Michigan Anti Trafficking Project (MAP)

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 | 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!

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

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 | 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!

Volunteer Interest Meeting (virtual)
2022-01-06 19:00 - 20:00, 2022-05-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2022-06-02 19:00 - 20:00 | 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 initiatives that are in need of passionate advocates 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, 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!

Holland Community Group
2022-01-20 19:00 - 20:30 | 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, January 20th, at 7 p.m.
Interested participants, please RSVP via email (holland@map-mi.org) to receive 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 - Human Trafficking Awareness (Sigma Pi Zeta Chapter)
2022-01-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Human Trafficking Awareness – Virtual Event
Thursday, January 20th, 2022
7:00 PM (EST)
Please join Sigma Pi Zeta Chapter and Save The Pearls for a Human Trafficking Awareness Panel Discussion, featuring Heather McGannon from MAP!

Troy: S.O.A.P. Hotel Outreach
2022-01-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Bridge Community Church, 5700 Rochester Rd., Troy, MI, United States
S.O.A.P. Hotel Outreach
Hosted by MAP’s Troy Community Group
Saturday, January 22nd, 2022
10:00 am – 12:00 pm*
Location:
Bridge Community Church
5700 Rochester Road, Troy, MI 48085
Volunteers needed! No experience is necessary.
Teams of 2-4 people will deliver Missing Children’s Posters and human trafficking awareness materials to local hotels in Troy, Michigan. We will give you the materials and the message, and your team will provide the feet and hands to deliver them to the hotel front desk staff. Success stories show that this can make a real difference for people caught in trafficking!
*Must be 16 or older, youth ages 16 to 18 must ride with an adult.

Registered volunteers, please also complete the following SOAP Outreach “Liability Waiver Form” and/or “Minor Parental Permission Form” before you arrive. These forms are located as links on the Eventbrite registration page as well.

After registering, please contact troy@map-mi.org to receive the online training link. This training must be completed before arrival on Saturday.
Thank you!

2022 STATEWIDE HUMAN TRAFFICKING SUMMIT [virtual]
2022-01-28 09:00 - 14:00 | Virtual, MI, United States
VIRTUAL STATEWIDE
[ HUMAN TRAFFICKING SUMMIT ]
Friday, January 28th, 2022

This virtual statewide 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 the panel sessions listed below, summit registrants will also have the opportunity to participate in various breakout sessions for additional time to chat with guest speakers and continue building connections with other advocates.
Brought to you in partnership by: Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP),
SEE: Solutions to End Exploitation, and The Joseph Project

SUMMIT AGENDA
Friday, January 28th, 2022
9:00 -2:00 PM (EST)

Innovative Ways to Address Demand
in the Illicit Massage Industry
Panel Discussion

Moderator: Alisha Meneely SEE Human Trafficking Coalition
Community Outreach Coordinator, Protect MI Child
Daniel Nash Co-founder, Human Trafficking Training Center
Retired Missouri State Trooper
Kathy Chen Program Advisor, Heyrick Research
Aaron Toffoli Public Health Educator & Sexual Violence Prevention
Program Coordinator, Kent County Health Department
We have all driven by one. We have all questioned those massage parlors with blacked-out windows and parking in the back. Until recently, these types of businesses in Grand Rapids have been able to run under the radar, exploit victims of human trafficking and make millions of dollars. After much research and working with the city council and local health department, SEE Human Trafficking Coalition was able to get a variety of ordinances passed and finally hold these illicit businesses accountable. This panel will explain the history of the illicit massage industry and how local municipalities can advocate for change and shut these trafficking organizations down.

Collaborating to Close the Justice Gap
Panel Discussion

Moderator: Amanda Paletz Legal Director, The Joseph Project
Alicia Ley Program Specialist, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
Allie Mercer Human Trafficking Victim Advocate, Common Ground
Deb Ellinger Founder/Executive Director, Elli’s House
Lynne Williams Director of Rehabilitation Services, The Salvation Army
Joyce Todd Legal First Responder, The Joseph Project
Former Oakland County Prosecutor
Survivors often have trafficking-related legal needs but lack meaningful access to attorney services. However, this “justice gap” is closing in Michigan. In this panel presentation, attendees will learn how The Joseph Project harnessed the power of collaboration and volunteerism to create a statewide justice delivery system that works for the exploited.

