Youth Ending Slavery (YES)
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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Learn more about the communities that the YES Board reaches through speaking engagements.

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Oregon City High School

when: October 30th, 2018
where: Oregon City High School

YES Board members Ellie and Bella had a wonderful time presenting to students in an Honors Health class at Oregon City High School! The students were enthusiastic and informed, which led to great discussions.

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Delphian School

When: April 9th, 2018
Where: Delphian School

YES board members Ellie and Skylar had a great presentation at the Delphian School! They had a wonderful time connecting with students and informing them on the issue of modern day slavery.

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McCoy Academy

When: March 23rd 2018
Where: McCoy Academy

Board members Angela and Ellie had an amazing time presenting at McCoy Academy! Students were very engaged and participated in rich discussions. They were knowledgeable about the subject and passionate to fight it.

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David Douglas High School 

When: December 2017
Where: David Douglas High School

YES board members Emma and Angela had a great time presenting at David Douglas High School! They were able to have a deeper discussion about the varying forms of human trafficking and its prevalence in our world.

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Cleveland High School 

When: December 2017
Where: Cleveland High School

YES board members and Cleveland chapter members presented in 6 different classes at Cleveland High School this past week! They were all history classes, and most of them were wrapping up their unit on slavery, and through our presentation we were able to draw a connection from what they learned about slavery from the past to slavery today.

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De La Salle High School 

When: November 17th, 2017
Where: De La Salle High School

YES board members Angela and Ellie had a great time presenting at De La Salle High School. It was a rich presentation filled with engaging dialogue. 

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Franklin High School's Stop the Trade club

When: November 2017
Where: Franklin High School 

YES presented to Franklin High School's Stop the Trade Club about youth advocacy in Portland.

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OASC Fall Conference

When: November 5th, 2017
Where: Seaside, OR

Board member Gwen and chapter member Mia traveled with their school to Oregon Association of Student Councils and presented about Youth Ending Slavery during workshops. It was so great to be able to spread awareness and connect with students from all across Oregon!

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Sunset High School

When: March 13th, 2017
Where: Sunset High School

Board Members Kara and Angela presented to members of the Rho Kappa History Honors Society at Sunset High School about human trafficking, particularly about its implications in the Portland area.

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Oregon City High School 

When: March 1st, 2017
Where: Oregon City High School

Board Members Kara and Katy presented at Oregon City High School to a health class! We love being able to continue our connection with Oregon City High School, and greatly appreciate the opportunity to have insightful discussions about human trafficking with new students. 

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Wholistic Peace Institute

​Award Ceremony

When: November 10th, 2016
Where: Baker Prairie Middle School

This month, YES received the Spirit of Unity Award from the Wholistic Peace Institute. YES Board Members Katy, Natalie, Molly, and Emma presented at the award ceremony about our work as a youth-led nonprofit, along with the other youth recipients of the award. 

Oregon Association of Student Councils Conference 

When: November 6th, 2016
Where: Oregon Association of Student Councils Conference, Seaside, OR

YES Board Members presented to members of student councils from high schools across Oregon at the annuel OASC conference. It's always a privilege to get to work with such talented and motivated students!

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source: beaverton.k12.or.us

Stoller Middle School Class
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Presentations

When: November 2nd, 2016
Where: Stoller Middle School

Boad Members Kara and Molly presented to 6th graders at Stoller Middle School about human trafficking and youth advocacy. The students were just beginning their social justice unit, and were excited to learn about youth presence in social advocacy. 

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source: fhsstopthetrade.wordpress.com

Franklin High School Stop the
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Trade Club

When: November 1st, 2016
Where: Franklin High School

Board Members Katy and Angela presented to Franklin High School's Stop the Trade Club in order to supplement their anti-human trafficking fundraising and advocacy efforts. 

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source: blanchetcatholicschool.com

Blanchet Catholic High School  
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Class Presentation

When: October 24th, 2016
Where: Blanchet Catholic High School

YES Board Members Emma and Natalie returned to Blanchet to present to seniors about human trafficking and social justice. 

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Centennial High School Health

​Class Presentations

When: May 31st, 2016
Where: Centennial High School

YES had a full day presenting in eight of Centennial's junior health classes. Students learned more about the issue of sex trafficking in their local community as well as ways they can advocate for the end of exploitation.

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Portland State University

Globalization Course

When: May 16th, 2016
Where: Portland State University

Members of YES were invited to share with PSU's students in their globalization course. Thank you for making our first university-level presentation a success!

Oregon Association of Student

​Councils Spring Conference

When: April 24th, 2016.
Where: Portland, OR.

Board Members Katy Foley and Natalie Bojarsky presented at the 2016 OASC Spring Conference to network with student leaders across Oregon. As always, it's inspiring to see their concern for social justice initiatives and willingness to take action.
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Women's International League for Peace

​and Freedom Portland Monthly Meeting

When: April 9th, 2016.
Where: First Unitarian Church. Portland, OR.

