Michigan Anti Trafficking Project (MAP)

Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Seminar (Detroit)
2023-08-25 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Marygrove College, 8425 W McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI, 48221, United States
Wayne Center presents:
Human Trafficking and Your Family – Awareness and Training
August 25th, 2023 | 10 am – 12 pm
Marygrove College – Brownstone Community Room
8425 West McNichols Road Detroit, MI 48221
A panel discussion on Human Trafficking awareness and prevention for the general public and service providers. (View Flyer)
Speakers Include:

Councilmember Angela Whitfield – City of Detroit Human Trafficking Task Force
Valentina Seeley – Homeland Security
Karen Moore – Sanctum House
Dawn Ames – Michigan Abolitionist Project

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Free · Light Lunch Will Be Served

Volunteer Interest Meeting (virtual)
2023-09-07 17:30 - 18:30, 2023-11-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Looking for ways to get involved?
MAP and Vista Maria have many ongoing volunteer opportunities that are in need of passionate community members just like you!
During our virtual Volunteer Interest Meetings, staff from MAP and Vista Maria provide a brief overview of our programs in order to help you find the volunteer opportunity that is right for you. Join us in learning how you can use your unique gifts and talents to help make a difference in your community!

Can’t make it this month? No worries, these meetings are held on the first Thursday of every other month. Click the button to register for the meeting that fits your schedule best. (*Please note: The same content is shared during each of these meetings with the exception of holiday-related activities)
We look forward to connecting with you!

Help Hub Expo (Detroit)
2023-09-09 10:30 - 15:00 | MI, United States
HELP HUB EXPO

Hosted by: Grateful Giving Foundation
Connecting members in our community with companies and providers who truly care about the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of others.

Join us, along with so many others at the local and state level, for a day that will benefit all members of your family.

September 9, 2023
10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location:
14601 Dequindre Road
Detroit, MI 48212

Beyond Their Stories: Human Trafficking Conference (Dearborn)
2023-09-15 08:00 - 13:30 | Henry Ford College, 5101 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI, 48128, United States
Beyond Their Stories
Human Trafficking Conference
September 15, 2023 | 8:00 am – 1:30 pm
Henry Ford College – Building L/Main Campus
Mazzara Admin. Services & Conference Center (ASCC)
Eugene Forfa Auditorium (first floor)
5101 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128
Co-Sponsored by:
Henry Ford College + Taking Action for Peace Initiative
Human trafficking is a serious problem that affects every community in Michigan. To learn more about this issue and how to help survivors, join us for an informative event with experts who have lived through it. You will have the opportunity to network and gain useful resources from MAP and other local organizations. (View Flyer)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
$35.00 General Admission | $10.00 Student Admission
Lite breakfast and lunch will be provided to all registrants
Questions? E-mail mlane0407@gmail.com

2023 EMPOWER CONFERENCE! (virtual)
2023-09-21 11:30 - 16:00 | Zoom Webinar, MI, United States
2023 [virtual] Empower Conference
Identifying and Responding to the
Online Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Youth
Thursday, September 21st, 2023
11:30 AM – 4:00 PM (EST.)

Are you passionate about protecting and empowering young people in the digital age? Do you want to learn more about the risks and realities of online exploitation and sex trafficking of youth? If so, join us for the 2023 [virtual] Empower Conference! This annual event is designed to train and equip community members, professionals, and advocates ready to address human trafficking through collective action.
This year, we will hear from lived-experience experts and Michigan-based professionals as they share insights on the nature and scope of online sexual exploitation of youth in Michigan, identify gaps in services and opportunities for reform, as well as provide helpful tips and resources for parents and professionals who are eager to learn how they can protect and empower the youth in their lives to stay safe from online predators.

Agenda

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Typology of Online Sexual Exploitation and Prevalence in Michigan*
Sgt. Matt McLalin – Detective Sergeant, Cyber Section – Computer Crimes Unit (CCU), Intelligence Operations Division, Michigan State Police
12:30 – 2:00 PM
Multidisciplinary Team Response to Online Child Sex Trafficking*
Chrissy Hemphill-Crisis Specialist, National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Jennifer Janetsky – Senior Assistant City Prosecutor, Ann Arbor City Attorney’s Office
Candice Cooper – Victim Assistance Specialist, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Alex Fagan, LMSW-Clinical, Executive Director, MyPlace Jackson
2:00 – 3:00 PM
A Survivor’s Perspective
Panel discussion with Alice Jay and Lived Experience Experts
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Empowering Youth in a Modern World – A Guide to Digital Safety
Allie Kibler-Campbell – Abuse & Prevention & Outreach Supervisor, Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Southwest Michigan

