Corporate Sponsor Initiative

The WBA invites you to collaborate as a corporate sponsor or partner for the launch of the WBA Anti-Trafficking Initiative. Human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights, characterized by the coercive exploitation of a person for sex or labor. The WBA is committed to empowering victims and disempowering traffickers by facilitating access to legal representation for victims. This initiative is a collaborative effort by the legal community, community organizations, and socially responsible businesses. Growth

The WBA is seeking corporate sponsors and partners from socially responsible organizations and businesses to help make an impact. Exposure and promotion levels for corporate sponsors and partners are determined by sponsorship tiers ranging from 1-12 months of promotion on WBA social media channels.

The Human Trafficking Industry

Human trafficking is the second largest global industry, enslaving tens of millions worldwide. It can happen in any community, and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers target individuals with vulnerabilities caused by economic, psychological, and social adversities. They use extreme methods of coercion, including threats of violence, physical and sexual assault, blackmail, fraud, and violence.

Traffickers can be foreign nationals or U.S. citizens, family members, partners, acquaintances, and strangers. Traffickers are men, women, gang members, diplomats, business owners, labor brokers, and farm, factory, and company owners. They can act alone or as part of an organized criminal enterprise.

Florida ranks as the third highest state in the U. S. for human trafficking cases and second for labor trafficking cases^[1]. Nearly 2000 victims were identified within the state in 2023. Florida’s vast tourism industry, diverse population and extensive transportation networks, including airports and seaports, makes Florida uniquely challenging and a breeding ground for human trafficking operations.

Many victims of human trafficking will not hold their traffickers accountable due to legal expenses, distrust of the legal system, and intimidation by traffickers. The WBA seeks to launch an initiative that assists trafficking victims seeking legal representation by establishing a dedicated referral group of qualified attorneys and a legal fund that compensates attorneys for their legal services provided to the victims.

Civil Legal Recourse for Trafficking Victims

In the U.S., both criminal and civil laws address human trafficking. Convicted traffickers are typically imprisoned, often with no ability to provide financial restitution for victims. However, victims of trafficking can seek money damages in civil suits under federal law^[2] and Florida law ^[3] by filing suit against any person or business involved in the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for forced sex or labor.  Industries that are especially susceptible to trafficking claims, include (1) food service and hospitality providers; (2) staffing agencies; (3) residential care facilities; (4) organizations working with minors or other vulnerable populations; (5) sports organizations; (6) online platforms and social media; (7) religious organizations; (8) detention facilities; (9) government municipalities; (10)  entities reliant on temporary or migrant labor; and (11) industries reliant on an international supply chain.

Limitations on Access to Justice for Victims

In most cases, human trafficking victims can receive economic, non-economic, and punitive damages in a civil lawsuit.  Unfortunately, many victims of human trafficking will not hold their traffickers accountable.  Apart from victims being unable to afford the legal expenses associated with hiring counsel to file suit, many victims are distrustful of a legal system that has convicted them for committing crimes directed by their traffickers. Other victims are distrustful, having been told their claims were invalid, while others are intimidated by threats of retaliation and the superior power and influence of traffickers.

The Weston Bar Association 

 The mission of the WBA is to serve the legal profession and the public by advancing the interests of the legal professional community; and by galvanizing public access to the legal arena through collaborative and synergistic initiatives. Established in 2012 as an independent voluntary bar association, the WBA operates as a non-profit corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code^[4].  The WBA has served the legal professional community and the public by facilitating business networking, hosting accredited educational seminars and judicial panels; moderating candidate forums for local elections; and implementing legal education initiatives and scholarships in partnership with local high schools.  

The WBA has thrived under the leadership from the continuous infusion of new board members and distinguished officers and directors including, Harry Rosen, Weston’s first mayor;  Victor Tobin, the former chief judge for Broward County; Dennis Bailey, former circuit court judge for Broward County, Michelle Ricca, current county court judge for Broward County; and Michael Robinson, current circuit court judge for Broward County and current member of the WBA Board of Directors.

The success of the WBA is attributable to core objectives that advance the legal profession and public access to the legal community.  The WBA routinely evaluates the ever-evolving legal sector, seeking to foster progressive development and key legal service initiatives.   The WBA has selected the Anti-Trafficking Initiative as its next endeavor to achieve its core goals and objective for the betterment of the community.  Please review the following:

Sponsorship Programs and Levels

Event Sponsors $1500

• 2 complimentary tickets to sponsored event
• Promotions on WBA email list, and social media until date of event.
• recognition, opportunity to self-introduce at event
• opportunity to provide showcase pre-approved digital promotion on WBA social media and website and circulate printed materials at event.                      Bronze

• Sponsor Reservation for 2 at annual reception

• Social media promotions for 3 months
• Placement of name and logo on
  • event invitations and WBA website
  • printed materials and digital promotions
  • verbal recognition during all events for 6 months
• ½ page advertisement in event program for annual reception

Silver

VIP Sponsor

• VIP Sponsor Reservation for 6 at annual reception
• Social media promotions for 6 months
• Premier placement of name and logo on
  • event invitations and WBA website
  • event signage and verbal recognition during all WBA events for 1 year
  • printed materials and digital promotions
  • opportunity to showcase pre-approved items to all attendees
• 1 Full Page advertisement in event program for annual reception
• Opportunity to create 2-minute video presentation for dedicated WBA YouTube library

Platinum

Exclusive VIP Sponsor

• Press Release
• Exclusive VIP Sponsor Reservation for 10 at annual reception
• Social media promotions for 1year
• Premier placement of name and logo on
  • event invitations and WBA website
  • event signage and verbal recognition during event
  • printed materials and digital promotions

• 2 Full Page Advertisement in event program for annual reception
• Opportunity to create 5-minute video presentation for dedicated WBA YouTube library

Your sponsorship will not only provide invaluable support to victims of human trafficking but will also demonstrate your company’s commitment to social justice and community welfare. We believe that together, we can make a significant impact.

We would be honored to discuss this opportunity further and explore how we can collaborate to support this vital cause. Please feel free to contact

[1]National Human Trafficking Hotline;  Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking..

[2] 18 U.S.C. 1595 – Civil remedy

[3] Fla. Stat. 787.061- Civil actions by victims of human trafficking

[4] As a public charity under IRC Section 501(c)(3), the Weston Bar Association of Florida d/b/a Weston Bar Association is qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under IRC Sections 2055, 2106 or 2522; and charitable donors can deduct contributions under  donors IRC Section 170.