This was so very useful! I learned how close to home this reality is… and how many people are trapped. Can you come to speak at our high school? T.L., High School Student
Wow. I really enjoyed Sister Patrice as a speaker and how she integrated videos, discussion, awareness and action. Trafficking is an epidemic and we need to continue to become more aware. R.M., Student, Marquette University
What struck me, during Sister Patrice’s seminar, was the subtle nature of the process by which people are trapped into slavery. I was struck by the videos used- the expression on the face of the woman who was a victim revealed her intelligence, her dignity, and her pain. Social Worker, Phoenix, AZ.
Our parish hosted a “mini-seminar” of one hour… and we were moved to donate $1,500 to the Salvatorian’s direct work on this critical social justice issue. Amazingly, we had never even known that men, women and children were being sold and enslaved right here in our country… now we know how we’re connected to our world in a whole new way. B.A., Wisconsin Parishioner
WHAT CAN WE GET?
Your choice of interactive seminars integrating video, audio, interaction, discussion, and hands-on learning activities. Seminars and presentations are crafted to include case studies from your state or geographic area, recent slavery situations, and realities from around the globe. Group sizes range from 25 to 750. Content is appropriate for mature high school and older. Elementary and middle school presentations are specially available as well.
Awareness Seminar: 2.5 to 3.0 hours- perfect for beginners and those who want to develop a solid awareness leading to action.
Action Seminar: 2.0 to 2.5 hours- Builds on awareness, offering specific ideas for taking action in response to knowledge.
Full Day Conference: Awareness Seminar plus Action Seminar
Mini-Seminar: One hour, focusing on the basics of awareness
ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Sister Patrice Colletti, SDS is the main presenter. She is a Salvatorian Sister (Sisters of the Divine Savior) and became involved in the issue of human trafficking after participating in an international meeting in Rome, Italy, in 2001. “Until I came home to the US and began to dig into this issue, I was mistakenly thinking it only occurred in other countries. Now I know… slavery and human trafficking, although invisible, exists everywhere, including here in the United States. We can work together to build a new “Underground Railroad” to free those who are enslaved.” S. Patrice is an experienced educator who incorporates media, learning activities, and discussion/reflection. She has presented and taught nationally to a wide variety of audiences, with over 10,200 individuals being trained since 2001.
WHO SPONSORS THESE SEMINARS?
Most times, seminars have one main sponsor and several local co-sponsors. These groups are often nonprofits or faith communities who have an interest in the issues of human trafficking and slavery. Sponsors and co-sponsors are responsible for logistics and for inviting participants to their hosted event.
Sponsors underwrite (or raise funds to underwrite) the costs of bringing the seminar to a particular area. Sponsors also invite others to participate. Cost information is included in our Seminar Information Packet (PDF). A sliding fee scale is available if necessary. Funds are used to directly support the work of the Sisters of the Divine Savior on the issue of human trafficking, including providing direct services to victims through a safe-house in California, USA. The Sisters of the Divine Savior are a registered 501 c 3 nonprofit.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Host organizations invite whomever they wish to their seminar or event. Typically, a mixed group works best, since coalition building and local networking is emphasized in the presentations. Participants typically include: law enforcement, health care providers, social services personnel, state and county workers, educators, parishioners, campus ministry, colleges and universities, faith communities of every faith, first responders, mature high school students, ministers and social justice groups, and legislators.
WHERE CAN WE GET MORE INFORMATION?
For a complete description of these exciting seminars and for details on planning and sponsoring them in your local community, please download the Seminar Information Packet (PDF).
Contact the speaker, Sister Patrice Colletti, SDS, directly with your questions at patricecolletti@sbcglobal.net
Sister Patrice is available to travel anywhere in the United States. Most seminars are currently booking twelve to eighteen months in advance.
