Workshops

Sex Trafficking 101: An introduction to sex trafficking and supporting survivors. This training will provide a foundation for advocates, including:

• Pre-conditions, dynamics, and elements of sex trafficking

• Definitions, distinctions and context within the sex trades

• Frameworks, approaches, and best practices

Presenters:  Sarah Nedeau & Kat Salas

In this current socio-political moment, minoritized communities—particularly those working in SA and related fields—are holding more than ever. We are carrying our communities’ pain and resilience, our clients’ crises, and our own personal experiences of threat and survival.

We are navigating organizational cultures that often reflect the very systems we are trying to resist: urgency, overwork, surveillance, and individualism. In this moment, the expectations of our jobs and the needs of our communities often outweigh our capacity which can feel overwhelming and isolating.

This workshop was created in response to these intersecting conditions and as a way to grow our individual and collective resilience and avoid burnout. Through community building, dialogue, creative and embodied practices, this workshop is meant to be a space to slow down, reconnect to ourselves, and remember that we are not alone through:

• Practices for tending to our nervous systems

• Discussion on building community care networks

• Reclaiming joy and purpose in the work

• Strategizing around sustainability to continue to do this work in these challenging times. 

Presenters: 

gita mehrotra & claire barrera

Come learn some legal resources for survivors who may have criminal records, debt, eviction histories, or immigration instability.  We will talk about what legal tools can be leveraged to reduce barriers for survivors that can open up doors to employment, housing, immigration status, and stability. 

Learning objectives:

• Learn legal tools to mitigate criminal and eviction records to reduce housing and employment barriers for survivors.

• Learn ways to reduce debt for survivors.

• Learn how to advocate for increased housing and immigration stability for survivors. 

Presenters: Sonja Good Stefani and Ariel Test

This workshop explores the current challenges faced by immigrant survivors and introduces immigration options like U and T visas. Participants will also learn how advocates can support survivors and navigate different systems and resources. Participants will learn about: 

1. Current Landscape for Immigrant Survivors  

2. VAWA self-petition, U and T Visa Basics for Advocates 

3. How Advocates Can Support Immigrant Survivors  

4. Navigating Systems  

Note: This session is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. It is presented from the perspective of advocates who work with survivors of these crimes.

Presenters: Oksana Yeager and Kaitlyn Brennan

Participants will learn:

• How to address sex trafficking and how the youth identifies with that experience.

• Build a safe connection with youth based on an initial youth assessment.

• The referral process and how to decide what referrals best fit a youth's situation.

Presenters:  Luna Rain Ascenzo and Alice Van Os

Housing for survivors of sex trafficking is often pivotal in the immediate and long term healing, safety and independence of youth.  We will be unpacking programming strengths and challenges regarding community living and program engagement for ST impacted youth.  We’ll discuss the importance of programming focused on skill building around independent living readiness.  

Key Topics: Trauma Informed Care, Safety Planning, Culturally Relevant Care

Presenters:  Gia Gigler & Michelle Fischer