A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2021-04-07 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
April 7, 2021
12:00 – 12:30 pm
[ Episode #21 ] The Decriminalization of Sex Buying – what’s in store for Washtenaw’s future?

Have you heard the news? The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office has published a new policy to decriminalize sex buying. What does this mean for Michigan residents? Countless studies from around the globe have shown that wherever sex buying is legal, there is an increase in demand for commercial sex, which leads to an increase in sex trafficking. This means more and more vulnerable individuals – including youth of all ages – will be targeted for sexual exploitation by means of force, fraud, and/or coercion to meet the rising demands of sex buyers. Contrary to claims of increased safety, this policy creates a dangerous precedent for Ann Arbor, a town of over 80,000 college students – and potentially all of Michigan – as we are now at greater risk of becoming a sex tourism hub for buyers and traffickers nationwide. We urge you to join our live discussion, as we consider the research and explore the Equality Model, the only truly progressive & survivor-informed solution to preventing and ending sex trafficking.

Special Guest: Peg Talburtt
Margaret (Peg) Talburtt, PhD has spent her entire career in the nonprofit sector, primarily working with foundations. She had been engaged in anti-human trafficking work as a funder and advocate not as a direct service provider since the 1990s. She currently is a member of MAP-Ann Arbor, the MHTTF, and the Resources Subcommittee of the MI HT Commission.

Click here to view past episode recordings

Washtenaw County - Virtual Town Hall
2021-04-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
April 13th, 7 PM
URGENT ACTION NEEDED – Join local survivors and anti-human trafficking advocates/allies as we discuss the harms of Eli Savit’s policy and why partial-decriminalization is the only approach to sex work that truly protects victims and survivors of human trafficking. Find out how you can help advocate for a safer Michigan and #STOPSAVIT.

Learn more at stopsavit.com!

Registration required. State government officials, criminal justice professionals, and child advocacy agencies strongly encouraged to attend.

Freedom Coalition - Call to Action
2021-04-27 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
The Freedom Coalition brings together experienced community advocates and professionals for a unified approach to addressing human trafficking in Michigan. Our vision is to eradicate human trafficking through collaborative efforts in the areas of prevention, training, demand abatement, survivor support, and community awareness and engagement. The Freedom Coalition plans to meet virtually the 4th Tuesday of every other month for the sharing of new research, best practices, case studies, education, and specialized training. Consider joining our network!
April Freedom Coalition Meeting
Due to rising concerns for Washtenaw County, our April Freedom Coalition meeting will be moved to April 13th at 7 pm, where you are invited to join survivor advocates for their Virtual Town Hall.

Click here for additional details and registration regarding the upcoming #STOPSAVIT Town Hall meeting.
You can also learn more by visiting STOPSAVIT.COM

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2021-05-05 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
A Cup of Hope
We will be taking a short break from May-July and will resume with new episodes in August!
Thanks for tuning in! If you have any specific human trafficking-related topics you would like to see discussed during future episodes, let us know at info@map-mi.org
Click Here to Watch Past Episodes
This webinar series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking in an effort to bring perspective and build awareness on all things human trafficking.

Volunteer Interest Meeting (virtual)
2021-05-06 19:00 - 20:00, 2021-11-04 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Looking for ways to get involved in the fight against human trafficking?
MAP and Vista Maria have numerous volunteer-based programs that are in need of passionate advocates just like you!
During our virtual Volunteer Interest Meetings, our staff will 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, talents, and resources to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community!

Can’t make it this month? No worries, these meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month. Click the button to register for any of our scheduled meetings.
We hope you will consider joining us!

