Human Trafficking IS happening right here in Arkansas. The recent bust of a sex-trafficking ring headquartered in Little Rock is just one example of how this modern form of slavery has made its way into our state. People from all across our state are coming together to combat it. We are excited about holding our first ever Arkansas Human Trafficking Summit next week in Little Rock. This summit will focus on taking action to end Human Trafficking in our state. We will have representatives from national human trafficking groups Polaris Project and Shared Hope coming in to talk about how we can strengthen our laws and build a stronger coalition. We hope you will join us.
Here is the schedule for the first ever Arkansas Human Trafficking Summit to be held Tuesday, June 26th and Wednesday, June 27th. All events are free and open to public and press.
TUESDAY
State Capitol
10a: Welcome/Press Conference (Old Supreme Court Room)
Scheduled Speakers include:
Lt Governor Mark Darr
Bart Dickinson- Attorney General's office
Representatives from National Groups Polaris Project and Shared Hope
Local Groups
1p: Legislative Committee Hearings. (Rm151, 1st floor)
Complete Agenda can be found at this link: http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2011/Lists/Meetings/Attachments/16971/I10303.pdf
First Baptist Church, LR (Fellowship Hall)
7-8:30p: Human Trafficking Forum: A film by Shared Hope, breakout session, and a panel for questions and answers.
WEDNESDAY
First Baptist Church, LR (Fellowship Hall)
Coalition Building Workshop 8:30p-3:30p (Registration table opens at 8:00 am).
This is a day long seminar by Polaris Project.
To register for the Tuesday night forum and/or the Wednesday Workshop please visit: http://artraffickingsummit.eventbrite.com/
Related News Stories and Statistics:
Polaris Project: http://www.polarisproject.org/state-map/arkansas
Shared Hope Report Card: http://www.sharedhope.org/Portals/0/Documents/Report_cards_1229/ReportCards_all%20states_FINAL_AR.pdf
Feds: Sex-trafficking ring used Backpage.com ads (Ring was HQ'd here in LR) http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20120524/NEWS02/705249806
Little Rock to get first shelter for Human Trafficking Victims: http://www.katv.com/story/18684640/arkansas-to-get-first-shelter-for-human-trafficking-victims
Some human trafficking reported in NEA
Local organizations join forces to combat trafficking in Arkansas. http://www.syncweekly.com/news/2012/feb/14/walking-path/
Lawmakers Work To Enhance Human-Trafficking Laws In Arkansas http://cdn01.swtimes.com/sections/news/state-news/lawmakers-work-enhance-human-trafficking-laws-arkansas.html
