History/Background


During 2001-2002, the Ford Foundation sponsored a national study of alternative staffing service providers to document their characteristics as workforce development programs and social enterprises, and analyze how they position themselves and compete with conventional staffing companies. Among other findings, the report recommended “the creation of a trade association-like network” as a means to help alternative staffing programs access technical assistance, collectively address policy issues and help expand the sector by supporting other organizations interested in launching similar ventures. Subsequently the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, which has been instrumental in supporting several alternative staffing service projects, asked The ICA Group to formally explore this concept and develop a vision and preliminary operating plan for an association based on the results of its research. The study confirmed ASOs’ strong enthusiasm and interest in forming a national network.

Based on feedback from practitioners, and informed by the experience of similar associations, ICA developed a plan to organize and operate a national alternative staffing association. The C.S. Mott Foundation provided seed funding to implement the plan, and the Alternative Staffing Alliance was launched in March 2007 with 13 charter member organizations. Among other activities, the Alliance annually surveys the field to track business and employment outcomes, and convenes a national conference each fall.

 

Advisory Board

Françoise Carré Ph. D.
University of Massachusetts
Boston, MA

John Plunkett
Harborquest, Inc.
Chicago, IL

Staff


The ICA Group manages and coordinates activities and services of the Alternative Staffing Alliance. Please contact us with any questions, suggestions or requests for assistance.

Newell Lessell, Director
617-232-5380, ext. 107
Email: nlessell@altstaffing.org

Janet Van Liere, Member Services Coordinator
617-232-5380, ext. 104
Email: jvanliere@altstaffing.org

David Hammer, Research Specialist
617-232-5380, ext. 113
Email: dhammer@altstaffing.org