The National Limousine Association Announces Partnership With When Georgia Smiled: The Robin McGraw Revelation Foundation

NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Limousine Association (NLA) and When Georgia Smiled: The Robin McGraw Revelation Foundation (WGS) join forces on The Aspire Initiative, a domestic violence program, which aims to reduce the level of intimate relationship violence in the US and instill the importance of bystander responsibility. With an escalating number of passenger assaults alleged against ride-hailing app drivers, the NLA believes Aspire is vital to ending violence and sexual assault. Robin McGraw announced the partnership in a video message posted to her Foundation's Facebook timeline on Friday, November 20^th. The message was then shared by Robin's husband and television personality Dr. Phil McGraw to his show's Facebook page timeline on Monday, November 23^rd.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7430253-nla-wgs-the-aspire-initiative/

The Aspire Initiative is available free of charge and includes a potentially-lifesaving smartphone app, Aspire News, a smartphone app available as a free download on Google Play, as well as at www.whengeorgiasmiled.org, that allows the user to create a pre-written text or voice message to be sent to designated numbers (i.e., 911 or other chosen contacts) with just the tap of a button. The ignition of the app's "go button" also starts a recording to capture the details of the domestic violence encounter and/or other dangerous events taking place. Aspire News is designed to appear like any other smart phone app to the untrained eye, allowing it to be downloaded and used discreetly.

"Hailing a private driver, unfortunately, does not always come without risk and I am so proud that my foundation, When Georgia Smiled, has partnered with Ride Responsibly to further broaden our reach, increasing passenger safety and awareness," says Mrs. McGraw. "We are proud to be a part of this vital initiative to keep our roads and our citizens well-informed and, ultimately, safer."

"This alliance is a necessary step in our deeper commitment to fight violence and sexual assault.  We are proud to partner with When Georgia Smiled and Aspire, educating the public of the help available at their fingertips, when they need it most," says Mr. Buffo. "With an alarming number of recently-reported sexual assault cases involving ride-hailing drivers, it is an imperative initiative to provide safety to those who find themselves in danger."

The partnership is an extension of the NLA's ongoing Ride Responsibly™ (www.rideresponsibly.org) initiative to increase passenger safety, education and awareness for anyone using a ride-hailing app-based car service such as Lyft, Uber or Whisk.  The campaign urges consumers to arm themselves with the necessary tools to Ride Responsibly™ and make informed choices when it comes to their own safety. 

ABOUT THE NLA:
The National Limousine Association (NLA) is a non-profit organization responsible for and dedicated to representing the interests of the private driver transportation industry at the global, national, state, and local level. It is the unified voice of this industry – linking transportation industry professionals from owners and operators to suppliers, manufacturers, regional and state limousine associations. With more than 2,000 NLA members, the Association is committed to exceeding expectations with regards to professionalism, transportation efficiency and safe riding.

For additional information on the NLA, please visit www.limo.org.

ABOUT RIDE RESPONSIBLY™:
The Ride Responsibly™ campaign is an unprecedented effort to bridge an industry-wide gap between the rights of passengers and the responsibilities of service providers. The campaign will establish best safety practices for prearranged car services and transportation network companies (TNCs), which include ride-hailing app car services, such as Lyft, Sidecar, Uber and Whisk. This initiative by the National Limousine Association is designed to help address growing public concern and provide a forum for all to voice their views on the ground transportation industry. The program will focus on educating both service providers and the public about regulations, legislation and best practices within the industry. The goal is to empower and inform the public at large as well as drivers and operators alike with the necessary tools to Ride Responsibly™. For additional information on Ride Responsibly™, please visit www.rideresponsibly.org.

About When Georgia Smiled
When Georgia Smiled: The Robin McGraw Revelation Foundation creates and advances programs that help women and children, especially those affected by domestic violence, live healthy, safe and joy-filled lives. For more information, visit www.whengeorgiasmiled.org

About Robin McGraw
Robin McGraw is a bestselling author, television personality and philanthropist. She is featured daily on Dr. Phil, where she is a familiar face and friendly voice to the audience, speaking often to issues that affect women. Robin has worked for many years with a variety of philanthropic causes that serve to improve the lives of women and children. Robin is a national spokesperson for C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children), and she and Dr. Phil have devoted countless hours promoting their recruitment project that has generated over $60 million per year during the last three years, totaling more than $180 million, to date. Robin is also a board member of The Dr. Phil Foundation, and a member of the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet. Robin has been recognized for her work in philanthropy with awards such as the Heart of Gold Award by the Starlight Starbright Foundation and the Big Heart Award by the Westside Children's Center. She is a sought after public speaker and has appeared on a variety of broadcast programs. She is the author of two #1 New York Times Best Selling books, Inside My Heart: Choosing to Live with Passion and Purpose and What's Age Got To Do With It?

SOURCE The National Limousine Association