Airline Ambassadors participated in the 2017 United Nations DPI/NGO Orientation held on Tuesday 11 April, 2017. Due to our long-standing affiliation with the United Nations, AAI was asked to present about our work and how it relates to the United Nations. All three of our main areas – Humanitarian Missions, Child Escorts, and Human Trafficking Awareness – directly address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by tackling inequality, reducing poverty, and promoting peace, justice and strong institutions (to name a few!). We are so proud of our affiliation with the United Nations and the Department of Public Information and look forward to a very bright future!
Many thanks to Luci Prosapio, Christina Andersen and Lynn Duddy for representing Airline Ambassadors at the event. Luci presented an overview on the work of AAI and our commitment and efforts relating to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Here are the comments from Felipe Quisepo, Head of the NGO Section for DPI:
Dear Luci,
What can I say? You were amazing, and the feedback that we got on your presentation was extremely positive.
As I mentioned to Christina and Lynn, it is because of incredible people like you at Airline Ambassadors that I love my job. Today I had a blast. All the work and effort put into this program was absolutely worth it.
Also, I was asked whether I could share with the participants your presentation. I’ll convert it into a PDF and share it that way. I’ll include in the piece about AAI for our next announcements’ spotlight and social media messages. Give me the handle and hashtags you would like us to use, and I’ll be happy to highlight your work.
Once again, thank you for your presentation, and look forward to many more future collaborations.
Felipe
P.S. You are making the world a safer place for all and we are proud to call you partners.
Airline Ambassadors star Human Trafficking Awareness trainer Donna Hubbard was honored at the Women of the World Summit in New York – an exclusive gathering of inspirational women from around the world around the world on April 7, 2017. Here is the riveting video of Donna’s interview: Click link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_wM5tcHxyE&featurer=youtu.be, in Donna’s words:
The Women in the World Summit was an experience words can barely explain.”
Saudi female athletes and Russian wife of a pro-democracy activist Evegenia Kara Myrza exemplified courage.
Thanks so much to Tammy Meade and Teresa Garza who presented Human Trafficking Awareness training at the Baylor University
Stand 4 Freedom event on April 7 with Intl. Justice Mission!
An amazing time with powerful students determined to make a difference in their generation.
” Carrie Quilici, PHX F/A & Debbie Baird, DFW Res, with 4 year old Amadine & 5 year old Jayson enroute to CDG and home to Burkina Faso. Both kids have prosthetic legs. Amadine has one and Jayson is a bi-lateral leg amputee. 
The Anchorage training at Ted Stevens International Airport on May 18, 2017 was a huge success!
There were approximately 40 attendees including Alaska Flight Attendants, Alaska Airlines Management, airport personnel and individuals from local organizations. Also in attendance were representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, the ANC Police and Fire Departments (including the Chief of Police) and ANC airport management. Some spoke at the event sharing their expertise in human trafficking matters.
irport Managers, Lisa Moore and Jeanette Luckey helped secure a beautiful conference room, complimentary parking for attendees, help setting up equipment from the Facilities department and a catered lunch!
DHS Representative, Dean Wauson spoke for a few minutes on what happens when they receive the reports via the DHS Tipline number. They immediately start evaluating all reports with the Airport Police, and he spoke on that for several minutes. Sergeant Joe Gamache previously told me about the Downtown Hope Center (Soup Kitchen and shelter), and how that is one of the only paces set up in the area to house survivors. However the Hope Center Director, Sherrie Laurie and founder, Richard Irwin or any on their board knew how to properly care for survivors. Although they are accustomed to helping house and care for the homeless, human trafficking is not something they have had training for.
Kathryn Griffin, expert AAI Trainer and survivor of human trafficking was instrumental in arranging for more extensive training for the downtown Anchorage Hope Center’s personnel. Kathryn also assisted in the care and rehabilitation of a trafficking survivor, while visiting the Hope Center. This survivor will now receive extensive care from a rehabilitation center in Houston, Texas, thanks to Kathryn’s coordination!
