Learning

Convening collaboration with academics and practitioners to develop a richer, more complex understanding of the problem of human trafficking by cataloging, reading, analyzing, and summarizing existing research, assessing its applicability, identifying gaps, and conducting new research.

Learning from New and Existing Research

We believe a strategic approach to learning, research, and evidence building is necessary as the anti-trafficking movement approaches its third decade.

Over the last 20 years a considerable amount of research has been done to understand the issue of human trafficking. At the same time we have only scratched the surface in our ability to consume, understand and apply that research to develop innovative solutions.

Extensive work is needed to understand the applicability and value of existing research, identify gaps in the availability of knowledge, and initiate new research.

We help build the evidence base for more effective practice through our learning process of:

Consolidating Knowledge

  • By reviewing existing research
  • Listening to stakeholders and learning communities
  • Convening panels of experts
  • Curating existing knowledge for industry stakeholders

Identifying Gaps and Needs

  • In academic knowledge
  • Between academic knowledge and practice
  • Between academic knowledge and policy
  • Between academic knowledge and public understanding

Investigating Possibilities through

  • Interviews
  • Case studies
  • Research projects
  • Development of a shared research data library

Our Approach to Learning

Our learning activities include conducting both primary research (data collection, analysis, and evaluation) and secondary research (reading, analyzing, and summarizing existing research) as well as participation in learning communities and collaborations with practitioners and scholars.

Our goal is not merely to conduct the research and report our findings. We use our research and existing research conducted by other scholars and anti-trafficking organizations to re-imagine the response of the anti-trafficking movement to the devastating injustices that lead to trafficking and exploitation.

 

The Need for Learning

While the movement has primarily chosen to focus on sex trafficking and physical violence as the primary injustices of human trafficking, we see issues of vulnerability and marginalization as the broader and more significant problems that cause people to be trafficked and exploited.

The movements inability to successfully address these root causes prevents the movement from making measurable progress in reducing and eliminating human trafficking and exploitation.

Our primary learning goal is to gather evidence to facilitate a re-imagination of the anti-trafficking movement that prioritizes the wellbeing of people in vulnerable and marginalized situations.

Learning is the first step in rethinking industry approaches to the dynamics of human trafficking, innovating new solutions, and applying those solutions to improve the lives of real people.

Learning Partners