Saturday, October 16, 2004
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

College of Notre Dame of Maryland
Knott Science Center
4701 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210

The U.S. government estimates that 18,000-20,000 people are trafficked into the country each year, many ending up in the illicit and dangerous sex trade. Human trafficking is the shameful, tragic exploitation of persons from other countries, brought by force or lured with false promises, to work under unjust conditions in the United States (or any country) - then blocked from leaving that work. Trafficking young people for prostitution - under many euphemisms - is a tragic problem worldwide.

School Sisters of Notre Dame, together with the College of Notre Dame of Maryland and several other organizations and institutions, have committed themselves to work against the trafficking of persons, particularly women and children.

For this reason, the SSNDs made a decision to sponsor this conference for its members and those of the co-sponsoring organizations, especially those in social ministries, emergency health care and law enforcement in conjunction with our educators.

Speakers
The New York Times Magazine investigative journalist Peter Landesman, who provoked a great deal of controversy with some readers when his article, “The Girls Next Door,” appeared in the January 25, 2004, issue, will open the day’s conference. Photojournalist Kimberlee Acquaro, who was the photojournalist for the story, will share the podium for the opening presentation.

“The Plight of Victims,” a panel presenting experiences from different professional perspectives, will provide a focus in keeping with the intended participants.
Moderator: Laura Lederer, senior advisor on trafficking, U.S. Department of State

Panelists:

• Edward J. Kelly, special agent of immigration and customs enforcement, Department of Homeland Security
• Cherie Sammis, R.N., M.S., F.N.P., clinical administrator, Perry Family Health Center of Providence Hospital, Washington, D.C.
• Joy Zarembka, director, Break the Chain Campaign, Washington, D.C.

Following luncheon in Doyle Hall, the conference will offer participants the opportunity to participate in a workshop titled, “Where do we go from here?” followed by an open mic session.

Concluding the day, U.S. Attorney Douglas Molly, in a session titled, “Law & Love: Trafficking Victims Protection Act in Action,” will present the views of trafficking situations in the United States through the eyes of a prosecuting attorney.

Planning Committee
As the Planning Committee began to make inquires into the Baltimore community to find interested organizations, possible co-sponsors and participants, we found great interest and enthusiasm for the conference. The Planning Committee includes School Sisters of Notre Dame, and representatives from the College of Notre Dame, Mercy Medical Center, P. Francis Murphy Justice & Peace Initiative, Towson University, Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom, the Lutheran Church and Immigration Outreach of St. Matthew Parish. As of this printing, there are 17 co-sponsors.

Representatives of the Offices of the Governor of Maryland and Mayor of Baltimore will be present. Each of these offices and the co-sponsoring organizations has agreed to publicize the conference and encourage participation. Certificates of attendance will be offered for those hoping for CEUs or other credits from their respective institutions.

The day’s registration fee is $10, including lunch.

For more information, contact Sister Ethel Howley, SSND, at 410-377-2071 or by e-mail at ehowley@ssndba.org.

BACK