This course is approved by NASW-Michigan
2.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours
(*Please note, these credits only apply to the first 2.5 hours of the event; social workers must attend the live webinar to receive a certificate)

Sanctum House Annual Fundraising Benefit (Pontiac)
2023-10-08 13:00 - 16:00 | MI, United States
Sanctum House:
3rd Annual Wings of Courage Fundraising Benefit

Date: Sunday, October 8th, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM — 4:00 PM

Location: M1 Event Concourse
1 Motorsports Dr., Pontiac, MI 48341
(Entrance on Woodward Ave.)

This year, Sanctum House embarks on a renewed mission, committing to helping more women survivors. As they expand their capacity and services, your continued support is the foundation of that growth. Continue your support for Sanctum House by sponsoring their annual fundraiser. *MAP will be featured at a partner information table.

Join us for a family-friendly, fun-filled afternoon at the racetrack! Children under 13 are free. Reach out to info@sanctumhouse.org if you have any questions.

Beyond the Shadows: Raw Facts About Human Trafficking in Michigan (Southfield)
2023-10-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Hampton Inn by Hilton Detroit Southfield, 26080 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI, 48076, United States
Beyond the Shadows: Raw Facts About Human Trafficking in Michigan
Discover the truth behind human trafficking in Michigan directly from experts.

Date and time:
Thursday, October 12 · 6:30 – 8pm EDT

Location:
Hampton Inn by Hilton Detroit Southfield
26080 Northwestern Highway Southfield, MI 48076

Hosted by:
Sparrow Freedom Project + Michigan Abolitionist Project
Sparrow Freedom Project, MAP, and many other anti-trafficking organizations have recently received a number of calls and emails regarding the movie “Sound of Freedom.”The calls center around questions about human trafficking and/or how they can help in combatting human trafficking. The movie depicts human trafficking from one perspective experienced internationally, which is different from what is typically experienced domestically in the United States.

About this event

Join Sparrow Freedom Project (SFP) and Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) in an expert panel discussion on the actual facts around human trafficking in Michigan: what it is, myths & misconceptions, how to protect oneself & loved ones, what is happening locally, what resources are available, and what one can do to help combat human trafficking.
Our expert panelists are as follows:

Chrissy Hemphill, Human Trafficking Specialist & Sparrow Freedom Project (SFP) Board Trustee;

Valentina Seeley, Deputy Assistant Director – Office of Partnership and Engagement from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI);

Sara Pettey, Special Agent – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI);

Kimberly M. Blackwell, Commanding Officer of Major Crimes – Detroit Police Department;

Kevin E. Outland, Speaker, Writer and Founder of “The Dark Side of the Web” Seminars.

Moderator: Darren Cunningham, WXYZ Channel 7 Reporter
Agenda
6:15 pm – 8:30 pm Resource Tables & Light Refreshments
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Panel Discussion (with last 15 minutes for Q&A)
We hope you will join us for this insightful discussion. Attending such an event is the first step in combatting human trafficking.

This is a FREE EVENT. Please RSVP to ensure we do not exceed room capacity.
Donations are welcomed and much appreciated.

Lansing: Safe Halloween – Michigan State University (all ages welcome!)
2023-10-26 17:00 - 19:00 | MI, United States
Safe Halloween – Michigan State University Greek Fraternity/Sorority Event
Date & Time: October 26th, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: M.A.C. Avenue and surrounding streets in East, Lansing
Sigma Chi Epsilon Fraternity (MSU)

Open to public. Safe Halloween is an annual event in which fraternity and sorority chapters host a carnival of various Halloween activities for children to enjoy. The purpose of Safe Halloween is to provide a safe alternative to trick-or-treating for the children of East Lansing’s community. M.A.C. and surrounding streets are closed off for the event, inviting children to enjoy haunted houses and festive games at each sorority house. In the streets, a DJ plays our Halloween tunes while you can choose to bounce on the moonwalk or carouse the activities sponsored by chapter houses. (*MAP resources/candy)

Alternative Holiday Gift Fair & Bake Sale
2023-10-28 10:00 - 15:00 | Grace United Methodist, 1900 Boston Blvd., Lansing, MI, 48910, United States
Alternative Holiday Gift Fair + Bake Sale
Saturday, October 28th, 2023
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Grace United Methodist Church
1900 Boston Blvd, Lansing, MI 48910

The Alternative Holiday Gift Fair is a great way to support non-profit & fair trade merchants from all over the world. Featuring items made by survivors of trafficking and abuse, and other goods made by global artisans struggling to support their families.

