Our Mission
Freedom Network USA is a national alliance of experienced advocates advancing a human rights-based approach to human trafficking in the United States. Our members believe that empowering survivors with choices and support leads to transformative, meaningful change. Together, we influence federal and state policy through action and advocacy. We guide the discussion narrative by prioritizing the self-determination and empowerment of survivors in the development of policies, procedures and programs. Our members work directly with survivors who insights and strengths inform our work. And through our national effort, we increase awareness of human trafficking and provide decision-makers, legislators, and other stakeholders with the expertise and tools to make a positive and permanent impact in the lives of all survivors.
Our History
2015
Jean Bruggeman, Executive Director
Freedom Network USA hires its first Executive Director, Jean Bruggeman
Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in Persons
Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in Persons - Freedom Network USA member Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW)
2015
2014
Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in Persons
Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in Persons - Freedom Network USA member Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST)
Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in Persons
The first Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in Persons awarded to Freedom Network USA Co-Founder Florrie Burke. A true pioneer in the field, Florrie accepts this inaugural honor, paving the way for other Freedom Network USA members.
2013
2011
Elected Leaders for First Steering Committee
Freedom Network USA elects leaders for its first Steering Committee. This group of members is responsible for making programmatic decisions for the network.
Launch of Freedom Network Training Institute (FNTI)
FNTI works to build awareness and educate communities, organizations, and law enforcement about the crime of human trafficking and how to serve survivors through a human rights-based approach. FNTI has trained thousands across the country.
2003
2002
First Freedom Network USA Conference
The first skill-building conference focused on human trafficking was held in Washington, D.C.
Freedom Network USA Founded
Co-Founders Maria Jose Fletcher, Laura Germino, Jenny Stanger, Florrie Burke, Ann Jordan, Alison Boak and Joy Zarembaka meet at Global Rights’ office in Washington, D.C. - the initial meeting of what was to become the Freedom Network USA.
2001
2000
Trafficking Victim Protection Act (TVPA) Passes
The first comprehensive federal law criminalizing human trafficking in the U.S.
The Human Rights-Based Approach
A human rights-based approach places a trafficked person’s priorities and narrative at the center of anti-trafficking work. The model relies on voluntary, non-judgemental assistance with an emphasis on self-determination to best meet an individual’s short and long-term needs. The approach means allowing the trafficking survivor to accept or decline assistance, to receive culturally-competent services in a language he or she can understand, to have access to necessary reproductive health care, to decide whether or not to report the crime to law enforcement, to exercise victim witness rights, to sue the trafficker and to participate in anti-trafficking leadership efforts if he or she chooses.
Annual Report
Every year we are pleased to present a snapshot of the impact of our work. This would not be possible without the generous support of our funders and the incredible dedication of our members.
Member Report
Freedom Network USA members serve hundreds of clients every year. Serving these survivors and maintaining strong relationships with survivor leaders, our staff and members know that human trafficking can happen to individuals of all genders, ethnicities and ages from all over the world. In order to reflect this diversity in the human trafficking narrative, we release a biannual member report that captures the demographics of clients served by our members and highlights trends across the country.