Freedom Registry: Accessible space to collaborate, share best practice & recognize gaps in the movement to end human trafficking
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Freedom Registry provides data about nationwide anti-trafficking stakeholders, highlighting efforts committed to best practice
About You
About You
First Name
Tania
Last Name
Docarmo
Twitter URL
Facebook URL
About Your Organization
Organization Name
Chab Dai USA
Organization Website
Organization Country
United States, CA, Sacramento County
Country where this project is creating social impact
United States
Is your organization a
Non‐profit/NGO/citizen sector organization
How long has your organization been operating?
1‐5 years
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Innovation
Entry Form title
Freedom Registry: Accessible space to collaborate, share best practice & recognize gaps in the movement to end human trafficking
Select the stage that best applies to your solution
Growth (your pilot is up and running, and starting to expand)
How long have you been in operation?
Operating for 1‐5 years
THE NEED: Describe the need for your solution and the size/dynamic of the community (ies) you will engage
Human trafficking (HT) is a growing global phenomenon. Efforts to end HT have increased in recent years, but several challenges remain if HT is to be brought to an end. One such challenge is collaboration and best-practice sharing among anti-HT stakeholders is insufficient. Concrete and sustainable referral systems between agencies are not in place, knowledge sharing is neglected, and stakeholders often "reinvent the wheel" due to lack of understanding of what's already being done.
Internet accessibility and social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have undoubtedly assisted in the increase of public participation and concern regarding various social issues, including HT. While this increases volunteerism and raises the community's social conscience, it has also led to an overwhelming increase in new (often inexperienced) efforts; not to mention competition; regurgitation of inaccurate sensationalized information; and wasted resources. This leaves stakeholders and community advocates unsure and confused about who is doing what, and who is doing good work. To truly capture how stakeholders can end HT, we must coordinate our efforts and understand one another.
THE SOLUTION: Please explain what your solution offers and how it is innovative. How will you put your solution into the hands of users or beneficiaries? Be specific!
The Freedom Registry is an online database of anti-HT stakeholders across the U.S. The project's aim is to increase collaboration, reflect best practice standards, and recognize gap areas within the anti-HT movement. Freedom Registry is unique and innovative in several ways:
First, Freedom Registry is a collaborative effort. The project was designed and is monitored by a steering committee of 7 well-respected national stakeholders including representatives from law enforcement, academia, policy-level advocates and direct practitioners.
Second, Freedom Registry is specifically aimed at being comprehensive. Currently, there is no place to find comprehensive information on the national (or int'l) response to HT. Freedom Registry seeks to include all anti-HT efforts in various sectors, whether it's social service providers, law enforcement, research firms, academic institutions, grassroots organizations, labor activists, businesses, or student-led initiatives.
Third, the Freedom Registry not only depicts what stakeholders do (objectives, activities, etc.); gathered data also reflects best practice standards adhered to by each participating organization - allowing concerned citizens, donors, government agencies, students, and other users to get a glimpse into the exact training, knowledge and standards that are informing each stakeholder's work.
Finally, Freedom Registry is not a static effort. Project design includes strategic phases of using collected data to understand gap areas within research and across the movement, and make recommendations for change.
THE MODEL: Walk us through a specific example of how your solution makes a difference through use of information technology and media
CASE STUDY #1: Janice, Project Manager for a domestic violence (DV) shelter, realizes she has several new cases of young women involved in prostitution and wants to incorporate a HT recovery element into their program. She does not have a lot of experience in HT and has difficulty finding someone to help her. Using Freedom Registry, she searches for likeminded efforts, even DV shelters who have expanded into HT. She can see which stakeholders have set specific standards, such as an implemented training policy. She gathers relevant contact information, is better informed on what needs to be done before she expands their program, and has an understanding of where to refer clients to if need be.
CASE STUDY #2: Erik, a (student, businessman, teacher, etc.) sees a HT special on TV. He is horrified and wants to get involved. He does numerous Google searches, Facebook inquiries, etc. finding information on many organizations, but it's difficult to understand what their activities are, and many of them only talk about fundraising or "trafficking overseas". Many also claim to be the "only" program of their kind. He's not sure how to navigate this information, or where he fits in. He wonders whether he should just start his own organization. He even wonders if he needs to move overseas to help. When he discovers Freedom Registry he is able to search for stakeholders in his own surrounding community and gain a clear picture of existing efforts. With the information provided he can see which organizations adhere to various best practices and is better informed on how to take action.
THE MARKETPLACE: Who are your peers and competitors? What challenges could these players pose to your success or growth?
