Dear Friend,
Happy National Freedom Day! We pause on this national holiday to commemorate the abolishment of slavery through the 13th Amendment over 150 years ago, and at the same time to recognize that modern slavery still exists as reflected by the need for a January National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Where do we go from here? We encourage you to build upon the spirit of January to raise awareness about human trafficking by engaging with your friends, family, and colleagues about this problem that takes place in the United States, just as it does in India, Moldova, and across the globe. If you are interested in being more engaged and in supporting victims of human trafficking through a stronger international anti-trafficking response, we invite you to participate in our new Ambassadors of Light Program.
This winter we are continuing to build relationships across borders and grow programs to expand our reach. We aim to channel new opportunities, new engagement, and new attention to bring more resources and address more gaps in services for the entire anti-trafficking community. Thank you from all of us for the past year of support and for your continued interest to Connect, Empower, and Build the anti-trafficking movement!
In Full Light,
The ALIGHT Team
ALIGHT ENVISIONS a world where anti-trafficking professionals have the resources to achieve justice and restitution for victims of human trafficking. Our MISSION is to enable anti-trafficking advocates and legal providers to connect across borders and build solutions together.
NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH
Starting in 2010, President Barack Obama designated January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. For 2016, President Obama renewed his call for the US government and the public to take ownership in addressing this problem.
“[L]et us recognize the victims of trafficking, and let us resolve to build a future in which its perpetrators are brought to justice and no people are denied their inherent human rights of freedom and dignity…I call upon businesses, national and community organizations, families, and all Americans to recognize the vital role we can play in ending all forms of slavery…” – President Obama
Human trafficking affects every country, including the US. Polaris Project estimates that the total number of trafficking victims in the US reaches into the hundreds of thousands and cases are found in all 50 states. The International Labor Organization reports that every year 21 million people are victims of forced labor around the world, and forced labor generates profits of $150 billion.
Recent news stories confirm the continuing human rights crisis:
Feds’ failures imperil migrant children
New research study examines effectiveness of anti-trafficking efforts in the US
Human Traffickers found to exploit US visas and data-sharing failures
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS ACROSS BORDERS
FEBRUARY 5, 2016 STATE DEPARTMENT “COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS” FOREIGN DELEGATE MEETING
In a few days ALIGHT will co-present with the University of Denver’s Human Trafficking Center to international anti-trafficking experts from 24 countries. The exchange of information about the awareness, education, and policy initiatives taking place in various nations and throughout the US to fight human trafficking is a crucial step to opening channels for new resources and building a comprehensive and effective response based on best practices. Through the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program and WorldDenver, the foreign delegates travel for two and a half weeks visiting cities, including Denver, chosen for their relevance to these issues.
APRIL 15, 2016 DENVER ANTI-TRAFFICKING ALLIANCE (DATA) CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
ALIGHT will be presenting a workshop at the annual DATA Conference entitled “Upgrading Legal Assistance for International Trafficking Victims: How Connecting Across Borders Strengthens Case Advocacy.” DATA is a collaborative of over 40 agencies that work together to offer a comprehensive, collaborative response to trafficking in Denver. Past conferences have seen over 300 participants from across the region. To attend the conference, register here.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW! BECOME AN AMBASSADOR OF LIGHT
ALIGHT is pleased to announce our Ambassadors of Light Program. Become an Ambassador today and demonstrate your commitment to ensuring that lawyers and advocates have the tools to collaborate across borders and provide justice for victims of human trafficking.
Who are Ambassadors of Light?
Individuals, teams, community groups, classes, clubs, professional services firms, companies, or other organizations.
How does an Ambassador of Light support ALIGHT?
Through organizing or hosting speaking and fundraising events, Ambassadors take an active role in spreading ALIGHT’s mission. Hosting an event is simple:
Sponsor a luncheon or dinner where ALIGHT speaks on human trafficking to your constituents
Hold a benefit art performance or run a marathon with a mission
Designate a fundraiser night for your group or student club
Do what you’re already doing — with an added purpose
What are the benefits of being an Ambassador of Light?
Grow credibility by actively participating in fighting modern day slavery
Attract and engage constituents
Create positive community impact
Gain tax advantages
Plug into a network with shared values by connecting to important and relevant social justice programming
Invest in leadership and personal and professional development by increasing engagement, innovation, and learning
How do I become an Ambassador of Light?
Email our Executive Director Marianna Kosharovsky.
SUSPECT HUMAN TRAFFICKING NEAR YOU?
If you are anywhere in the US:
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
If you are specifically in Colorado:
Call the CoNEHT Hotline: 1-866-455-5075