Improving Our Collective Response: Oakland County Human Trafficking Task Force
2021-05-11 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Remo, MI, United States

2021 EMPOWER CONFERENCE! [virtual]
2021-05-27 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Zoom Webinar, MI, United States
For the past several months, there has been a growing number of states and countries proposing dangerous legislation that would fuel the demand for exploitation and abuse. It has become crucial, now more than ever, that the anti-trafficking movement pay close attention to discussions being initiated by the pro-exploitation industry. This is why we are inviting YOU to gather with us virtually for the 2021 Empower Conference. We will be welcoming survivor leaders and anti-trafficking experts from around the country to share an inside perspective on the sex trade – the complex issues that fuel it, the harsh realities within it, and the truth behind the legislative frameworks that claim to regulate it. What can we learn from other states? What is the Equality Model and how does it work? What’s being done in Michigan and what are the next steps?
Join us on May 27th to learn how YOU can become part of the solution and help create a world in which no person is bought, sold, or exploited.

Check out our action-packed agenda and the images below for more details! This is one lineup you won’t want to miss.
Can’t make it? No worries. Register to make sure you receive access to this important information.

Empower is an annual MAP conference that addresses challenges and collaborative solutions pertaining to human trafficking.

Ann Arbor - "Stand Against Demand" Survivor-led March
2021-07-10 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Washtenaw County Courthouse, 101 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
STAND AGAINST DEMAND – PROTECT SURVIVORS, NOT SEX BUYERS!
A Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney has published a dangerous new policy that decriminalizes sex buying. This will lead to an increase in demand for commercial sex, which not only threatens the well-being of vulnerable women and children throughout the area but will also greatly exacerbate sex trafficking. The only truly progressive & survivor-informed solution to ending exploitation is partial-decriminalization.
Join survivors and allies on Saturday, July 10th at 10 AM at the Washtenaw County Courthouse as we march to raise awareness and educate Michigan residents on the harms of full-decriminalization of the sex trade!

>>> Visit www.equalitymodelmichigan.com to learn more.
Organized by the Michigan H.E.A.T. Coalition

2-Day Virtual Youth Summit (World Without Exploitation)
2021-07-13 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Webinar, MI, United States
Educating the New Generation
World Without Exploitation’s 4th Annual Youth Summit
Tuesday and Thursday, July 13th and 15th from 6:00-8:30 pm EDT.

MAP is joining the World Without Exploitation (WorldWE) Youth Coalition for their annual two-day virtual summit! WorldWE’s 4th annual Youth Summit will be centered around activating, educating, and inspiring youth ages 16-28 to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Attendees will watch panels and participate in workshops facilitated by nationally renowned survivor experts, leaders in the anti-trafficking movement, and youth activists at the forefront of the movement to ensure no one is bought, sold, or exploited.

The Youth Summit is made available free of charge.

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2021-08-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
August 4, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
[ Episode #22 ]
The Reality and Risks for Runaway and Homeless Youth
Many are aware that homelessness is a major social concern in the United States, however, did you know that between 500,000 and 2.8 million YOUTH experience homelessness within the United States each year? To make matters worse, runaway and homeless youth (RHY) are at particularly high risk for human trafficking. In fact, one study found that nearly one in five (124 of 641 RHY interviewed from around the country) were identified as victims of some form of human trafficking and that 91% had been approached by someone offering an opportunity for income that was “too good to be true.” Are you ready to learn how we as concerned citizens and family members can support the youth in our lives and prevent human trafficking within our communities? Join us for this important episode as we unpack the experiences of runaway and homeless youth by discussing risk and protective factors, recruitment methods, community resources, and much more – all with someone who directly works with these youth in our community!

Guest Speaker:
May Freck, Youth Empowerment Coordinator (Outreach), Common Ground

May Freck (BSW, CPS) is the Youth Empowerment Coordinator at Common Ground’s Sanctuary Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter. She has worked for the shelter for four years and has been at Common Ground for over six, starting with the agency as a volunteer and then employee on the resource and crisis line. May primarily works in an outreach and educational capacity in her current role but is also the staff liaison for the agency’s Youth Leadership Council. She regularly connects with youth during and after their experiences with running away and homelessness. May is also deeply involved with the LGBTQ community as she is personally a part of it and professionally and academically has focused on issues youth in the community face, including exploitation.
>> Click Here to visit the Common Ground website

This series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking in an effort to bring perspective and build awareness on all things human trafficking.
Thanks for tuning in! If you have any specific human trafficking-related topics you would like to see discussed during future episodes, let us know at info@map-mi.org
Click here to view past episode recordings

