Shine the Light – NAC holds conference on human trafficking

Shine the Light on perpetrators of human trafficking. Shine the Light on survivors and their hopes. Let’s all do our part to shine the light on survivors who have broken the chains of bondage. Let’s link together to end trafficking.

The National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd is preparing to host its first conference on human trafficking. The event is on Tuesday, May 15. The name of the conference is Shine the Light. Don’t miss it. Register today!

The conference will bring together the Good Shepherd family, other people of faith, Members of Congress, congressional staffers and policymakers, and survivors of trafficking. Participants will gather for a morning of education and an  afternoon of advocacy on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

Who should attend Shine the Light?

The conference is geared for anyone who wants to better understand human trafficking. The conference is also intended for people who are immersed in the issues of sex and labor trafficking. Additionally, it is aimed for those who want to increase their professional network and meet with legislators.

Sister Winifred Doherty, the United Nations representative of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd will provide an overview on international human trafficking. Two panels of experts will speak, as well as advocates and survivors of trafficking: one focused on sex trafficking and the other focused on labor trafficking.

Speakers also include Angela Aufdemberge, President and CEO of Vista Maria; and Kevin Appleby, Senior Director of International Migration Policy at the Center for Migration Studies. Participants will hear from Members of Congress and also learn what they – as people of faith and the general public – can do in their communities and neighborhoods.

Schedule for Shine the Light conference

The conference will run from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Room 200. Visits with legislators will take place for the remainder of the afternoon. NAC will arrange the legislative visits on behalf of participants according to their congressional districts.

All conference participants are encouraged to meet with legislators to advocate against trafficking. NAC will dedicate time during the conference to help participants who want tips, or a how-to primer, on meeting with Members of Congress both in Washington, DC, and in their home districts.

House of Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO) and House of Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) are bipartisan congressional co-sponsors of the conference.

Registration is required. Please join with other Good Shepherd Sisters and Lay Mission Partners to Shine the Light on human trafficking.

Need to know information about the conference

  • Registration deadline is May 1.
  • Advance registration is required. Please register at https://bit.ly/2pT68he or by calling the National Advocacy Center at 301- 622-6838.
  • Space is limited; registration will close when capacity is reached.
  • NAC is extending priority registration through April 7 for Good Shepherd Sisters, Volunteers and Lay Mission Partners.
  • Registration and a government-approved ID are required.
  • The conference will take place in U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Room 200.
  • There is no fee for the boxed lunch or the conference.
  • NAC will arrange the legislative visits.
Jeanette McDermott

Jeanette McDermott

Jeanette is the Communications Coordinator for Sisters of the Good Shepherd Province of Mid-North America. She is a career photojournalist who has served in various capacities of print, broadcast, and corporate communications. Jeanette is devoted to creation and is particularly focused on saving pollinators and other wildlife species and their habitat. She is an ethical vegan and created the website veganstoryteller.com