California Against Slavery: Development / Capital Campaign Manager

From Idealist

California Against Slavery (CAS) has an immediate opening for a Development/Capital Campaign Manager with proven record of successful large scale fundraising. The Manager plays a crucial role in raising $1M by November 2011 to fund the CAS ballot initiative.

ABOUT: California Against Slavery (CAS) is a 501(c)4 non-profit, non-partisan human rights organization. Founded in 2009, our goal is to put an initiative on the 2012 California ballot to strengthen current human trafficking laws and increase victims’ rights. CAS needs $1M by November 2011 to hire professional signature gatherers and management volunteers during our signature campaign in the Fall of 2011. For more information, please visit californiaagainstslavery.org

Working closely with the Executive Director, Volunteer Coordinator, and members of the team, the Campaign Manager will be responsible for all aspect of fundraising including new donor acquisition, major gifts, partnerships with corporations and other non-profits, online fundraising campaigns and special events like walkathons. The ideal candidate has a strong record of success in large fundraising efforts, works well with volunteers, feels a personal calling to abolish human trafficking, and loves a good challenge. This position is part-time, unbenefited position ending December 2011.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
▪ Working with Leaders and a topnotch fundraising consultant, develop a $1 million campaign strategy
▪ Implement and manage the $1 million campaign strategy
▪ Identify and contact philanthropists in California and the nation who may be interested in funding the initiative
▪ Establish solicitation priorities, manage prospect lists and research, develop and execute targeted cultivation plans and solicitation strategies for a range of prospects
▪ Manage the writing and development of capital campaign print and electronic collateral materials and coordinate their design and production;
▪ Design and develop campaign communications, creating content for the e-newsletter and talking points for the media; integrate campaign milestones into ongoing public relations outreach; ▪ Organize and manage cultivation and recognition events;
▪ Recruit and manage campaign volunteers; schedule and support campaign leadership meetings; ▪ Ensure that data related to prospects and donors is recorded and tracked in electronic and hard copy files; manage campaign record keeping, evaluate progress towards goals, prepare periodic reports on fundraising and present to the Board and senior staff; recommend revisions to the fundraising plan, as needed, to meet goals;
▪ Ensure donor acknowledgement, stewardship and public recognition, as appropriate; ▪ Participate in solicitations;
▪ Other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
▪ 7 10 years of professional experience in fundraising with a track record of success, with specific experience in capital campaigns, individual giving and/or major gifts; Proven success at securing major gift support;
▪ Knowledge of California and national philanthropic communities that support human rights, children’s and women’s issues, and victims rights;
▪ Experience in scheduling and staffing solicitation calls and conducting follow up and stewardship;
▪ Strong ethics, laser sharp focus, independent, committed;
▪ Demonstrated experience in producing campaign materials;
▪ Excellent interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills, capable of working effectively with board members, staff members, volunteers, and donors/prospects;
▪ Energetic, self-motivated, flexible and adaptable with a sense of humor, able to multi-task and work independently;
▪ Computer fluency in MS Office, Powerpoint, web applications, and knowledgeable about the role of technology and electronic communication in fundraising

TO APPLY: Send resume and list of some of the fundraising campaign you were involved in (include size of the campaign and your role) to jobs@CaliforniaAgainstSlavery.org. Your prompt response is appreciated.

Forced Labor News from December

Throughout the month, there are many cases or stories that break regarding forced labor. They are usually not on the front pages of our newspapers, rather they are buried deep and sometimes are only accessible through the internet. These are some of the stories, both headline articles and those that are not, from December.

A couple in South Florida was sentenced for forcing almost 40 Filipinos to work in country clubs and hotels. The couple pleaded guilty to crimes such as visa fraud. The workers had their passports confiscated and were not allowed to leave their living quarters without an escort. The victims were also deprived of their wages and proper medical care.

A woman from Russia is suing a man she married in California for forcing her and her daughter into slave labor. She met the man through an online dating service. Within weeks of moving to the US, the man and his son began beating the women and forcing them to work seven days a week performing tasks such as moving large rocks on the father's rural property.

Carmakers have until January 31st to make comments on proposed regulations to prevent the use of conflict minerals in the production of vehicles. Some of the mines where minerals such as tin and tungsten are extracted employ slave and child labor.

A journalist from Hong Kong claims that Local Communist Party officials in the Sichuan Province of China are behind an organization that kidnapped people who were homeless or mentally disabled and forced them into slave labor. The investigation suggests that some of the victims were shocked, beaten and forced to live in very poor conditions.

During an INTERPOL operation, 140 victims of child labor were discovered in Gabon. The operation focused on victims exploited in the local markets, but the children were from a total of 10 different countries. More then 44 suspected traffickers were arrested. The children were forced to do various tasks including carrying heavy items and selling goods.