Freedom Registry seeks to be a collaborative effort. As mentioned above, our project team has worked hard to incorporate the voices of various stakeholders into our project design, especially through the creation and involvement of our steering committee, representing 7 well-respected anti-HT stakeholders. During the first phase of this project we met with over 20 major stakeholders across the United States (outside of the steering committee) to gather insight from them about our vision. Many of these organizations kept in touch with us throughout the process to provide advice and input. We have also presented the model at various conferences and events to explore the needs and wants of the anti-HT community.
While there are certainly some websites and networks of anti-HT organizations already in existence (i.e. End Slavery Now, Freedom Network, Nt'l Human Trafficking Resource Center, HHS Rescue & Restore Coalitions, DOJ Task Forces, etc.) these efforts do not aim to be comprehensive, nor do they have the intention of reflecting best practice standards. In fact, many of these groups support the aims of Freedom Registry and have expressed an interest in getting involved.
Social Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
FOUNDING STORY: We want to hear about your “Aha!” moment. Share the story of where and when the founder(s) saw this solution’s potential to change the world.
The vision behind Chab Dai (CD) was founded in Cambodia in 2005. Helen Sworn (UK), Int'l Director of CD, had been working on issues of HT for several years and recognized a gap in collaboration between stakeholders. Today, CD in Cambodia has expanded to more than 50 member organizations, and over 30 partners, including UN and gov't agencies. In addition, core organization leadership has been handed over to a team of 4 Cambodian nationals. The impact of increasing collaboration and raising the standard of care in Cambodia has made significant change in the nation's response to HT.
In 2008, Tania DoCarmo (US), after working with CD in Cambodia for 2 years, established CD USA based on the same values and principles of CD in Cambodia. After conducting baseline research among U.S. based stakeholders for over a year, and speaking at conferences where she was constantly "connecting" stakeholders with one another, she realized that while the U.S. anti-HT movement was growing rapidly it was uncoordinated, and many stakeholders (especially new ones) were not well-informed regarding the big picture. Thus, the idea behind Freedom Registry was born.
Specify both the depth and scale of your solution’s social impact to date
The potential social impact of Freedom Registry is tremendous. Based on Chab Dai USA's baseline study, there are well over 1,000 anti-HT organizations claiming to be involved in anti-HT activities across the United States. Freedom Registry will benefit all national stakeholders by increasing collaboration and knowledge of other efforts, and increasing pressures to adhere to best practice standards.
The program will also serve HT survivors (estimated 17,000 foreign-born survivors each year, not including U.S. citizen survivors) who will directly benefit from increased collaboration between their agencies (more access to individualized services, add'l options for service, holistic approach to rehabilitation, etc.) One organization cannot do it all. In collaboration organizations can focus on their core competencies.
Finally, Freedom Registry will have a direct impact on the anti-HT movement by engaging and informing the tens of thousands of Americans currently following and/or engaging in the HT issue. Mass media representatives, students, academics, donors, health care professionals, and members of the faith community will all benefit from access to this information.
What is your projected impact within the next 1-5 years? Is your idea replicable? If so, how?
Currently we are in Phase 3 of the project. During Phases 1 and 2 we spent considerable time learning from stakeholders and designing the database. During Phase 3 (12 months) we will start data collection and develop a solid base of stakeholder participants. For Phases 4 (6 months) and 5 (ongoing), the committee will analyze data received thus far to recognize gap areas within the movement and make recommendations as to how gaps can be filled. We are in dialogue with a partner organization interested in also using this data for additional research. Post Phase 4, Freedom Registry will remain as a sustainable network. Already, a Canada organization is replicating the model for the Canadian context, and we are in conversation with others in Nepal and Australia interested in doing the same.
Winning entries present a strong plan for how they will achieve and mark growth. Identify your six-month milestone for growing your impact
In 6 months we plan to have at least 300 organizations registered in the Freedom Registry database
Six-Month Tasks
Task 1
Contact all stakeholders on our baseline list of 1,000+ orgs (via email and phone) to seek their involvement
Task 2
Partner with at least 2 government entities to assist with widespread implementation
Task 3
Verify data provided by stakeholder organizations and publish to website
Now think bigger! Identify your 12-month impact milestone
We will be at the close of Phase 3 and preparing for analysis, and plan to have at least 500 orgs registered in the database
12-Month Tasks
Task 1
Contact non-responsive stakeholders on our baseline list (via phone and post) to seek their involvement
Task 2
Partner with at least 1 additional government entity to assist with widespread implementation
Task 3
Verify data provided by stakeholder organizations and publish to website
How many people have been impacted by your project?
101 - 1,000
How many people could be impacted by your project in the next three years?
More than 10,000
Sustainability
Explain how your company, program, service or product is structured
Non-profit
What barriers have hindered the success of your project to date? How do you plan to overcome these and other challenges as you grow your solution?
