Application Deadline: 11:59 PM (EST) on May 19, 2017.
Global Freedom Exchange Program for Anti-Trafficking Leaders
Chicago, IL; Washington, DC & Dallas, TX
September 25th – October 6th, 2017
Vital Voices Global Partnership, Hilton Worldwide, and Heineken welcome submissions for participants in an upcoming leadership development and networking program, the Global Freedom Exchange Program for Anti-Trafficking Leaders. In an effort to support women leaders in their work to combat human trafficking and enable them to realize their full leadership potential, the Global Freedom Exchange (GFE) invests in, mentors, and strengthens the capacity of women leaders on the forefront of global efforts to prevent and respond to sex trafficking.
The program is a two-week experiential, interactive leadership development and networking program that will be held from September 25th – October 6th, 2017 in Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; and Dallas, TX. We are currently accepting applications from emerging and established women leaders who have demonstrated an interest in and ability to mentor other women and girls and to engage in a broader network of women leaders. The program will cover the costs of travel, accommodations, and meals throughout the course of the two-week exchange for the selected group of fellows.
Submissions may include applications from prospective participants or nominations by third parties.
- Overview
Capitalizing on the expertise of international leaders throughout the world, the Global Freedom Exchange is a partnership between Vital Voices, Hilton Worldwide, and Heineken that leverages leadership to end sex trafficking. This program seeks to engage emerging and established women leaders who are on the forefront of global efforts to prevent and end sex trafficking, particularly as it relates to and impacts children.
Each year, the Global Freedom Exchange convenes a select group of women leaders from countries around the world with the goal of providing participants with specific knowledge, skills, and relationships that will benefit their professional development and the communities they serve. Over the past four years, the Global Freedom Exchange has involved a total of 87 women leaders from 38 countries who have developed unique, effective approaches to address human trafficking in a two-week experiential, interactive, learning and networking program in the United States.
During the program, GFE Fellows discuss emerging issues with government officials, visit comprehensive service centers, provide donors with knowledge about funding needs, and learn about collaborative approaches to working with the criminal and civil justice systems. This program gives special emphasis to ensuring that survivors of this crime are given the opportunity to become leaders in the movement to prevent and respond to trafficking. Fellows share ideas, support, and suggestions with each other and create connections that last long after the program ends.
GFE Fellows all over the world use the tools and connections they obtained during their Fellowship experience to offer comprehensive services to survivors, reduce vulnerability to trafficking, hold perpetrators accountable, and create a worldwide network of anti-trafficking leaders who are creating a safer world for vulnerable youth.
- Criteria for Participant Selection
- All candidates should demonstrate a commitment to preventing and ending sex trafficking, particularly child sex trafficking.
- All candidates must represent a non-governmental organization (NGO) or institution working to eliminate child sex trafficking.
- All candidates must speak and understand English.
- All candidates should have the capacity to benefit from an international exchange.
- All candidates should demonstrate leadership potential. They should lead or be actively engaged in organizations where they have demonstrated an interest in passing on new skills and contacts to other women and girls in their communities
- Submission
The online application will be open until 11:59 PM (EST) on May 19, 2017. No applications will be accepted after that time.
Please contact Sarah Wentz at sarahwentz@vitalvoices.org if you have any questions about the application or come across any technical issues while completing the online form.