Michigan Anti Trafficking Project (MAP)

Mid-Michigan Community Group
2020-10-26 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Join the Mid-Michigan 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. 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!
Mid-Michigan Community Group Meeting
October 26th, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm
We will be discussing ideas for future events and/or projects. All are welcome to attend – invite a friend and get involved in the fight against human trafficking in our local community!

**Contact midland@map-mi.org for the Zoom link/passcode and any other meeting details**
Sign-up for the Mid-Michigan MAP newsletters by clicking here!

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2020-10-07 12:00 - 13:00 | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
[Episode 15] October 7, 2020:
The Bitter Side of “Sugar Dating”; Explained
with special guest Robin Batten
Program Manager of Cyber Safety/Wellness & Resilience
(Washtenaw Area Council for Children)

As the demand for sex lives on, the various forms of commercial sexual exploitation have simultaneously multiplied and continue to thrive amongst us (some even neutralized in men’s health articles!). From prostitution to pornography, “sugar dating” appears to have become the latest phenomenon. What is it and what does it have to do with human trafficking? Join us as we speak on the harms that exist amongst commonly used dating and pornography sites today.

Click here to view prior episodes!
Special 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.

Holland - Human Trafficking Awareness Rally
2020-10-03 11:00 - 13:00 | Centennial Park, 250 Central Ave., Holland, MI, 49423, United States

Online - Volunteer Interest Meeting
2020-10-03 11:00 - 12:00, 2020-10-01 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Looking for ways to get involved in the fight against human trafficking?
MAP has numerous volunteer-based initiatives that are in need of passionate advocates just like you!
During our monthly Volunteer Interest meetings, we will provide you with a brief overview of our programs (questions encouraged!) in order to help you find the volunteer opportunity that is right for you and connect you to the resources you will need to make an impact. Join us in learning how you can use your unique gifts and talents to prevent and end human trafficking in your community! All ages are welcome and encouraged to join.

Can’t make it this month? No worries, these virtual meetings are held on a monthly basis. Visit our Event Calendar to see when the next meeting may be scheduled. We hope you will consider joining us in the future!

Mid-Michigan: S.O.A.P. Hotel Outreach
2020-09-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Midland Evangelical Free Church, 7221 N. Jefferson Ave. , Midland, MI, 48642, United States
Join the Mid-Michigan MAP Community Group and the S.O.A.P. Project (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution) for a community outreach event to address human trafficking in the Mid-Michigan area.
Date & Time:
September 26, 2020
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location:
Midland Evangelical Free Church
7221 North Jefferson Avenue
Midland, MI 48642

S.O.A.P. is a project that includes wrapping bars of soap in labels that have the national human trafficking hotline number (1-888-373-7888) printed on them. The labeled bars are distributed to local hotels to be placed in bathrooms, creating the opportunity for victims to seek necessary help. Along with these bars, posters of missing children are handed out to hotel staff members, encouraging them to report any suspicious activity that could occur at their place of employment.
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 with red flags and additional training items. Join us in making a difference in our community!
If you are interested in joining this outreach event,
please RSVP to midland@map-mi.com by September 11th

Online - Human Trafficking 101
2020-09-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Attend a virtual Human Trafficking 101 presentation!
Hosted by the Rochester Hills Public Library
Presented by Dawn Ames

September 24th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Zoom Meeting

Dawn Ames, director of family ministry at Lake Orion United Methodist Church and a community group leader for the Lake Orion-Oxford chapter of the Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP), explains the definition of human trafficking, where it occurs, and who are the victims. She will also address the most common myths associated with human trafficking, as well as signs to look for and how to report it.
Registration for this presentation is open to the community:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrdu6vrT0oHtEhfoqlAeZvu8xiBbe6jx45
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email on how to join the meeting.

Rochester Hills Public Library provides life-long learning opportunities, instills a love of reading, and offers equal access to information. The library serves as a community town square, where over…

If your group or organization is interested in free Human Trafficking 101 presentations by the Lake Orion/Oxford MAP Community Group, you may contact them directly here.

Online - It Takes a Community Conference
2020-09-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Spectrum Human Trafficking Healthcare Forum, MI, United States
Michigan Abolitionist Project/SWMHTTF, Spectrum Health Lakeland and the Berrien Community Foundation bring you, It Takes a Community, a digital conference engaging the community in the grassroots movement to end human trafficking.