More info coming soon!

Detroit: Raising Mental Awareness & Resisting DV Empowerment Fair
2023-10-28 12:00 - 16:00 | Wayne County Community College, 21000 Northline Road, Taylor, MI, 48180, United States
Raising Mental Awareness & Resisting Domestic Violence Empowerment Fair
*MAP Resource Table
October 28th, 2023
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wayne County Community College
1001 W. Fort St., Detroit 48226
Join the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.(R), Alpha Rho Omega Chapter of Detroit and our community partner, Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus, for an informative event as we raise mental health awareness and resist domestic violence! The Rejoice in your Essence & Thrive with Purpose, Resource & Empowerment Fair is a must-attend in-person gathering happening at WCCCD Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus located at 1001 West Fort Street, Detroit, MI, 48226.
Discover valuable resources, connect with advocates and agencies, and gain the tools you need to protect yourself as well as therapeutic ways to live your best life. This fair is all about embracing your true self, supporting, spreading domestic and intimate partner violence awareness, and making a positive impact.

This event is FREE and open to the PUBLIC. FREE Parking is also available in the WCCCD parking garage. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired. Mark your calendars and join us at the Rejoice in your Essence & Thrive with Purpose, Resource & Empowerment Fair!

Detroit: Human Trafficking Education for School Counselors
2023-11-07 | Detroit, Detroit, MI, United States
Human Trafficking Education for Detroit Public School Counselors
Huntington Place | 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
November 7th, 2023

*This training is not open to public. If you would like to request a training on human trafficking, click here to submit a MAP speaker request.

Grand Rapids: Party with a Purpose
2023-11-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Adored Boutique, 968 CHERRY ST SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Start your Christmas shopping with PURPOSE.

Join us for an evening to learn about human trafficking and how we can be a part of ending it. Then the store will be opened for your shopping enjoyment. Products at Adored Boutique have been made by survivors and/or people in vulnerable situations. A portion of proceeds will go to support the anti-trafficking efforts of the Michigan Abolitionist Project.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
6:00PM – 7:30PM EST

ADORED BOUTIQUE
968 CHERRY ST SE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49506

Drinks and desserts will be provided. Street parking is available. Please email: heather@map-mi.org if you plan to attend so we know how many to set up for.

To learn more about Adored Boutique you can visit their website: About Adored Boutique | Fair Fashion Women’s Clothing Boutique

Mid-Michigan Community Group
2023-11-27 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-01-22 20:00 - 21:00 | New Life Vinyard Church, 1014 E. Ashman St., Midland, MI, United States
Mid-Michigan Community Group
If you are a Midland, Saginaw, or Bay City resident, consider joining our Mid-Michigan Community Group! We are compassionate and motivated volunteers who learn and work together to address the root causes of human trafficking in our community.

Monthly Meeting:

The Mid-Michigan Community Group typically meets on the 4th Monday of every other month from 8-9 pm. Meeting locations vary.

If you would like to stay connected with the Mid-Michigan Community Group, consider joining their Facebook Group or sign-up for their email list. For further questions, please contact midland@map-mi.org

———————————————————————————————————————
MAP Community Groups consist of compassionate and motivated citizens who volunteer together to address human trafficking in their community. Community Groups meet regularly for ongoing training, conducting awareness activities, and engaging in service projects within the local community. Through Community Groups we seek to build a collaborative network that helps people use their gifts, talents, and resources to more effectively address human trafficking and its root causes.

Freedom Coalition Meeting ft. Polaris and the National Survivor Study (virtual)
2023-11-28 17:30 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Freedom Coalition Meeting:
Tuesday, November 28th, 2023
5:30 – 7:00 pm (*virtual)
Featured Presentation: In Harm’s Way, the National Survivor Study by Polaris
Sara Woldehanna, Director of Learning, Innovation and Data Systems (LIDS) at Polaris Project, will be joining our Freedom Coalition meeting along with a panel of lived experience experts to dive into the National Survivor Study which is the largest and most significant effort to date to learn directly from survivors of sex and labor trafficking. The study “In Harm’s Way: How Systems Fail Human Trafficking Survivors” was released in January 2023. The panel will present on their experience designing a participatory action research project with diversity and inclusion as the most important pillars, the impact of survivor leadership on the study, and a focus on the data showing system failures before, during and after trafficking.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate virtually on Zoom on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (EST).
This event WILL NOT be recorded.
Please click the button below to register:

Join our network! Sign-up for our Freedom Coalition email list
to have future meeting invites sent straight to your inbox.
The purpose of MAP’s Freedom Coalition is to bring together experienced community advocates and professionals for a unified and comprehensive approach to addressing human trafficking in Michigan.
We hold virtual meetings every quarter for the sharing of statewide updates, specialized training, best practices, emerging research, resources, and more.

