Posts in 2017
Human Trafficking 101

This basic overview of human trafficking is most appropriate for those new to the field. Presenters will focus on both domestic and foreign trafficking as well as labor and sex trafficking. Topics will include the definition of human trafficking, how traffickers recruit, indicators for victim identification, and where and how to report suspected trafficking.

Presentation Objectives:

  • Define human trafficking
  • Explain the basics around how traffickers recruit
  • Identify indicators for victim identification
  • Learn where and how to report suspected trafficking
Read More
Is it Prostitution or Sex Trafficking?: Working With Women Behind Bars to Better Understand Both

This presentation outlines collaborative work done with women who are currently incarcerated to better understand trafficking legislation and how to best support victims of trafficking. Through video chats, email, and post mail, our team defined the central research questions, determined how best to gather the data, and, most importantly, worked to effectively integrate the vision, perspectives, and voices of those who are marginalized and silenced by the prison industrial complex. Early on, the definitions and identities surrounding prostitution and trafficking in the sex industry became untangled, which then directly informed the research design, outcomes to be achieved, and difficulties encountered when incarcerated and non-incarcerated activists combine efforts to create knowledge. Ethical issues that occurred are explained and strategies are offered for making this scholarship available to legislators and the larger public.

Presentation Objectives:

·       Offer a research model that centers those most directly affected by US prostitution and trafficking laws

·       Explore the thin line that exists between individuals engaged in prostitution, victims of trafficking, and those convicted of trafficking as defined by current legislation.
 

Read More
Mapping the Demand: Sex buyers in Minnesota

This presentation shares research findings about who sex buyers are, where they live and purchase sex in Minnesota, how they enter the marketplace, and what they seek in the marketplace. The goal is to help close a significant gap in research, practice, and policy related to sex buyers and the demand for commercial sex. Presenters explore purchasing power, control, and commodification within the market for sex; as well as intersectional oppression related to race, gender, and income inequality. This report presents new and important information about people who purchase sex in Minnesota in order to illuminate a more complete picture of the overall marketplace for sex; this is no easy task. Commercial sex is hidden, illegal, often dangerous, and stigmatized. Data includes interviews with 157 statewide stakeholders, all cases of sex trafficking and prostitution referred to the Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS), media coverage from 1995-2015, a review of the online sex advertising environment, and consultation with numerous stakeholders. The presenters will also highlight ideas for prevention and intervention.
Presentation Objectives:

·       Describe who sex buyers are and the demand for commercial sex, and basic market forces behind the marketplace for commercial sex

·       Provide an evidence-based understanding of who is purchasing sex in Minnesota, where they live and purchase sex, how they experience the market, and what they seek to purchase

·       Discuss ideas for demand-side prevention of sex trafficking and intervention to reduce exploitation

Read More
Harm Reduction in Anti-Trafficking in Colorado

This presentation includes tensions in anti-trafficking legislation in Colorado, defining harm reduction in the anti-trafficking movement, and personal and policy strategies to help reduce harm. This presentation also includes statistics from the National Survivor Network on the criminalization of victims of human trafficking. Decriminalization as a means of harm reduction is also introduced.

Presentation Objectives:

  • Define harm reduction in the anti-trafficking movement
  • Describe personal and policy strategies to aid in reducing harm
  • Introduce decriminalization as a means of harm reduction
Read More
Weaving Threads of Survival Through Hope

This exhibit is the result of a general call for art that gives visual voice to the issues of social justice and opportunities for positive change. Additionally, this exhibit is the result of a collaborative committee charged with bringing social justice art in all its forms to the Annual International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference. The art for this exhibit was reviewed by the committee, which is made up of artist/social workers that specialize in theater, poetry, music performance, creative writing, photography, visual art, and more (members include: Rosie Best, Tori Sullivan-Cortez, Maxwell Cleary, Tary Blair, Nora Riggs, Heather Sloane, and Johnanna McDaniel). Sarah Kramer, an MSW student with an undergraduate degree in photojournalism, collaborated with art therapists and art teachers to oversee the design of the exhibit.

Read More
2017Lora Meyersart
Open Art Studio: Weaving the Threads of Survival Through Hope

Come visit the Art Studio; you may be surprised by how refreshing and hope-inspiring just looking at colors and textures can be. In the studio, there will be an array of materials from yarn and fabric to markers, oil pastels, and papers. Participants might choose to do an art task that has base “weaving,” that can be further developed and embellished to create a personal message of hope. Participants might spend five minutes or decide to stay for an hour.  There will be art trained volunteers in the studio to assist with ideas and to offer support.  Do not miss this opportunity to refresh, create and inspire! This is a collaborative sponsorship with Unison Health, Inc. and NAMI of Greater Toledo, Creative Expressions program.

