The Polaris Post

Dear John, 

Thinking of you with gratitude this summer! This week, we joined others across the globe in honoring World Day Against Trafficking in Persons — and recommitted to answering the call of survivors, every day. Your partnership powers our work helping survivors heal, disrupting trafficking, and building a future defined by freedom and safety. 

This month’s newsletter includes a podcast on drug-based coercion, an inside look at safety planning on the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and a new online hub for Hotline stories of impact.

We hope you’ll be inspired by these stories — and consider forwarding this newsletter to friends who share your commitment to freedom and justice.

Together, we’re building a future where every person is free to choose how and where they live and work.

With gratitude, 
The Polaris Team

We just launched a podcast! Join CEO Megan Lundstrom as she sits down with advocates, survivors, and other community members to explore the complex realities of human trafficking.

The first episode covers drug-based coercion in trafficking situations, as traffickers often supply drugs, initiate addiction, or withhold drugs as punishment to deepen control of victims. The conversation between Megan and Vanessa Bouché, Chief Impact Officer of Allies Against Slavery, highlights that addiction is not consent — it’s coercion.

Now, on our new Hotline Impact page, you can read about recent cases in which the Hotline played a role in discovering trafficking activity, making an arrest, or securing a conviction. You can also check out the most recent year of Hotline data to see the bigger picture.

Leaving a trafficking situation is rarely simple — and it’s often dangerous. That’s why safety planning is one of the most vital services offered by the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

In honor of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how Hotline advocates help survivors think through every detail of their next steps, from whether it’s safe to walk out the door to what they need to rebuild after leaving.

Since 2007, the Hotline has helped tens of thousands of people take back control of their safety. In every case, it means listening, honoring survivors’ choices, and helping them move one step closer to freedom.

In 2024, these resources helped 100+ survivors with flights, 65+ with rides, and 30+ with hotel stays. If you’re a member of a participating rewards program, please consider contributing!