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2021-09-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
[ Episode #23 ]
September 15, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Safely Navigating the Digital Landscape
We are living in the age of technology where the majority of our time is spent on the internet. It has been embraced as just a part of our daily lives. BUT…what we haven’t fully embraced is the reality that the internet can be an extremely unsafe place where serious levels of manipulation and exploitation can happen if we are not educated and made aware of it. Join us as we take a deeper look at the dangers of the internet and how we can protect ourselves appropriately. We are grateful to have a special guest, Dave Mehi, with Google joining us for this important discussion.

Special Guest: David Mehi, Google
David Mehi has worked as a Software Developer and Cloud Specialist for over 20 years. He has worked with a variety of corporations, government organizations, small businesses, startups, and non-profits. His current role is Cloud Architect at Google Cloud, where he specializes in helping companies build their API programs and securely move their systems to the cloud. David has been involved in the Detroit tech scene for many years and aims to help support the community.

Click here to view past episode recordings

This series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking in an effort to bring perspective and build awareness on all things human trafficking.
Thanks for tuning in! If you have any specific human trafficking-related topics you would like to see discussed during future episodes, let us know at info@map-mi.org

Lake Orion - 2021 Stop Human Trafficking 5k/10k
2021-09-18 | Canterbury Village/Woodside Bible Church, 2500 Joslyn Rd, Lake Orion, MI, 48360, United States
Join in the Fight to Stop Human Trafficking!
Unite with walkers and runners from all over Michigan dressed as your favorite Dr. Seuss character. Through this race, our mission is to make a difference in the fight against human trafficking that is occurring in the Metro Detroit area. Your participation will help support anti-human trafficking organizations to rescue, provide housing for survivors and educate communities throughout southeastern Michigan.
DATE: Saturday, September 18, 2021
LOCATION: Canterbury Village/Woodside Bible Church, 2500 Joslyn Rd, Lake Orion, MI 48360
COST: $35 Adult 5K | $40 Adult 10K | $15 Family Walk/Race
Click here to view and download the flyer!

We can use your help! Check out the needed volunteer opportunities!

Meet Our Partners
Unshackled is a group of passionate “freedom fighters”. Our goal is to raise awareness of human trafficking that is occurring around the world and in our own backyards. We seek to be a voice for those whose voices have been robbed. We collaborate with other anti-human trafficking organizations to offer educational and hands-on engagement opportunities for those in Metro Detroit.

Hope Against Trafficking is a 24-month residential program that provides restorative housing and comprehensive services focused on physical, mental, emotional and economic transformation. This dedicated housing and programming are committed to serving adult female survivors of sex and labor trafficking induced by threat, force and/or coercion.

Mid-Michigan: Hotel Outreach
2021-10-02 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | New Life Vinyard Church, 1014 E. Ashman St., Midland, MI, United States
Join the Mid-Michigan MAP Community Group for a hotel outreach event to address human trafficking in the Mid-Michigan area.
Date & Time:
October 2nd, 2021
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location:
New Life Vineyard Church
1014 E. Ashman St.
Midland, MI

Volunteers will go in groups to assigned hotels in the tri-city area (Midland, Saginaw, Bay City) with missing children flyers, soap with the human trafficking hotline number, resources listing red flags, and additional training items. Come help make a difference in your community! First-time volunteers are welcome and encouraged to join!
If you are interested in volunteering for this outreach event,
please RSVP to midland@map-mi.com

Brighton: Ethical Shopping Marketplace!
2021-10-09 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Floodgate Church, 1623 S Old US Highway 23, Brighton, MI, 48114, United States
Join us for a fabulous shopping event! Great products that support great causes! Sak Saum is in town and will share about Sak Saum products and programs. Kathy Maitland from MAP will also share. There will be many vendors and ample time to shop and share!
We will have the director of Sak Saum as well as MAP (Michigan Abolitionists Project) director joining us to give short talks about how these companies have helped give women opportunities to create an income for their families and have freedom from human trafficking and other oppression.
Following the message, we will have our Pop-Up Ethical Shopping Shop open in the gym for you to browse and directly purchase until 12pm. This is a great time to get your Christmas shopping done while also supporting organizations that make a difference! All vendors will have items on hand for you to purchase and take home with you that day!
*Please park in the back parking lot by the gym and enter directly through gym doors.*