Shared Hope International: Trafficking Policy Reform
and Next Steps for Michigan
Panel Discussion

Moderator: Angela Aufdemberge President & CEO, Vista Maria
Sarah Bendtsen Diédhiou Director of State Legislative Advocacy, Shared Hope International
Kelly Carter Assistant Attorney General, Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
Katie Papke Clinician, Professor, Survivor Leader
A decade ago, Shared Hope developed a legal framework that challenged states to enact laws that comprehensively address the crime of child sex trafficking. When they launched the first State Report Cards, the majority of states received an “F” grade, reflecting the reality that many states’ laws failed to even recognize the crime of child sex trafficking. Over the years most states improved their grades, and collectively, the country has made exciting progress. However, 10 years has also led to new research and opportunities to listen to survivors, providing waves of information that require us, as a nation, to confront where we are and where we should be going. Join Katie, clinician and survivor leader, Sarah from Shared Hope and Kelly from the Michigan Attorney General’s office as they discuss Shared Hope’s new reporting system, Michigan progress and challenges, and an overview of current bills and initiatives in progress in our state.
________________________________________
[ BREAKOUT ROOMS ]

Summit registrants will have the opportunity to attend various breakout sessions for additional time to chat with guest speakers and continue building connections with other advocates. Registrants are free to come and go as they please during these scheduled times. Click the button below to see the growing list of special guests that will be hosting their own breakout rooms!

______________________________________________
Event Hosts:
Michigan Abolitionist Project
SEE: Solutions to End Exploitation
The Joseph Project

Event Sponsors:
Arrow Arts Psychotherapy
Bethany Christian Services
Crisis Aid International
Safe Haven Ministries
Vista Maria

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2022-02-09 12:00 - 13:00 | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
A CUP OF HOPE [ Episode #28 ]
Wed, February 9th, 12:00 pm
Sex Trafficking and the Hidden
Wounds of Trauma
Join us as we take a deeper look into the complexities of sex trafficking with behavioral health counselor, Felicia Berry. She will be sharing about the types of trauma often experienced by survivors of sex trafficking, the hidden bonds that keep them enslaved to the life, and the informed and focused care required to help treat the debilitating PTSD that inevitably affects survivors once they’ve escaped the life.

Featured Guest: Felecia Berry
Behavioral Health Therapist,
Ascension Southeast MI Community Health

Felecia Berry is a Behavioral Health Therapist with Ascension S.E. MI Community Health -Open Arms Division. Open Arms provides supportive services on behalf of Victims of Criminal Acts. Felecia provides therapeutic interventions, resources, and support on behalf of women impacted by Human Trafficking, Intimate Partner Violence, and Sexual Abuse. Felecia’s 23-year career trajectory has focused exclusively on behalf of women, teens, and children impacted by mental, physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, psychological, spiritual, and financial abuse in a host of settings. These settings include. Hospitals, Clinical, Schools, Faith-based, Residential and Community Settings. Felecia was a member of the Ascension S.E. Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force which developed and implemented a hospital protocol to identify victims of Human Trafficking. Felecia has been an adjunct professor in the Wayne State University School of Social Work and a Continuing Education Instructor with Core Learning. Felecia is a member of the HAVEN Advisory Board and provides community service on behalf of cats and kittens at a local pet store.

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!

Holland Community Group
2022-02-17 19:00 - 20:30 | 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, February 17th, at 7 p.m.
Interested participants, please RSVP via email (holland@map-mi.org) to receive meeting location details. We will be learning about human trafficking together and discussing what we can do to increase awareness in 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.
Meetings are typically 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!

Royal Oak: Men Who Buy Sex Documentary Premier
2022-02-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Emagine Royal Oak, 200 North Main Street, Royal Oak, MI, 48067, United States
Join MAP and other advocates at the premiere of this new documentary film “Men Who Buy Sex”.
Through this film, the Wayne County Medical Society Foundation is addressing and revealing the predatory nature and demand side of human trafficking.
We believe that together we can fuel the changes necessary in government policy, our legal system, and change cultural norms to make our world a safer place for the children of today and future generations.
Please join us in this effort by attending this important film screening
and sharing the film and its message.

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2022-03-02 12:00 - 13:00 | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
A CUP OF HOPE
Episodes are postponed and will resume in April.

*For the month of March, we encourage you to check out and attend the following FREE events hosted by Hope Against Trafficking.