A jury in Brooklyn awarded a Hindu priest $2 million after finding he had been forced to work in a temple in Corona, NY for 7 years. He worked up to 18 hours a day doing everything from ministering to construction work and was only paid $50 a week amounting to merely $21,000 over seven years. His passport was confiscated and was told he would be arrested if he left.

Police in Florida raided two houses and found 27 potential victims of human trafficking. Police believe the victims were forced to work at a buffet restaurant. Though there are not many details at this time, neighbors noticed that there were many people living at the two houses and that white vans would pick up people early in the morning and would not return until very late at night.

The United States Department of Labor added a dozen countries to its list of countries that use forced or child labor. On a positive note, the department suggest that the number of child laborers is decreasing. Some of the more common products on the list include cotton, sugar, diamonds and gold. You can see the full report here.

Two British firms, Cargill Cotton and ICT Cotton, are facing charges of breaking international rules on child labor by sourcing cotton from Uzbekistan, which is well known for its use of child labor during the cotton harvest. The complaint, filed by the European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights, claims the organizations are linked to Uzbekistan through branches in the country's capital and partnerships with state-owned merchants.

More details emerged about the the first case of human trafficking to come to trial in Canada. This article provides more details about the conditions workers endured, who is being charged and the types of evidence the government has against the families involved.

Photo by Kay Chernush for the U.S. State Department.

California Supply Chain Bill Signed into Law

Governor Schwarzenegger signs SB 657,which aims to help eliminate slavery and human trafficking from product supply chains, into law.

Part I



Part II

Job Opportunity: California Against Slavery Volunteer and Communications Coordinator

From Idealist
Volunteer and Communications Coordinator

California Against Slavery (CAS) is a 501(c)4 non-profit, non-partisan human rights organization. Founded in 2009, our mission is to strengthen California state laws to better reflect the personal and societal impact of human trafficking. Our goal is to put an initiative on the 2012 California ballot to strengthen current human trafficking laws and increase victims’ rights. We will start the signature gathering campaign in the Fall of 2011. In preparation, CAS has one year to enlist 100,000 members and raise $1 million. For more information, please visit www.californiaagainstslavery.org.

CAS has an immediate need for a motivated, dependable, organized and articulate individual for a part-time, contract position. Reporting to Executive Director, the Volunteer and Communications Coordinator is responsible for the volunteer recruitment program. S/he will also work on various aspects of communications and help with fundraising efforts. S/he will gain expertise on the issue of human trafficking in our state and nation, the initiative process and the CAS proposed initiative.

CAS is a volunteer-based organization. This is CAS's first compensated position. The ideal candidate is someone feels a personal calling to end modern day slavery and a commitment to CAS's mission for justice.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•Recruit, mobilize, motivate and train volunteers to form County Committees across the state and to fill specific central roles
•Provide guidance and leadership to County Committees on fundraising, volunteer recruitment, messages to educate about CAS, and strategies to enlist county resources and organizations to support and fund CAS’s mission
•Work with Core Team to create & execute plans to achieve monthly membership and fundraising targets
•Supervise volunteers and possibly interns/fellows
•Assist with planning weekly leadership meetings and special events
•Be involved in all aspects of communications:
- Maintain and update website, newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter content
- Respond to e-mail and voicemail
- Draft and edit correspondences with volunteers, members, endorsers, and others as needed
- Represent CAS at events, forums and collaborative, including being a guest speaker
- Be well informed of the latest news in human trafficking in California
- Assist the Communications Director with press releases
•Work collaboratively with law enforcement associations, attorney groups, elected officials from all political parties and other community organizations
•Keep abreast of latest thinking around volunteerism and volunteer issues
•Other duties as assigned

JOB INFORMATION
This is a contract, part-time position for 3 months. Position and hours may be extended after 3 months based on organizational needs.

Hours: 20 hours a week
Compensation: $15/hour
Location: Fremont, CA or San Diego, CA
Additional Qualifications:
•Motivated, dependable, articulate, positive, energetic self-starter who takes initiative to help create and execute the organization’s activities
•3-5 years of work experience, with 2 years coordinating community volunteers and writing/editing preferred, experience in fundraising a plus.
•Excellent writing skill, including ability to write a variety of communications ? from motivational letters to news articles, to op-eds and opinion pieces, to press releases and brochures.
•Confident public speaker
•High sense of integrity. Has good judgment, conflict resolution, and organizational skills
•Able to work in a startup environment and accept and manage rapid changes
•Ability to both take direction and to work autonomously
•Has a "COUNT ME IN" attitude regardless if the task is clerical or administrative
•Available to work half day on Saturdays and Sunday evenings for our weekly leadership meeting
•Has a reliable transportation to travel to events or meetings locally
•May require some travel to other parts of California
•Working knowledge of MS Office and comfort with navigating the internet
•Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

How to Apply:
Send resume and writing sample to jobs@CaliforniaAgainstSlavery.org. CAS's effort is mission critical and will make a real and substantial impact against the heinous crime of human trafficking in our backyard. We need an individual who has a strong record of following through on assignments, commitments and deadlines. So please…absolutely no flakes.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced [on 9/30/2010 that] he has signed SB 657 by Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) to help eliminate slavery and human trafficking from product supply chains.

