AAI is partnering with Maiden Voyage, a free social network for Women Business Travelers. For ladies who travel alone and want to meet locals, take a look at Maiden Voyage, http://www.maiden-voyage.com. This unique business enables women to travel knowing there are other local women who are anxious to meet them in visiting cities. Meet like-minded professional women for dinner around the world, stay in female friendly hotels and use our safety tips to ensure your business trip is safe & social. Register free
Founded by Carolyn Pearson,who also believes that everyone in the travel industry has a responsibility to help stop the trafficking of children and women into the dark life of prostitution. Hear her interview r
I also wanted to let you know that we are running a survey and some research into women’s business traveller safety, and for every response we get I will be making an donation to Airline Ambassadors, see https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6K57KQ8 do feel free to share this with any professional women that you think would have something interesting to say on the subject.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/148d6c75bbf2c146?projector=1
| SEGMENTS 2-4 Carolyn Pearson, founder of Maiden-Voyage |
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After returning from another very successful trip to the Philippines, I feel so blessed to be part of this program. We spent the first day visiting families who live on a dump site, having no water until now. We raised enough money to provide 75 families with water hook up and almost 3 months of water paid for by us. For one afternoon they forgot some of their disappointments and enjoyed a fun party from McDonalds with great food, fun and games. We brought many gifts and supplies.
The next day we started our journey to Shepherd of the Hills Children’s home, where we were greeted with hand made flower necklaces by the children. Our adventure started with an overnight stay at the beach with all the kids, Island hopping, singing and dancing. We had fun making pizza and cookies all from scratch with the kids. A river walk, swimming in the pool, attending church service, making loom band bracelets, playing basketball, eating a traditional Philippine meal with our hands on a banana leaf, experiencing daily life with the children all while staying at the orphanage.
The big event was a catered Christmas party with all the trimmings including Santa Claus!! We brought Christmas decorations and gifts, and the children decorated. Truly an awesome experience for all and this was a first for most of them. These children are very special to me. It was great to also donate $ to help with one of the teacher’s cancer treatment. Thank you to my team for an amazing trip and thank you Christine for great portraits of the kids…see a few below. Cheryl Robinson Our April trip will be building a playground! Please join us. Contact me, Cheryl Robinson at 517-599-4095 or hdchey@netscape.net 
“I found this picture (right) on my camera roll when I was going through pictures. I think it was either Rose or Marie who had my phone when this round of pics was taken, but I thought it was cute, especially since she took it secretly and didn’t tell me. Enjoy! Jennifer Johnston
“I helped bring Landry & Maeva from Burkina Faso. I only did the ord – cmh leg, but wow!! What a pleasure to spend time with this brave little girl. Poor thing was passed around from flight attendant to fa and was so brave! She has a severe case of spina bifida. What a smart little girl. I was truly the lucky one to have the pleasure to spend a little time with this angel. ( aside from the vomit that she spit up all over me at the beginning of the flight)
Last year, AAI presented at INTERPOL regarding our innovative work raising awareness of TIP we were invited back for the 3rd INTERPOL Global Trafficking in Human Beings Conference in Nov. 2014.
At an informative and inspirational meeting there was the opportunity to expand knowledge and discuss and exchange information with fellow experts from all over the world. Attendees included a group with diverse backgrounds including law enforcement agencies, governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, international organisations and academia. The meeting was hosted with support from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Synopsis of presentations HERE
Photographs https://www.dropbox.com/sh/118t4xz38xlptmx/AABVOrAs845umUOgVRNPb_3ca?dl=0#/
See below overview draft of Conference Recommendations:
1.Trafficking for the purpose of forced labour in the fishing sector is intrinsically linked to illegal fishing. These are two key characteristics of an illegal fisheries business model. The 3rd INTERPOL Global Trafficking in Human Beings Conference strongly urges the adoption of an interagencyapproach.
2. The 3rd INTERPOL Global Trafficking in Human Beings Conference is convinced that forced labour and human trafficking in the fishing industry is endemic and is encouraged by the diversity of stakeholders concerned in the fisheries sector and the breadth of knowledge and information on modus operandi and methodologies available. The conference highly recommends the international quick exchange of information, ideas and best practises, including the use of INTERPOL tools to:
A. Promote awareness of the issue.
B. Stimulate multidisciplinary training and operational responses.
C. Achieve successful prosecutions and the protection of trafficked victims.
3. That IPSG with Global Sentry in consultation with other NGOs produce a best practise document
on law enforcement and NGO cooperation, responses and operations to publish on the INTERPOL
website.