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2021-10-13 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
October 13, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
[ Episode #24 ]
When Racism Meets Misogyny – The Exploitation of Asian Women in Illicit Massage Businesses
Earlier this year, a man entered an Atlanta massage parlor and brutally murdered eight people – six of them being Asian American women. Media outlets were quick to label this crime as racially motivated, however, when taking a closer look, one soon realizes sex addiction, misogyny, and the extreme vulnerability of women of color (particularly Asian and Pacific Islander women) were the driving forces behind this tragic event. According to recent reports, human trafficking in massage businesses is the second most common type of trafficking reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Additionally, over 9,000 illicit massage businesses (IMBs) – fronts for selling commercial sex – are estimated to be spread across communities throughout the United States. Join us for this special episode, as we examine the ways in which both anti-Asian racism and the fetishization of Asian women collide to make those employed by illicit massage businesses more vulnerable than ever to increased rates of violence and exploitation.

Featured Guests:
Missy Weismann
SEE: Solutions to End Exploitation
An unconventional road has brought Missy to her work in both investigative and data driven research on human trafficking and exploitation. Her curiosity, drive and spirit brings new innovation to data driven research, cross sector collaboration and creative solutions. Along the way she has experienced the beauty and pain of grass roots community development in central Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, rural southern U.S., and now in her home town of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Currently receiving her Masters degree from Michigan State University in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis.
Daniel Russell, Sr.
Director of National Corporate Sales, Trion Solutions
Daniel Russell, Sr. is an experienced business professional with an extensive background in employee administration and business management. Dan also has several years of experience in the banking and finance industry serving as a Vice President for Wells Fargo Bank and Wachovia Bank. In addition to his employee administration and banking experience Dan has also trained and developed business owners and entrepreneurs across all types of business sectors. Dan is a well-respected Professional/Motivational speaker guiding business owners, entrepreneurs and young adults with engaging and inspiring content. He is passionate about helping people achieve their dreams and visions helping their ideas become reality. Mr. Russell serves on several boards throughout Michigan. He has served on the Board of Directors for Winning Futures a youth mentoring program in South Eastern Michigan and on the Board of Directors for Hope Against Trafficking a Non-Profit assisting women who have been victims of human trafficking. He is a board member with the Troy Rotary and is also a board member at Covenant House Detroit an organization providing housing and support services to youth facing homelessness.

This series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking in an effort to bring perspective and build awareness on all things human trafficking.
Thanks for tuning in! If you have any specific human trafficking-related topics you would like to see discussed during future episodes, let us know at info@map-mi.org
Click here to view past episode recordings

Holland Community Group
2021-10-14 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Holland, Michigan
Holland Community Group
If you live in Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon, or Kent County and are looking for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community, join MAP’s Holland Community Group!
First Monthly Meeting:
October 14th at 7 pm
Location: Holland Charter Township
Interested participants please RSVP to receive further details: holland@map-mi.org

If you’d like to stay connected with MAP’s Holland Community Group, you can also join their Facebook Group or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Holland”) to have invites to any future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.

We hope you will consider joining us!

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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. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

Lake Superior State University
2021-10-21 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom Webinar, MI, United States
The Michigan Abolitionist Project will be speaking to a Turning Point USA group to educate students about the issue of human trafficking and how they can take action to prevent it.

When: Oct 21, 2021 7:00 PM (EST)
Hosted virtually by The Leadership Institute at Lake Superior State University
Click here to register in advance for this webinar!

This event is free and open to the public.

Waterford: Serenity Club
2021-10-24 14:30 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Serenity Club of Waterford, 60 N Tilden, Waterford, MI, 48382, United States
Sunday, October 24th at 2:30 pm
Human Trafficking presentation provided by Kathy Maitland, MAP
Hosted by Serenity Club of Waterford

Meeting location: 60 N Tilden Ave, Waterford, MI 48328
This event is free and open to the public.