Grand Haven: A Community Member's Guide to Understanding Human Trafficking
2024-01-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Loutit Library, 407 Columbus Ave, Grand Haven, MI, 49417, United States
With an estimated 28 million men, women and children who are subjected to trafficking every year, it is more important than ever for us to understand this crime and how we can be a part of preventing it. Human trafficking is a global problem that often goes overlooked and underreported in the United States. Although many of us may be aware that human trafficking exists, are we fully aware the ways in which manipulation and exploitation happens all around us? Whatever your knowledge base may be, this presentation is for those interested in gaining a more accurate understanding of human trafficking, as well as becoming equipped and empowered to respond.
This presentation has been approved by NASW-Michigan for 1 Social Work Human Trafficking CE hour.
Join us at 6:00pm on January 17th for this important presentation!
Light refreshments will be served.
*There will be sensitive and mature content shared due to the nature of the topic so please be mindful if bringing minors.
Flyer to Print

Clarkston: Human Trafficking Basics (presentation)
2024-01-28 15:00 - 16:30 | Clarkston United Methodist Church, 6600 Waldon Rd., Clarkston, MI, 48346, United States
Human Trafficking Basics
Presentation by Dawn Ames – Executive Director, MAP
Date: January 28th, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Clarkston United Methodist Church
6600 Waldon Rd., Clarkston, MI 48346

Holland: "Understanding Human Trafficking and Supporting Survivors: A Night with the Michigan Abolitionist Project and Leslie King
2024-01-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Fred Hemenway Auditorium in the Martha Miller Center, 257 Columbia Ave, Holland, MI, 49423, United States
Join us for an impactful evening of learning about Human Trafficking and its effects on Survivors.
We will first learn about what Human Trafficking is, how to recognize the signs, and how we see it in Michigan. Then we will hear from Nationally known Speaker, Author and Survivor Leader Leslie King about how to continue supporting survivors after they leave their trafficking situation. She will share from her direct experience, and that of the thousands that she has worked with over the past 20 years to help us understand the unique challenges that survivors of human trafficking face as they leave their trafficker and seek to thrive in their futures.
*This presentation has been approved by NASW-Michigan for 1 Human Trafficking CE hour.
Date: January 29, 2024
Time: 6:30-8pm
Location: Fried Hemenway Auditorium located within the Martha Miller Center at Hope College
257 Columbia Ave
Holland, MI
Cost: Free!
*Light desserts and drinks will be provided

If you have any questions email Heather at: heather@map-mi.org

Mid-Michigan Human Trafficking Conference (Saginaw)
2025-02-18 14:00 - 18:00 | My Michigan Health Education Center, 800 S. Washington, Saginaw, 48601, United States
February 18, 2025
2-6pm

My Michigan Health Education Center
800 S. Washington, Saginaw MI 48601
Register for this FREE conference here:

Dawn will be co-hosting and co-presenting in a Labor Trafficking presentation.
Join us!

2025 HT Conference Flyer (1)

Awareness to Action (Pontiac)
2025-08-19 18:30 - 20:30 | The Pontiac Church, 1685 Baldwin Ave. Ste. 200, Pontiac, 48340, United States
Tuesday – August 19
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
The Pontiac Church
1685 Baldwin Ave. Ste. 200
Pontiac, MI 48340
A crucial community educational event dedicated to increasing understanding of human trafficking by:
Educating on key concepts: The Honorable Judges Nicole Castka and The Honorable Judge Deborah Thomas, both judges in the Criminal Division of the Wayne County Circuit Court, explaining the elements of human trafficking, including force, fraud, coercion, and the victim’s lack of consent.
Recognizing the common lures of human trafficking: Jill Long, President of Hope Against Trafficking, identifying the vulnerabilities, deceptive tactics, and manipulative language traffickers employ.
Highlighting systems and industries: Kelsey Lindsey, Victim Assistance Program Specialist with the Department of Homeland Security, exploring the various systems and industries that contribute to this crime.
Encouraging action: Barb Raush, Founding Member and Vice President of Hope Against Trafficking, inspiring attendees to prevent and combat human trafficking.
The evening will feature presentations, opportunities to sign up for newsletters, and a chance to support the cause.
MAP is partnering with Soroptomist in this event and will host a resource table.
Awareness to Action Flyer