“Human trafficking is a terrible crime that goes against basic human rights and everything our country stands for,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “I am proud that in California, we have enacted some of the toughest laws to punish human traffickers and protect their victims. This legislation will increase transparency, allow consumers to make better, more informed choices and motivate businesses to ensure humane practices throughout the supply chain.”

SB 657 requires major retail sellers and manufacturers doing business in California to disclose their voluntary efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from its direct supply chain for tangible goods offered for sale.

Read the Full Press Release Here.

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With this bill, California has taken an important step forward in addressing human trafficking and the use of slave labor in the products that we buy. In addition to simply acknowledging the fact that slave labor exists in the supply chain for many of the goods that we consume, this bill encourages producers, retailers, and consumers to eliminate the use of slavery. By enacting this legislation, which is the first of its kind in the United States, California takes a leading role that hopefully other states will emulate.

Local Anti-Trafficking NGOs

Around the world and throughout the United States, many organizations are combating trafficking in their own communities, providing services for victims and services, and raising awareness. This month, we profile some of those local initiatives in our own towns.

Elise: Although I recently moved to Medford, Massachusetts, I had been living in my hometown of Buffalo, New York for the last year while I worked at the International Institute of Buffalo (IIB) for the Trafficking Victim Services Program. The organization itself has been serving immigrants and refugees in Western New York since 1918, and the TVSP has been a part of the Institute since 2006. In these four years, TVSP has served as the Lead Service Provider on the Western District of New York Anti-Trafficking Task Force and assisted over 100 individuals and trained thousands of local professionals, law enforcement agents, and community members in over eight counties. The challenges for serving such a large area of New York state are imposing: the area has large urban, suburban and rural communities, there has been little pattern as to the country of origin, native language, age or background of the survivors and the majority of local residents are still unaware as to the magnitude of the problem in their own neighborhoods. If you are interested in volunteering, donating or would like to find a way to help raise awareness in Western New York, please contact the Trafficking Victim Services Program at the International Institute of Buffalo.

Lauren: This past summer I have been living in my hometown, Orange County, California. Despite its picturesque appearance, reality television shows, and ideal weather, even Orange County has a human trafficking history. The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF), which consists of over 40 different organizations, was founded in 2004 “to work together to protect victims, prosecute offenders, and prevent further perpetration of this crime in Orange County, CA.” The purpose of the task force’s collaborative communal work, which includes local law enforcement agencies, is to aggrandize the rate at which the community can identify and arraign human rights violators. Between the years of 2006 and 2009 the foundation assisted over 60 victims of human trafficking, most conspicuously a story of a young girl, Shyima. The task force’s exponential resources also help educate a community, while involving it in efforts to combat the continuation of this crime. If you are looking for ways to get involved in the Orange County region The OCHTTF is a collective force that incorporates volunteers, clubs, organizations, churches and communities. The OCHTTF also hosts public meetings and events to continue local involvement, for more information about the organization or general information about human trafficking visit their website.

Amanda: Prax(us) is an organization based out of Denver, CO which focusing on assisting homeless youth in trafficking situations. They use community engagement to “empower participants, advocate for equal rights, and address the root causes of human trafficking.” The organization does street outreach to find people who are vulnerable to or are already in situations of trafficking, helps people leave exploitative situations, informs the community about human trafficking, engages the community including law enforcement in their work and advocates for policies that end exploitation and human trafficking. Their work is motivated by the liberation model which suggests that hope is essential to their work, efforts to address the issue should be lead by those affected by it, action and reflection are required for freedom, political movements should be motivated by experience, oppression must be fought at every level and that the stories and histories of those affected help to build a successful movement.

California Supply Chain Act, Unfair?

Firms oppose California bill to disclose policing of labor practices
Bill would require large firms to post online what they're doing to ensure that no one in their supply chain violates human rights. Business groups fear it could make them the target of enforcement actions and bad press.

August 13, 2010|By Marc Lifsher, Los Angeles Times

Reporting from Sacramento —

California companies say they won't deal with suppliers who use forced labor to dig out gems for jewelry or sew buttons on clothes. But they won't support legislation that would force them to divulge what they're doing to monitor their suppliers' workforce practices.

