Obama at ASU: Commencement Speech with intro by Michael Crow 2009

As we approach commencement 2014, I reflect on Obama's speech at ASU in 2009. It is a reminder to follow your passion and gauge our life by successes that are not measured by money and fame. Acts of sacrifice and decency create ripple effects that improve our community and world.

Watch it and go forth with confidence and passion.

The Heart of Change

For a leadership and change class this semester I read The Heart of Change by John P. Kotter. I learned a lot, wrote a paper and made a visual presentation. I decided to share my visual presentation with you.

I could have done a power point presentation or some such thing, but let's face it- power point may be the leading cause of mortality among college students and professionals who attend business meetings... at least at this point in the semester.

Instead, I did an infographic with the help of Piktochart.

First, you must know that the heart of change is an 8-step change process, as follows:

Step 1: Increase Urgency
Step 2: Build the Guiding Team
Step 3: Get the Vision Right
Step 4: Communicate for Buy-in
Step 5: Empower Action
Step 6: Create Short-Term Wins
Step 7: Don't Let Up
Step 8: Make Change Stick

Of course, my paper went into more detail and explanation, but that is what the paper is for. The visual is for intrigue, or attention grabbing, or perhaps just to make you curious.

Reporting in...

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) has kept data on phone calls since 2008. The first year (2008) has the total call volume to the Hotline; it is not broken down by state. The annual total nationwide is indicated on the chart, but not in the graph. From 2009 forward, the nationwide volume is broken down by state and then by type of call.

The NHTRC receives a variety of calls. They field calls from people who provide tips, ask questions and are victims. This graph indicates the total number of calls received from Arizona. The graph illustrates how many of those calls were trafficking cases or highly probable trafficking cases. It then specifies the number of calls that were specifically Sex Trafficking cases. The sex trafficking figures do not include calls that were “labor and sex trafficking

Here, I made a chart. And I graphed it.

The Strengths of TRUST, and "Superb owls"

TRUST does a lot of things. Below are my executive summaries of events and trainings that TRUST has planned, directed, sponsored, coordinated, or in some other way been party to since I began my internship on January 6. These are just the events that I attended or assisted with in some way and am able to report on. This is not even nearly a complete list!

January 13, 2014
NHTRC Hotline Billboard Display Press Conference
Clear Channel Outdoor Branch Manager for Arizona, Diane Veres, announced the donation of space on all 50 of their digital billboards in Arizona to display the NHTRC Hotline. The Hotline message will display on approximately 15 billboards at a time, rotating locations throughout Arizona until February 2015. Speakers at the press conference included Diane Veres, Cindy McCain, Bradley Miles- CEO of Polaris Project, and Beth Jacobs- survivor and founder of Willow Way in Tucson. Media representatives from Univision, Fox 10 and Channels 3 and 5 covered the story. With about 40 in attendance, there was great enthusiasm at this announcement. Attendees of note include Councilmember Jim Waring (District 2), Representative Doug Coleman (District 16), Brittaney Vanderhoof from Polaris Project, Marc Tetzlaff- Victim Witness coordinator of ICE, and Katie Resendiz and her staff from TRUST AZ.

January 16, 2014

Valley Interfaith Project Spring Issues Conference

The Valley Interfaith Project (VIP) launched its 2014 political action agenda for 2014 at pre-conference meeting of local organizing partners. The meeting was attended by approximately 60 members and presented six areas of focus for the January 2014 legislative session; Workforce Training, Public Education Funding, Sex Trafficking of Minors, Health Care Enrollment, Health Care/ Behavioral Health Issues, and Immigration Reform. Dave Ryan is the Chair for the Sex Trafficking of Minors committee. Joe Rubio, director of VIP, addressed the audience concerning how to be more politically active and involved to effect change. The conference continues on Saturday January 16. The list of Guest Speakers for that day are: Michael Hunter, Policy Director, Governor’s Office; John Arnold, Budget Director, Governor’s Office; Richard Condit, Sundt Constrution; Dr Jeff Smith, Superintendent, Balz School District; Senator John McComish, Senate Majority Leader; State Representatives Eric Meyer, Kate Brophy McGee, Bob Robson and Ruben Gallego.

