Plus decriminalization, survivors bank accounts, and more. [[link removed]]
[[link removed]]

Decriminalization of the Sex Trade

Polaris’s policy positions are informed by survivors. We ask questions. We
listen. We learn. Based on what we heard, in October Polaris came out strongly
and publicly against a bill before the D.C. City Council
[[link removed]] that would for all practical purposes legalize the entire sex trade in the
nation’s capital. To be clear: Polaris supports decriminalizing people in
prostitution. Arresting these people does not reduce trafficking or trauma. It
simply makes it harder for people in the sex trade to get out - regardless of
how they got in. But survivors told us that the bill before the D.C. Council
goes several steps too far, de facto legalizing pimping, sex buying and some
brothels. Survivors are extremely concerned that doing so will dramatically
increase vulnerability to trafficking in the city many of us call home and
legitimize this misguided idea in the eyes of other jurisdictions. Read our statement on the D.C. bill here
[[link removed]] and stay tuned for what you can do in your community.

Learn More
[[link removed]]
[[link removed]]Philanthropy

Please consider Polaris as you're making your 2019 philanthropic plans for your
Donor Advised Fund contributions or your IRA distributions. IRA gifts can also
count as your required minimum distribution. Reach out to your financial advisor
or [email protected] for more information.

Contact US [[email protected]?subject=Philanthropy] [[link removed]]Financial Foundation

Among the many challenges for human trafficking survivors trying to rebuild
their lives is rejoining the formal banking system. In some cases, their
traffickers have used their names and identities and destroyed their credit. In
others, the lack of stable work history makes them ineligible for even the most
basic checking accounts. To combat this problem, Polaris worked closely with the
United Nation’s Liechtenstein Initiative for a Financial Sector Commission on
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking and with participating banks and service
providers on practical protocols to bring trafficking survivors into the banking
system, allowing them access to accounts that might otherwise be closed to them
and giving them a path to move forward with a solid financial foundation.

Learn More [www.fastinitiative.org] [[link removed]]Charity Watchdogs

Polaris now has the top ratings at all three nonprofit rating agencies. Charity
Navigator, Guidestar, and the Better Business Bureau have all recognized that
Polaris effectively and efficiently utilizes every dollar we raise, putting our
donors’ hard-earned money to work in the fight against human trafficking. We are
particularly proud of our Platinum rating on Guidestar. The Better Business
Bureau rating is the newest agency to give Polaris the seal of approval, hitting
the trifecta! You are welcome to visit our Guidestar profile and leave a review
at the bottom of the page.

LEARN more [[link removed]] take action
[[link removed]]Unmask Traffickers

A bipartisan House voted to support the Corporate Transparency Act of 2019,
which would require that business owners put their names on their corporate
paperwork. Under current law, there is no such requirement, which makes it
nearly impossible for law enforcement to track criminal networks that own human
trafficking venues - particularly illicit massage businesses. A similar bill,
the ILLICIT CASH Act, is now pending in the Senate. Contact your Senator now!

ACT NOW
[[link removed]] [[link removed]] [[link removed]] [[link removed]] [[link removed]] Donate
[[link removed]] | privacy policy
[[link removed]] | UNSUBSCRIBE
[[link removed]] © 2019 Polaris is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit
P.O. Box 65323, Washington, D.C. 20036