HOOTSOTRAA APPROVED

HOOTSOTRAA Approved is an earned recognition for businesses and organizations that demonstrate ethical conduct, accountability, and alignment with the mission of HOOTSOTRAA CONSULTING & SERVICES LLC — Inspiring Change for Future Generations.

This recognition exists to help people identify businesses that strive to do the right thing consistently, not just when it is convenient.

HOOTSOTRAA Approved is not purchased.
It is earned through conduct over time.

Who This Recognition Is For

HOOTSOTRAA Approved applies exclusively to:

• Businesses

• Nonprofits

• Organizations

• Service providers

• Community-based entities

It does not apply to individuals acting in a personal capacity.

Individual recognition is handled separately through HOOTSOTRAA Certified.

Why HOOTSOTRAA Approved Exists

Too many people are harmed by businesses that look trustworthy on the surface but operate differently behind closed doors.

HOOTSOTRAA Approved exists to:

• Highlight ethical business behavior

• Encourage transparency and accountability

• Support organizations that put people before profit

• Promote long-term thinking that benefits families and future generations

This program is values-driven, not marketing-driven.

Earned, Not Paid

How HOOTSOTRAA Approved Differs From Other Badges

HOOTSOTRAA Approved is not for sale.

There is:

• No subscription

• No membership fee

• No accreditation payment

• No advertising requirement

• No way to purchase recognition

We state this clearly because many well-known “trust,” “verified,” or “accredited” badges operate on pay-based models.

Some of those programs may still involve reviews or standards, but payment is a required component of participation.

Pay-Based Badges & Verification Systems

Named for Transparency

The following are widely recognized examples of programs where a badge, verification, accreditation, or status requires payment (such as subscriptions, dues, advertising spend, audits, or renewals).

These are factual descriptions of how the systems operate.

Business Accreditation & Trust Badges

• Better Business Bureau (BBB Accredited)
  BBB accreditation requires businesses to pay ongoing membership fees to maintain accredited status.

• Chamber of Commerce Membership Badges
  Displaying chamber membership status requires paid dues.

• Trade Associations & Professional Organizations
  “Member,” “Certified,” or “Affiliated” badges are typically tied to paid membership.

Social Media Verification (Subscription-Based)

• Meta Verified (Facebook & Instagram)
  Verification badge provided through a paid subscription.

• X Premium / Blue Check (formerly Twitter)
  Verification badge tied to paid subscription tiers.

• LinkedIn Premium & Verification Features
  Enhanced verification and trust indicators available through paid services.

Advertising-Linked Trust Indicators

• Google “Verified”-style Badges (Local Services Ads)
  Badges appear in connection with paid advertising participation and verification processes.

• Yelp Advertising Trust Indicators
  Enhanced visibility and trust signals are tied to paid advertising.

Compliance & Certification Programs (Fee-Based)

• ISO Certifications
  Require paid audits, assessments, and renewals.

• SOC Reports (SOC 2 / SOC 3)
  Require paid third-party audits.

• PCI Compliance Validation
  Requires paid assessments and ongoing validation.

Why HOOTSOTRAA Approved Is Different

HOOTSOTRAA Approved intentionally does not operate on a pay-to-play model.

• Payment cannot create approval

• Advertising cannot influence approval

• Membership cannot secure approval

• Approval can be revoked if standards are no longer met

Approval is earned through patterns of ethical conduct, accountability, and consistency over time.

All decisions rest solely with HOOTSOTRAA CONSULTING & SERVICES LLC.

Important Clarification

Listing other platforms or programs:

• Does not accuse them of wrongdoing

• Does not claim their standards are invalid

• Does not imply illegality

It simply states a fact: payment is required to participate in those systems.

HOOTSOTRAA Approved intentionally operates differently.

Put Your Business on Our Radar

HOOTSOTRAA Approved is not something you apply for and not something you buy.

If your business believes it operates with integrity and aligns with our mission, you may choose to Put Your Business on Our Radar so we are aware you exist.

This is not an application.
This does not guarantee approval.
There is no payment involved.

It is simply an introduction.

{Needs to be a fillable form}

(What to Share

• Business name

• Type of services or products

• Location (city/state or region served)

• Website and/or public social links

• A brief description of how your business serves people or communities)

We may review this information over time.
We may follow up.
We may take no action.

Approval, if ever granted, is earned through conduct, not requested or purchased.

Individual Recognition

HOOTSOTRAA Approved applies to businesses and organizations only.

For recognition of individuals based on personal conduct and accountability, visit:
HOOTSOTRAA Certified (Individuals)

Our Commitment

HOOTSOTRAA Approved exists to elevate businesses that choose integrity over shortcuts and responsibility over appearances.

Trust should not be something people can simply buy.
HOOTSOTRAA Approved is earned — not paid.