A bill by Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) would require retailers and manufacturers with annual revenue of at least $100 million to post on the Internet what they're doing — or not doing — to ensure that no one in their supply chain violates human rights.

The idea is to give shoppers and investors who want to support companies taking anti-slavery stands an opportunity to spend their money in a socially conscious way, proponents such as British actress Julia Ormond have argued.

Many companies, such as Gap Inc. and Nike Inc., voluntarily police suppliers' labor practices such as mining rare metals in Africa or sewing dresses in East Los Angeles, they said.

But major statewide business groups oppose any state mandate that could make them the target of government enforcement actions and resulting bad press.

"These are the kinds of issues that create great consternation for my companies, which spend a lot of time worrying about their image," said Dorothy Rothrock, a vice president of the California Manufacturers and Technology Assn.

The bill would require companies to reveal publicly whether they hire outside experts to check suppliers' labor practices, whether they conduct independent and unannounced audits of suppliers and whether suppliers certify that raw materials are processed in accordance with local and international labor and safety laws.

There's nothing onerous about the bill, said Steinberg, noting that it would affect only about 3.2% of California businesses. "These requirements seem relatively simple and very doable," he said.

What's more, he said, "it's good business to ensure that workers who make your products are treated with respect and dignity."

The bill, SB 657, passed the state Assembly and is awaiting a final vote in the Senate this month.

"Business has a vital role to play in using their supply chains as the road map to tackling strategically and impactfully the worst forms of poverty on the planet," Ormond testified at a recent legislative hearing. "Consumers need to know their level of engagement so they can make informed choices."

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In case you are unaware, California is in process of considering The California Supply Chain Transparency Act of 2010 (SB 657) and The Slave and Sweat Free Code of Conduct for goods sold to the State of California (SB 1231). The former would require large companies to disclose all efforts to use 3rd parties to check and address the possibility of human trafficking and slavery in their supply chains, in part by independent random audits of the company’s suppliers. The latter bill would lead to prohibition on the Government of California from purchasing items from companies that are believed to used forced forms of labor.

While companies say they agree in principle to not using forced and exploitative forms of labor, they are not okay with the first bill which requires them to publicly state what they are doing to ensure their suppliers are not using such labor. Many companies are very worried about their public image and feel this bill could lead to bad press and increased enforcement on their companies as compared to small companies, which will not be required to report.

The goal is to give concerned consumers a mechanism to learn about what companies are doing and to enable them to make ethical decisions about their purchases.

Despite the companies' concerns, this is a very important step in the fight to get companies to take human rights violations in their supply chains seriously. If you live in California, please contact your Assembly Representative in support of SB657 and SB1231. You can find your representative at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html. If you do not, please sign this petition supported by the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking, which is targeted to Governor Schwarzenegger.

'Fabric' The Story of the El Monte, CA 72

From Blogging LA: Written by Los Angeles playwright, Henry Ong, “Fabric” is the only known dramatization of the 1995 Thai garment workers’ slavery case. Company of Angels, Los Angeles’ oldest professional non-profit theater company, in association with the Thai Community Development Center (CDC), opened “Fabric” to sold-out audiences and standing ovations this past weekend.

This was one of the defining moments in the modern anti-slavery movement in the United States. People who were completely unaware that slavery still existed in the United States were faced with a sobering reality; slavery not only existed in the US but it existed in the garment industry not just in agriculture.The scale of the operation was shocking; 72 people from Thailand were being held in an apartment complex surrounded by barbed wire. Some had been there 7 years.

This play depicts the first major discovery of slavery in the US since the abolition of slavery over a century before. The play will be held at Black Box at The Alexandria, 501 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles. It runs until August 8.



JULY 8 – AUGUST 8, 2010
Friday, Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 4:30pm
$20 General
$12 Students & Seniors
Box Office: (213) 489-3703 / info@companyofangels.org

Lighting Design: Christopher Singleton
Sound Designer: Dennis Yen
Stage Manager: Amelia Worfolk
Set Design: Luis Delgado

Location:
Company of Angels
inside The Black Box at The Alexandria
501 S. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Symposium on Human Trafficking in Los Angeles

From the UCLA Center for the Study of Women:

The University of California Institute for Research in the Arts and the UCLA Center for the Study of Women present

A Symposium on Human Trafficking in Los Angeles: Local Discussions and New Collaborative Directions in Anti-Trafficking Work and Research

UCLA Royce Hall, Room 314 – May 14, 2010 – 9am-4pm

Keynote Speaker Denise Brennan, Georgetown University

Confirmed Participants: Kathleen Kim (Loyola Law School) – Jennifer Musto (UCLA) – Lara Stemple (UCLA) – Elena Shih (UCLA) – Dennis Ballas (LAPD) – Maria Suarez (Human Trafficking Survivor and Advocate) – Imelda Buncab (Not For Sale) – Susie Baldwin (LA County Department of Public Health) – Vanessa Lanza (Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking) – Abbe Land (City of West Hollywood).

