Country: United States

Organization: Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST)

Innovation: CAST began organizing trafficking survivors to change the dynamics of the anti-trafficking movement in which their critical voice was missing. CAST launched a first-of-its- kind Survivor Advisory Caucus, a group of survivors who graduated from our services or are stable enough to become advocates calling for protections and services as active participants of the anti-trafficking movement. CAST applies a culturally and linguistically appropriate organizing model tailored to trafficked persons that incorporates safety and mental health considerations unique to this population. The model empowers survivors with information and skills-set that facilitates leadership development and paves way for victim-led advocacy nationally and globally.

Impact: As members of CASTýs Survivor Advisory Caucus influence policies that affect them the most, survivors will have better access to protections and services, and gain more self-confidence as they become outspoken; and the public will be mobilized as survivors put a face to the cause. The Caucus will develop leadership skills so survivors can negotiate better working conditions; take control of their finances; and use their legal and human rights to file for restitution. On a macro level, the anti-trafficking movement will be led by survivors themselves who will become role models and play a crucial role in mobilizing a broad-base of critical mass support behind the issue, as living proof that it can happen to anyone, anywhere.

Tipping Point: For the first time in the history of the US anti- trafficking movement, CAST has successfully advocated to appoint a survivor on Californiaýs state-wide task force on trafficking. Survivors are the most qualified to determine what services and programs are necessary to combat slavery. We have taken the first step toward policies that are for and by survivors of trafficking. To further the goal of facilitating survivorsý transition to leaders of the movement, Caucus members need to organize, purchase equipment and travel locally and nationally to meet with policymakers and other survivors to educate and mentor each other as peers. Only with additional resources will the Caucus be able to catapult survivors to take control of the movement.

Replication: CAST shares its expertise with organizations nationwide and overseas in providing social and legal services, and launching the first shelter tailored to trafficking survivors. The Caucus is one of many pioneering programs CAST has developed since its establishment in 1998. CAST is working with a core group of survivors through the Caucus and plans on expanding its reach as Caucus members educate their peers and own communities about trafficking. Caucus members will become co-trainers with staff when conducting skills-building workshops and eventually, take over the workshops. With staff support, Caucus members and the survivors they mentor can help other organizations throughout the United States initiate their own Survivor Caucuses.

Sustainability: The Caucus is unique in that its best resource for sustainability is the caucus itself ý through its development of leaders of the anti-trafficking movement. The model taps into in-kind services of volunteers, such as pro bono attorneys, as well as multi-year foundation grants and community partnerships. To further foster sustainability, CAST will soon hire a Development Director. The organizing model is sustainable in that there will be an increasing demand for ways of developing trafficking survivorsý leadership as many survivors in other cities and countries will reach the stabilization point in their healing process of wanting to give back to the community through advocacy and outreach. The model will grow organically with demand.

Position in the Human Trafficking Mosaic of Solutions:

Factor: Vulnerability of High-Risk Populations

Principle: Ensuring Law for All