Human Trafficking Forum
Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Time: 7:00–8:30 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: United Wholesale Mortgage, 585 South Blvd. E, Pontiac, MI 48341
We invite you to join Hope Against Trafficking for a candid panel discussion and Q&A about the issue of human trafficking in Michigan and beyond. Learn about what is being done to stop human trafficking and the impact it has on communities. Their panel includes social media experts, victim advocates, prosecutors, law enforcement, medical professionals, and a survivor. This is a FREE event and is open to all community members, parents, and youth ages 12 and up.
Details & Registration

Human Trafficking Awareness and Self Defense Workshop
Date: Friday, March 25, 2022
Time: 6:30 to 8:30pm (doors open at 6:00pm)
Location: UWM Sports Complex, The Fieldhouse, 867 South Blvd. E., Pontiac MI 48341
This 2-hour, interactive workshop is designed to educate you on Human Trafficking Awareness and the lures that can entrap you. You will also learn how to diagnose a situation and learn techniques to protect yourself from potentially dangerous encounters.
During the workshop, you will practice strikes and other techniques to help you gain a better understanding of personal self-defense techniques. You will also learn about situational awareness, targeting and victimology which will help you avoid dangerous encounters.
No previous experience is required. All fitness levels are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle and a small towel. This is a FREE event for adult women, men, and youth ages 12+ (w/parent or guardian under 18).

Details & Registration

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!

Holland Community Group
2022-03-31 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting, 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, consider joining MAP’s Holland Community Group!
Monthly Meeting:

Thursday, March 31st, at 7 p.m.
We will be discussing current events and happenings within the anti-human trafficking movement as well as beginning our planning for a summer awareness event hosted here in Holland.
All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. Come learn how you can help make a difference!

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.
Meetings are typically 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!

Ypsilanti - Human Trafficking Awareness Training
2022-04-02 10:00 - 11:00 | First Baptist Church of Ypsilanti, 1110 West Cross St., Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
April 2, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Human trafficking awareness training for the church – why Christians should care and what we can do to help. Presentation provided by MAP Representative, Cindy Evans.
Hosted by First Baptist Church of Ypsilanti
Location: 1110 West Cross Street, Ypsilanti MI 48197
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Learn more: First Baptist Church of Ypsilanti on Instagram and Facebook

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2022-04-06 12:00 - 13:00 | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
A CUP OF HOPE
Livestreamed Webinar Series
APRIL 6th EPISODE POSTPONED
We appreciate your patience as we are working hard behind the scenes to bring you an exceptional lineup of topics and special guests in the coming months! Thank you for your continued support and eagerness to learn. We look forward to meeting virtually with you all again soon! Stay tuned for more info…

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!

Romulus - Soroptimist Human Trafficking Summit
2022-04-09 09:00 - 15:00 | The Peak at Summit Academy, 18601 Middlebelt Road, Romulus, MI, 48174, United States
Stay tuned for more info!

Virtual - International Student Services Association
2022-04-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Webinar, MI, United States
Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) +
International Student Services Association (ISSA) presents:
Career/Volunteer Opportunities in the Field of Human Trafficking Prevention
April 14th at 7:00 PM (Zoom)

Are you interested in supporting anti-trafficking efforts in a professional capacity? Would you like to hear about work and volunteer opportunities in this sector? Well, we’ve got you covered! ISSA and the Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) invite you to join us virtually for our featured presentation, “Career/Volunteer Opportunities in the Field of Human Trafficking Prevention”. In addition to equipping students with resources to engage in this work, MAP will also provide an overview of human trafficking (packed with real-life scenarios!) in order to help you dispel common myths and understand more fully the ways in which sex and labor trafficking truly happens. Join us to learn how YOU can help create a world where no person is bought, sold, or exploited!

International Student Services Association (ISSA) is an expanding immigrant-led nonprofit 501(c)(3) connected with nine school districts in northeastern Ohio and Illinoisas well as over twenty-six colleges and universities throughout the United States. ISSA is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a better future for students who are immigrants to the U.S. by providing information, inspiration, and motivation for students to navigate their education and develop their future careers beyond high school. ISSA hosts events every month for students to explore different fields. The main goal for this event is to have students learn about anti-human trafficking efforts as well as the different career, internship, and volunteer opportunities available.

