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| National Human Trafficking Hotline | |
If you have reason to suspect that someone is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline on (1-888-373-7888). Multilingual call specialists are on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.
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| Current Needs |
Due to the tremendous increase in our volunteer staff we are currently in need of computers, netbooks, printer cartridges, and paper. Or gift certificates for office supplies. |
| Call for Volunteers | |
We are looking for individuals who can help with grant writing and web design. If you are interested, please contact us immediately. |
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Dear Bridge to Freedom Foundation Supporters,
Welcome to the first edition of the Bridge to Freedom Foundation (BTFF) Newsletter. We are pleased to present this first edition thanks to the help of individuals in the general community, organizations, and the anti-slavery field. As a newly founded organization your support is vital to our development and we are pleased to share all of the exciting changes that have, and are, taking place as we expand our organization and reach. We know that this newsletter will allow you to see the impact that your assistance has had on BTFF, learn more ways to contribute, become involved with our organization, and provide you with important information about the on-goings in the anti-slavery community. We hope you will share it with your friends and colleagues. We look forward to bringing you news and updates as we begin to lay more bricks in the bridge that will empower more survivors to thrive. Thank you for all that you have done thus far and I hope that you will continue to help and support us throughout our endeavors.
Cassandra Clifford
Executive Director and Founder
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| Bridge to Freedom Foundation News | | | Recent Changes and Developments
NEW OFFICE - In May, we moved into our new office, making way for the considerable influx of volunteers and interns who have joined our team.
ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH - BTFF has tripled the size of our core team and has also added numerous general volunteers who are continually contributing to our efforts. This growth has allowed us to build up various projects including fundraisers and events, professional and personal programs, and evidence-based research.
NEW BROCHURE - Our new brochure is now available for download and distribution, please share with your freinds and colleuges.
Partnership with Body Marinade
 Body Marinade has joined forces with BTFF for their first corporate partnership. The two have collaborated to form a new campaign to bring national awareness to the issues of modern slavery and raise funds for BTFF. The recent partnership is pleased to bring you a special "Supporter Edition" of Body Marinade's famous 2 Step Microderm Abrasion Kit, that is over 80% organic, vegan-based, and made in the United States. $10 of every BTFF Supporter Edition Kit will go to fund our growing organization and programs. Don't delay and buy yours today. Stay tuned as there are more amazing products yet to come! For more information: Partnership Press Release.
Community Outreach
 BTFF Executive Director and Founder, Cassandra Clifford, spoke on May 25, 2010 at Cheers for Choice, along with District of Columbia City Council Member Phil Mendelson; Tina Frundt, Executive Director and Founder of Courtney's House, and Julie Janovsky, Senior Policy Specialist at Polaris Project. The annual event, which was held by the Young Women's Task Force (YWTF) - DC, was a great success. We want to thank everyone who came out in support of the fight against modern slavery and the YWTF for inviting us to be a part of this great event.
Cassandra Clifford also participated in an in-depth panel which probed deeper into the various causes, issues, and services related to human trafficking at George Mason University (GMU) on April 12, 2010. The event, which was held by GMU's Sexual Assault Services was open to the general public and GMU Students.
In addition, on April 11, 2010, Cassandra Clifford spoke on a panel at Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Annandale, VA. The event was a community fair to raise awareness and educate the public on human trafficking, giving special attention to counter-trafficking efforts in Fairfax County. |
| MODERN DAY SLAVERY NEWS | | Prohibition Against Human Trafficking Act, B18-70 Passed!
The DC Council has unanimously voted to pass the Prohibition Against Human Trafficking Act, B18-70. This critical legislation will criminalize both labor and sex trafficking, provide severe penalties for anyone who knowingly benefits from the crime of human trafficking, and provide crucial assistance to victims. The bill also directs the District to collect and publish statistical data on human trafficking that will equip authorities and the public to respond more effectively to the crime. Once enacted, DC will no longer be on the list of jurisdictions that fail to have a human trafficking law in place. To make this happen the mayor must sign the bill quickly and send it to Congress for review. If you live in the district please urge Mayor Fenty to act quickly on this important bill. For more information: Washington DC to Take Action on Anti-Trafficking Legisliation
Democratic Republic of Congo - Conflict Minerals Trade Act, H.R. 4128
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country fueled by conflict and the irresponsible minning of minerals are allowing the free flow of weapons, which allow the rampant use of child soldiers and rape as a weapon of war. The House of Representatives is now considering a piece of legislation that would make it easier to identify imports into the U.S. that contain minerals such as coltan, cassiterite, wolframite - commonly found in cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices - used to fund the activities of armed groups operating in the DRC. If Congress required companies to disclose the origins of the minerals used in their products, then consumers could be assured that the electronics and products they purchased would not directly finance the conflict or fuel human rights abuses. Please contact your representatives to show your support for this vital legislation! For more information: H. R. 4128: Conflict MInerals Trade Act |
| UPCOMING EVENTS | | Dine for a Cause and Happy Hour Fundraiser at Chevy's in Arlington, VA
 Join BTFF for an all day fundraising event at Chevy's (Ballston Mall) 4238 Wilson Blvd Ste 1132, Arlington, VA 22203-1832 on June 24th, 2010 from 12PM-10PM. Bring this flyer and Chevy's will donate 25% of the total of your bill to BTFF.
Chevy's has a great Happy Hour from 3PM-7PM which includes $3 domestic beers, margaritas, house wines, well drinks, and 50% off appetizers such as grande nachos, queso, original fajita nachos, crispy chicken flautas, spicy wings, and taquitos.
The BTFF team will be on site from 5PM-7PM, where we will hold a raffle for $5 a ticket, so join us to learn more about BTFF, the anti-slavery movement, and win some great prizes. Raffle draw will be held at 6:45PM.
First Annual Golf Tournament - Save the Date
Join us for the 1st Annual Bridge to Freedom Foundation Golf Tournament, which will be held on Monday, September 20, 2010, at Pleasant Valley Golf Club in Chantilly, VA. Registration will begin at 7:30AM and tee times at 9:30AM, with reception, awards ceromony and raffle to follow. For registration and sponsorship information you may visit our website or e-mail golftournament@btff.org. |
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TEAM CORNER |
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Research and Program Development Intern - Zasha Russell
 I am from Houston, Texas. Currently, I am pursuing my undegraduate degree at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. I am majoring in anthropology, with a focus on human rights, violence, gender, women's, and sexuality studies, and peace issues. As a part of my studies, I am conducting research on the problem of sex trafficking as a member of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program and through other academic pursuits. Therefore, I am interning this summer with Bridge to Freedom Foundation to gain both academic and practical experience in the field thanks to the significant support of the Peace Studies Program at my university. Through this internship I will participate in educational and advocacy opportunitie, learn what it takes to start and run a non-profit organization, and conduct research to help identify recovery hurdles.
Public Relations and Program's Associate - Jaimy Alex
I was born and brought up in the Middle East and recently moved to the United States. I am currently looking to pursue my career in the field of Human Resources. In the interim, I am giving another meaning to my life by helping BTFF achieve its mission and goals to empower survivors of modern slavery. Currently I have been working on projects to expand our organizational development and increase the public's awareness about our organization and events. I have been working for over two weeks with BTFF and everyday is a new learning experience for me which I am thoroughly enjoying!
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