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2021-11-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
November 3, 12:00 pm
[ Episode #25 ]
Understanding Human Trafficking Laws
Whether you are new to the issue of human trafficking or you have studied this issue for a length of time, we encourage everyone to join us for this special episode with Assistant Attorney General, Kelly Carter, as we explore the past, present, and future of human trafficking legislation. Throughout our conversation, we will address topics such as the importance of language and how human trafficking terms have evolved over time, how victims and survivors are treated within the criminal justice system, the types of support services and protections available to victims, the legal consequences for traffickers and sex buyers, barriers and gaps that still exist within the criminal justice system, and much more. Bring your own legislation-related questions and join us LIVE on November 3rd!
Featured Guest:
Kelly Carter
Assistant Attorney General
Kelly Carter has been an Assistant Attorney General for over 20 years in the Criminal Division with past assignments including the High Tech Crime Unit, Child Protection Unit and the Mortgage Fraud Unit. For the past 10 years she has focused on prosecuting human traffickers, having convicted over 2 dozen people under the state’s human trafficking statute. In 2017, she was appointed by the Governor as Chair of the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission, and works on behalf of the Attorney General with several human trafficking task forces throughout the state. She regularly contributes to the Attorney General’s efforts to improve Michigan’s criminal law, testifying on over a dozen occasions before Michigan House and Senate subcommittees considering legislation involving child sexual exploitation and human trafficking. She also frequently trains on human trafficking throughout Michigan.
Click here to visit the Attorney General website

Click here to view past episode recordings

Thanks for tuning in! This series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking in an effort to bring perspective and build awareness on all things human trafficking. If you have any specific human trafficking-related topics you would like to see discussed during future episodes, let us know at info@map-mi.org

Troy Community Group
2021-11-09 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Bridge Community Church, 5700 Rochester Rd., Troy, MI, United States
Troy Community Group
If you live in Troy, Michigan, or a neighboring city and are looking for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community, consider joining MAP’s Troy Community Group!
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. No commitment is required, stop by to check it out!
Community Group HYBRID Meeting:
November 9th, 7:00 pm

In-person option:
Bridge Community Church
5700 Rochester Rd., Troy, MI
*Masks are optional, and we will practice social distancing.
Virtual option:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85627525148
Meeting ID: 856 2752 5148
Update on hotel outreach: In our September update, we mentioned a hotel project to distribute materials to local hotels to spread awareness and help combat Human Trafficking here in our community. Despite some delays, we are planning a hotel outreach, possibly for January, which is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Please come to hear more about it, and give us your input as we plan this important way to fight human trafficking locally.

If you’d like to stay connected with the Troy Community Group, you can email them directly at troy@map-mi.org or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Troy”) to have invites to any future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.

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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. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

Holland Community Group
2021-11-11 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | MI, United States
Holland Community Group
If you live in Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon, or Kent County and are looking for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community, join MAP’s Holland Community Group!
Monthly Meeting:

Thursday, November 11, at 7 p.m.
Interested participants, please RSVP via email to receive physical and virtual meeting location details. We will be learning about human trafficking together and discussing what we can do to bring more awareness to our community!
If you’d like to stay connected with MAP’s Holland Community Group, you can also join their Facebook Group or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Holland”) to have invites to any future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.
Monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m.

We hope you will consider joining us!

