NACS Joins Effort to Fight Human Trafficking

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — NACS, the Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing, is doing its part to combat human trafficking by partnering with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign.

Blue Campaign’s mission is to raise public awareness about human trafficking by leveraging partnerships to educate the public on how to recognize human trafficking and report suspected instances. Through the DHS Blue Campaign alliance, NACS will provide training and awareness materials — including posters, handouts and other material — to members free of charge.

“Convenience stores serve 160 million customers a day in every community across the country 24 hours a day. Our industry is well equipped to share important messages with our customers so they can collectively create the equivalent of a neighborhood watch program in their communities. We are proud to work with the Department of Homeland Security on this important issue,” said NACS Vice President of Strategic Industry Initiatives Jeff Lenard, who serves as a board member for the National Safe Place Network, which works with companies to provide access to immediate help and supportive resources for youth in need.

The new partnership with the DHS Blue campaign is the latest of several new programs developed by NACS to help retailers serve their communities. In May, the association signed a commitment with the Partnership for a Healthier America to help c-stores provide more visibility to healthier choices in store. The following month, NACS announced its partnership with the American Red Cross to advance community giving and disaster relief programs for association member companies. NACS is the first retail-focused association to partner with either of these nationally known organizations.

“Convenience stores are as closely tied to their local communities as any retail channel. Representing one-third of all retail stores in the United States, convenience stores don’t just sell products and services that people enjoy; they make a difference in their communities and help address important national initiative groups at a local level,” Lenard commented.

More information on NACS’ initiative to combat human trafficking is available here.