WHAT IS IT?

The Freedom Connection Conference is an anti-human trafficking conference for students and community stakeholders to discuss issues relating to human trafficking in the DMV and collaborate on actionable human trafficking prevention strategies.

The conference aims to gather students (3rd/4th/graduates) and Rotarians to learn and critically think about issues around human trafficking and survivorship, develop their professional skills, and grow their professional networks. 

Participants will learn and practice in-demand skills, critically engage with different perspectives on human trafficking and anti-human trafficking work, and participate in meaningful conversations that will help support their academic and professional career.

• Define human trafficking and its various forms, how it happens, and who it affects. 

• Highlight necessary skills to excel in the anti-human trafficking field including policy analysis, OSINT, trauma-informed practices, and more.

• Investigate challenges to survivors’ ability to heal, seek justice, and thrive (ex: social and legal barriers to housing and employment).

• Understand how organizations and agencies work together for victims and survivors.

• Educate participants how communities can respond to and prevent human trafficking. 

• Discuss the nuances of trafficking and survivorship dynamics faced by international communities and other marginalized groups.

Sessions will be led by survivor-leaders and specialists, and will focus on the DMV area. Our wide range of sessions also reflect the holistic approach required to tackle human trafficking and support survivors.  

Student Audience: All students may benefit from this conference; in particular, sessions may be most relevant to students interested in legal studies, social work, policy, global affairs, intelligence, law enforcement, psychology, community health and organizing, social justice, and international development.

Volunteer Audience: Volunteers who support the anti-trafficking movement and survivor-leaders also play an important role in spreading awareness and making change that protect the community. Sessions will provide education and guidance for established professionals who are passionate about anti-trafficking and seek to support the cause on a volunteer basis; within the volunteer community, our primary audience includes members of Rotary Clubs in the area. 

Who is hosting this event?

Freedom Connection Rotaract (FCR) is a student-led organization at George Mason University that is dedicated to human trafficking education, research, and ethical consumerism. Established in 2014, we have been involved with public awareness campaigns, information sessions, simulations, youth engagement, and research. This Conference is hosted by Freedom Connection Rotaract at GMU, in partnership with students at the University of Virginia Rotaract, and the Vienna Community Rotaract Club.