———————————————————————————————————————

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. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

Virtual: Building Capacity by Seeking State VOCA Funding
2021-11-19 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Workshop
Presented by: the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
along with the Michigan Abolitionist Project.
This [FREE] virtual workshop will review major (and complex) funding resources at the state level. Two expert trainers, Tiffany Martinez and Elizabeth Camfield, explain how to receive notification about grant opportunities, how to register and use the required EGrAMS system including notifications of upcoming RFPs, how to prepare for the pre-application phase, and many other aspects of the grant process and requirements. In addition, a panel of successful VOCA grantees will share their experiences and tips.
Intended Audience: 501c3 organizations that have experience with simple grants, fund development activities, and web-based applications.
Registration Required: https://events.zoom.us/e/view/4WHfxWdvQUWZCoykz9GElA
(Using Zoom Event which requires existing Zoom, Gmail, or Facebook account)

To access additional webinars in this series CLICK HERE

Ann Arbor: S.O.A.P Hotel Outreach
2021-11-20 10:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Malletts Creek Library, 3090 E. Eisenhower Prkwy, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
Human Trafficking 101 & S.O.A.P. Hotel Outreach
Learn about Human Trafficking and what you can do about it! Join MAP’s Ann Arbor Community Group and Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution (S.O.A.P.) for a Human Trafficking 101, volunteer training, and hotel outreach. We will be delivering bars of soap and facial wipes labeled with the Human trafficking hotline number, information about identifiers of Human Trafficking, and Missing Children’s Posters to hotels in Washtenaw County.
Saturday, Nov. 20th, 2021 | 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Malletts Creek Library, 3090 E. Eisenhower Prkwy. Ann Arbor, MI 48108
THIS EVENT IS FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Must be 16 or older. Children ages 16 to 18 must ride with an adult.
Masks are mandatory regardless of vaccination status.
Pre-register for this event, 734-395-4374
Click here to view shareable flyer

Mid-Michigan Community Group
2021-11-22 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | New Life Vinyard Church, 1014 E. Ashman St., Midland, MI, United States
Mid-Michigan Community Group
If you live in the Mid-Michigan area (Midland, Saginaw, Bay City) and are looking for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community, consider joining MAP’s Mid-Michigan Community Group! They typically meet on the 4th Monday of every month.
Monthly Meeting:
Monday, November 22nd, 7 pm
MOVIE NIGHT + DISCUSSION
*Parents strongly encouraged to attend!

Location: New Life Vineyard Church (masks optional)
1014 E. Ashman St., Midland, MI

Featured Film:
Raised on Porn (The New Sex Ed)
Raised on Porn exposes the ways pornography has become the new sex education for children and unpacks the dangerous lifelong implications of this global phenomenon. Through riveting firsthand accounts, cinematic re-enactments, 3D animation, and interviews with the world’s leading neurologists, sociologists, psychologists, and therapists, Raised on Porn is filled to the brim with raw, compelling insight on how pornography is poisoning us and our relationships. This film shatters cultural myths about the “harmless” nature of pornography and provides a sobering framework to understand how this graphic genre of media has shaped our world, eliciting a desperately-needed call for change.
Click here to watch the trailer!

STAY CONNECTED
If you’d like to stay connected with MAP’s Mid-Michigan Community Group, you can join their Facebook Group or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Mid-Michigan”) to have invites to any future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.
Contact midland@map-mi.org for further details or questions.

LEARN MORE
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.
Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

Freedom Coalition (virtual)
2021-11-30 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
The Freedom Coalition brings together experienced community advocates and professionals for a unified approach to addressing human trafficking in Michigan. Our vision is to eradicate human trafficking through collaborative efforts in the areas of prevention, training, demand abatement, survivor support, and community awareness and engagement. The Freedom Coalition plans to meet virtually the 4th Tuesday of every other month for the sharing of new research, best practices, case studies, education, and specialized training. Consider joining our network!
Virtual Freedom Coalition Meeting
November 30th, 5:30 pm (EST)

Featured Presentation:
The Power of Film: Using Film to Promote Healing with Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation
Point of View Story (POVS) creates guided series of psychoeducational films used to increase awareness, deepen trauma processing, and reduce re-exploitation for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking (CSE). The short films coupled with a facilitator guide equips service providers with an intervention tool to address therapeutic stuck points and enhance the healing process. >> They are excited to officially launch their intervention tool this November at the Shared Hope JuST Conference! (click to download POVS flyer)
Guest Speakers:

Emily Taylor-Ginger, LCSW, LMSW-C
Emily is a licensed clinical social worker and mental health therapist who began working in the anti-trafficking field in 2013. She has worked alongside survivors of CSE ages 12-50 providing therapy, groups, case management, and advocacy. She has participated in anti-trafficking research, policy directives, curriculum development, and education and training in addition to her clinical practice. Emily offers her expertise in the field of mental health, trauma-informed/ healing-centered care, and working directly alongside survivors of CSE and complex trauma.