The Human Trafficking in Los Angeles Symposium brings together scholars, students, professional advocates, activists, and artists in Southern California to discuss regional trends, collaborative interventions, and artistic responses to human trafficking for the purposes of forced labor. Organized around structured conversations and panel discussions, this event provides a platform to reflect upon the multi-professional, cross-institutional relationships that have been forged to respond to human trafficking in Los Angeles and questions recent trends in identifying and protecting trafficked persons and researching the issue.

RSVP to Jennifer Musto at jmusto@ucla.edu by May 12th.

This event is being funded through support from University of California Institute for Research in the Arts and is cosponsored by the UCLA Center for the Study of Womenm the UCLA Department of Women's Studies, and the UCLA Anti-Trafficking and Human Rights Coalition Student Group, University of California Institute for Research in the Arts, the LA Metro Task Force on Human Trafficking, and the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking.

Staff Attorney Position Open at CAST

Staff Attorney Position Open at CAST LA.

Summary of Position

Under the supervision of the Policy and Legal Services Director, the Staff Attorney will be responsible for providing comprehensive legal services to survivors of human trafficking including assisting clients seek immigration, criminal and civil relief with an emphasis on immigration assistance. The Staff Attorney will also be responsible for coordinating the legal program’s emergency response to breaking cases and developing and providing training on the issue of human trafficking to partner organizations, law firms, and law enforcement. This is a full- time, exempt position.

Essential Duties

• Assume caseload of trafficked clients;
• Develop and implement creative, alternate legal strategies to assist trafficked persons;
• Work collaboratively with social services and shelter staff
• Support advocacy work for policy reform that emphasizes the human rights of trafficked persons, migrants and low wage workers;
• Provide outreach and training to legal aid organizations, law firms, and law enforcement to assist trafficked clients;
• Recruit, supervise and train pro bono attorneys to assist trafficked clients;
• Recruit and supervise legal fellows or interns;
• Participate in LAPD task force for human trafficking victims;
• Coordinate legal emergency response efforts.

Requirements

• Active membership in the California State Bar required
• Fluency in Spanish required
• Experience in the practice of law, including two years immigration experience and competence in federal and/or state criminal law and procedure
• Commitment to serving the needs of trafficked persons, migrants and low wage workers
• Ability to develop cooperative relationships with other legal service providers in areas relevant to trafficked persons (includes immigration law and labor law)
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with trafficked persons, legal organizations, community based organizations, volunteer lawyers, and government agencies
• Ability to develop and implement effective systems for managing own case load, as well as supervising and monitoring legal caseloads handled by volunteer attorneys or other legal organizations
• Experience developing and providing trainings to diverse groups

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of trafficking and the issues affecting trafficked persons
• Experience in working with trafficked persons, migrants and low wage workers in the areas of immigration, labor and civil litigation
• Experience with criminal issues and experience in a legal services program
• Familiarity with the rights of victims of crime and resources
• Experience advocating for trafficked persons human rights in governmental and non-governmental contexts, preferably in California or at the federal level.

Compensation:

Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes medical, life, sick/vacation leave, and a 403(b) plan.

To Apply:
Email cover letter, resume, writing sample, law school transcript and list of references to info@castla.org. Due to the high volume of resumes received only qualified candidates will be contacted.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. CAST is an equal opportunity employer.

To learn more about CAST, please click here.

Humanity United Seeks an Investment Analyst

ABOUT HUMANITY UNITED:
Humanity United is a philanthropic organization committed to building a world where mass atrocities and modern-day slavery are no longer possible. By helping to build permanent constituencies to end atrocities and slavery, supporting efforts that empower affected communities, and addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice, Humanity United seeks to help restore human dignity in places where it has been lost and to help create a lasting global peace. Humanity United was founded in the belief that defending basic human rights is essential not just to bringing about justice, but also to ensuring greater economic growth, enhanced environmental protection, improved public health, and a more secure and less violent world.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Investment Analyst is a member of the HU investment team primarily responsible for providing research and analysis to improve the effectiveness of HU grant-making. The Investment Analyst role will include performing desk research / due diligence on new opportunities and existing grants, producing market analysis to inform individual grants and strategic priorities, and representing the organization externally in a variety of settings. This position will work across both of organizational portfolios: prevention of conflict and mass atrocities; and prevention of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Strong candidates with have academic and/or professional experience related to one or both of these issues in one or more of the following areas: advocacy, policy, rule of law & governance, multilateral institutions (United Nations, African Union, International Criminal Court) human rights, or corporate social responsibility. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Represent HU in a manner that is consistent with its mission
• Advance internal thinking through targeted research and analysis of the field of mass atrocities and human trafficking
• Perform analysis of social sector and commercial sector organizations and investment proposals with a potential fit for HU’s strategy
• Stay up to date on relevant international policy developments and apply current strategic perspective to investment related activities
• Support deal execution through funding
• Work collaboratively with other HU program functions (Research, Communications, Policy)
• Support due diligence efforts for prospective investments and grants
• Provide occasional analytic support for projects with HU funded organizations
• Contribute to periodic investment area strategic reviews
• Lead and support other projects as required