January 27, 2014
AFW Board “Chosen” Viewing
Paula Adkins hosted the board members of Arizona Women’s Foundation and their guests in her home to view “Chosen”. “Chosen” is a short documentary that introduces the pervasive problem of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST). Scottsdale Detective Scott Carpenter came to address the group and answer questions about DMST. This event was a follow-up to an AFW Board meeting at the end of 2013 wherein members expressed concern about DMST and a desire to learn more about the issue as it pertains to Arizona.

Feb 8, 2014

Domestic Violence and Sex Trafficking Train the Trainer presented by STIR at ASU

Approximately 30 people attended the “Train the Trainer” meeting hosted by The School of Social Work at ASU Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research. The training is intended to equip attendees with the knowledge and materials needed to become a trainer within their sphere of influence. As domestic violence is a more widely understood problem than sex trafficking, the training program uses it as a foundation for trainees to build upon. Dominique Roe-Sepowitz and Kristine Hickle presented the training. Survivor and advocate Cynthia Holt shared her experiences. All attendees, including the three attending TRUST team members, received a “Training Toolkit” which included:

• DVD with the film Branded and the PowerPoint training presentation
• Training manual to assist presentation preparation, facilitation, and discussion
• Training discussion cards and hand-outs
• Domestic violence and sex trafficking diagram

February 10, 2014

Human Trafficking Airline Training

Nancy Rivard, Sandra Fiorini, Delphia (I don’t remember her last name), and Petra Hensley from Airline Ambassadors International in conjunction with Deborah Sigmund from Innocents at Risk presented information about sex trafficking as it pertains to the airline industry. This training is intended to equip airline professionals, particularly flight attendants, with knowledge to recognize potential trafficking situations and the protocol of intervention. The approximately 120 attendees included representatives from 10 airlines, ICE representatives, and Aviation Directors Tammi Fisher from Sky Harbor Airport and (I forget his name) from Mesa-Gateway Airport. This training has potential to be extremely beneficial to anti-trafficking efforts.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Sex Trafficking Prevention Forum: Changing the Way that Men and Boys Think

The Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research (STIR) at ASU hosted a presentation for about 20 attendees centered on changing the way men and boys think about women, relationships, and intimacy. Brian Hall and Stefania Agliano have developed a curriculum focused on intervention to prevent boys from becoming “johns” and “pimps”. Brian and Stefania live in Connecticut, where they continue to provide Social Work services in varying capacities in addition to developing and delivering sex trafficking training. 

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Whiteman Foundation Board; Sex Trafficking Training 101 & Chosen screening

John O. Whiteman, Mollie Trivers, Eric Whiteman, Jeff Whiteman, Christy Whiteman Wilson and two other members (Can’t remember the younger girl’s name and one of the men that sat next to Christy) of the Whiteman Foundation board attended this presentation of Chosen. Katie Resendiz followed the screening with a “101 level” training on trafficking, as this was the first exposure to sex trafficking for most attendees. The presentation concluded with a brainstorming session to involve the guests in discussing the current status of available resources, how they are being used and what is still needed to actualize the goals of the anti-trafficking movement. 

February 28, 2014

Ambassador’s Luncheon at Arizona Biltmore Hotel

Ambassador Luis CdeBaca from the U.S. Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons was the Guest of Honor at the debut event of the male advocate group chaired by Paul Penzone. As Chair of the Male Advisory Board to TRUST, Mr. Penzone spoke to men in the community about their role in combatting sex trafficking and introduced his organization AZMen. The luncheon was generously sponsored by Carstens Family Funds, Arizona Foundation for Women, and Theresa’s Fund, A McMurry Charity. There were many distinguished guests among the 130 attendees. In addition to Ambassador CdeBaca, two other ambassadors were in attendance. Prior to Paul Penzone’s presentation, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and Ambassador CdeBaca spoke. Many current and former public leaders were present including two former Phoenix mayors; Secretary of State Ken Bennett; Attorney General Tom Horne; President of the Arizona Superbowl; Debbie Black, Glendale Chief of Police; Police Sergeant Chris Bray; and several other prominent members of the public service and business communities. 

