining the North Carolina Workforce & Justice Alliance does not give us permission to use your name or company information in any context other than to state that you are a member of the Alliance.
Moreover, participation in engagement opportunities relating to the Alliance are entirely voluntarily and at your discretion. RBIJ will never use your name or business without your permission.
Can I withdraw my membership for any reason?
Upon request, we can remove your name and business affiliation from the NC Workforce & Justice Alliance membership at any time.
Who should I get in touch with if I have questions?
For more information about the forthcoming alliance, please contact Maggie O’Donnell, Campaign Manager, RBIJ. She can be reached at maggie@rbij.org