4. Recognizing the complexity of human trafficking, the 3rd INTERPOL Global Trafficking in Human
Beings Conference recommends an increase of cross sector cooperation especially in the areas of:
A. Development and sharing of best practice techniques in relation to identification and
handling of victims of human trafficking and investigation and prosecution of human traffickers.
B. Creation of operational activities that lead to rescue of victims of human trafficking and
prosecution of human traffickers.
C. Engagement of legitimate businesses that are part of the supply chain in sectors that are
affected by human trafficking.
Please find attached: http://goo.gl/JLrDy8
Join us to visit the projects of Mayan Families. Mar. 15 – 21 Here’s a short VIDEO on our mission there last fall to give you a sense of what to expect! Also the article in Luxury Travel Magazine!
Sunday, Mar. 15th -Arrival in 
Guatemala City, transportation to Pana -Welcome Packet – Sack Lunch Welcome Dinner Monday, Mar. 16th -Visit to El Barranco Pre-School where the children will perform traditional folkloric dances. We will then hand out donations we have brought with us. You have the opportunity to sponsor a child at the school, and Connie will let you know which children need sponsors.
Tuesday, Mar. 16th – Boat ride to San Juan Laguna were you will see demonstrations of natural dye making and back-strap weaving at the women’s co-ops. There will be lots of beautiful textiles to purchase. The afternoon will be free time. You will have the option to have dinner together at Penguinos where the owner, Miguel will entertain you with stories of his culture and with marimba music. (and you will have a chance to try your skill at making tortillas!) –
Wednesday, Mar. 17th – Return to El Barranco to do home visits and install 2 stoves. Those who sponsor a student will visit their child’s home and meet their family. Thursday, Mar. 18th -Free day where you can visit the Mayan Families wood working trade school, go zip lining, visit the Reserva Nature area, take a cooking class (if we have enough interested) or go to Chichicastenango and shop till you drop! Friday, Mar. 19th -Assist at Mayan Families Offices with whatever projects they have toing on and help with the elderly feeding program. – Farewell Dinner
Saturday, Mar. 20th -Travel to Antigua and enjoy the day and evening in this beautiful colonial village. Sunday, Mar. 21st -Depart for Guatemala City Airport.
For a group of 8-12, cost is $640 per person, which includes:
- · Donation to Mayarn Families
- Accommodations in Panajachel for Sunday through Friday night
- · Accommodations in Antigua for Saturday night
- · Transportation from the airport to Pana
- · Transportation from Pana to Antigua
- · Transportation from Antigua to Guatemala City
- · Transportation to and from Mayan Families activities
- · Translators
- Purchase and installations of two stoves
- · Breakfast every morning
- ·Three Dinners
- · One Lunch
The price does not include: Make your $100 Deposit HERE
- ·All other meals Pay Balance $540 HERE
- · Alcoholic drinks and snacks
- · Email Mission Coordinator, Connie Turvey at turveycl@gmail.com for more information
Join us to visit the projects of Mayan Families. Feb. 15 – 21 Here’s a short VIDEO on our mission there last fall to give you a sense of what to expect! Also the article in Luxury Travel Magazine! Sunday, Feb. 15th -Arrival in Guatemala City, transportation to Pana -Welcome Packet – Sack Lunch Welcome Dinner Monday, Feb. 16th -Visit to El Barranco Pre-School where the children will perform traditional folkloric dances. We will then hand out donations we have brought with us. You have the opportunity to sponsor a child at the school, and Connie will let you know which children need sponsors. 