This is a funny little tidbit about when I was typing the above summary. Word auto-corrected "Superbowl" to "Superb owl"! I thought that was pretty funny. Even funnier still is that neither Word nor I ever caught that it is supposed to be "Super Bowl"- HA!

March 4, 2014

Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences: Creating Hope for a Healthier Arizona (Press Conference)

Approximately 100 people attended the press conference highlighting a recently released Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study that discusses the effects of these experiences on not only childrens’ mental and emotional health, but on their physical health as well. These adverse health implications are carried into adulthood. Arizona is one of the states leading the nation in ACE. The press conference was opened by a video of youth who have experienced ACE and who have benefited from the services of HomeBase Youth Services. The opening remarks of Dr. Randal Christensen, MD, MPH were followed by a panel discussion that was moderated by Nicole Stanton, First Lady of Phoenix and founder of Stop Bullying AZ. Members of the panel were Charles Flanagan, Director of Arizona Child Safety and Family Services; Will Humble, Director of Arizona Health Services; Dr. Timothy L. Ogle, Executive Director of the Arizona School Board Association; and Dr. Delphis Richardson, Vice President of the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Marcia Stanton, ACE Director at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, closed the press conference with a call to all stakeholders and community members for action.

March 10, 2014

Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing of HB 2454

House Bill 2454, with a proposed amendment to line 14, was heard before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 10. Members of the Committee in attendance were Nancy Barto, District 15; David Bradley, District 10; Andrea Dalessandro, District 2; Adam Driggs, District 28; Rick Murphy, District 21; Steve Pierce, District 1; Steve Yarbrough, District 17; and Kimberly Yee, District 20. Steve Gallardo, District 29 was not present. Members of the community that spoke in favor of HB 2454 were Bill Montgomery, Maricopa County Attorney; Mrs. Cindy McCain, of the McCain Institute and Co-Chair of AZ Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force; Carolyn Jones, trafficking survivor and StreetLight Counselor; and Mr. Grant Woods, former Arizona Attorney General (1991-1999). Phoenix City Councilmember Jim Waring signed in to speak in favor of the bill, if necessary. Senator David Bradley, whose professional experience includes working as a Certified Behavioral Healthcare Executive, Certified Professional Counselor, and President/Executive Director/ CEO of La Paloma Family Services, posed valid questions concerning affirmative defense versus immunity for victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Attorney Wood and Attorney Montgomery addressed those concerns, ending with the caveat that it would be wise to revisit that provision once the legislation has been enacted and effects on victims can be observed. 

March 16, 2014

National Charity League (NCL) Meeting hosted by Kim Hartman

Kim Hartman, from AFW, and her daughter Bridgette hosted a mother-daughter meeting in their home to learn about human trafficking. The twenty-five attendees included 13 teenage girls aged 14-18. Sarah Presler, CEO of AFW introduced the presentation. She was followed by Katie Resendiz, Program Director of TRUST. Katie's discussion included recognizing potential trafficking situations, needs of the victims and available resources, and presentation of the short documentary Chosen. Through this event TRUST established a stronger connection with Kim Hartman and established an introductory relationship with and better understanding of National Charity League, a mother-daughter philanthropy organization. Additionally, TRUST connected two young women interested in volunteering with organizations in the anti-trafficking community.