The evening will kick off with keynote speakers Kelly Carter, Assistant Attorney General, and Andy Soper, Director of Education at Measurable Change. Followed by breakout groups specialized for medical personnel (1 CME will be provided for every doctor/nurse that attends), parents, law enforcement, teachers, hospitality employees and more. Join us, September 22 from 6-8 pm on WebEx, for this spectacular evening of learning and growing together. More Info…

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series (Bonus Episode)
2020-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar, MI, United States
[Episode 14] September 10, 2020: Uncovering the Truth (Part 2)
Live Q&A Session with a local FBI Agent
Recently the media and social media platforms have been flooded with claims that the popular furniture company, Wayfair, has been involved in a complex scheme involving sex trafficking of children. Unfortunately, this story is not the first sensationalized trafficking-related theory to go viral and it surely won’t be the last. As we know, the widespread sharing of any misinformation (especially on social media) can be a serious barrier when trying to identify actual victims of sex trafficking. It’s time we call upon the experts – the National Human Trafficking Hotline and the FBI – to help uncover the truth behind these claims. Join us for a 2-part series as we learn where these popular theories come from, if they hold any validity, and how we can stay informed on the true indicators of sex trafficking moving forward.

This meeting will not be recorded.
Click here to view prior webinar recordings

Romeo: Rally to End Human Trafficking
2020-09-05 12:00 - 14:00 | Croswell Elementary, 175 Croswell S, Romeo, MI, United States
Join us as we rally together to AMPLIFY SURVIVOR VOICES in the fight against
human trafficking and child exploitation.
The mission of this family-friendly event is to increase awareness of and education about child exploitation, trafficking and other threats. In addition, we plan to donate to local and national organizations that work toward the prevention of child abuse and neglect, and the protection of children through advocacy, education, intervention, research, training, and treatment as well as advocate for federal and state legislation that prevents exploitation and protects children.
There will be speakers, information tables (MAP), community support, and more. Human trafficking awareness is represented by the color blue. Please wear blue, and bring water, comfortable shoes, and posters that support anti-trafficking messages. Pets are welcome. Let’s make ending child exploitation and trafficking a priority in Michigan.
For more info, click here.
Please follow CDC guidelines for safe practices.

Waterford: TV10 MAP Interview
2020-09-04 13:00 - 13:30 | MI, United States
Waterford TV10 broadcast scheduled to bring awareness about MAP and discuss topics such as pornography, criminal justice, and updated information on what’s being done about human trafficking in Michigan.

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2020-09-02 15:00 - 16:00 | Webinar, MI, United States
[Episode 13] September 2, 2020: Uncovering the truth; Wayfair and other potential Human Trafficking conspiracies (Part 1)
with special guests from Polaris, the National Human Trafficking Hotline

Recently the media and social media platforms have been flooded with claims that the popular furniture company, Wayfair, has been involved in a complex scheme involving sex trafficking of children. Unfortunately, this story is not the first sensationalized trafficking-related theory to go viral and it surely won’t be the last. As we know, the widespread sharing of any misinformation (especially on social media) can be a serious barrier when trying to identify actual victims of sex trafficking. It’s time we call upon the experts – the National Human Trafficking Hotline and the FBI – to help uncover the truth behind these claims. Join us for a 2-part series as we learn where these popular theories come from, if they hold any validity, and how we can stay informed on the true indicators of sex trafficking moving forward.

Special Guests:
Stephanie Marroquin (she/her) is a bilingual Case Response Specialist for the Polaris-operated U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline. Stephanie holds an MA in International Affairs with a concentration in global gender policy and conflict resolution. She has been with the Trafficking Hotline for nearly three years, serving as a bilingual Hotline Advocate and later a Case Response Specialist. As a Case Response Specialist, Stephanie reviews and manages a caseload of human trafficking and exploitation tips, crisis cases, and requests for victim assistance received through the National Hotline. The Case Response team also develops and manages relationships with Hotline partners including law enforcement, service providers, government agencies, and other key stakeholders. Monica Krebs (she/her) is the Case Response Specialist/Corporate Engagement for the Polaris-operated U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline. Monica holds an MS in Women’s and Gender Studies with a concentration in health and sexuality. She has been with the Trafficking Hotline nearly five years, serving as a Hotline Advocate and Senior Advocate, prior to joining the case response team. In addition to reviewing and responding to complex labor and sex trafficking cases, Monica manages the Trafficking Hotline’s corporate in-kind resources to ensure efficient delivery of critical transportation and housing resources to survivors on behalf of our corporate partners. Last, but not least, Monica is a coordinator for the Trafficking Hotline’s LGBTQIA working group which provides competency training to staff and engages externally to educate stakeholders on labor and sex trafficking within the LGBTQIA community.
Click here to view prior webinar recordings

