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.
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.
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.