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior demonstrated interest in creating positive social impact, with experience in human rights based efforts and organizations a plus
• BS/BA in political science, international development, public policy, or equivalent
• 1-3 years work experience in social sector and/or private sector
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, influences others, and offer strategic perspective
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong teamwork, with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to sift through large volumes of information quickly and to summarize effectively
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally
• Strong interest and background in social sector organizations

Send your letter of inquiry and resume to hujobs@humanityunited.org

California Ballot Initiative Strengthens Human Trafficking Laws

From PRLog:

California Against Slavery is now gathering signatures for a state ballot initiative to strengthen human trafficking laws. The initiative would deter traffickers with stiffer criminal penalties, aid district attorneys in prosecuting human trafficking offenses, increase protection for human trafficking victims, and mandate human trafficking training for law enforcement officers.

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery and its victims are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor. It happens in the United States and worldwide.

"We support and desperately need to see revision in our state law with regard to human trafficking," said Jenny Williamson, founder and president of Courage to Be You, a Sacramento-area organization that rescues and restores victims of child sex trafficking. "Severe fines and extended jail time for the perpetrators of this evil must be enacted if ever this crime is to be deterred. Our courageous law enforcement officers must be equipped and encouraged with mandatory, specific training so that rescuing these vulnerable victims and putting their perpetrators away becomes a priority within our state."

The California Against Slavery initiative is endorsed by many organizations combating human trafficking, including Breaking Chains, Captive Daughters, Courage to be You, International Justice Mission (IJM), Lotus Outreach, MISSSEY, Oasis USA, Polaris Project, Shared Hope, and Stop Child Trafficking Now.

"California is a major hub for human trafficking," said Linda Smith, founder and president of Shared Hope International. "We fully endorse the California Against Slavery initiative because we see the strategic importance of having stronger state laws in place in the fight against human trafficking."

Read the full article

Anne Templeton Zimmerman Fellowship 2010

From Idealist.org:

Anne Templeton Zimmerman Fellowship 2010

Free The Slaves

Education: No requirement
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Language(s): English
Area of Focus: Communications Access and Infrastructure, Human Rights and Civil Liberties, Media and Journalism, Network of Nonprofit Organizations
Type: Full time
Salary: $35,000
Last day to apply: March 12, 2010

Description:
One fellowship will be awarded to a young adult (21 – 30) who wants to use their talents in Web work, video production, stage production and design to help end slavery. He/she must have experience in social media, graphic design, e-campaigning, filmmaking, photography, journalism or other communications-related fields. A qualified candidate need not have experience in all facets described above, as the fellowship will be molded to fit the skills of the fellow and the needs of Free the Slaves.

The recipient will receive:
• A one-year fellowship to work full-time with Free the Slaves in the Los Angeles communications team office, with a salary of $35,000 plus benefits.
• The opportunity to help create world-class documentaries, compelling Web articles and print materials, and a live awards ceremony seen by millions around the world.
• The fellowship begins in July 2010.

The fellowship honors the legacy of Anne Templeton Zimmerman, who worked tirelessly against slavery and other abuses.

Award Criteria:
The fellowship will be awarded to an individual who most effectively demonstrates:
• An academic, internship or work background in media or marketing -- with verifiable print, broadcast, or online experience at the university or post-university level.
• Experience/talent in Web design.
• Interest in pursuing non-profit public communications as a career.
• A record of involvement in non-profit groups or causes; experience in human rights or anti-trafficking fields is strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, multiple goals, and prioritize assignments.
• Ability to work as part of a team and take initiative in project management.
• Well-organized with attention to detail and a resourceful problem solver.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure without close supervision; self motivated and goal/deadline oriented.
• Preferred candidates will have a portfolio of articles/stories/photos/films/designs, either online or on DVD or hard-copy format.
• Video production experience and strong writing skills in English are a plus.