March 18-20, 2014

Amber Alert Training, Child Sex Trafficking: Law Enforcement Response

This training was designed to better equip law enforcement to provide the appropriate response to trafficked youth. The training spent a significant amount of time working to change the mindset that these youth are not juvenile delinquents, rather they are traumatized victims in need of services. Additional topics covered include Interrogation of Trafficking Suspect, Interviewing the Child Sex Trafficking Victim and relying on social service allies, Legal Issues, and Tactical Implementation. Presenters included Sergeant Chris Bray, Phoenix PD Vice Unit; Antonia Childs, survivor and founder of Neet’s Sweets; Sergeant Byron Fassett, Dallas PD; Cathy De La Paz, Dallas PD; Tracee Plowell, U.S. Department of Justice; and Sergeant Holly Joshi, Oakland PD. This training provided TRUST the opportunity to connect with officers from several law enforcement units around Arizona, as well as DES and CPS personnel. TRUST provided posters and additional literature to all 80+ attendees and offered further support services to aid in their efforts to train their colleagues. Many of the attendees expressed interest in utilizing the resources TRUST can offer. As a result, TRUST has initiated contact to coordinate support for future trainings.

March 21, 2014

The Hyper-sexualization of Children in the Media: Why it Matters 

and What We Can Do About It

Cordelia Anderson serves many roles in advocating for children and speaking out against child abuse. She discussed the harms caused to society and individuals as advertising, television, clothing, movies, music, and other forms of media become more sexually exploitive. Savannah Sanders, a local advocate and survivor, provided insight into how children become victimized, raised awareness of indicators to discovering abuse, and delivered an empowered, inspirational message of hope for victims and survivors. Approximately 150 community stakeholders attended the luncheon.

March 31, 2014

Attorney General's Office Public Screening of Tricked 

In collaboration with the AG’s office, TRUST hosted two showings of the film Tricked. This is a documentary film about Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) in the United States. The feature-length film was produced and directed by Jane Wells and sponsored by 3 Generations, a 501(c)3 organization. Both viewings included a presentation by the film’s producer, Jane Wells, and was followed by a Q&A. The films were well-received.

April 9, 2014 Phoenix Zoo

Sex Trafficking Summit: A Focus on Prevention 

TRUST, in collaboration with Valley Leadership and ASU STIR, sponsored a sex trafficking summit focused on prevention. Bert Castro, CEO Phoenix Zoo, opened the meeting. Other community leaders who made opening remarks include Dean Jonathan Koppell, ASU College of Public Programs; Jon Eliason, Division Chief at Maricopa County Attorney’s Office; and Linda Smith, Founder and President of Shared Hope International. The full-day program was presented to about 300 attendees. The feature speakers- Anthony Gay, Bryan Hall, and Stefania Agliano- presented their unique approach to sex trafficking prevention and intervention for young males. The “I Am: The Empowerment Project” they developed has been successful in Connecticut, where they live. ASU STIR Directors Commander Gallagher, Dr. Roe-Sepowitz, and Kristine Hinkle presented “Sex Trafficking 101”. Sergeant Clay Sutherlin and Detective Jay Gilbreth of the Phoenix Police Department Vice Enforcement Unit presented case studies, as did Shadi Boudreau, M.A. from StreetlighUSA. Prevention for girls was addressed by Barb Strachan, M.S., Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. Taryn Offenbacher and Linda Smith from Shared Hope International showed the short film Chosen and discussed the training tools they have available for youth prevention. Positive outcomes of this event include stronger collaborative relationships, increased community education, and access to summit information. TRUST has stronger connections with Gila River Tribal Gaming, Valley Leadership and the students, and Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. This was the first introduction to DMST for an estimated 250. Additionally, the registration list and evaluations from the summit will be made available to TRUST. The feature speakers presented to about 20 community members the following evening.

... and April is only half over!

So, let's review the mission TRUST strives to fulfill;

"The mission of the TRUST project is to coordinate anti-trafficking efforts in Arizona and ultimately increase public awareness about the crisis as it relates to Arizona’s children."

As you can see, most of these events are training or public awareness events of some type. Again, this is not a complete list of the work TRUST has done since January 6. However, this list alone indicates TRUST strength in raising awareness in the community.

This is TRUST's vision:

Arizona will create a best-practices model featuring a coordinated approach to domestic minor sex trafficking with specific emphasis on increasing public awareness, reducing demand, prosecuting traffickers and buyers, and improving victim services.