Sherrie told us after the training that Kathryn was the answer to their prayers!
It was an amazing experience meeting the many individuals working together to see human trafficking come to an end in the state of Alaska and beyond.
It was also incredible to meet the directors and leaders of the Downtown Hope Center and some of the individuals and survivors that have been cared for there.
We thank the Hartsfield Jackson International Airport for support in the fight to end Modern Day Slavery
Participants filled the room and shared lunch, received a welcome from local government, airport and law enforcement representatives. Participants watched the movie SOLD and received training from Michele Krick, Donna Hubbard and Lynn Duddy on how to recognize and report human trafficking. Local NGOs : Out of Darkness, Street Grace, Wellspring, Women at the Well Transition Center and Youth Spark will also share the dark reality of human trafficking in Atlanta. Here are stories from local media:
Hartsfield-Jackson works to spot human trafficking
11 Alive – May 04, 2017
“airport” on CBS46 News at 4:30am
WGCL-ATL (CBS) – May 04, 2017
“Hartsfield Jackson” on FOX5 News @ 6:00
WAGA-ATL (FOX) – May 03, 2017
Atlanta Airport Boosts Efforts To Stop Human Trafficking
90.1 FM WABE – May 04, 2017
Atlanta Airport Boosts Efforts To Stop Human Trafficking
90.1 FM WABE – May 04, 2017
Airline Ambassadors partnered with FiWi Jamaica, University of Technology and USAID to provide training on human trafficking awareness at ports/airports in Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios Jamaica June 14-18, 2017. This was the first effort of its kind in the country. See Ambassador Ward’s post on the trip
The Recognize It – Report It Training kicked off at a launch in Kingston with representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the US Embassy and supporting organizations.
Nancy Rivard
Ambassador Ward
Shamere McKenzie
Ambassador Curtis Ward, former Ambassador to the United Nations from Jamaica (and counter-
terrorism expert) presented an overview and background at each presentation and AAI trainer and survivor, Shamere McKenzie riveted audiences with her personal story. It was great to have the support of Superintendent of Police – and head of the National Task force SP Carl Berry also join the presentations at each location. His intimate knowledge of cases in Jamaica and engaging style, left everyone wanting more. Participants at each location were very VERY receptive and leadership was identified to continue the education process.
See below sample letter from one of the participants :
“Dear Nancy
It certainly was a pleasure meeting you today ..
I have been in the Jamaica tourism industry for the past thirty one ( 31) years and I personally felt that I had handled the widest scope of topics possible –until the introduction to you , the teams and the organization .
Already I have reached out to my corporate team and I would most definitely love to introduce you sometime next month , while at HQ/ Calgary for meetings
In the interim , it will be a privilege to be a member of the local airline / port team which will be trained and enabled to roll out sessions in this matter. Please let s keep in touch and keep this momentum going forward
Best Regards
CHAIRPERSON – MBJ Airline Operators Committee
Check out this recent article on Carol Palmer since our visit. Special acknowledgement goes to Zadie Neufville who masterminded the training program and put together the initiative. Here is her letter of invitation:
Zadie Neufeld
I am writing to invite members of Airline Ambassadors International to assist with the delivery of anti-Human Trafficking Training in two international airports and one cruise port in Jamaica. The training will be delivered as workshops and train-the-trainer sessions over three days, June 14 to 17, 2017.
As discussed via telephone and emails, we are desirous of providing training that will allow our airport and cruise port staff to recognize and report suspected instances of trafficking before the victims leave our shores or enter our jurisdiction.
We are extremely lucky to have partnered with FiWi Jamaica, and in association with the Norman Manley and Donald Sangster International Airports Authorities and the Ports Authority to deliver the training.
In addition to the three days of workshops and train-the-trainer sessions, there will be a launch on the evening of June 14. This event will include ranking members of the Jamaican government and the diplomatic corps and will be hosted by FiWi Jamaica, which is a USAID-funded project in Jamaica.