Duties of Fellow Include:
• Serve as associate producer in the production of video documentaries on anti-slavery activities around the world, including an overseas filming trip.
• Conduct research and help write online news articles for the Free the Slaves Web site, periodic e-update newsletters and e-blasts to supporters.
• Assist with a major stage production, the 2010 Freedom Awards, including event logistics planning/execution, media relations, VIP guest recruitment and relations.
• Opportunity to craft materials to inspire donations and greater public participation in Free the Slaves activities, such as flyers, online blogs, social media posts, etc.
• Work on updating and organizing the Free the Slaves video library.
• Runner for the Los Angeles office.

Additional Qualifications

Eligibility Requirements:
• Eligible to work in the USA (citizenship or green card).
• Between the ages of 21 and 30 at the time of application.
• Fluent fluid in written and spoken English.
• Involved in anti-slavery work in some way for at least two years.
• Committed to building their career in support of ending slavery.
• Eager to take advantage of a variety of learning experiences, including on-the-job training in the U.S., meeting with experts in the field and traveling overseas to visit successful anti-slavery programs.
• Enthusiastic about and willing to commit to spending 12 months as a Free the Slaves fellow, working in the Los Angeles area.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing.
• Willing to adhere to the Free the Slaves client and child protection policies.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, international environment.
• Willing to be filmed in preparation for and at the Freedom Awards ceremony (Free the Slaves will cover agreed travel costs), and willing to speak about past work and the fellowship experience to the media and others.

Individuals Are Not Eligible if:
• They are a current or former paid staff member of Free the Slaves (unpaid interns or volunteers are eligible).
• They have a family member who is currently on the Free the Slaves board or paid staff.

How to Apply

Application Process:
• Provide a completed application form (see below for where to get application forms). Send completed application to Zimmerman@freetheslaves.net.
• Provide a complete resume of academic and work experience.
• Provide writing samples, and copies or links to samples of your previous communications work.
• Provide two references.
• A selection panel will contact shortlisted candidates for telephone or video-conference interviews.
• Completed applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on March 12, 2010.
• You can see stories and videos online featuring the 2008 Zimmerman Fellows and the 2009 Zimmerman Fellows here.

Applications can be found here.

California State Senate Approves Supply Chain Bill

The California State Senate recently approved a progressive new human trafficking bill, SB 657, that would require manufacturers and retailers to develop, implement, and maintain policies to help eliminate human trafficking in their supply chains. One of the bill's more interesting points is the requirement that companies take good faith measures to eradicate human trafficking in their existing supply chains, rather than merely stopping business in areas found to be tainted by slavery. The bill as written would not apply to companies with less than $2 million in annual sales.

The bill was passed to the California State Assembly for consideration on January 28.

The executive director of the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, a Los Angeles-area organization that works on behalf of human trafficking victims, has issued the following statement:

“We commend the California State Senate for its passage of SB 657, which will require the California business community to pro-actively prevent forced labor by ensuring that all of the suppliers in its supply chain will comply with the laws regarding slavery and human trafficking in the countries in which they do business, and that where slavery and human trafficking is found in its supply chain, it will seek eradication.

The advancement of this legislation comes at an opportune time, as we are in the midst of commemorating National Human Trafficking and Slavery Prevention month to raise awareness for the at least 17,000 people trafficked into the United States every year, and California as one of the top four points of entry into the U.S.

SB 657 represents a significant step towards the elimination of modern-day trafficking and slavery and, with the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation soon approaching, we are reminded of the need to eliminate human trafficking and slavery once and for all.”

Photo credit: Bill Ferris

Event: L.A. Marathon with Survivors and CAST

The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) is participating in the L.A. Marathon on March 21 along with survivors of human trafficking. CAST would like to more participants to become involved. They are looking for runners, race-day volunteers, and sponsors. For more details, visit http://www.castla.org/la-marathon.

California - Human Trafficking Prevention Month Events

If you live in California, it's not too late to get involved in Human Trafficking Prevention Month, thanks to the San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking, and the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking:

San Francisco:

February 6, 2010 - "Building the Wings of Freedom" benefit dinner for Freedom House, a nonprofit that is opening a shelter for victims of human trafficking. 6:00 pm at Dolores Park Church. www.freedom-house.us.com.

February 9, 2010 - Panel discussion: "In Our Backyard: Recognizing and Combating Human Trafficking in San Francisco." The focus will be on providing ways for members of the public to identify and assist trafficking victims. 5:30 pm at the Koret Auditorium at the San Francisco Public Library main branch. http://www.sf-hrc.org/index.aspx?page=58

Los Angeles:

January 20, 2010 - UCLA Trafficking Awareness Panel Discussion Speaker Event, featuring speakers Dr. Susie Baldwin, Stephanie Richard of CAST, and a CAST survivor advisory caucus member. 6:00-7:30 pm at UCLA campus. http://www.castla.org/ucla-panel-on-public-health.

