Michigan Anti Trafficking Project (MAP)

Ann Arbor - Virtual Video and Q&A
2021-01-24 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
The MAP-Ann Arbor Community Group is hosting a FREE virtual event!
Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Virtual Video Showing + LIVE Q&A Discussion
Sunday, January 24th, 3-4 pm (EST)

Video: Stuck in Traffic
Modern-day slavery is happening in Michigan.
Watch interviews from local experts, survivors, and youth on the subject.

We hope you will consider joining us!

Virtual - Statewide Human Trafficking Summit (Annual Roundtable Event)
2021-01-28 09:00 - 23:30 (America/New_York) | Remo, MI, United States
This year, we are excited to join forces and bring together advocates and professionals from across the state of Michigan for a collaborative reimagining of two events – MAP’s annual Roundtable and the Kent County Area Human Trafficking Coalition’s January Summit.
This virtual statewide networking and interactive event is for advocates and professionals who are active in addressing human trafficking in Michigan through prevention, education, law enforcement, and/or the provision of services to survivors and at-risk populations. The objective of this forum is to increase collaboration and effectiveness across Michigan communities by identifying barriers, building relationships, and strengthening partnerships.
In addition to presentations and statewide updates, this event will feature a LIVE networking and discussion component through Remo, a virtual conferencing software. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with colleagues across the state using video and live chat features. This is not your usual webinar, but rather a unique virtual networking experience!

AGENDA
Thursday, January 28, 9:00 – 11:30 am

Getting the Grant: How three Detroit-Area organizations got federal grants and implemented programs to serve survivors
Luke Hassevoort, Housing Manager, Ruth Ellis Center
Meredith Baughman, Human Trafficking Specialist, Avalon Healing Center*
Benita Robinson, Director of Crisis Services and Education, Avalon Healing Center*
Sandra Ramocan, Director, Outreach and Education Services, Alternatives for Girls
*Formerly known as Wayne County SAFE
Representatives from Wayne County SAFE, Alternatives for Girls, and Ruth Ellis Center will break down the process of applying for federal grants and implementing programs. Specializing in serving survivors of sexual assault, women and girls experiencing homelessness, and LGBTQ+ youth, these three agencies bring years of knowledge and experience to the table.

Leveraging Collaboration to Increase Human Trafficking
Prevention in Schools
Rachel VerWys, Executive Director, SEE: Solutions to End Exploitation
Kevin Polston, Superintendent, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools
Marcela Moralez-Morris, Community Probation/Girls Court Supervisor, KC Courts
Meghan Aupperlee, Youth HT Prevention Coordinator, Kent Intermediate School District
Dr. Heidi Kattula, Superintendent, East Grand Rapids Public Schools
The $1.5 million Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education (HTYPE) Demonstration Program grant Kent ISD received in October 2020 is one of eight awarded nationally from the U.S. DHHS Office on Trafficking in Persons. Learn more about the partnerships working to create a safer community through prevention education and coordinated protocols to stop exploitation.

Update from the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
Kelly Carter, MI Assistant Attorney General
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Thursday, January 28, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR

Summit registrants have the option of returning to the virtual Remo platform (using the same event link) for additional time in the evening to chat with the speakers and to continue building connections with other advocates. Registrants are free to come and go as they please during these two hours. Click here to see the growing list of special guests that will be hosting their own Q&A tables.
~ Please Network Responsibly! ~

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2021-02-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
[Episode #19] February 3, 2021
Should I make an OnlyFans Account? Asking for a friend…
Special Guest: We are excited to welcome back Robin Batten for another important episode on cyber safety!
With unemployment rates at an all-time high, there’s no question how COVID-19 has impacted our economy. As a result, more and more people are turning to OnlyFans as an extra source of income. What is OnlyFans and what are the risks involved when using sites like this? Is content creation really as “quick and easy” as people think? In what ways does sexual objectification impact our society and our interactions with others? Join us LIVE (questions and comments encouraged!) as we explore these questions and learn ways to protect ourselves – as well as empower others – while navigating a digital age.