Mid-Michigan Community Group
2020-08-31 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Join the Mid-Michigan 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. 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!
Mid-Michigan Community Group Meeting
August 31st, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm
We will be going over the details for our S.O.A.P. hotel outreach event (September 26) and brainstorm ideas for future events and/or projects if time permits. All are welcome to attend – invite a friend and get involved in the fight against human trafficking in our local community!

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88982658478?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 889 8265 8478
**Contact midland@map-mi.org for zoom meeting passcode and any other information**
Sign-up for the Mid-Michigan MAP newsletters by clicking here!

Freedom Coalition
2020-08-25 17:30 - 19:00 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
The Freedom Coalition brings together experienced community advocates, for a unified approach to address human trafficking through prevention, awareness, survivor support, and specialized training. The Freedom Coalition plans to meet the 4th Tuesday of every other month for the sharing of best practices, case studies, education, and training.
Zoom Online Meeting – August 25, 2020
5:30 – 7:00 pm (EST)
“COVID Impact on the Underground Commercial Sex Economy Online”
Guest Speaker: Rob Spectre
The global pandemic affects every market in the world and the online ecosystems that fuel sex trafficking in the United States are similarly impacted. This survey captures the state of COVID’s impact on the underground commercial sex economy as of August 2020.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email on how to join the meeting.
Speaker Bio: Rob Spectre is a New York-based technologist building childsafe.ai, the artificial intelligence platform protecting kids online. He is a 13-year veteran of software startups such as SugarCRM, Boxee, and Twilio. Before founding childsafe.ai, Rob spent a year as a technical consultant for counter human trafficking units across the United States. Learning from those law enforcement partners, Rob creates machine learning software that starves the macroeconomy fueling modern slavery of its wealth, anonymity, and distribution. A software engineer by trade and a historian by training, Rob also serves youth organizations HackNY and DoSomething.org as an advisor, plays in a punk rock band, and is the loudest Red Sox fan in New York.

Online - Human Trafficking Presentation
2020-08-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Michigan Abolitionist Project will be providing a virtual Human Trafficking presentation to members of the St Patrick Episcopal Church on August 19th, 2020.
For more information, please contact St. Patrick Episcopal staff directly.

Sterling Heights - March for Human Trafficking Awareness
2020-08-15 12:00 - 14:00 | Freedom Hill, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights, MI, 48312, United States
Show up and speak out against the hidden reality of human trafficking.
We will no longer be silent about this adversity happening in our communities.
Register Here!

Online - Human Trafficking Presentation (nonpublic)
2020-08-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
This training is not open to the public.
Michigan Abolitionist Project will be providing Human Trafficking education and training to Blue Water Center for Independent Living (BWCIL) staff. The presentation will include the signs of human trafficking and what to do if a client discloses they are a victim. BWCIL is a consumer-driven organization that advocates, informs, and supports all people with disabilities to live independently. To learn more about Blue Water Center for Independent Living, visit their website here: https://www.bwcil.org/

Online - MSHA Conference (nonpublic)
2020-08-07 10:00 - 17:00 | Webinar, MI, United States
MAP will be presenting to the attendees of the Michigan Speech – Language Hearing Association (MSHA) during their 2020 annual conference. MAP will be training healthcare workers who need to fulfill their required HT training.
Scheduled course title: “Addressing Human Trafficking in Our Community”
*Private course and conference.

