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Tuesday, February 18
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 We are excited to announce that Carlson & The Carlson Family Foundation has officially renewed funding of the World Affairs Councils of America's national program on combating human trafficking. More than 30 World Affairs Councils participated in the 2013 program, which featured screenings of the documentary film Not My Life. The 2014 program will feature discussion forums as well as film showings. Up to 35 Councils will be selected to participate in the 2014 program.
We welcome applications from Councils that did not participate in the program last year. We will also accept applications from Councils seeking to expand upon their participation last year by reaching new audiences, particularly youth, with the film and by presenting new speakers and discussions to audiences already exposed to the film.
As you know, WACA's 2013 National Conference in November featured a keynote address by Marilyn Carlson Nelson, former Chairman and CEO, Carlson, Inc. U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Co-chairs of the Senate Caucus to End Human Trafficking, joined the keynote discussion. It is both an honor and a responsibility that WACA embraces to advance public dialogue on this critical topic.
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About the Film
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Not My Life, a documentary film directed by Oscar nominee Robert Bilheimer, and narrated by Glenn Close, is widely regarded by the international human rights community as a definitive, probing, and ultimately inspiring depiction of the often unspeakable realities of human trafficking and modern slavery.
Focusing on children, who constitute the majority of trafficking victims in the world today, Not My Life is "ultimately about a multi-billion dollar global industry that earns its profits on the backs and in the beds of our planet's youth," says Robert Bilheimer. "More than anything, Not My Life is a film about the way the world is." Not My Life is available both online and in DVD format for our Engage America Series at no cost to our members.
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About the Program
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The goal of the program is to increase awareness in the United States of the underlying causes and profound dangers of human trafficking. Local Councils will organize events by inviting an expert or panel of experts on combating human trafficking and/or hosting film screenings. Councils are responsible for engaging local resources and creating a program tailored to their communities.
Focus on Youth Audience
This year, the World Affairs Councils of America specifically aims to engage the nation's youth on this critical issue. Therefore, we encourage Councils to incorporate grades 6-12 and college students as a major audience for this program.
Timing
Events are to be held nationwide through December 2014.
Costs
The World Affairs Councils of America, through a grant received from Carlson & The Carlson Family Foundation, will provide participating Councils with grant support of up to $3000 issued as a reimbursement once councils submit a post-event Program and Financial Report. This grant will cover promotional materials, speaker travel and lodging, event space rental and A/V equipment, staffing costs, and event refreshments. Councils will also receive copies of the film and will produce accompanying educational materials in coordination with the National Office of the World Affairs Councils of America to distribute to audience members. These materials will include a listing of resources and local and national organizations dedicated to eradicating the scourge of human trafficking.
Speakers
Councils are responsible for identifying, inviting, and securing expert speakers/panelists for their events. Many of the organizations who supported the Not My Life film have local chapters for Councils to draw from when identifying speakers.
Expectations
Councils are asked to:
- Identify partner organizations and elected officials in your community that educate the public about or work on issues of human trafficking or modern slavery.
- Engage the targeted youth audience in addition to business and civic leaders, educators, local NGOs, experts, and other area groups and individuals interested and involved in combating human trafficking.
- Conduct additional activities with the partner organizations, speakers, and the film beyond the main event. These can include meetings and/or additional screenings with local community or World Affairs Council leadership, events at a local university/high school, or other student activities.
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| Apply Now! Applications due March 5, 2014 | |
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The World Affairs Councils of America
1200 18th St., NW, Suite 902, Washington, DC 20036
Phone (202) 833-4557 Fax (202) 833-4555
Email [email protected] Website www.worldaffairscouncils.org
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