Tuesday, Feb. 16th – Boat ride to San Juan Laguna were you will see demonstrations of natural dye making and back-strap weaving at the women’s co-ops. There will be lots of beautiful textiles to purchase. The afternoon will be free time. You will have the option to have dinner together at Penguinos where the owner, Miguel will entertain you with stories of his culture and with marimba music. (and you will have a chance to try your skill at making tortillas!) –
Wednesday, Feb. 17th
– Return to El Barranco to do home visits and install 2 stoves. Those who sponsor a student will have the opportunity to visit their child’s home and meet their family. . Thursday, Feb. 18th -Free day where you can visit the Mayan Families wood working trade school, go zip lining, visit the Reserva Nature area, take a cooking class (if we have enough interested) or go to Chichicastenango and shop till you drop! Friday, Feb. 19th -Assist at Mayan Families Offices with whatever projects they have toing on and help with the elderly feeding program. – Farewell Dinner Saturday, Feb. 20th -Travel to Antigua and enjoy the day and evening in this beautiful colonial village. Sunday, Feb. 21st -Depart for Guatemala City Airport.
For a group of 8-12, cost is $640 per person, which would include the following:
- · Donation to Mayarn Families
- Accommodations in Panajachel for Sunday through Friday night
- · Accommodations in Antigua for Saturday night
- · Transportation from the airport to Pana
- · Transportation from Pana to Antigua
- · Transportation from Antigua to Guatemala City
- · Transportation to and from Mayan Families activities
- · Translators
- Purchase and installations of two stoves
- · Breakfast every morning
- ·Three Dinners
- · One Lunch
The price does not include:
- ·All other meals
- · Alcoholic drinks and snacks
- · Email Mission Coordinator, Connie Turvey at turveycl@gmail.com for more information
- Upcoming missions planned for February and March! (see dates below)
Mar. 15-21
Check out the latest video about our work with Chris Hansen! HERE
Director of the 2014 SAFE Conference, Dr. Kaylani Gopal gathered survivors of human trafficking and participants from all disciplines to collaborate on how to combat this horrific crime. AAI provided a sample Human Trafficking Awareness Training given by Peggy Durfey and Michele Krick with Nancy Rivard and Board member ML Murray showcased the Flash- Cards and her new book – Plane Manners which has raised funds to support our awareness efforts. Thanks for participation from Sara Dornacker and members of DHS, law enforcement and representatives from the Association of Flight Attendants to support the effort. AAI’s newest trainer, survivor, Alica Kozakiewiez, presented our petition encouraging airlines to train staff to recognize & report suspected Human Trafficking.
Please support us by signing HERE to petition airlines to train staff on Human Trafficking.
Help us stop EBOLA! Check out this RAP Video
The world is aghast at the health danger of the Ebola crisis and Airline Ambassadors is proud to support the Ebola Campaign of Miss Universe Ghana 2014, Abena Appilah. This campaign is a joint strategic partnership between New Generation for Africa Foundation and the Miss Universe Ghana Women Empowerment Program that aims to provide effective early preventative intervention for Ebola through education, deliver expert training, and minimize the spread of incorrect information to vulnerable women and children in affected areas.
Abena is a Ghanaian born model, singer, actress, and philanthropist She currently studies fashion at the Radford University College. Her philosophy in life is “strive hard to achieve your goal no matter the circumstance”.
Abena began modeling at the age of 3 and discovered music abilities at 9 years old. She writes and performs her own songs and is deeply committed to the empowerment of women. Check out her new video release for the BringBackOurGirls campaign. She also participated in our Sept. 26 Runaway Bridesmaids Race raising Awareness to stop sex trafficking.
Donate to our Ebola cause donate HERE
or to donate United Miles to this cause HERE
Thank you to Healing the Children, who highlighted appreciation of AAI Escorts in their recent Annual report.
The full page Thank You highlights this quote:
” The children will make you laugh and sometimes they make your cry. They ask you to sing, and at times they will get you to dance. You’ll find yourself buying whatever they want in an airport because of the love you feel for this special person as they so bravely journey without their families”
Terry Bobbitt, American Airlines flight attendant.
For full version of the report click HERE
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Ryan Paquette. Ryan was a light to all who knew him and a beloved volunteer with Airline Ambassadors. He volunteered to support our Children’s Medical Escort program and brought joy and happiness to all he met.
May we take inspiration from Ryan as an a profound example of a life well lived.
His cousin, Helen DeGallerie has set up a facebook memorial page and an account to benefit his mother http://www.gofundme.com/f46n1s
Date of Memorial Service will be set soon in Miami.
