The Polaris Post

Dear John,

In this issue of The Polaris Post, we’re excited to share a new edition of the Criminal Record Relief for Trafficking Survivors report! Originally published in 2019, the updated report highlights encouraging progress — as well as how far we still have to go to ensure survivors can fully reclaim their freedom.

Check out the new report and other important updates below. We also hope you’ll forward The Polaris Post to others who share your values.

Together, we’ll create a world where everyone is free to choose how and where they live and work.

Survivors are often forced to commit crimes while being exploited.

Criminal records can then cause problems with finding housing, jobs, and stability — limiting survivors’ freedom even after they leave trafficking situations.

In 2019, Polaris graded all 50 states and D.C. on how well the laws in each help survivors clear their criminal records. We just released updated report cards, highlighting what many states have done and can still do to improve. Check out the report, and see what changes you can support today!

This online course is helping communities across the country learn what trafficking really is, how it happens, and how they can be part of the solution.

The training draws on a big lesson from 15+ years of running the National Human Trafficking Hotline: The best chance we have to help comes from proximity and context: when we hear directly from victims, survivors, and those close to them. Help us share this important message.

Too often, employers who abuse their workers get away with it because no one is watching. In 2018, there was only one labor inspector for every 175,000 workers.

This shortage leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking.

To prevent these crimes and hold abusive employers accountable, Polaris and our partners are asking Congress to fully fund worker protection efforts. You can help ensure workers are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect by contacting your elected officials today.

Take this brief survey by June 7 and you’ll be entered in a drawing for a gift bag as a token of our appreciation!