Mark Steenbarger, MFA-Film

Mark became involved in anti-trafficking work in 2018 after his wife, Jill, began working as a case manager serving trafficked youth. Mark has a passion to create moments through story and film that evoke healing and growth. As a filmmaker, director, producer, and creative, Mark uses his talent and skill to artfully craft, produce, and execute story through film. In addition to his nearly 30 years of creating meaningful moments through art, Mark received his MFA in film in 2021.

For more information about POVS and how you can access their films, visit their website and social media pages at: pointofviewstory.com/films + instagram.com/pointofviewstory/

Volunteer Interest Meeting (virtual)
2021-12-02 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Looking for ways to get involved in the fight against human trafficking?
MAP and Vista Maria have numerous volunteer-based programs that are in need of passionate advocates just like you!
During our virtual Volunteer Interest Meetings, MAP and Vista Maria staff will 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, talents, and resources to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community!

Can’t make it this month? No worries, these meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month. Click the button to register for any of our scheduled meetings.
We hope you will consider joining us!

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2021-12-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
December 8, 12:00 pm
[ Episode #26 ]
Beginners Guide to Ethical Shopping
During this month’s episode, we will explore one of the most impactful ways everyday people can get involved in the fight against human trafficking. Ethical Shopping, Fair Trade, Social Responsibility…if you’ve heard these words and wondered what they mean, or why they are important to you, tune in on December 8th to our new Cup of Hope episode. Heather McGannon, MAP’s West Michigan Program Coordinator, will walk us through each of these topics and more, as we begin to understand more about supply chains and how to keep slavery out of the products we purchase.

Featured Guest:
Heather McGannon
Heather McGannon is the West Michigan Program Coordinator at MAP. She is passionate about raising awareness of human trafficking and is particularly excited about Fair Trade/Ethical purchasing. Before her time at MAP she mentored college students, helping them navigate big questions to prepare them for life. Heather’s never met a stranger, and her smile and laugh make anyone feel at home. She’s been married to Geoff for over a decade and has two boys.

Click here to view past episode recordings
This series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking in an effort to bring perspective and build awareness on all things human trafficking.

Holland Community Group
2021-12-09 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | MI, United States
Holland Community Group
If you live in Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon, or Kent County and are looking for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community, join MAP’s Holland Community Group!
Monthly Meeting:

Postponed until January – Happy Holidays!
Interested participants, please RSVP via email to receive physical and virtual meeting location details. We will be learning about human trafficking together and discussing what we can do to bring more awareness to our community!
If you’d like to stay connected with MAP’s Holland Community Group, you can also join their Facebook Group or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Holland”) to have invites to any future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.
Monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m.

We hope you will consider joining us!

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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. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2022-01-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
[ Episode #27 ]
Wed, January 5th, 12:00 pm
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH
Featured Guests:
Karen Hanks, LMSW
Trafficking Victim Assistance,
Bethany Christian Services
Laurel Downie
Anti-Trafficking Hotline Overnight Supervisor, National Human
Trafficking Hotline

For January Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we are dedicating this episode to Awareness and Education! Human Trafficking is a devastating and dark reality of our world today and it is extremely important everyone takes the time to be aware. This will then allow you, our community, to be equipped and empowered to identify it and do something about it. It takes a community knowing about human trafficking to stop it from taking a life, taking one’s freedom, taking one’s opportunity to pursue life, joy, and happiness.
Make sure to tune in and SHARE this January Cup of Hope episode – Learn all you need to know about the signs of sex and labor trafficking and how to make a report to the National Human Trafficking Hotline!

This series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking in an effort to bring perspective and build awareness on all things human trafficking.
Click here to view past episode recordings!
