From the Front Lines: Global Trends from the Perspective of 4 Front-Line Advocates in Brazil, Thailand, Colombia, and the United States
Andrew Hoskins, DBA; Kert Stavorn, Esq.; Cintia Meirelles, MBA & Fernando Blanco, MA | September 18 | 9:45-10:45 am EDT
Topic: International, Programming | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Human trafficking is simultaneously local and global. It is a complex, nexus crime involving cross-border networks that rely on highly localized systems and relationships. Recruitment and control methods are particularly culturally dependent and context-specific. Stakeholders must incorporate knowledge and perspectives from multiple levels to gain an accurate picture of the problem and tailor solutions that simultaneously address individual needs and the international nature of the issue. The Exodus Road is learning the value of incorporating multiple types of knowledge. The presenters will share their experience, both positive and negative, in setting up an International Advisory Board to incorporate voices from lived experience experts, front-line investigators, vulnerable groups such as Indigenous populations, and key global decision-makers. The audience will follow the trajectory of this program’s way of working internationally applying learnings from its inception to its present-day form. Four presenters in a panel format will provide background, problem, proposed solution, and lessons learned when setting up an International Advisory Board to guide global programmatic decisions. Each presenter will focus on a specific issue encountered and how it was overcome, including cross-cultural communications, prioritization, incorporating voices, and recognizing global trends. Practitioners must be able to operate in a highly local way while not missing out on the opportunity to contribute to global learning. Trafficking patterns and technology use are inherently global, not respecting traditional borders or language barriers. The call to action is to incorporate a “zooming in and zooming out” approach while creating communication structures that accommodate voices from critical stakeholders.
Presentation Objectives:
• Frame the problem by explaining the need to incorporate multiple voices and the common barriers that prevent the effective sharing of ideas
• Present the current structure and background of The Exodus Road’s International Advisory Board and the lessons learned along the way
• Provide suggestions for organizations and researchers to incorporate both local and global knowledge effectively