Children in lower-income families are placed at greater risk due to unmet basic needs and these conditions place them at a disadvantage in many areas of child well-being.  Improving the employment stability of their parents and other caretakers contributes to a more stable family economic environment and greater opportunities for child development and educational achievement.

The Southern Institute established the Southern Business Leadership Council (SBLC) in 2002. The SBLC is chaired by former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley and is composed of representatives from banking, construction, health insurance, health services, hospitality, information technology, manufacturing, retail, telecommunications and corporate philanthropy, as well as local/national Chamber of Commerce representatives. The SBLC is focused on developing research-based employment stability action strategies that will mutually benefit families and employers in communities across the South. 

Participation of business leaders elevates the goals of removing barriers faced by lower-wage employees, improving their opportunities to be gainfully employed and increasing their abilities to meet the basic needs of their families. The Southern Institute is grateful for the leaders who serve on the SBLC and their willingness to work diligently towards these goals. With their leadership and involvement we can guide the South towards a more competitive position, both in terms of our workforce and the conditions in which our children and families live and work.

Southern Business Leadership Council Employment Stability Action Plan Initiative

The development of public and private sector action strategies requires knowledge from both workers and employers on issues that impact employment stability.  A body of research is available on workforce stability barriers from the perspective of lower-income individuals.  There is less information on employer views regarding issues that affect the ability of lower-income workers, especially parents, to be stable and productive on the job.  Having employer perspectives is a critical component in the development of public and private sector actions that support and promote employment stability.

To gather employer insight on issues and solutions related to employment stability, employer dialogue projects will be conducted in selected southern communities.  Upon completion, an analysis of all projects will be presented to assist the SBLC in developing the southern regional blueprint for action, titled the Southern Business Leadership Council Employment Stability Action Plan.  The Action Plan will identify local, state, federal and private sector policy issues to be addressed and will outline promising practices that can be replicated in states and communities across the South