This May, The Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking is focused on taking support for survivors to new heights through the Ascend Campaign! Today’s post kicks off a series of survivor-focused content that will be featured on the LCHT Blog now through May 15th.
Today we’re proud to launch a mini-campaign that will advance a critical part of our work at LCHT: survivor support! From May 1st – May 15th, The Ascend Campaign aims to raise $14,000 and take support for survivors of human trafficking in Colorado to new heights. Gifts made during the campaign will have an impact on survivor-related work in three areas:
- Developing a Colorado survivor-leader group to inform the anti-trafficking movement
- Providing survivors access to a 24/7 hotline with trained advocates
- Connecting survivors to a vetted list of statewide agencies and resources
Honoring Survivors’ Lived Experiences
The Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking’s commitment to acknowledge and honor the lived experiences of individual survivors of human trafficking has been central to our work for more than a decade. Survivor voice and survivor leadership have played a key role in our approach to research, training design, community engagement, and hotline advocate training. How do we carry this legacy forward? Last December, LCHT Action Plan Manager Mary Durant offered a clear challenge: “The need to platform survivors within organizations in the anti-trafficking movement is a must if we are to maintain true responsibility in collectively combating the crime of human trafficking.” The Ascend Campaign will support that vision in part by investing in a new survivor-leader group aimed at empowering survivors to become greater leaders in the anti-trafficking movement.
Connecting Survivors to Resources
In 2016, The CoNEHT Hotline operated by LCHT experienced a record number of calls. The hotline is dedicated to providing resources and referrals that best serve the unique needs of trafficking survivors in Colorado. With increased call volume continuing into 2017, investing in this platform will continue to reach more survivors reaching out for help. The Ascend Campaign will make those connections stronger by expanding the network of support agencies and investing in more hotline advocates.
Donate Now to Support Survivors!
What kind of a difference can you make during The Ascend Campaign? Check out these areas of impact that are possible through your donation:
Get Involved Today
Today we’re inviting you to support survivors through The Ascend Campaign! Giving is simple and secure, and every size gift makes a difference! Visit the official campaign page or text ASCEND to 71777 to complete your donation now. Want to take your support to another level? Consider being a volunteer fundraiser!
Stay tuned to throughout the campaign for stories of impact and overall progress towards the $14,000 goal. Together, let’s elevate support for survivors!