YES Board Members Molly Kelleher and Emma Christensen had the opportunity to present at the monthly WILPF Portland meeting. Portland's chapter is actively involved in advocating for numerous peace and justice issues both locally and globally. 
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Oregon Model United Nations

​2016 Opening Ceremony

When: April 7th, 2016.
Where: Hult Center. Eugene, OR.

YES Board Member Clare was honored to be the keynote speaker at the opening session of Oregon's 2016 Model United Nations Conference. She discussed the importance of youth activism and global-mindedness. The more than 1,500 high school students who participate in Model United Nations are certainly those who will lead global movements for peace and justice.

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Beverly Cleary Middle School

When: March 15th, 2016.
Where: Beverly Cleary Middle School. Portland, OR.

YES Board Members visited classes at Beverly Cleary Middle School to share information surrounding human trafficking with students. Topics of discussion included healthy relationships, the impact of excessive consumerism, and the effects of forced labor. Thank you for your engaging thoughts and questions!

Camas High School Presentation

When: March 3rd, 2016.
Where: Camas High School. Camas, WA.

In Camas High School's world history class, students are learning more about human trafficking to better understand the prevalence of exploitation in a modern context. YES visited their class to share more about the direct ways that students can have an impact in their local communities. Thanks CHS!
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Marylhurst Community

​Outreach Presentation

When: February 29th, 2016.
Where: Marylhurst University. Marylhurst, OR.

YES Board Members were honored to share with the Marylhurst community. Audience members included residents of Mary's Woods retirement home, members of Marylhurst University, and employees from the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. In addition to water and immigration rights, the SNJM ministry includes human trafficking as the third issue within their advocacy.
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Laurelhurst Middle School

​Classroom Presentation

When: February 17th, 2016.
Where: Laurelhurst School. Portland, OR.

This classroom presentation was a landmark event for Youth Ending Slavery as it marks the first group of middle school students that YES Board Members have formally educated. With a presentation tailored to a younger audience but still filled with valuable information, YES actively inspired the next generation of change-makers.

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Franklin High School Stop the

​Trade Club

When: February 16th, 2016.
Where: Franklin High School. Portland, OR.

During a lunch time meeting at the Franklin Stop the Trade Club, YES members were able to discuss the issue of human trafficking with a group of committed and engaged students. It's inspiring to know that students are taking initiative in their schools to raise awareness.

Oregon City High School Health

​Class Outreach

When: February 2nd, 2016.
Where: Oregon City High School. Oregon City, OR.

YES Board Members visited the advanced health class at Oregon City High School to discuss the complexity of sex trafficking. Beyond gaining information regarding how they can best prevent the issue, students learned how they can directly impact change by supporting one another and developing healthy relationships.

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Tigard High School Leadership

​Class Presentation

When: January 22nd, 2016.
Where: Tigard High School. Tigard, OR.

The YES Board visited Tigard's leadership class to discuss both the issue of sexual exploitation and labor trafficking. Students were especially interested in the implications of legalizing prostitution and the effects that sweatshops pose on the international economy.

Global Youth Action Fair

When: January 18th, 2016.
Where: Tabor Space. Portland, OR.

YES Board Members had the opportunity to share the work of YES at a global youth action fair organized by the World Affairs Council of Oregon. A student group of youth ambassadors from Brazil were able to learn more about local youth-led community service projects in Portland to better implement their own programs in their local communities. We look forward to seeing what types of positive change they are inspired to enact in Brazil.

Broken Promises Post-Show

​Discussions

When: January 2016
Where: Milagro Theater. Portland, OR.

YES Board Members have the unique opportunity to lead post-show discussions throughout the premiere of Broken Promises - a play about sex trafficking developed with the support of community insight and extensive research. The play is set to tour throughout Oregon as well as the rest of the nation. Learn more here.
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Cleveland High School Modern

​World History Presentation

When: January 14th, 2016
Where: Cleveland High School. Portland, OR.

Natalie Bojarsky and Katy Foley presented in Mrs. Adams's history classes. By connecting students' historical understanding of slavery with the forms of exploitation that exist today, YES had the opportunity to expand students' understanding of this widespread issue. Following the presentation, students worked in groups to brainstorm how historical and modern day slavery differ as well as the ways each relate to one another.

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Community leaders and concerned constituents meet with staff from Senator Merkley's and Senator Wyden's Offices.

In-District Congressional Meeting 

When: January 13th, 2016
Where: World Trade Center. Portland, OR

Members of the YES Board of Directors met with field representatives from both Senator Wyden's and Senator Merkley's staff to support the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act. This piece of federal legislation, if passed, would create a grant-making institution with the support of governmental, business, and nonprofit leaders. YES is one of many international organizations that supports this legislation.