Guest Bio: Robin Batten is originally from Birmingham, Alabama, grew up in Detroit and graduated from Wayne State University. Her work history includes Wayne State University Library system, Foster Care Licensing, Residential Treatment for teen girls & College admission at ITT. Robin is the Cyber Safety and Wellness & Resilience Program Manager with Washtenaw Area Council for Children. WACC is a non-profit that provides prevention education in Washtenaw County. In addition to working for WACC, Robin also for Talk Early Talk Often, educating parents on talking to their teen about sex. On average, Robin speaks with 8,000 – 10,000 students and adults yearly on ways to keep safe on the internet. These conversations are facilitated in school assemblies and classroom, parent groups, conferences and at various community events. Since her employment with WACC, Robin has had the opportunity to receive training from and facilitated workshops with FBI agents and other Law Enforcement, Cyber Safety and Cyber Security organizations and NAMI. Robin works in partnership with various organizations, including the Michigan Abolitionist Project, Washtenaw County and Washtenaw Alive, a suicide prevention group.
Robin enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, teaching, and watching movies. Her volunteer history includes children bible classes, organizing holiday gift giving for families in need and teaching classes at the women prison. Robin is a wife and mother of an adult male and teenage boy.

Click here to view past episode recordings

Freedom Coalition
2021-02-23 17:30 - 19:30 (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 Zoom Meeting
February 23, 2021
5:30 – 7:30 pm (EST)

MEETING AGENDA
Avalon Healing Center: Transition & Expansion of Programs
Presented by Benita Robinson
Avalon Healing Center (formerly known as Wayne County SAFE) has experienced tremendous growth, including increased staffing and expansion of programming. This presentation will explore a brief history of the organization and how it became Avalon Healing Center, services available to survivors of sexual violence and the larger community, and plans for the future related to opening a healing center and expanded programming. We will also explore the Avalon Institute, a virtual educational platform planned for launch in April 2021.
Human Trafficking Toolkit for Domestic and Sexual Violence Agencies
Presented by Layla Elabed & Merkeb Yohannes
The Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence (MCEDSV), in partnership with the Human Trafficking Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School, is pleased to introduce the Human Trafficking Toolkit for Domestic and Sexual Violence Agencies. The goal of this toolkit is to offer a comprehensive assessment of how agencies and advocates can improve the services provided to survivors of the related and often co-occurring traumas of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. By presenting an overview of human trafficking and its relationship to domestic violence and sexual assault the toolkit offers advocates the ability to better plan for, recognize, and support survivors of human trafficking, whom they are often already serving, although sometimes unknowingly. The toolkit supports intersectionality, survivor-centered, and trauma-informed practices that prioritize the reduction of harm.
Our presenters will lead a brief discussion about the toolkit and how it might be used to assist with advocacy for Human Trafficking survivors. The toolkit is free to those interested, and can be downloaded through the following link:
Human Trafficking Toolkit for Domestic and Sexual Violence Agencies
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Meet our Presenters:

BENITA ROBINSON serves as the Director of Crisis Services and Education for Avalon Healing Center (formerly Wayne County SAFE). In this role, she oversees the First Responder and Human Trafficking programs and specializes in ensuring quality, comprehensive, trauma-informed services to survivors of sexual violence. She is also involved with outreach, education, and training efforts around topics related to sexual violence such as myths and facts, trauma responses, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered care, and working with survivors from marginalized communities. Benita is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn where she majored in Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies. A lifelong Detroiter, she a passionate activist for equal rights and opportunities for underserved populations. Benita is currently pursuing her Masters of Social Work at Wayne State University.
LAYLA ELABED (she, her, hers) is a Program Specialist and Community Organizer with the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. Layla has worked eight years in the Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention movement and has dedicated advocacy efforts to specialize in serving Arab American and Muslim survivors. She serves her role as a community engagement specialist by collaboratively working with programs and grassroots agencies across Metro Detroit to provide technical assistance, resources, and training on serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, etc.

