Nola Theiss, executive director of the Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships, Inc., in Lee and Hunter counties, is the featured speaker in a two-part program, "Building a Regional Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking.” Sponsored by the Sarasota World Affairs Council, these events are for community members, social service providers, and health and law enforcement personnel, educators, religious leaders, and business owners and employees who wish to participate in building a regional coalition against human trafficking in Southwest Florida.
An informational presentation about human trafficking, existing local efforts to combat it, and how our community can unite to form a regional coalition against human trafficking will be Wednesday, October 15, 6:00 p.m. at the Sudakoff Center, 5845 General Dougher Place (Pei Campus), New College of Florida. Dr. Brook Bello, Executive Director of Sarasota- based More Too Life, Inc.; a law enforcement official; and special guest Vice-Mayor of Sarasota Susan Chapman will also speak.
Thanks to a generous grant, the presentation is free to the public as well as to SWAC members. An informal reception will follow. Since seating is limited, call 941-487-4603 or email info@sarasotawac.org for reservations.
A workshop on recognition and specific response protocols, including awareness, sensitivity training, and healing methods will be Tuesday, October 21, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm on the New College campus. Presenters will include individuals from law enforcement and a local service provider.
The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee will provide Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for workshop attendees upon request. For more information, contact Lora Kosten (941-426-7783 or lkosten@sar.usf.edu).
These events have received support from Carlson & The Carlson Family Foundation through the World Affairs Councils of America, the Institute for Lifelong Learning, and the Commission on the Status of Women.
The Sarasota World Affairs Council, or SWAC, is a member of the largest non-profit, non- partisan, grassroots organization in the United States dedicated to educating and engaging U.S. residents on global issues. It joins nearly 100 councils across 40 states that reach more than half a million people yearly. SWAC is hosted by the New College Foundation and is a 501(c)3 organization.
Media contact: Lynne Partington (lynnepartington@hotmail.com; 248-909-7357) For more information: Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships, Inc.: www.humantraffickingawareness.org