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2020-08-05 15:00 - 15:30 | Webinar, MI, United States
Episode 12: August 5, 2020
Demand (Part 3) – Intervention and diversion tactics
with special guest Eli Zucker
We invite Seattle Against Slavery to share with us the various tactics they’ve used to deter sex buyers in Washington. We will explore the effectiveness of these intervention methods and ways we can improve our own collective response towards ending the demand in Michigan.
This webinar will be hosted LIVE on Facebook and YouTube!
>> Click here to visit our Facebook event page <<
Eli Zucker comes to Seattle by way of Michigan, where he has extensive experience as a community organizer in Detroit and metro-Detroit, as well as being an educator at the University of Michigan. Throughout his career, Eli has led immersive efforts to uplift sustainable dialogue across differences, paying special attention to creating dialogues and trainings around race and gender. Now the Director of Men’s Accountability with Seattle Against Slavery, Eli leans on his expansive knowledge of group facilitation to lead the Stopping Sexual Exploitation (SSE) program, which is a 10-week intervention to decrease repeat sex buying by engaging men to understand the construction of their masculinity and, ultimately, to have more healthy, fulfilling relationships in their lives. Eli holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan.
Click here to view prior webinar recordings

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2020-07-01 15:00 - 15:30 | Webinar, MI, United States
Episode 11: July 1, 2020
Demand (Part 2) – Shifting Focus, Holding Buyers Accountable
with special guest Alisa Bernard

We invite our special guest to share with us from Seattle, WA on why it is necessary to shift our focus to demand and ways we can hold individuals who buy sex accountable for the sexual exploitation of others.
Alisa Bernard is the Director of Education and Partnerships at the Organization for Prostitution Survivors. She is known for her expertise on multi-prong and asymmetric policy model responses to commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and the impact these approaches have as they are implemented within American social structures. She is an independent consultant, educator, and presenter having consulted to organizations and agencies across the US, including: Demand Abolition, World Without Exploitation and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. She is a founding member of King County’s Ending Exploitation Collaborative and sits on numerous task forces and public and private advisory boards. Alisa uses her lived experiences of CSE, teen homelessness, domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse as a lens to inform her work and approach.
Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS) focuses on providing services that are holistic, individualized and responsive to the self-identified needs of each participant. Survivors are experts in their own lives and healing – OPS uses a combination of support modalities from harm reduction to exit services, empowering survivors to determine their individual needs on their journey. They provide both in-house services as well as referrals to partners to provide a complete continuum of care.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. This webinar will also be hosted LIVE on Facebook.
Click here to view prior webinar recordings

Freedom Coalition
2020-06-23 17:30 - 19:30 | MI, United States
The Freedom Coalition brings together experienced community advocates, for a unified approach to address human trafficking through prevention, awareness, survivor support, and specialized training. The Freedom Coalition plans to meet the 4th Tuesday of every other month for the sharing of best practices, case studies, education, and training.
Zoom Online Meeting – June 23, 2020
“Building Capacity Through Collaboration, Partnerships, and Mergers”
We are better, stronger, more efficient and effective when we work together
Guest Speakers:
Claudnyse D. Holloman, Executive Director of Voices for Children Child Advocacy Center in Genesis County
Jay Kommareddi. Chair of the Michigan Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board
One Nonprofit Director’s Journey…
Addressing human trafficking is an overwhelming effort, and COVID has in most cases, added to the complexity that many non-profits and agencies are facing. We are honored to have Claudnyse share with us how she navigated through a challenging time and grew her nonprofit organization from a dwindling $1,000 in the bank to the largest Child Advocacy Center in their region.
Learn about their:

Challenges, legal considerations, and opportunities along the way
Advantages of collaboration to reduce their administrative costs
Advantages of partnerships to find joint funding initiatives
And the opportunities of joining forces through mergers with like-minded organizations to increase effectiveness

A Donor’s Perspective…
Jay is an activist and philanthropist. She will discuss the Donor’s perspective. What is it that donors want to see before they choose your organization to donate? What do granters want to see?
Come ready to share, explore, and brainstorm ways we might improve our collective capacity to address human trafficking in Michigan.

