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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 a significant increase in our team we are in need of computers and netbooks. If you have any to donate contact us immediately. |
| Call for Volunteers |
We are looking for individuals who can help with the Golf Tournament Committee. If you are interested contact us immediately. |
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Dear Bridge to Freedom Foundation Supporters,
We sincerely hope you enjoyed the first edition of our newsletter and we look forward to bringing you more exciting news and developments from both BTFF and the anti-trafficking community across the globe. In the last two weeks the BTFF team has been extremely busy and we are pleased to bring you some exciting developments in this edition, including the launch of our "Little Birds" art collaboration, announcement of Accelera's sponsorship. The team has been attending various events and trainings such as the DC Human Trafficking Task Force meeting, training at the Cleveland Park Police Station, release of the 2010 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report at the Department of State presented by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, and the final hearing of the DC Legislation for which you can read more about in our Modern Slavery News section below.
BTFF is currently a 100% volunteer led organization and your support is vital to our development; we hope you will take a moment to see how you can support our work with survivors. Your donations will have a lasting impact to both our organizational development and the lives of survivors. Thank you in advance for your support. Don't forget to check out our upcoming events and purchase one of our products.
Sincerely,
Cassandra Clifford
Executive Director and Founder
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| Bridge to Freedom Foundation News |
| Accelera Solutions' 2010 Charity Golf Tournament
Bridge to Freedom Foundation is pleased to announce that Accelera Solutions' 2010 Charity Golf Tournament will benefit BTFF. This year's platinum sponsors include Citrix, Appsense, and Dell. If you are interested in sponsoring the tournament please contact willg@accelerasolutions.com. For more information: Full Press Release.
"Little Bird" Art Cards and Posters
 Artist Autumn Davidson has generously donated the rights to the image of her painting, "Little Birds" to BTFF. The painting was purchased by a volunteer as a gift to our Executive Director and soon became a piece of inspiration to the entire team. A supporter, writer, and survivor Chong Kim was moved by the painting and the work of BTFF and wrote an inspiring quotation, which prompted BTFF to create a project that would enable the story of empowerment and hope to be shared with BTFF supporters. BTFF knows you will be inspired and moved by these wonderful pieces. Purchase your "Little Bird" Art Cards and posters today! All proceeds go directly to BTFF. For more information: Full Press Release.
Host Your Body Marinade Party for BTFF Today
 Fancy a great night in with the girls while raising money for BTFF? Hosting a Body Marinade Party is the perfect recipe for a great night in with your friends. You can create your own custom scent and order them in a variety of bath and body products. As the Party Hostess, you will also have exclusive FREE products to choose from. 10% of all party sales will be donated to BTFF, so don't delay and book yours today! For more information: What to Expect at a Party.
 Don't forget to purchase your Body Marinade Microderm Abrasion "Supporter Edition" Kit. The 80% organic and vegan-based 2 Step Microderm Abrasion is only $25 with $10 of every sale going to BTFF! Purchase yours today and help BTFF put a fresh face to the fight against slavery! For more information: Partnership Press Release. |
| MODERN DAY SLAVERY NEWS | | Release of 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report
 The Department of State released the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report on June 14, 2010. The Report ranks countries based on what steps they are taking to combat human trafficking. This year's TIP Report includes, for the first time ever, a ranking of the United States, which is based on the same standards to which we hold other countries. For more information: 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report .
Mayor Fenty Signs DC Prohibition Against Human Trafficking Act
The DC Prohibition Against Human Trafficking Act makes "human trafficking" and "benefiting from human trafficking" crimes. In addition, it provides penalties consistent with federal law such as $200,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 20 years. The bill will now be sent to Congress for review and final approval. For more information: Full Bill.
Connecticut Passes Forfeiture Law Against Human Traffickers and Child Predators
The new law allows state prosecutors to petition the state to seize money or property gained from or used for human trafficking and child sexual exploitation. Property will be auctioned off and proceeds will go to the state's criminal justice system fund. Governor Rell signed the law on June 8th, stating, "Child predators must have no place to hide in Connecticut." For more information: Full Press Release and Full Bill.
Oklahoma Toughens Penalties for Human Trafficking
SB956 provides a clear definition for human trafficking and more protection for victims, including increased penalties for the trafficking persons under age 18. The state law now parallels federal law against trafficking and gives state officials more ways to pursue, and prosecute, traffickers. For more information:
Full News Article and Full Bill.
Hawaii Debates Passing of Human Trafficking Bill
The Hawaii Legislature unanimously voted for Hawaii's first anti-human trafficking bill, but Governor Linda Lingle may veto it. Critics of the bill claim the bill is too broad, while proponents urge that it is at least a first step in the right direction. Hawaii is one of the six states left in the United States without laws specifically targeting human trafficking. For more information: Full Bill and Contact Governor. |
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
| Salsa for a Cause at La Tasca in Arlington, VA
 Enjoy beginner and advanced lessons instructed by The Ballroom King, Adam King. Then show off your new moves at the dance session following!La Tasca
2900 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA
June 30, 2010- 7PM-10:30PM
The cost is $15 per person and all proceeds benefit BTFF.
Martini Party Fundraiser at Bar Louie in Washington DC
 Join guest speakers Cassandra Clifford, BTFF's Executive Director and Founder and Laura Wasserman, the Program Assistant for Human Rights from Vital Voices, for an informative and fun martini party with great raffle prizes.
Bar Louie - Inside Verizon Center
701 7th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001
(Gallery Place Chinatown Metro Station) July 7 - 5:30PM-9PM
The cost is $20 for two drink tickets and an appetizer buffet. $10 of each ticket sale will go directly to BTFF. Happy Hour Fundraiser at Laughing Man Tavern in Washington DC
We invite you to come and have some drinks while also giving to a great cause. We will have guest speakers and a raffle as well at this event.
Laughing Man Tavern
1306 G St. NW, Washington DC 20005
(Metro Center Metro Station)
July 15 - 6PM-9PM
Their food and drink specials include - $3.25 Domestic Drafts, $3.75 Rail Drinks, $4 Wine, and $4 Appetizers. 10% or more of the proceeds will go to support BTFF. The more supporters BTFF brings in the larger the percentage of the proceeds, so bring all your friends and join us for a fun evening!
First Annual Golf Tournament - Call for Sponsors
 We are in need of sponsors for our 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. For sponsorship packages and to register your foursome, please visit our website or e-mail golftournament@btff.org. |
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TEAM CORNER |
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Government Relations and Programs Intern - Erin Bundra
 I am originally from the Chicago suburbs, but my family then moved to Las Vegas when I was 14. I attended college in California, where I received my B.A. in Telecommunications: Television Productions from Pepperdine University. After graduating from college, I worked for two years in the film & TV industry in LA. In the fall of 2009, I went back to school to pursue my law degree in NYC, with a desire to focus on human rights work. In the future, I plan to use my experiences in both the media and law fields to continue the fight against human trafficking.
Evidence Based Programming Intern - Seda Nak
 I am from Arlington, VA and am finishing my B.A. in Health Science at George Mason University with an interest in global health issues. I have previously been involved in several non-profits and have been with the Bridge to Freedom Foundation for a year now. Human trafficking is a strong interest of mine and I am enthusiastic about BTFF's mission to raise awareness on the domestic level. This summer, I will be focusing on evidence-based research in sexually exploited trafficking victims. My long term goal is the empowerment of young women in countries where access to health care and education is not easily at reach and can potentially lead young women to become exploited.
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