Everyone has a right to participate in the legislative process, and ensuring that voices are heard at every level of government is crucial to creating impactful change. In my work at World Without Exploitation, I developed proactive and reactive strategies to influence legislation at the local, state, and federal levels. Through targeted lobbying efforts, I helped advocate for policies that addressed the root causes of exploitation and trafficking. By combining direct lobbying with PR and marketing campaigns, we were able to amplify the voices of survivors and advocates, ensuring that their experiences shaped the policies being debated.

The importance of strategic communication cannot be understated. At organizations like Thistle Farms and through my involvement with the Ending Exploitation Collaborative, I saw firsthand how crafting the right message and engaging the right stakeholders at the right time could shift public opinion and legislative priorities. These efforts demonstrated the power of grassroots advocacy, where survivors, community members, and stakeholders come together to challenge harmful systems and create lasting change. Every person—no matter their background or experience—has a right to be part of this process, and it's our responsibility to create space for those voices to be heard.

Determining what to prioritize and when to take action is essential for any organization aiming to make a sustainable, long-term impact. At Thistle Farms, I developed an innovative framework that enabled the organization to classify and prioritize issues based on what was most important to their community, data, and mission. This strategy allowed us to strategically decide when and how to engage in policy advocacy by considering the intersection of community priorities, data-driven insights, and the organization's core values. By adopting this approach, we were able to focus on issues that mattered most to those we served, collaborate on broader issues that data indicated as crucial, and lead in advocacy efforts that were aligned with Thistle Farms’ mission.

This strategy had a profound impact on Thistle Farms' ability to influence policy in Tennessee, where we supported community-driven issues, collaborated on key legislative efforts backed by data, and championed initiatives directly connected to our mission. It wasn’t just about reacting to every policy discussion—it was about being intentional and strategic. I often applied this same framework at World Without Exploitation and helped other organizations structure their engagement in policy work. By using this method, organizations can prioritize the issues that have the greatest potential for real change, ensuring that advocacy efforts are both focused and effective.

Advocacy requires building political will, leveraging social capital, and delivering a message that resonates through collective action. At the Ending Exploitation Collaborative and World Without Exploitation, I expanded our coalition by actively engaging with members across the country through regular outreach and communication. I initiated and led regular calls with key stakeholders, ensuring regional cohesion and alignment in our advocacy efforts. These calls provided a space for coalition members to collaborate, share insights, and stay updated on policy developments. By fostering open communication, we were able to mobilize a broad base of support and take timely action on critical issues, ultimately driving real change.

Recognizing the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces for survivors, I initiated a survivor-only monthly call at World Without Exploitation. This platform allowed survivors to discuss policy matters and bring up questions without fear of judgment or negativity. These calls became a powerful space for survivors to share the work they were doing in their regions, gaining buy-in and support from fellow survivors. By elevating survivor voices in policy discussions, we not only strengthened our advocacy efforts but also ensured that the policies we championed were informed by lived experience. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in achieving meaningful progress and building a united front in the fight against exploitation.