Voices for the Vulnerable: a Compelling Conference
By Madeleine Pointner
Collaboration Project Administrative Assistant
This past week, Collaboration Project had the privilege of collaborating with United Madison to host an Anti Sex-Trafficking Training and Education Event. I had the opportunity to attend the event and was amazed by the incredible partnerships I witnessed. Nine different organizations, both faith-based and non-faith based, gathered together around a common goal: taking action in Madison to bring help and healing to those caught in sex-trafficking. In addition, representatives from both NBC15 and Brava Magazine attended and helped to host the event, wanting to support the crucial training and education happening in the room. Everyone present had chosen to come around the table together for the sake of a broader purpose. Throughout the event, I was profoundly impressed by the kindness, respect, and true sense of collaboration exhibited by the participants.
Each of the organizations briefly shared their overarching vision, practical goals, and moving stories of working with survivors. It was a powerful time! We heard from the Madison Police Department’s Human Trafficking Division, Project RESPECT, Damascus Road Project, UnityPoint Health Forensic Nurse Examiners, Every Daughter, Ripe Crisis Center, Briarpatch Youth Services, Abolition Wisconsin, and Zeteo Community Homes. Everyone brought their unique, crucial perspectives and experiences to light and provided a helpful overview of the work that is being done for anti-sex trafficking, and the work that needs to be done for anti sex-trafficking going forward.
I was struck by the beauty of both faith-based and non-faith-based organizations finding common ground around a common goal: bringing healing and freedom to victims of sex trafficking. One could sense everyone’s palpable desire to make Madison a better place for the vulnerable.
Coming away from the event, I was primarily energized and encouraged–it was compelling to see how many fantastic organizations are doing good work, on the ground, today. I was also inspired to explore ways that Collaboration Project might continue to support these connections that were forged afresh at the event, and maybe even explore ways of continuing education and training around this topic in the future.
To learn more about the participants at the event, or to explore how you might get involved in the work they are doing, visit their websites:
Madison Police Department’s Human Trafficking Division
We invite you to partner with us in telling stories that highlight how God is working in and through the local church by supporting Collaboration Project today.