Southern Tier Human Trafficking Task Force hosting free Community Awareness Seminar

NEW YORK — The Southern Tier Human Trafficking Task Force (STHTTF) will host a free community awareness conference, “Predators, Grooming, and Exploitation: What Every Community Should Know About Human Trafficking,” on Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event will be held at United with Christ Church, 1025 Robinson Hill Road, Johnson City.

The conference will feature an experienced group of presenters and community partners representing a range of agencies and organizations involved in prevention, investigation, victim services, and community education. Participating organizations include the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, New York State Department of Labor, Broome County District Attorney’s Office, Crime Victims Assistance Center, FBI Task Force, and The Potter’s Hands Foundation. The program will also include a powerful survivor testimony, providing an important first-hand perspective on the realities and impact of human trafficking.

“Education is one of our most powerful tools in preventing exploitation,” states Jenn Rodzinka, Task Force Chairperson. “The broader our reach, the greater the impact.”

According to Rodzinka, the last conference that the STHTTF held was in 2020 with several hundred attendees.

Because the conference is free and open to the community, organizers expect to reach a broad audience, including educators, service providers, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, advocates, parents, and anyone interested in learning more about human trafficking and exploitation.

The STHTTF brings together law enforcement agencies, government organizations, service providers, advocates, and community partners committed to increasing awareness, prevention through education and collaboration, supporting victims and survivors, and strengthening the community response to trafficking and exploitation. Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga, and Tompkins counties are represented on the STHTTF. Please contact Jenn Rodzinka with any inquiries about this event at jennrodzinka@gmail.com.