Beyond Inclusion: A Strength-Based Model for Survivor Leadership and Empowerment
Rhonelle Bruder, MSc, BSc (Hons) | September 22 | 11:45 am-12:45 pm
Topic: Programming | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
When it comes to finding solutions to end sex trafficking and exploitation, researchers have found survivors are uniquely equipped to help develop policies, advocate, engage with the public, or collaborate with governments to improve legislation and programming (Lockyer, 2020). Further research notes that through the adoption of survivor-led initiatives, organizations can better support survivors of trafficking (Deer & Baumgartner, 2019). However, despite this knowledge, research, policy, and services within the anti-trafficking movement continue to be led primarily by non-profit organizations and other stakeholders, leaving out those with lived experience (Lockyer, 2020). This may explain why despite all levels of government allocating millions of dollars to “fight human trafficking,” efforts so far have been largely ineffective at combating trafficking. Recognizing the need for greater survivor leadership within the anti-trafficking movement, this presentation will provide an overview of a survivor-led vocational skills program developed by Project iRISE. The iRISE Survivor Leadership program was designed and administered by survivors of trafficking. The psychosocial program model uses a strength-based approach to provide trauma-informed skill training that combines experiential education, socio-emotional learning, leadership development, and upskilling for employment. This presentation will provide an in-depth overview of the Survivor Leadership program, including the challenges faced by the survivor team, findings from the program evaluation, earlier success, the final impact of the program in the community, and considerations for survivor-led programming.
Presentation Objectives:
· Discuss the problematic nature of current survivor engagement in the anti-trafficking movement
· Provide an overview of the Project iRISE Survivor Leadership program
· Discuss the benefits and challenges of the iRISE program and outline some of the lessons learned
· Provide recommendations for how organizations can implement their own survivor leadership training