MERKEB YOHANNES joined MCEDSV in 2017 and is an Associate Director. She joins MCEDSV after nearly 10 years of working in advocacy and program management at a non-profit organization serving those with disabilities. Prior to that, she lived in Atlanta, Georgia primarily working in social services amongst Immigrant and Refugee families and was an active member of various social justice community groups. Merkeb has vast experience working in developing countries with international non-profit organizations, local governments, and faith-based organizations in areas of woman and girl empowerment, grant management, HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention, media material development for public health issues, and workforce training and development. As a Lansing resident, she continues to volunteer in her community with local agencies that advocate and support survivors as well as with the Refugee community.
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Click here to have invites to our bi-monthly meetings sent straight to your inbox!

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2021-03-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
[Episode #20] March 3, 2021
The History of the Women’s Rights Movement
“Being allowed to live life in an atmosphere of religious freedom, having a voice in the government you support with your taxes, living free of lifelong enslavement by another person… These beliefs about how life should and must be lived were once considered outlandish by many. But these beliefs were fervently held by visionaries whose steadfast work brought about changed minds and attitudes…” – National Women’s History Alliance
Join us as we journey through the history of the Women’s Rights Movement. We’ll explore the tremendous accomplishments of women before us, the prevalence of gender-based violence throughout the years, and the necessary work ahead in order to prevent and end human slavery for good.

Special Guest: Dr. Celia Williamson
Named one of the top 30 most influential social workers alive, Dr. Celia Williamson has over 25 years of anti-trafficking experience. She is a professor of social work at the University of Toledo where she has received 13 years of federal funding to study sex trafficking and prostitution and hosts the oldest and largest international academic human trafficking conference in the world. Learn more about Celia here…

Click here to view past episode recordings

Building Capacity for Funding Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts (Part 1 of the virtual workshop series)
2021-03-18 09:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual Workshop
This is part ONE of a three-part interactive workshop series for organizations of all sizes and for those looking to fund anti-trafficking efforts. This FREE workshop series is presented by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission together with the Michigan Abolitionist Project. Registration required. Register for any or all sessions. This is a virtual interactive event hosted in Remo, providing you the opportunity to network with other attendees.

Part ONE – Thursday, March 18, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Is My Organization Ready to Apply for Grant funding?
Are you inspired to start a nonprofit to help serve your community? Do you want to learn more about sustaining your organization? Starting and sustaining a nonprofit are not easy tasks, but we need people like you to serve our communities! Are you ready?
Part One of this series is for start-up and newly formed organizations, it explores key components to building a healthy and sustainable organization.
Click Here for PART ONE – Agenda and Registration

Part TWO – Thursday, March 18, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Fund Development Overview
Raising resources for your nonprofit is about discipline, planning, passion for mission, and knowing how to connect people to that mission. There are many keys to success in seeking funding but perhaps most important is to know what funders are looking for in the nonprofits they choose to fund.
Part Two of this series explores a variety of funding streams, what funders are looking for, and how to effectively make your case for support.
Click Here for PART TWO – Agenda and Registration

Part THREE – Friday, March 19, 9:00 -11:30 a.m.
Federal Grants: Process and Developing Your Resources
Landing a government grant could be a wonderful thing for your nonprofit. However, it may be an overwhelming and challenging task. Before you spend precious time applying for government funding, make sure that your nonprofit is positioned for success.
Part Three of this series is for nonprofit organizations that have attended Parts 1 and 2 or are established and feel they are ready to apply for more elaborate grants.
Click Here for PART THREE – Agenda and Registration

Building Capacity for Funding Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts (Part 2 of the virtual workshop series)
2021-03-18 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Workshop
This is part TWO of a three-part interactive workshop series for organizations of all sizes and for those looking to fund anti-trafficking efforts. This FREE workshop series is presented by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission together with the Michigan Abolitionist Project. Registration required. Register for any or all sessions. This is a virtual interactive event hosted in Remo, providing you the opportunity to network with other attendees.