A Guide to Understanding Sex and Labor Trafficking (Oscoda County)
2025-10-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Mio School, 1110 West 8th Street, Mio, 48647, United States
Mio School
1110 West 8th Street
Mio, MI 48647
With an estimated 28 million men, women and children who are subjected to trafficking every year, it is more important than ever for us to understand this crime and how we can be a part of preventing it. Human trafficking is a global problem that often goes overlooked and underreported in the United States. Although many of us may be aware that human trafficking exists, are we fully aware the ways in which manipulation and exploitation happens in our communities? Whatever your knowledge base may be, this presentation is for those interested in gaining a more accurate understanding of human trafficking, as well as becoming equipped and empowered to respond.
*2 Social Work CEU’s have been applied for

Addressing Human Trafficking: Not Just an Urban Issue (Mio)
2026-01-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Mio School, 1110 West 8th Street, Mio, 48647, United States
Addressing Human Trafficking: Not Just an Urban Issue
January 14, 2026 from 6:00pm-8:00pm
Mio School
1110 8th St.
Mio, MI 48647

Join us on January 14th as we continue to bring awareness about Human Trafficking to the Oscoda County area. The 2nd part of our series will highlight a Michigan Survivor’s story, a Northern Michigan Law Enforcement Case Study, and a panel of professionals who work to address and prevent human trafficking here in our community. *No registration required, open to all!

Human Trafficking in Mid-Michigan Conference (Saginaw)
2026-01-20 13:00 - 17:00 | My Michigan Health Education Center, 800 S. Washington, Saginaw, 48601, United States
TUESDAY • JANUARY 20
1:00-5:00 PM
DOORS OPEN AT 12:30 PM
HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER
800 S. WASHINGTON, SAGINAW MI 48601
IS THIS EVENT FOR YOU?
This information will be helpful for
concerned community members,
parents, educators, service providers,
clergy, and others interested in
learning how to assist in the fight
against human trafficking.
Registration link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mid-michigan-human-trafficking-conference-2026-tickets-1969928948514?aff=oddtdtcreator

2026 HT Conference Flyer

Breaking Chains, Building Change: Human Trafficking Awareness-to-Action Event (Virtual)
2026-01-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom Webinar, MI, United States
Event Title: Breaking Chains, Building Change
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6:00 -7:30 p.m.
Format: Virtual via Zoom
Duration: 90 minutes
Lead: Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (OSVPE), Wayne State University
This collaborative event will bring together Greek sororities, Zonta International, and other campus and community partners to move beyond awareness into action in the fight against human trafficking.

Purpose & Objectives
A conversation to move beyond human trafficking awareness into meaningful action through education, collaboration, and survivor-centered advocacy.

Objectives:

Deepen understanding of human trafficking through survivor, advocate, and student lenses.

Increase participant capacity to recognize, respond to, and prevent trafficking.

Mobilize collective action steps among community organizations and campus partners.

Highlight culturally responsive, survivor-informed approaches to prevention and healing.

End Exploitation: An Immersive Experience (Rochester
2026-02-01 11:00 - 14:00 | St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1400 Inglewood Ave, Rochester, MI, 48307, United States
February 1st, 2026
11am-2pm
St. Andrew Catholic Church
1400 Inglewood Ave,
Rochester, MI 48307
*no registration required

Human Trafficking is a global human rights issue affecting almost 28 million children, women and men right now.
A fact that many do not know though is that ¾ of people being trafficked, are trafficked for labor.
Our global industry has created many advancements and opportunities for individuals and communities around the world which we are grateful for. It has also taken transparency out of our supply chains and created pathways for traffickers to easily take advantage of the poor and marginalized in our world and force them to make the products we eat and wear everyday while traffickers profit annually over $236 billion dollars.
This is the why behind our project.
We want to shed light on Labor Trafficking and bring public awareness to our communities with tangible solutions for them to put into action as soon as they leave.
This will be a full body immersive experience. We want people to feel the cotton that is picked, touch the coffee beans, eat the chocolate, hear stories of those who have been exploited, sit at a sewing machine that could make their shirt. We want to leave a memory not just in minds, but in bodies and hearts to help each person who walks through the experience to understand that trafficking is happening and we can be a part of the solution.
Join us on February 1st between 11am and 2pm to walk through the experience!
For questions email: heather@map-mi.org
