Collective impact is essential to accelerate and resource the fight against sex trafficking and exploitation. One way Atlas Free scales global impact is through the Atlas Free Network. Atlas Free identifies, funds, and supports the most effective local anti-trafficking organizations in the world.
The Atlas Free Network is a global community of over 140 organizations across 67 countries, all of which are committed to dismantling the business of human trafficking. The Network features more than 500 unique programs that scale the worldwide movement and holistically combat trafficking. Since Atlas Free began in 2012, more than 1.6 million lives have been impacted through the Network’s intervention, prevention, aftercare, awareness, and outreach programs.
Atlas Free’s approach unites key organizations that would otherwise be working independently. The fight against sex trafficking requires an organized front line. Traffickers thrive when the fight is fragmented; a united approach can make far greater strides.
Here are some of the attributes Atlas Free looks for in its Network Members—anti-trafficking organizations all over the world that collaborate in the fight:
According to Andy Baker, Partnerships Director at Atlas Free, Network Members must have three important characteristics: commitment, character, and capacity.
“You can’t do this work without being totally committed to the cause,” Baker says. “Capacity is important because you can be really committed, but have no capacity. Finally, I look at the leaders’ character.”
Baker aims to work with organizations on a growth trajectory, not in terms of large numbers, but in terms of mission.
Atlas Free selects new Network Members through a vetting process that familiarizes our team with their mission, vision, values, and needs. Baker and his team take each prospective Network Member through an interview process that includes an in-depth survey to help Atlas Free understand the ins and outs of their organization.
Once a member has become part of the Network, Atlas Free assesses each new Network Member’s passions, wins, and strengths, then works with these organizations to integrate them into the Network.
“I often ask new Network Members, ‘If you could identify one superpower in the anti-trafficking space, what would yours be?’” says Baker.
When it comes to fighting human trafficking, knowing each Network Member’s strengths allows Atlas Free to help them further grow in that area.
“If you’re really good at prosecutions, if you have a legal team and legal counsel on your staff, let’s focus on that,” Baker says. “If you’re best at prevention and demand reduction, we’ll concentrate there. Whether they need assistance with staffing, hiring, team dynamics, strategic planning, or building out a residential facility, we can help.”
It’s essential to learn what tools each organization needs to do its work well. That could look like tech equipment, funding, or training. The ability to stretch resources helps these organizations multiply their efforts. Atlas Free works with Network Member teams on how to brainstorm needs and use the resources they already have, which helps them allocate funds where they’re most needed.
Atlas Free depends on the generosity of donors just like you. Your monthly donation is instrumental in equipping organizations around the world in the fight against human trafficking. Join Team Freedom today to be a part of this impactful work.