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2020-06-03 15:00 - 15:30 | Webinar, MI, United States
Episode 10: June 3, 2020
Demand (Part 1) – What fuels human trafficking?
Panelists will give an overview of the key elements that perpetuate sex trafficking, what motivates individuals to buy sex, and ways we can begin to address demand in order to prevent and eradicate human trafficking altogether.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. This webinar will also be hosted LIVE on Facebook.
Click here to view prior webinar recordings

EMPOWER 2020 - Webinar Series
2020-05-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Webinar, MI, United States
MAP’s Empower conference goes virtual in 2020! Attend our first-ever
two-day Webinar Series from the convenience of your home!
We are excited to invite experts from around the country to share best practices, research, and innovative ways to impact the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan and beyond!
Thank you to Soroptomist International of Greater Macomb for sponsoring this event!
SPEAKER LINE-UP & TOPICS:
Buying and Selling Women – A Human Rights Violation
Taina Bien-Aimé – Coalition Against Trafficking in Women
The Demand Side of Prostitution
Alisa Bernard – Organization for Prostitution Survivors
Pete Holmes – Seattle, WA City Attorney
Understanding & Identifying Familial/Gang Trafficking
Alice Jay – Author, Founder of Sister Survivor Support Network
Online Predators and Grooming Tactics
Alicia Kozak – Internet Safety Expert & Survivor
Carol Ryan – Co-founder of Connections Counseling and Consulting
Bringing Anti-Trafficking Advocates Together: Connection,
Skill-Building, and Empowerment
Celia Williamson – Professor University of Toledo
Click here to download the flyer!