TRUST has sponsored law enforcement from all over the state to attend training about DMST directed specifically to law enforcement response, investigation techniques to aid prosecutions of traffickers and buyers, and actions to increase the risks of buying sex in order to drive down demand.

Additionally, TRUST is active in educating about and promoting legislation that will provide actionable laws for officers to use in fighting trafficking. TRUST, in collaboration with Polaris Project, is involved in research and coordination of victim services across Arizona.

The TRUST team was brought together to be the central point of communication for anti-trafficking efforts and services in Arizona. TRUST collaborates resources and efforts among community activists, funders, and service providers; it is as an information hub for all sectors including media, community outreach, law enforcement, legislation, legal services, medical services, transitional housing, survivor services men’s awareness and outreach, research, and best practices.

TRUST has a strong guiding mission and vision and follows it. Energy and resources are used efficiently and effectively to accomplish these goals. The Program Director does an excellent job of keeping the focus and progressing the movement while helping others bring their talents to bear in the effort.

Pioneer Living History Village

Sophia and her friend at Pioneer Living History Village north of Phoenix, AZ

There is something fabulous about being able to "step into the past".  I love to see, touch, use, and learn about items that are no longer used but were so integral to lives in another era. The structures, furniture, clothing, daily "routine"- it is like a time travel. I love living history "museums".

My girls and I have traveled to several historic sites around the nation, some of them have been the type where docents dress in period clothing and do the daily activities that would have been done as if they are living life in that time period. We have been to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Bakersfield, Or.

Kirtland Saw Mill

We spent a a couple of days at the Kirtland OH Historic Sites- including the Kirtland Ashery (this is fascinating- an ashery is part of a whole industry relegated to the history books!), Kirtland Sawmill, Newel K. Whitney General Store, Isaac Morley Farm House, the John Johnson Home (we decided the recreated painted floor was fabulous), the Kirtland Temple (This is not a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is not used in the same way as it was when it was first built nor how LDS Temples are used today. It is historically significant for many reasons and is open for tours. More about temples here), the school house, and all the other sites that have been rebuilt there.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Home in Mansfield, MO

We have visited the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum. There are two homes on the property that the author of the "Little House on the Prairie" books lived in. It is also the home she lived in when she wrote the books.

Heber C. Kimball Home in Nauvoo, IL

One of the best living history towns ever is Nauvoo, IL. If you go to this website, you will find links to the many historic homes and shops you can tour there. We spent a week and could have stayed longer. There are also many activities there every day throughout the summer. Each day there are free "mini-plays" in various historic buildings around the town. There is a live, outdoor, theatrical performance ("pageant") every night for a week (it is free) that tells the story of the town of Nauvoo. Prior to the pageant there is a country fair every night. The town has a blacksmith, wainwright, boot shop, bakery, school house, post office, several beautiful period homes (one of our favorites- they are all wonderful, so it is hard to say "favorite!), Stoddard home and tin shop, printing office, and the home and gun shop of Jonathan Browning, of Browning Guns fame. And, the reconstructed temple overlooks the town. We also went about half an hour away to Carthage Jail, where Joseph Smith, Jr. was martyred.

Mormon Trail Center in Omaha, NE

We have been to the Mormon Trail Center in Winter Quarters, NE (Omaha, NE) and Winter Quarters, IA- the town has a river that divides it between the two states!

Another super fantastic living history village is in Indiana, where I grew up. It is called Conner Prairie, and it is comprehensive!

Overview map of Conner Prairie. It depicts an 1863 Prairie Town, a Lenape Indian (Native American) Camp, an 1863 Civil War Journey, and the Conner Homestead. 

The docents were "living" life in 1863; men were building a cabin-  sawing with the two-man saw that would have been used at the time, a woman was sitting in "her home" hand sewing a new dress because "her daughter" (a fellow docent) needed some help making a "school dress" (her clothes to wear when she is a docent). The man in the general store told us all about the new items, dry goods, and new fashions that were coming in from London. It was pretty stellar. 

