VS&Co acknowledges that the challenges the apparel industry faces today are too complex to tackle individually. We approach these issues in a holistic way by working with relevant stakeholders and creating systematic change.

With this in mind, we engage with a broad range of non-governmental organizations, academics, and other stakeholders to obtain perspectives and information necessary to manage risks in the countries from which we source.

• United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) - Social Compliance & Sustainability Committee
  
  The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) is dedicated to fashion made possible by global trade. USFIA represents brands, retailers, importers, and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally.
• Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI)
  
  Founded in 2008 by members of the Responsible Business Alliance and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative, the Responsible Minerals Initiative has grown into one of the most utilized and respected resources for companies from a range of industries addressing responsible mineral sourcing issues in their supply chains.
  
  Their flagship Responsible Minerals Assurance Process offers companies and their suppliers an independent, third-party audit that determines which smelters and refiners can be verified as having systems in place to responsibly source minerals in line with current global standards. They offer the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template, which helps VS&Co disclose and communicate about smelters in our supply chains.
  
  VS&Co also compares smelters and refiners (“SORs”) reported by our suppliers to the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) publicly available list of known SORs. This helps us investigate and mitigate risks associated with the use of conflict minerals in our products.
• The Mekong Club – Fighting Modern Slavery Together
  
  Since 2015, the Mekong Club established its membership-based business association and have built deep and trusted relationships with their business association members across sectors such as banking, hospitality, garment, food and beverage, toys and footwear.
  
  They bring years of experience working with companies and their many dedicated employees, providing practical tools, strategic thinking and a forum to join and stop slavery in our lifetime. Their partners include many of the largest companies in the world as well as committed regional and local corporations.
  
  They focus on systemic change because they seek to permanently break the cycle of modern slavery. They collaborate because they know that we are stronger when we work together.
  
  VS&Co receives up-to- date information and expert training on issues pertinent to our industry like Modern Slavery from the Mekong Club, they also assist us with reviewing our Modern Slavery Statement and provide recommendations and best practices.
• The National Retail Federation
  
  The National Retail Federation has represented retail for over a century. Every day, they passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. Together with their philanthropic arm, the NRF Foundation stands up for, celebrates, educates, and inspires our industry.
  
  The National Retail Federation is retail’s greatest advocate, uniting an industry of leaders and boundary breakers around complex issues and bold opportunities.

• RISE (Reimagining Industry to Support Equality-Formerly Empower@Work):
  In 2023, VS&Co joined RISE a collaborative effort with the goal of delivering a unified approach to women’s empowerment in global supply chains. RISE brings together the world’s four largest women’s empowerment programs in the global supply chains, including BSR’s HERprojectTM, to leverage decades of experience in over 21 countries to achieve transformative change for the millions of women who work within supply chains globally. VS&Co is pleased to be a part of this collaborative initiative to drive positive change for women globally.

• Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA):
  
  RILA convenes retail decision-makers to collaborate and gain from each other’s experience. RILA advances the industry through public-policy advocacy and promote operational excellence and innovation, and through research and thought leadership, RILA propels developments that foster both economic growth and sustainability.
  
  RILA’s aim is bold but simple: to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.