Social Ventures Methodology & Global Impact
Not For Sale Social Ventures are at the forefront of creating innovative, replicable, and sustainable solutions to fight modern-day slavery. Not For Sale believes that trafficking can be stopped “upstream” in poor and marginalized communities by initiating cross-sector collaborations that intentionally empower families through education and dignified employment. Not For Sale’s international partners are accepted into a global network of agencies that may access a range of resources including but not limited to grant funding, media exposure, legal assistance, technology, global markets, networks of professional volunteers, strategic planning, and supply chain consulting (Free2Work.org).
In 2011 alone, Not For Sale has supported more than 977 survivors of human trafficking and exploitation across 6 countries worldwide. *More than 88% of survivors at Not For Sale International Projects are currently receiving two or more services. The spike in healthcare provided is due to nearly $2 million of medical supplies donated to Thailand in 2009 that continues to support not only the 124 children at Kru Nam’s but an additional 411 stateless people in the region.
Background
There are more than 30 million slaves in the world today, more than at any other point in history. Men, women, and children are bought and sold like commodities–tricked and forced to work in brothels, hotels, restaurants, factories, fields, and more. Traffickers prey on vulnerable populations, from refugees to slum dwellers, using deceptive tales of rewarding work to coerce victims. In most cases, trafficking victims are marginalized people who live in poverty and lack opportunities. Not for Sale recognizes that ending human trafficking requires not only educated and equipped abolitionists but also resources to provide alternative economic opportunities to people living in poverty.’
Methodology
To create futures for survivors of modern-day slavery, Not For Sale strategically addresses the needs of human trafficking victims and at-risk populations through a three-stage process. Our proven model, implemented in over six countries around the world, is adapted to the unique needs of trafficking survivors. The core of the model is to work closely with survivors to build self-confidence and income-generating skills which directly lead to improved opportunities.
Stage I) Stability & Safety: In order to break the cycle of exploitation, Not For Sale helps survivors and at-risk communities to meet their basic needs. This step is essential in stabilizing individuals who have endured a traumatic past. Stage one involves providing adequate shelter, food, healthcare, and legal services to create a safe environment capable of fostering opportunities for a stable future.
Stage II) Life Skills & Job Training: Once the livelihood of at-risk communities is sustained, investing in goods and services that create opportunities for victims and at-risk populations is critical for promoting inclusive social and economic growth. Not For Sale believes that equipping at-risk communities with basic skills will prepare individuals for sustainable long-term opportunities. Stage two seeks to provide targeted populations with formal and non-formal education such as vocational training, health education, reproductive rights, self-worth, resume/CV writing, cooking, sewing, and jewelry making.
Stage III) Dignified Work & Sustainable Future: To prevent and protect vulnerable communities from human trafficking, Not For Sale promotes economic opportunities that lead to long-term employment and viable incomes for at-risk communities. Not For Sale facilitates the creation of job opportunities for survivors through innovative partnerships with the private sector. Stage three incorporates either two means of social enterprise:
1. Incubate Best Practices:
Not For Sale incubates new businesses that create employment in at-risk communities and that model supply chain responsibility from the ground up. In 2011, Not For Sale launched its first Montara Circle, where fifty leaders from the private and public sectors brainstormed for thirty-six hours to formulate a business plan that would generate economic opportunities in the Peruvian Amazon. As a main vehicle for incubating social enterprises to combat human trafficking, Not For Sale plans to host a Montara Circle on every continent by 2012, each of which will generate at least one new social enterprise concept.
2. Engage Industry Leaders:
Not For Sale engages industry leaders to model best practices in supply chain responsibility while organization-targeted initiatives create jobs in at-risk communities. Examples include collaborations with companies to design Not For Sale-labeled products that are sourced in areas vulnerable to trafficking or made directly by survivors. Additionally, Not For Sale works with its partners to improve policies and positive impacts of existing supply chains.