Freedom Coalition Meeting (virtual)
2022-04-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
FREEDOM COALITION MEETING
Tuesday, April 26th, 2022
5:30 – 7:00 PM (EST) *virtual
Featured Presentation:
“Reach victims of sexual exploitation with cutting-edge technology”

Guest Speaker: Tiffany Davis
Account Manager, The Lantern Project
Tiffany has a wide variety of experience. She has worked for large and small corporations, nonprofits, and state government. Her experience spans the business world, social enterprise, anti-trafficking work, and the child welfare system. Tiffany’s goal in life is to leave the world a little better than she found it.

The Lantern Project aims to end sexual exploitation in our communities by changing culture through prevention, intervention, and transformation. We intervene through technology. We provide a secure, scalable, and proven tool to reach people who are exploited online. Freedom Signal is an online platform that anti-trafficking organizations and local advocates use to directly serve survivors of online sexual exploitation. We envision a world where nobody is exploited for sex and our service aims to connect people with services for autonomy and self-determination.
We enable direct service organizations to send targeted text-based outreach to potential victims identified through web scraping. When a potential victim replies, it enables advocates to build trust and offer support. Compared to in-person or street outreach, victims who were sent direct text outreach were 244% more likely to engage with services according to one service-providing organization. They also found text outreach to be 10x more efficient than traditional street-based outreach.
Freedom Signal’s outreach technology was designed by software engineers and survivors of online sex trafficking to address the specific needs of this population while ensuring a safe, direct channel of communication. Click here to learn more…

The Freedom Coalition brings together experienced community advocates and professionals for a unified approach to addressing human trafficking in Michigan. We plan to meet virtually the 4th Tuesday of every other month for the sharing of statewide updates, new research, best practices, case studies, education, and specialized training. Consider joining our network! Sign-up for the Freedom Coalition email list to have invites to bi-monthly meetings sent straight to your inbox.

Troy Community Group - "Men Who Buy Sex, Everybody Pays" Film Screening
2022-05-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Bridge Community Church, 5700 Rochester Rd., Troy, MI, United States
Troy Community Group
If you live in Troy (or a neighboring city in Oakland County) and are looking for ways to get involved in the anti-trafficking movement here in Michigan, consider joining MAP’s Troy Community Group! We are everyday people using our gifts, talents, and resources, to help prevent and end human trafficking in our local community – and beyond!
Community Group Meeting:
Tuesday, May 10, 7:00-8:30 pm

What can we do as a society to help “end the demand” for human trafficking?
On May 10, our group will watch the new documentary “Men Who Buy Sex, Everybody Pays” produced by the Wayne County Medical Society Foundation. (Click here to watch the trailer!) In addition to interviewing survivors, the documentary features local anti-trafficking leaders, including MAP’s Executive Director, Kathy Maitland. The content is sensitive, but it’s crucial to learn about if we want to effectively prevent and end human trafficking. The video is 1 hour long. We will watch it together in person and on Zoom and have a short follow-up discussion afterward. We hope you will consider joining us!

Attend in Person:
Bridge Community Church
5700 Rochester Road, Troy, MI 48085
Or, Join virtually via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82368379850
Meeting ID: 823 6837 9850
Passcode: [REDACTED]

If you would like to view this documentary on your own, click here

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 future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.

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

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 during their next meeting to be a part of the action!
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!

2022 EMPOWER CONFERENCE (virtual)
2022-05-25 09:00 - 15:00 | Webinar, MI, United States
Wednesday, May 25th, 2022
VIRTUAL EMPOWER CONFERENCE
DEMAND CHANGE | ABOLISH DEMAND
Brought to you in partnership by:
Michigan Abolitionist Project & Measurable Change
Gather with us virtually this year as we welcome survivor leaders and other experts in the field to discuss sex and labor trafficking demand reduction strategies on a national and state level. No matter your role, involvement, or commitment to this work, hold on to hope! Victories are being won in dark spaces and momentum is growing to see demand eradicated entirely.
Will you join us as we work together to build a future free from exploitation?

.