Thus far, we have faced two primary challenges. First, a tremendous challenge has been finding funding. While this project will undoubtedly benefit the human trafficking movement as a whole, many donors within anti-HT are more interested in funding rehabilitation efforts and/or direct services to survivors and it is difficult to demonstrate the potential of increased collaboration. Second, is marketing and promotion. We certainly have contacts and widespread supporters, but need additional assistance to promote the project to additional audiences (in diverse sectors) on a grander scale. While we are confident that many stakeholders are enthusiastic about this project and will participate, the project will only be successful with widespread buy-in.
How do you see the information-technology and media sectors shifting over the next decade? How will your solution adapt to and/or drive that changing environment?
Information-technology will continue to shift and change the way we interact with the world, including the way we develop and implement resources for social change. With the invention of the internet, 3G and now rapid information sharing through networks like Facebook and Twitter, we can reach people like never before. With consistent monitoring and evaluation based on the needs of stakeholders and community activists, we are confident in our ability to staying relevant to our users, while also exploring possibilities with new technologies.
Failure is not always an option. If your solution fails to gain traction in the next two years, what other applications of the idea could you explore?
We are committed to monitoring and evaluation regardless of the outcome. If our current vision does not play out the way we imagined, or stakeholders demonstrate a need for additional database modules, etc. we are committed to ensuring the project is relevant to our audience. Whether Freedom Registry gains nationwide traction in the next two years or not, it will continue to be a valuable tool for the global anti-HT community. If the project is unable to gather enough information about anti-HT in all U.S. states for example, the database model can still be utilized at a state- or county-level. We are already discussing replication opportunities in other countries as well, where the model can be used by other stakeholder groups.
Expand on your selections, explaining how you will sustain funding
It is often difficult to secure early adopters for innovative projects such as this one. Therefore, most of our funding thus far has depended on foundations (and some individuals). With the project launch just around the corner, we will have more opportunity to pitch the project to a more diverse funding base. Once stakeholders and other community members recognize the value of this project and see its success on the ground, we plan to present funding challenges to businesses, regional government and national government in addition to foundations.
Tell us about your partnerships
The Freedom Registry steering committee is made up of representatives from eight organizations, including: Chab Dai USA (chair), Vanguard University Center for Gender & Justice, San Jose HT Task Force, The Salvation Army, FAAST, Love146, University of Washington, and Global Centurion. In addition to these partnerships, we are working with 20 pilot organizations who agreed to provide feedback on the database survey; and various other organizations who have provided insight and advice along the way.
What type of team (staff, volunteers, etc.) will ensure that you achieve the growth milestones identified in the Social Impact section?
Chab Dai USA is governed by a Board of Directors of five individuals with varying experience in human rights, law, and community engagement. Our Cambodia and USA Founders serve as Advisors for direct program staff. Currently, Freedom Registry represents 80% of our program activities. The Program Manger oversees day-to-day operations and manages a Program Assistant, Community Liaison and interns. Because data verification will be a major task, we have partnered with a research team at Vanguard University Center for Gender and Justice to assist.
Changemakers is a collaborative and supportive space. Please specify any community resources you would need to grow and sustain your initiative. Select all that apply
Investment, Marketing or media, Collaboration or networking.
Specify any resources you might offer to support other initiatives. Select all that apply
Research or information, Collaboration or networking, Innovation or ideas.
Please elaborate on any needs or offers you have mentioned above and/or suggest categories of support that aren’t specified within the list
NEEDS: Our greatest needs are financial investment and assistance with promotion, especially as the success of this project depends on buy-in from various sectors. We strongly believe in the benefits of collaboration, so additional support in this areas is always helpful.
OFFERS: Chab Dai has a proven track record for coalition-building, especially based on our work in Cambodia, so we are happy to assist other organizations in their collaboration or coalition-building efforts. Chab Dai is also heavily engaged in research initiatives in the area of human trafficking, and can assist in this area. Because we have access to many avenues of anti-HT and a good understanding of the HT "big picture" we can assist stakeholders consider innovative solutions to cover gap areas.
Summary
Define your company, program, service or product in 1-2 short sentences
Freedom Registry is an interactive database of national stakeholders combating trafficking across the U.S.
Identify what is innovative about your solution in 1-2 short sentences
Freedom Registry provides data about nationwide anti-trafficking stakeholders, highlighting efforts committed to best practice
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 | 91 weeks ago Tania Docarmo said: Are there any human trafficking advocates out there? Would especially like to hear input on this project from anti-trafficking ... about this Competition Entry. - read more > |
| 92 weeks ago Tania Docarmo updated this Competition Entry. |
| 97 weeks ago Tania Docarmo updated this Competition Entry. |
| 97 weeks ago Tania Docarmo updated this Competition Entry. |
| 97 weeks ago Tania Docarmo submitted this idea. |