Read More
2017Lora Meyersart
Art Exhibit: Weaving the Threads of Survival Though Hope

The artists in this exhibit are adult, mental health consumers from Unison Health, Inc., The Zeph Center, and NAMI of Greater Toledo, Creative Expressions program. The artists’ images share personal journeys and universal common ground. Images hold the tension of their struggle and also the illumination of new strength and opportunity. Throughout history, art making has been a powerful means to regain balance, stabilize crisis, and form potential. Creating art calls one to action: to question, to choose, to organize, to express. When the artist faces an empty canvas, the duality of emptiness and opportunity is felt. As the artist picks up the paint brush and begins to paint, a commitment to forming, reforming, and transforming begins. As the artist stands back and gazes at the work in progress, further personal dialogue with the self is made possible. Perhaps reflection on extremes, such as dark and light, violence and safety, loneliness and trust, are prompted by the painting. Perhaps consideration of chaos into order, or shattered into healing, is further contemplated. Concepts of justice, respect, loyalty, peace, or compassion may be more fully developed. The images may call one to question, to action, to connect deeply with one’s soul, or to reach out in a new way to the community. While viewing the exhibit, the artists hopes you: 1) Gain awareness of the range and depth of mental health challenges; 2) Discover and see the power in communicating hope and healing; and 3) Consider actions you might take to create hope and support mental health recovery.

Read More
2017Lora Meyersart
The Human Figure and Emotions

This exhibit features the work of high school students ranging from 13 to 18 years old, as they experiment with various media and techniques. The students’ work shows a range of emotions through the use of color, value, and contrast while dealing with the human figure. The selfies display students' expressiveness and portrayal of emotion through body language, color, pattern, and line. Students primarily used monoprinting techniques. This process allowed the students to change colors and their artistic style based on the emotion they expressed. Senior Studio students used Jaume Plensa as an inspiration for this project. Plensa is a Spanish sculptor whose work unifies individuals through spirituality and collective memory. His installation, "Human Landscape," was recently exhibited at the Toledo Museum and focused on the human figure in various media. Seniors used chicken wire as media, as it is strong enough to structurally form the human figure, but is made up of holes and allows light to pass through. Students played with this juxtaposition of elements as they explored the human figure and human relationships. Beginning art students drew eyes, stripping away facial features to focus on one single part of their appearance. Students enlarged their eyes, keeping a similar scale and proportion. Displayed together they show similarities in shape, drawing materials, and technique, but a closer look shows emotions and unique individuals. When you view this exhibit, try to imagine the teenagers who created this work, the choices made by each individual, and the various emotions that are conveyed.

Read More
2017Lora Meyersart
Connecting Hope and Survival Through Creative Expression

This exhibit features the work of poet and survivor, Tary Blair. Beginning at birth and throughout her life, Tary has faced many challenges. She has turned to poetry as a reprieve from abuse, addiction, heartbreak, loss, and multiple attempts at suicide. For this exhibit, Tary worked with a small group of professionals consisting of a master’s level social worker and two graduate social work students who have personal experience in poetry, painting, and photography, respectively. Through a combination of multiple disciplines, Tary’s poetry comes to life for viewers in order to serve as an inspiration for others and portray a picture of hope, encouragement, and survival. Experiencing poetry can be transformative and cathartic, not only for the writer, but for the reader as well. Whether read or listened to, poetry can evoke memories, feelings or experiences that have been untapped in our everyday lives. In “Connecting Hope and Survival Through Creative Expression,” viewers can read poetry and hear directly from the artist via video. It’s said; “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Our hope is that through a thousand words, one will walk away with a picture of hope, strength and survival.

Read More
2017Lora Meyersart
Remember Me

"Remember Me" is an original play written by Maxwell K. Cleary about what a family goes through when a loved one has memory problems. The play looks carefully at how those with memory loss are often treated as children and face severe age discrimination. The play also shows the barriers, demands, and isolation families face when trying to care for a loved one. Maxwell Cleary is a hospice social worker in Toledo and his practice experience of grief is clear throughout the play. Issue Box will be producing the play and is headed by Rosie Best who is a social worker in the Toledo community with a history in theater education. Issue Box was started while Rosie was a MSW student at the University of Toledo as a community project bringing together art and social justice action.

Performance Information:

Location:

Recital Hall at University of Toledo’s Center for Performing Arts- 1919 W Rocket Drive

Dates and Times:

       Wednesday, 9/20 @ 7:30pm

       Thursday, 9/21 @ 7:30pm

       Friday, 9/22 @ 7:30pm

       Saturday, 9/23 @ 2:00pm

Read More
2017Lora Meyersart