Looking forward to your participation.
Zadie Neufville (Ms)
Training Coordinator http://ahyaad.webs.com/
Thanks to the leadership of Martine Longchamp, AAI is helping to contribute to the restoration of the system of small farms that was once the pillar of Haitian society after its independence by cultivating small to medium scale family farms to provide participating grassroo
This sustainable project has been launched in Fonds des Negres on March 12th.
Margaret Whitehead, Director of Airline Ambassadors Children’s Medical Escort Program was honored at the 9th Annual Childspring Gala at the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta on March 25th. She had no idea that she was going to be recognized when hosts surprised her and with the impressive “Dr. David Watson Global Service Award”.
“I was just overwhelmed – had no idea I would ever receive anything like this. It was truly the most impressive event I have ever attended and was so much fun to be with Wayne.” Margaret attended with Wayne Lee, one of her coordinators, and who has arranged several of Childspring’ trips.
Margaret has directed this Airline Ambassadors program for 20 years to help children from other countries, often very poor, come to the U.S. for donated lifesaving medical care. Her team coordinates for off duty airline employees to travel with these children to the U.S. and back again. She works with Wayne Lee, Joanne Striker, Connie Lowry and Clarie Krinsky who also all volunteer their time making a huge difference on these life-changing journeys.
Julie Anne Photography, LLC
Childspring International provides life-changing surgeries for children from developing countries, and as a result, transforms communities.
To date, Childspring International has provided medical care for more than 2,700 children who are living in developing countries.
Airline Ambassadors launches initiative at United Nations Commission on Women
March 22, 2017 AAI President Nancy Rivard presented as part of a panel chaired by H.E. Bernadito Auza, Permanent Observer to the Holy See. ” Economically Empowering Survivors to Stay Permanently off the Streets” Other speakers included Peter DiMarzio of Homeland Security Investigations, Sr. Joan Dawber, Lifeway Network, Sr. Lynda Dearlove, Founder Women at the Well and John Lines of Operation Underground Railroad.
SEE UN TV VIDEO HERE
Nancy shared a pioneering initiative highlighting this letter sent to 24 CEO’s in the travel industry:
Dear Travel Industry Colleagues
As a leading advocate of human trafficking awareness in the travel industry, and an ECOSOC NGO affiliated with the United Nations Department of Public Information and Economic and Social Council, Airline Ambassadors International is committed to assisting businesses to partner with government, and NGOs in implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
We urge all companies concerned with modern day slavery to adopt an anti-human trafficking policy that includes the following clause:
“Recognizing the need for long-term financial stability of human trafficking victims to gain self esteem and provide for themselves and their children, our company commits to provide training and employment opportunities to survivors without discrimination and ensure confidentiality to avoid stigmatization in the workplace.”
Implementing this clause is a concrete action that will have global significance and will support the UN Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and specifically Target 8.7, “taking immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking…”.
Many survivors have a criminal record, although they were actually victims of a terrible crime. This makes it especially difficult to get a job and turn their lives around. By providing a fair chance to these individuals, corporations demonstrate social responsibility, help save lives, and gain valuable employees.
In the words of President Barack Obama in September 2012: “This fight ought to concern every person, because it is a debasement of our common humanity. It ought to concern every community, because it tears at our social fabric. It ought to concern every business, because it distorts markets. It ought to concern every nation, because it endangers public health and fuels violence and organized crime. I’m talking about the injustice, the outrage, of human trafficking, which must be called by its true name – modern slavery.”
Let’s have the travel industry take the lead to combat the greatest human rights issue of our time. Airline Ambassadors International is advocating the U.S. Congress provide legal and tax incentives for U.S. companies that implement policies to train and hire survivors of human trafficking. We invite your participation.
We will announce your commitment to provide training and employment opportunities to survivors at our NGO-Led Briefing at the United Nations in fall 2017. Please contact us if you have and further questions and/or to share a copy of your policy at angels@airlineamb.org
Thank you for your commitment to combating Human Slavery!
