Exploring community-based advocacy work against human trafficking in the U.S.

Abstract

Research on community organizations suggests there are a variety of factors related to
the success of an organization’s mission. This study identifies general facilitators and
challenges advocates working against human trafficking experience and the strategies
utilized to overcome these barriers. Fifteen individuals who are advocates in the
Chicagoland area participated in the study. Qualitative methods using the social
ecological theoretical framework show personal, organizational, and system-wide
factors impacting advocates. Individual support systems and advocates’ collaborations
with other organizations are encouraging factors in their work. Furthermore, advocates
feel motivated by trafficked persons’ stories and by the capacity to raise awareness
through social media. Challenges advocates face include a lack of time and money, a lack
of communication among organizations, and negative cultural attitudes related to
trafficking. Results focus on the specific experiences of anti-trafficking advocates and
convey strategies to provide quality services to survivors and effectively raise awareness
in the general public.