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2022-06-15 12:00 - 12:30 | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
*Hover over gallery and click arrow buttons to scroll through and enlarge graphics.
A CUP OF HOPE | WEBINAR SERIES
[ Episode #29 ]
Wednesday, June 15th, 12:00 pm
SUBSTANCE ADDICTION, PTSD, & RECOVERY
AMONGST SURVIVORS OF THE SEX TRADE
What is life after the sex trade and what does recovery truly look like for survivors? Join us for a LIVE discussion as we unpack the reality of substance abuse/addiction, PTSD, and other health concerns within the commercial sex industry. Local experts will explore key factors that may make someone more susceptible to entering the life, barriers that keep them from leaving, and the scope of exit strategies and services needed in order for survivors to find true freedom and recovery from the sex trade. This is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
Featured Guests:
Brigette Henderson, BSW
Lived Experience Expert/Survivor Leader
Allison Mercer
Victim Advocate – Human Trafficking
Common Ground

This series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking.
Together, we seek to educate the community on the realities of human trafficking.
Click here to view past episode recordings!

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2022-06-15 12:00 - 13:00 | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
A CUP OF HOPE
Wed, June 15th, 12:00 pm
More details coming soon!

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!

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2022-07-13 12:00 - 13:00 | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
*Hover over gallery and use arrow buttons to scroll and enlarge images.
A CUP OF HOPE | WEBINAR SERIES
[ Episode #30 ]
Wednesday, July 13th, 12:00 pm
LABOR TRAFFICKING: A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH

Join us for a LIVE discussion as we explore the facets of labor trafficking in Michigan, how the U.S. Department of Labor investigates these cases, and how we can help report and further prevent labor trafficking from occurring in our communities.

Featured Guest:
JACOB SWIER
Community Outreach & Planning Specialist
Wage & Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor
Jacob has been a Community Outreach and Planning Specialist for the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division since 2018. In that role he educates and provides technical assistance to workers, employers, advocates, and other stakeholders. He provides sensible compliance solutions for employers and ensures workers better understand their rights with a distinct emphasis on reaching vulnerable, underserved communities. Jacob is also on the Labor Trafficking Impact Group for SEE.

This series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking.
Together, we seek to educate the community on the realities of human trafficking.
Click here to view past episode recordings!

Holland: Freedom Marketplace
2022-08-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Kollen Park, 250 Kollen Park Dr., Holland, MI, 49423, United States
HOLLAND COMMUNITY GROUP
FREEDOM MARKETPLACE
August 20th, 2022
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
250 Kollen Park Dr., Holland, MI
>> Visit Facebook Event for more info! <<
The Freedom Marketplace is a fair trade event that provides community members an opportunity to support local artisans and small businesses while learning about labor trafficking and ethical shopping. The growing consumer awareness of the impact of modern-day slavery in our daily lives demonstrates that success awaits a business that invests in fair labor. The more people who know about this event, the more successful this can be for our community.
Please like, share, and RSVP to our event on Facebook!
VENDORS & VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
If interested, please contact holland@map-mi.org

Vendors: We are looking for local artisans and small business owners who would like to participate! All vendor fees will be donated to MAP to further fund their efforts to education and raise awareness about human trafficking in Michigan. Any vendor who is wiling to donate their service/time such as kids face painting, henna, bounce house, etc. will have their vendor fee waived! Services can still be charged to guests at a reasonable rate. If interested, please contact holland@map-mi.org for application and further details.

We hope you will consider joining us!

SOAP Up - Detroit Auto Show
2022-08-27 09:30 - 13:00 | NorthRidge Church, 49555 North Territorial Road, Plymouth, MI, 48170, United States
SOAP Up – Detroit Auto Show | Hotel Outreach Event
Saturday, August 27th, 2022 | Northridge Church, Plymouth
Event Details
Did you know that nearly one million people will flood into the metro-Detroit area during the Detroit Auto Show this year? If so, then you’ll likely know large events like this often lead to an increased demand for commercial sex in the area as well… This is why we need your help! Join us as we educate local hotel staff about human trafficking and equip them with resources to help identify and report suspected cases of sex trafficking during the week of the Detroit Auto Show (Sep 14-25).
On the day of outreach (Aug 27), volunteers will help label bars of soap and makeup wipes with the national hotline# and then go out in teams to deliver the materials to over 250 hotels/motels throughout the Metro-Detroit area (labeled soaps and makeup wipes will be distributed to hotel rooms during the week of the Auto Show by hotel staff). While delivering soaps/makeup wipes to assigned hotels, volunteers will also educate front desk staff on the signs of human trafficking and share local “missing teen posters” that will be used by staff to identify any missing youth/potential victims during the Detroit Auto Show as well.
No previous experience necessary – training* (and breakfast) will be provided to volunteers on site! Gather a group of friends, family members, or co-workers and register to join us… We need LOTS of participants* (men and women) to help make this outreach event a success!!
*Training is appropriate for middle school-aged and older. Participants must be 16+ to go to hotels with an adult.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EVENT FLYER
Unable to attend but still want to help? Click the button to make a general donation – or donate a case of soap, face wipes, or other outreach supplies needed 😀 Your support is greatly appreciated!
Agenda
Saturday, August 27th, 2022 (Northridge Church)
9:30 am | Registration & Breakfast
10 am – 11 am | Label soaps & wipes, make the folders for hotels
11 am – 12 pm | Volunteer Training (basic HT 101, instructions for visiting hotels, etc.)
12:00 pm | Drive to hotels to deliver information, supplies, and posters (1-2 hours)
COVID Restrictions
We will be keeping an eye out for what local requirements are for COVID restrictions. If you have not been vaccinated, we ask that you wear a mask to protect others. We will be socially distancing as much as possible and have hand sanitizers available at the tables.