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS & SPEAKER BIOS:
Buying and Selling Women – A Human Rights Violation
This presentation will provide an overview of why sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls must be couched within a human rights framework – namely that fundamental rights are inalienable, indivisible, and universal. Buying and selling women must not be deemed an exception in efforts to achieve equality, a life free of violence, and a life with dignity.
Taina Bien-Aimé has over two decades of experience defending the rights of women and girls at the national and global level. She is currently the Executive Director of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW), one of the oldest international organizations dedicated to ending trafficking in women and girls and commercial sexual exploitation as practices of gender-based violence. Prior to this position, Taina was the Executive Director of Women’s City Club of New York, an advocacy organization that helps shape policy in New York. For twenty years, Taina was involved with of Equality Now, an international human rights organization dedicated to promoting the human rights of women and girls, first as a founding Board member, then its General Counsel and subsequently, its Executive Director for a decade. Taina holds a Juris Doctor from NYU School of Law and a degree in Political Science from the University of Geneva/Graduate School of International Studies in Switzerland. She sits on the New York City Mayor’s Commission on Gender Equity and on the Advisory Boards of Rights4Girls and the Women’s Equal Justice Project.
The Demand Side of Prostitution
Human trafficking is the only industry in which supply and demand are the same thing: human beings. People demanding the sale of people. How do we begin to tackle this issue of demand when it comes to sex trafficking and sexual exploitation? What legislative changes need to take place? What is the Buyer Beware program and how has it been effective in curbing demand? What types of pushback has Seattle experienced? How can we successfully leverage partnerships with other agencies and non-profits to combat this issue? Join the conversation by submitting your own questions, as panelists explore the overall effectiveness of Seattle’s approach and what they would say to other cities that want to get involved.
Pete Holmes, now in his third term as Seattle City Attorney, is the only elected city attorney in Washington State. He supervises an office of over 100 lawyers and 85 legal professionals and has sole supervisory control of all of the City’s litigation. His office prosecutes misdemeanor crimes including domestic violence, assault, property theft, and DUIs. Pete also champions the use-value of community-based alternatives to incarceration (like the L.E.A.D. program), especially for young people, as a criminal record can carry lifelong consequences. Pete has two adult children and is a longtime resident of the Seward Park neighborhood along with his wife, Ann, and their beagle, Lucy.
Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS) focuses on providing services that are holistic, individualized and responsive to the self-identified needs of each participant. Survivors are experts in their own lives and healing – OPS uses a combination of support modalities from harm reduction to exit services, empowering survivors to determine their individual needs on their journey. They provide both in-house services as well as referrals to partners to provide a complete continuum of care.
Alisa Bernard is the Director of Education and Partnerships. In addition to co-directing OPS, Alisa is known for her expertise on multi-prong and asymmetric policy model responses to commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and the impact these approaches have as they are implemented within American social structures. She is an independent consultant, educator, and presenter having consulted to organizations and agencies across the US, including: Demand Abolition, World Without Exploitation and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. She is a founding member of King County’s Ending Exploitation Collaborative and sits on numerous task forces and public and private advisory boards. Alisa uses her lived experiences of CSE, teen homelessness, domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse as a lens to inform her work and approach.
Understanding and Identifying Familial/Gang Trafficking
As a survivor of familial trafficking and gang affiliation as a minor, I was forced into the life at gunpoint when I was eleven. This experience, along with twelve years of recovery, gives me a unique perspective in addressing and helping other gang trafficking survivors. I have worked with hundreds of children and young adults who have had the same experience, helping them in their path to recovery. In this presentation, we will review how I have used this experience to help others and how you can best identify and support survivors of familial and gang trafficking.
Alice Jay is the President and CEO at Sister Survivors International Connect. She is also a Human Trafficking Consultant/Advocate for Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan and the Author of “Out of the Darkness: A Survivor’s Story.” Jay created “Who Am I Now?” an identification workshop series and workbook for survivors used to help other organization identify, heal, and redirect victims. Jay also developed the Thrive to Strive Jail Diversion Outreach program in Detroit, Michigan in connection with the 4th precinct in Detroit. Jay has helps provide services to around 200 survivors a year supporting them with resources for housing and legal assistance.
Online Predators and Grooming Tactics
Do parents understand how potent an online predators is? ANY child or teen can become the victim of an Internet predator. Predators do not discriminate based on gender, ethnicity, education, socioeconomic status, income, or religion. It can happen. It does happen. It is happening. Learn more about what is being done to stop it and what parents can do to protect their children.
Alicia “Kozak” – Kozakiewicz is an internationally-acclaimed and highly sought-after motivational speaker, Internet safety expert, author, and actress who has inspired millions through her powerful on-screen and in-person appearances. Passionate and straight-from-the-heart, Alicia motivates her audiences to transcend life’s challenges, pursue their passions, and discover their purpose. Alicia’s extraordinary life story exemplifies the strength of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and to deny defeat. Internet safety expert and founder of The Alicia Project, for the past 17 years she has pioneered insightful Internet safety and sexual exploitation awareness presentations to children and adults. One of the most vocal and outspoken advocates for child safety legislation, Alicia has testified before Congress and works alongside Protect (www.protect.org) to pass Alicia’s Law, her namesake, which provides funding to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force enabling them to rescue endangered children.
Carol Ryan got acquainted with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) when her daughter vanished on March 1, 2003. Her child was lured through an unknown online relationship with a 56-year-old perpetrator. After a month’s search, her daughter was located 2000 miles from home. The recovery process was problematic and lengthy, yet the experience taught Carol much about the needs of families and the missing person. In 2006, Carol became a consulting for Team HOPE, a parent support program of the NCMEC. In that capacity, she provided emotional support to nearly 8,000 referrals. In May 2019, Carol retires from consulting but does remain on with the NCMEC as a technical trainer with their education division. In 2015, Carol became a licensed professional counselor, so she can offer mental health services. Her interventions focus on trauma treatment and substance abuse recovery.
Bringing Anti-Trafficking Advocates Together: Connection,
Skill-Building, and Empowerment
Involved advocates have little time to find the latest human trafficking focused research, best practices, or to find and connect with experts and other advocates in the field. Yet connection, collaboration, education, and skill building are the keys to providing effective services to survivors, while empowering and inspiring advocates to provide their best. The Emancipation Nation Network provides an online network offering a one-stop shop for advocates to connect with other advocates across the U.S. and abroad, locate credible and effective human trafficking focused information and materials, and build skills by taking human trafficking focused workshops and courses offered by experts in the field.
Dr. Celia Williamson has been engaged in anti-human trafficking work for over 25 years. She has published numerous articles on the subject and has delivered over 200 presentations at various conferences and events. She founded the first anti-trafficking program in Ohio in 1993 and directly worked with victims in Toledo for several years. She has completed numerous federally funded studies, written several articles and reports, edited or contributed to four books on sex trafficking, completed a memoir of her experiences as an anti-trafficking advocate and was instrumental in launching and contributing to many coalitions and research efforts. In 2015, she became the Director of the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute at the University of Toledo to further the mission of combating human trafficking through research, education, and engagement. Dr. Williamson teaches social work practice and human trafficking courses. She also produces a podcast called the Emancipation Nation Podcast and founded a global network of advocates called the Emancipation Nation Network.
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Thank you to Soroptomist International of Greater Macomb for sponsoring this event!