I could say lots more, but I intended to write about the Phoenix Pioneer Living History Village; and so I shall. After I tell you that Sophia have also been to the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, AZ. I have to be honest- I was not expecting much. It was much bigger and more comprehensive than I had expected by a long shot. Look at this list of historic buildings! The first Governor's Mansion is there; it's quite neat. 

Governor's Mansion, view 1

Governor's Mansion, view 2

Alright. I get it. You have been waiting to find out about Pioneer Village in Phoenix. But, remember- all of these places are really fabulous. I could even tell you about more. But- I won't.

Isabel in front of the Dress Shop in the Pioneer Living History Village north of Phoenix, AZ

The Pioneer Village has so much potential. There are several really fabulous buildings that have been relocated to the site. There are four different cabins or homes; all originals relocated to the site. They are all different representations of early Arizona life. Most needed some maintenance and repair. I think it needs more support- volunteer docents and (of course) funding. 

Map of Pioneer Living History Village. There are really quite a few things to see there. The catch is if there are enough docents working that you can get inside the structures....

It's worth a visit. We went on a saturday, and several of the structures were not open for viewing because there wasn't enough staff there to man them. We were told that during the week is the best time to visit because they have more docents to facilitate school groups, which means you can see more of the structures and learn about them from the docents.

We were still able to go into most of the buildings- or at least look in the open door. And, there was a goat- which sophia and her friend loved. Sophia is already planning goat pens in "her backyard" that she will have when she "grows up."

They loved the goat.

 The yellow house was really pretty fabulous. But, it needs considerable restoration work. Some of the wallpaper is just falling off the walls... They need volunteers and money; that's what Pioneer Village needs!

The "big" house. It was very lovely, although in need of repairs.

A frontier cabin

The church house. I think you can have your wedding here. That'd be quaint.

Inside the school house. Cute.

Scary criminal Isabel!

Yikes. I really don't want to mess with Sophia.

Aw. She's just too sweet to be scary!

It was fun, nonetheless. Especially since everyone got their photo taken as a "wanted criminal"!

Equal Pay Day

Did you know on average a woman makes 77¢ for every $1 a man makes? This is for doing the exact same job. Ask Lilly Ledbetter. 

Tuesday, April 8 was Equal Pay Day. Equal Pay Day marks
the symbolic point in the year when women’s earnings catch up with their male
peers’. That is to say, a woman would have to work from January 1, 2013 until
April 8, 2014 to make what a man made in 2013 alone.

Watch and Listen to Lilly Ledbetter and President Obama speak about pay equity here.

Contact your senators and tell them to support the Pay Check Fairness Act. Don't know how to contact them? Go here.


Well? GO!

I Hate This Thing!

I have two daughters. I think they take great delight in harassing me. 

I know- I can't believe it, either. Me! 

Their Mother! 

How dare they... I mean, 

... I have never...  In all my life...

I am aghast!

Well, their favorite trick is to put this despicable, nasty, awful fake- completely fake- cockroach near me when I least expect it and watch me startle and let out a mild "shriek" every time I see it. I mean, it looks fake when you look straight on. But, when you just catch it out of the corner of your eye- which is what apparently always happens to me- it can be convincing. I jump and "eek" every time they do it.

Every.

Single.

Time.

It never fails. It is completely ridiculous! It is especially effective when I am preoccupied with something; be it homework, or making dinner, or reading, or paying bills, or any number of things. One of my little punk daughters will just casually set it near me and when I catch sight of it from the corner of my eye- it is an autonomic reflex. I have no control over it. I do that little "jump-startle" thing with my body, I let out a shriek- not really a shriek, because it isn't loud and shrill. But, a "startled noise"- you know what I'm talking about. 

And, I think now that they have done it so many times and I still have the very same response, it is just that much more amusing to them. 

Children. Li'l cockroaches!

Completely fake cockroach, but the blasted thing gets me every time!