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2022-09-07 12:00 - 13:00 | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
A CUP OF HOPE

Wednesday, September 7th, 12 pm
More details coming soon!

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!

Freedom Coalition
2022-09-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
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. Our vision is to eradicate human trafficking through collaborative efforts in the areas of demand abatement, survivor support, school outreach, and community awareness and engagement.
We plan to meet virtually the 4th Tuesday of every other month for the sharing of statewide updates, best practices, new research and resources, specialized training, and more. Attendees are also provided time to network and share updates with one another.
Freedom Coalition Meeting
Tuesday, September 27th, 2022
5:30 – 7:00 pm *virtual

Featured presentation:
Sanctum House
A Sanctuary for Survivors of Human Trafficking
Join us as special guests from Sanctum House share organization-based updates, important information on their programs, and details about their new partnership opportunities, including Community Partnerships, Professional Partnerships, and Educational/Research Partnerships. Additional time for Q&A will be provided, as well as the opportunity for attendees to introduce themselves and connect with one another. Click here to visit website

Presented by:
Karen G. Moore
Executive Director, Sanctum House
Karen Moore is a graduate of Michigan State University and was a global executive at Ford Motor Company. She went on to be the President/CEO of Ladywood High School and subsequently became the Executive Director at Sanctum House. Karen and her team developed the programs and processes to open the 24-month integrated care safe house for adult women victims of human trafficking. Sanctum House provides 24/7 coverage and offers mental healthcare, physical healthcare, substance use disorder support, legal support, life skills training, educational opportunities, spiritual growth and employment opportunities. She is a member of the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force, a member of US Representative Brenda Lawrence’s Women’s Advisory Committee, a Board member of The Pearls of Great Price Coalition and is certified by the US Government to train on human trafficking on behalf of Health & Human Services.

Jennifer L. Baenziger
Chief Marketing Officer, Sanctum House
Jennifer worked at Volkswagen of America while obtaining her Bachelor of Business from Walsh School of Business. Her career included management and senior Level positions within Project Management, Human Resources and Sales and Marketing. In addition, Jennifer has her own consulting business and began fundraising and consulting for Sanctum House in late 2016. Sanctum House, a long-term residential program in Oakland County for women survivors of human trafficking. She led the first in-person fundraiser benefiting Sanctum House in 2017 which helped to provide resources for it’s opening. She continues to lead the Marketing and Fundraising efforts for Sanctum House and its team.

Consider joining our network! Sign-up for the Freedom Coalition email list to have announcements and future meeting invites sent straight to your inbox.

Holland Community Group
2022-09-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Zeeland Biggby, 501 W Main Ave., Zeeland, MI, 49464, United States
Holland Community Group
If you live or work in Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, or Kent County, then consider joining our Holland Community Group! We are compassionate and motivated citizens who volunteer together to address human trafficking in our community. There is no previous experience or knowledge of human trafficking required to participate. We meet on a monthly basis for ongoing training and outreach/event planning – we would love to have you join us!
Monthly Meeting:
Thursday, September 29, at 7:00 pm
Location: Biggby Coffee
501 W Main Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464

If you would like to stay connected with MAP’s Holland Community Group, consider joining 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. For further questions, please contact the Holland CG Leader directly at holland@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.