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2020-05-27 15:00 - 15:30 | Webinar, MI, United States
May 27, 2020 (Episode 9)
Lures of Predators Part 4 – Labor Trafficking
with special guest Val Seeley
We invite Val Seeley, Regional Director of ICE, to discuss recruitment tactics often used in the realm of labor trafficking.
Register below and participate in the discussion! We would love to answer any relevant questions you may have. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Click here to view prior webinar recordings

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2020-05-20 15:00 - 15:30 | Webinar, MI, United States
May 20, 2020 (Episode 8)
Lures of Predators Part 3 – Juvenile Detentions Centers
with special guest Chelsie Coleman
Join us as we invite Chelsie Coleman from Youth for Christ, for a discussion on recruitment and lure tactics used in juvenile detention centers.
Register below and participate in the discussion! We would love to answer any relevant questions you may have. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Click here to view prior webinar recordings

Mid-Michigan Community Group
2020-05-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Join the Mid-Michigan Community Group!
This Community Group meets at the Midland Evangelical Free Church from 7:00p-8:00p.
THIS MEETING WILL BE HELD VIA ZOOM
We will be focused on planning our upcoming S.O.A.P. outreach event.

Click here to join the Mid-Michigan email list for zoom details!

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2020-05-13 15:00 - 15:30 | Webinar, MI, United States
May 13, 2020 (Episode 7)
Lures of Predators Part 2 – Survivor Perspective
with special guest Chrissy Hemphill
Join us as we hear from the Program Director of Hope Against Trafficking, who has expert experience working with survivors of trafficking.
Register below and participate in the discussion! We would love to answer any relevant questions you may have. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Click here to view prior webinar recordings

CANCELED-Ann Arbor – Cyber Safety & Human Trafficking Awareness, for Teens and Parents
2020-05-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Peace Neighborhood Center, 1111 N Maple Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
This event is canceled due to the recommendations of the CDC and the State of Michigan. Events will be rescheduled once the CDC and Governor remove these restrictions. Watch website, social media and email for updates.
Cyber Safety & Human Trafficking Awareness Event
Brought to you by the MAP [Ann Arbor] Community Group
Join us as we discuss the importance of cyber safety in today’s world, along with human trafficking indicators and prevention measures. Snacks will be served.

Guest Speakers:
Alice Jay from Sister Survivors, &
Robin Batten from the Washtenaw Area Council on Children
Presented at the Peace Neighborhood Center on May 13 and May 18, 2020
May 13 – for parents and teens enrolled in the Peace Neighborhood Program for high-risk youth
May 18 – open to the general public
To register, please call the Peace Neighborhood Center at (734) 662-3564
If you would like to help volunteer with this event, please contact annarbor@map-mi.org

CANCELED-Troy Community Group
2020-05-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Bridge Community Church, 5700 Rochester Rd., Troy, MI, United States
This event is canceled due to the recommendations of the CDC and the State of Michigan. Future meetings will resume once the CDC and Governor remove these restrictions. Watch the website, social media, and email for updates.
The Troy MAP Community Group
2nd Tuesday of every month, 7:00 pm
Bridge Community Church | 5700 Rochester Rd. Troy, MI 48085
Join us for an evening of education and/or service project planning!
Email troy@map-mi.org for more info!

CANCELED-Port Huron Community Group
2020-05-12 18:30 - 20:00 | St. Clair County Community Foundation Building, 500 Water St., Port Huron, MI, 48060, United States
This event is canceled due to the recommendations of the CDC and the State of Michigan. Future meetings will resume once the CDC and Governor remove these restrictions. Watch the website, social media, and email for updates.
Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:00 pm
St. Clair County Community Foundation – 500 Water St, Port Huron, MI 48060
The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.
MAP is made up of everyday people, like YOU, who offer their gifts and talents to help bring an end to modern-day slavery, both sex & labor trafficking. We encourage you to join us as we raise awareness of the prevalence of Human Trafficking within the Port Huron community.
In addition to our monthly meetings, we sponsor different community events:
Human Trafficking Awareness Conference at PHHS’s Performing Arts Center in November
Human Trafficking Awareness Free MOVIE NIGHT at SC4’s Fine Arts Theater in January
Human Trafficking Awareness Conference at SC4 for students & the community in April
The MAP Port Huron Community Group is an amazing group of passionate and resourceful individuals and we would love to have YOU join us as we learn more.
For more information, email: porthuron@map-mi.org