Part ONE – Thursday, March 18, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Is My Organization Ready to Apply for Grant funding?
Are you inspired to start a nonprofit to help serve your community? Do you want to learn more about sustaining your organization? Starting and sustaining a nonprofit are not easy tasks, but we need people like you to serve our communities! Are you ready?
Part One of this series is for start-up and newly formed organizations, it explores key components to building a healthy and sustainable organization.
Click Here for PART ONE – Agenda and Registration

Part TWO – Thursday, March 18, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Fund Development Overview
Raising resources for your nonprofit is about discipline, planning, passion for mission, and knowing how to connect people to that mission. There are many keys to success in seeking funding but perhaps most important is to know what funders are looking for in the nonprofits they choose to fund.
Part Two of this series explores a variety of funding streams, what funders are looking for, and how to effectively make your case for support.
Click Here for PART TWO – Agenda and Registration

Part THREE – Friday, March 19, 9:00 -11:30 a.m.
Federal Grants: Process and Developing Your Resources
Landing a government grant could be a wonderful thing for your nonprofit. However, it may be an overwhelming and challenging task. Before you spend precious time applying for government funding, make sure that your nonprofit is positioned for success.
Part Three of this series is for nonprofit organizations that have attended Parts 1 and 2 or are established and feel they are ready to apply for more elaborate grants.
Click Here for PART THREE – Agenda and Registration

Building Capacity for Funding Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts (Part 3 of the virtual workshop series)
2021-03-19 09:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual Workshop
This is a part THREE of a three-part interactive workshop series for organizations of all sizes and for those looking to fund anti-trafficking efforts. This FREE workshop series is presented by the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission together with the Michigan Abolitionist Project. Registration required. Register for any or all sessions. This is a virtual interactive event hosted in Remo, providing you the opportunity to network with other attendees.

Part ONE – Thursday, March 18, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Is My Organization Ready to Apply for Grant funding?
Are you inspired to start a nonprofit to help serve your community? Do you want to learn more about sustaining your organization? Starting and sustaining a nonprofit are not easy tasks, but we need people like you to serve our communities! Are you ready?
Part One of this series is for start-up and newly formed organizations, it explores key components to building a healthy and sustainable organization.
Click Here for PART ONE – Agenda and Registration

Part TWO – Thursday, March 18, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Fund Development Overview
Raising resources for your nonprofit is about discipline, planning, passion for mission, and knowing how to connect people to that mission. There are many keys to success in seeking funding but perhaps most important is to know what funders are looking for in the nonprofits they choose to fund.
Part Two of this series explores a variety of funding streams, what funders are looking for, and how to effectively make your case for support.
Click Here for PART TWO – Agenda and Registration

Part THREE – Friday, March 19, 9:00 -11:30 a.m.
Federal Grants: Process and Developing Your Resources
Landing a government grant could be a wonderful thing for your nonprofit. However, it may be an overwhelming and challenging task. Before you spend precious time applying for government funding, make sure that your nonprofit is positioned for success.
Part Three of this series is for nonprofit organizations that have attended Parts 1 and 2 or are established and feel they are ready to apply for more elaborate grants.
Click Here for PART THREE – Agenda and Registration

Troy Community Group (virtual)
2021-03-23 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Troy Community Group
If you live in the Troy, Michigan area and are looking
for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community,
join MAP’s Troy Community Group!
Virtual Meeting: Tuesday, March 23, 7 pm
Join us for a virtual informational meeting to discuss a possible hotel outreach to bring Human Trafficking Awareness to local hotel management and staff. Because traffickers commonly choose hotels and motels for sex trafficking, it is important that hotel staff be aware of signs of trafficking and how to report it. If you are interested in joining us or learning more, please register for our upcoming meeting using the button below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Want to stay connected with MAP’s growing Troy Community Group? Click here to sign-up for their designated Community Group email list to have updates and invites sent directly 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!

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!
