UCI Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation

Thanks again to all the experts, survivors, service providers, and supporters who attended the recent “Exploitation is Not Sustainable” symposium co-hosted by the UCI Blum Center and EverFree! Dr. Kelsey Morgan, PhD (CEO, EverFree), Dr. Angela Robinson (Blum Center), and Dr. Richard Matthew (Blum Center) launched the event with remarks on the state of anti-human trafficking work locally and globally, highlighting challenges that remain but also reasons to be hopeful about progress. Building from the demonstration of the success of the data-driven, validated, and survivor-centered Freedom Lifemap tool (co-developed by EverFree and the Blum Center) and the on-the-ground experience of the experts in attendance, attendees discussed paths for improving anti-trafficking efforts and supporting survivors to remain free from further exploitation. The event was a success and showcased the potential impact that partnerships between researchers and service providers can have on solving complex issues. (Photo Credits: Maureen Purcell and Han Parker/UCI) #Allinforall #ScienceDrivingSolutions #uci #blumcenter #EndHumanTrafficking #FreedomLifemap University of California, Irvine - School of Social Ecology

Together with the UCI Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation, EverFree hosted our Symposium, “Exploitation is Not Sustainable,” a pivotal event dedicated to addressing the urgent issue of human trafficking in Orange County. The symposium will brought together key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and community leaders, to delve into the complexities of trafficking and exploitation, with a particular focus on local impacts and solutions. Central to the symposium was the demonstration of EverFree's Freedom Lifemap, its effectiveness and its ability to provide data-driven insights and strengthen effective interventions for combating trafficking and supporting survivors. #freedomlifemap #lifemap #universityofcalifornia #irvine #orangecounty

Climate change affects human and natural systems around the world. It multiplies the threat of extreme weather events, food security, water security, and conflict. How does the U.S. military account for climate change and its impacts into strategies for national defense and global security? Join us Friday, 11/8, for a luncheon seminar with Sherri Goodman, former Chief Environmental Officer at the Pentagon to learn about this important topic. Lunch provided to guests who RSVP by 11/6 RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eXBfmHze . . University of California, Irvine - School of Social Ecology UC Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC) UC Irvine School of Social Sciences #climatechange #globalsecurity #nationaldefense

📣 Calling all UCI Anteaters! Do you have an idea for a project that could leave a lasting impact on your community? Do you want to help build a more just, equitable, and sustainable future? Apply today for a Small Change, Better World seed grant! We offer funding to successful applications across four priority areas: 1) Amplify Change: The Power of Music 2) Creative Expression for Change 3) Youth-Led Social Change 4) Youth-Led Climate Solutions Applications due Friday of Week 5 (Nov 1st) Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/SCBWuci or on our website . . . University of California, Irvine - School of Social Ecology #AllinForAll #smallchangebetterworld #uci #anteaters #powerofmusic #climatechange #socialchange #studentgrant

Dr. Kelsey Morgan, UCI Blum Center's anti-human trafficking and survivor support expert (and CEO of EverFree), was honored last week as a Distinguished Alumni from the School of Social Ecology! The award recognizes Dr. Morgan's longstanding and passionate commitment to end human trafficking and empower survivors through her data-based, survivor-centered approach the Freedom Lifemap. She received this honor at this year's Lauds & Laurels ceremony, a long-standing tradition that celebrates UCI alumni for professional and personal achievements contributing to the university and the wider community. Congratulations on this well-earned award, Dr. Morgan!

Listen to the latest episode of Orion Talks to here our own Dr. Angela Robinson speak on her work in anti trafficking research, participatory research, and the policy implications for making progress towards ending human trafficking.

The CNN Freedom Project recently spotlighted how EverFree's Freedom Lifemap endeavors to support survivors and end exploitation through technology and data. “We are so excited about what Freedom Lifemap can do if we have a Freedom Lifemap in the hands of every survivor. This data is going to help everyone understand what's most needed, what policies will make a big impact, what sort of resources are going to move the needle [and] show the world the strength and resiliency and leadership survivors have.” — EverFree CEO Dr. Kelsey Morgan About Freedom Lifemap: Founded by EverFree’s Dr. Kelsey Morgan and UCI Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation’s Dr. Angela Robinson in collaboration with a global cohort of survivors, Freedom Lifemap is a revolutionary tool that connects survivors with individualized care and equips organizations with powerful data to drive meaningful change. Click to watch: https://lnkd.in/gwdfc6DJ Interested in an exclusive demo of Freedom Lifemap? RSVP: https://lnkd.in/g_QsdauT

📢 Webinar alert: Join the Blum Center and EverFree teams this Thursday, August 22nd, for an online demonstration of the Freedom Lifemap! Recently highlighted on CNN's Freedom Project, this groundbreaking data-based tool helps connect survivors of human trafficking with the individualized care they need, and helps us learn what works in the fight to stop exploitation. Register here: tinyurl.com/flmdemo . . . #technology #innovation #antitrafficking #endtrafficking #exploitation  #UCI #AllInForAll #ScienceDrivingSolutions  University of California, Irvine - School of Social Ecology of Social Ecology 

Authority Magazine recently featured Dr. Angela Robinson of the UCI Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation! As co-creator of Freedom Lifemap, Dr. Robinson spoke with Authority Mag on how technology can make a positive social impact. "As a society, we have an imperative to reach more victims with better care. Technology can help us do that.” 💡 About EverFree's Freedom Lifemap - Freedom Lifemap connects participants with a tech-based needs assessment that enables them to access vital services, prevents exploitation, and equips global efforts with data and solutions. Organizations use Freedom Lifemap to improve the efficacy and efficiency of programs. And with data from Freedom Lifemap, we unite efforts to improve care for survivors and vulnerable communities globally.

🌏 What contemporary conservation opportunities and challenges exist at the nexus of environmental change, migration, and conflict? "Planet on the move: Reimagining conservation at the intersection of migration, environmental change, and conflict" a new IUCN report (co-authored and co-edited by Blum Center's Dr. Matthew) offers a new framework for attending simultaneously to the some of the most complex and interconnected issues of our time. "[The authors'] aspiration is that one day, readers of this report will think of migration as a phenomenon inclusive of all life on Earth, irrespective of whether their mandate is to care for human needs or the needs of other species. The planet is a shared space, species are interdependent, as well as competitive, and recognition of this fundamental reality is critical to reimagining conservation in the context of migration, environmental change and conflict" (p. 6). 📚 Discover new insights in the full report! Access it here: https://lnkd.in/gECZBpaZ #climatechange #EnPax #IUCN #conservation #migration #conflict #peacebuilding #displacement #biodiversity #humanrights #environmentallaw #UCI #UCIrvine #socialecology