January 21, 2010 - Certain Jamba Juice locations will donate 20% of sales to CAST for those who bring in the flier. http://www.castla.org/jamba-juice-to-donate-20percent-to-cast.

January 23, 2010 - CAST community clothing and basic necessities drive for trafficking survivors. Needed items include bus passes, gift cards, toiletries, laundry detergent, diapers, and children's clothing. Volunteers are also needed. http://www.castla.org/community-clothing-and-basic-necessities-drive--el-segundo.

East West Players Perform Reading on Modern-Day Slavery and Trafficking in the U.S.

On Thursday, January 22nd, the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) will host a reading of "The Girls from Afar" by East West Players to help bring awareness to slavery and trafficking in Los Angeles and the US.

According to their press release, CAST is a leader in the fight against human trafficking, and East West Players is one of the nation's premier Asian American theatre organizations. They have joined with a dozen other organizations in Southern California to bring awareness to the fact that 17,000 people are trafficked into the US every year.

The reading is part of the "From Slavery to Freedom" month-long campaign led by CAST "to encourage victims to seek help and let them know they will not be treated as criminals, inform the general public about the existence of modern-day slavery, and to inspire a national movement to eradicate slavery and human trafficking once and for all."

According to the news release, "The Girls from Afar" tells the story of two worlds colliding when a young girl comes face-to-face with two women her parents have kept hidden for many years and have used as modern-day slaves in their home. The reading will be followed by a panel discussion to explore in more depth the issue of slavery and trafficking in the US, specifically Los Angeles, and the steps that are being taken to eliminate it.

The event will take place on Thursday, January 21st 2010 at 7:30pm at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy in the Tateuchi Democracy Forum 111 N. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012, 213-830-1880

California Increases Penalty for Sex Traffickers

On October 11, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law AB17, a bill which increases the penalty for human traffickers. According to the Legislative Counsel's Digest, the new changes include:

1) Adding "abduction or procurement by fraudulent inducement for prostitution," i.e. sex trafficking, to the definition of "criminal profiteering activity." Existing California law provides for the forfeiture of property and proceeds acquired through a pattern of criminal profiteering activity, so the new law will also now provide for the possibility of forfeiture of property and proceeds acquired through sex trafficking.

2) In cases involving "human trafficking of minors for purposes of prostitution or lewd conduct," or "abduction or procurement by fraudulent inducement for prostitution," money and proceeds from property forfeited will be placed in a fund to be available for appropriation to fund child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse victim counseling centers and prevention programs; 50% of such funds are to be granted to "community-based organizations that serve minor victims of human trafficking."

3) An increase in the maximum amount of additional authorized fine from $5000 to $20,000 for any person convicted of procurement of a child under 16, or abduction for the purpose of prostitution of a person under 18. 50% of such fines collected will also go to community-based organizations that serve minor victims of human trafficking.

Freeze!

From our friends over at the Freeze Project, in their words:

Use creative action and come together to raise awareness about human trafficking and modern day slavery.

Learn more

Position open in San Francisco

Posted on Idealist.org:

Trafficking Program Coordinator, Case Manager

Education: No requirement

Location: San Francisco, California, 94103, United States

Posted by: SAGE Project Inc.
Job Category: Counseling, Grants administration

Salary: DOE

Last day to apply: February 23, 2009

Last updated: February 6, 2009
Type: Full time

Language(s): English

Job posted on: February 6, 2009

Area of Focus: Crime, Safety, and Victims’ Issues, Human Rights and Civil Liberties, Immigration

Description:
Provide case management to trafficked individuals through ongoing assessment of client needs and appropriate referrals to meet client needs. Act as client advocate when circumstances dictate. Collaborate with other community agencies to provide services to clients. Complete periodic reports for submission to funding agents. Co-facilitate outreach and education presentations to potential trafficking victims, community agencies and institutions, social service providers, government agencies, and the larger community to educate them about human trafficking and the identification of trafficking victims. Coordinate volunteer requests and supervise volunteer activities. Attend all SAGE staff meetings and other agency duties.

Additional Qualifications:
Ability to assess a client’s specific needs and plan solutions; to understand and relate to behavior of individuals; to support the objectives of the Agency and meet the requirements of good case management. Good interviewing, organization and assessment skills a must. Knowledge and experience in the field of human trafficking. Knowledge of San Francisco services and resources for victims of trafficking, violence, and women re-entering the community from criminal justice settings and/or substance abuse treatment programs required. Bi-lingual strongly preferred, especially Cantonese, Cambodian (Khmer), Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, Taiwanese, or Vietnamese.

How to Apply:
To apply, please contact Mollie Ring at mollier@sagesf.org. No phone calls please.