(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Direct Selling Association (DSA), the national trade association for direct selling companies, hosted its annual Capitol Hill Initiative for independent direct sellers throughout the United States during the month of September. The Direct Selling Initiative on Capitol Hill took place virtually this year as direct sellers attended individual congressional meetings through video calls. Direct sellers participating in the DSA Capitol Hill virtual events represent the more than 7.7 million entrepreneurs – about 75 percent of whom are women – in the United States.

DSA hosted more than 60 meetings for direct selling distributors and executives with Members of Congress from 24 states during the Direct Selling Capitol Hill Initiative. Like last year, the independent direct sellers from across the U.S. met virtually through video calls to emphasize the importance of protecting independent workers. They also discussed how direct selling can offer a flexible, and low-risk pathway to entrepreneurship for millions of Americans.

“I enjoyed hearing direct sellers in Maine discuss their small businesses that contribute to their families and communities all over the state,” said Senator Susan Collins.  “Many of these Maine small businesses have successfully used the independent contractor model, and they shared their concerns about potential legislative and regulatory burdens that would obstruct their entrepreneurship.”

“It is always a pleasure to meet with constituents during my regular Hoosier Huddle meetings. Last week, I had a productive conversation with direct sellers regarding their concerns over the PRO Act and the restrictions it would place on millions of independent contractors across America.  I will continue to stand by our independent contractors and gig economy workers who contribute so much to our communities and deserve to have their freedom and flexibility remain intact,” said Senator Mike Braun. 

“We welcome the opportunity to continue our annual Direct Selling Initiative on Capitol Hill with direct sellers and executives participating virtually from around the country,” said Joseph N. Mariano, president and chief executive officer for the Direct Selling Association. “American consumers continue to be challenged by adversity in the United States and we look to the independent contractors who make up the direct selling sales force to help us foster connections in our communities with meaningful, useful products and services. As the economy continues to evolve, it’s important for our elected officials to see first-hand the value in direct selling, the industry’s differences from other independent work, and the sense of community and support it has provided so many during this time.” 

While direct sellers met with lawmakers, they urged Members of Congress to consider the importance of maintaining the independent contractor status for all direct sellers, emphasizing that direct selling offers individuals a low-risk way for them to participate in today’s challenging economy with the option to make choices that allow for a flexible work environment.

DSA continues to work with Members of Congress as a part of ongoing efforts to police, protect, and promote direct selling, and to ensure direct sellers are fully understood at all levels of government.

ABOUT THE DIRECT SELLING ASSOCIATION

For more than a century, the Direct Selling Association (DSA) has served as the national trade association for companies that offer entrepreneurial opportunities to independent sellers to market and sell products and services, typically outside of a fixed retail establishment. In 2020, direct selling took place across the United States, generating $40.1 billion in retail sales and 7.7 million entrepreneurs in the U.S. sold products or services through the direct selling channel, providing a personalized buying experience for 41.6 million preferred customers and discount buyers.