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Lake Oswego High School

​Student Forum

When: January 13th, 2016
Where: Lake Oswego High School

Members of the YES Board presented at a student forum hosted by Emma Rose Taylor, a student at Lake Oswego High School. Alongside other nonprofits working to affect social change in the greater Portland metropolitan area, YES shared their work and impact.

Spirit of Unity Award Ceremony

When: November 20th, 2015
Where: Baker Prairie Middle School. Canby, OR.

YES was honored to be a recipient of a 2015 Spirit Of Unity Award and $500 grant from the 
Wholistic Peace Institute- Educating For Peace. At the award ceremony, a YES Board Member presented in front of more than 650 middle school students, and Congressman Kurt Schrader's staff member shared his written words of encouragement for the recipients' work. YES will use this money to offset the costs of the 2015 Walk to End Slavery. This award is supported by Harold Schnitzer, and YES thanks all those who make it possible.

Lake Oswego High School

​Political Action Seminar

When: November 18th, 2015
Where: Lake Oswego High School

The YES Board visited Lake Oswego's Political Action Seminar to discuss the issue of human trafficking on a local and global scale. Because this class engages students interested in social and political change, student activists also had the opportunity to network with YES.
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Human Trafficking Education Meeting

When: November 9th, 2015
Where: Oregon Chief Education Office. Salem, OR.

YES Board Members attended a meeting with Lindsey Capps, Oregon's Acting Chief Education Officer and Policy Advisor to Governor Kate Brown. Alongside partners from the NEST Foundation, the Prevention Project, ACT Southern Oregon, and NW Family Services, we discussed the importance of human trafficking education in Oregon's high schools. YES looks forward to future involvement in advocating for this imperative education in Oregon. 

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OASC Fall Conference

When: November 8th, 2015
Where: Seaside High School

YES Board Members presented at the Oregon Association of Student Council Fall Conference to educate student leaders about human trafficking and encourage them to involve their schools in the fight against modern day slavery. 

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Blanchet Catholic High School

Social Justice Presentation

When: November 5th, 2015
Where: Blanchet Catholic High School. Salem, OR.

YES Board Members traveled to Salem, OR to give a presentation that uncovers the connection between human trafficking social justice. The two members presented to two full religion classes and impacted more than fifty students.
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Sex Trafficking Legislative

​Concept Meeting

When: September 29th, 2015
Where: Oregon State Capitol. Salem, OR

YES Board Members traveled to Salem to attend a legislative concept meeting regarding CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) Legislation projected for the 2016 session. At the meeting, they shared what YES has done to educate and connect Oregon youth surrounding this issue. They also met with Representative Kathleen Taylor, who represents House District 41, regarding legislation that supports anti-trafficking curricula within the state. 
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Slavery: Past, Present and 

Future Conference

When: July 7th-9th, 2015
Where: Mansfield College, University of Oxford. 

YES President Clare submitted a proposal that was approved for presentation at an international and inter-disciplinary conference regarding the complex nature of slavery. Clare's paper, The Efficacy of a Youth Initiative, focuses on how human trafficking affects youth across the world as well as how students can be involved in advocacy and prevention. Her paper also examines several historical examples of youth activism across the world. 

OASC Spring Conference

When: April 26, 2015
Where: Eugene, OR.

The YES Board presented a service-learning workshop at the 2015 Oregon Association of Student Councils Conference. This Conference brought together leaders from Oregon middle and high schools who want to make a positive impact in their school communities. 
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Marion Polk Foster Care 

Association

Where: Salem, OR.
When: April 19, 2015

Three members of the YES board spoke in Salem to a group of foster parents from the Marion Polk Foster Care Association about how to prevent trafficking. Foster youth are one of the most highly targeted groups. In 2013, 60% of child trafficking victims recovered by the FBI were foster youth. If you are interested in learning about the prevalence of trafficking in foster youth, read this article to learn more. 

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Blanchet Catholic High School

When: April 16, 2015
Where: Blanchet High School. Salem, OR.

Two members of the YES Board visited Blanchet Catholic School in Salem today to present for two senior religion classes about sex trafficking and its prevalence along the I-5 corridor. Several students also discussed service projects that supported shelters for women affected in the area. 


Testifying in Salem at the 

Oregon State Capitol

When: February 2015
Where: State Capitol Building. Salem, OR.

During the 2015 legislative session, YES President Clare testified in a committee hearing room in support of Oregon House Bill 2206. This bill changed the crime of "patronizing a prostitute" to "commercial sexual solicitation." While this simple shift in terminology may seem negligible, the phrasing matters considerably. The accuracy not only decreases the stigmatization of those involved in the sex trade, but also ensures that those involved as the purchased commodity are seen as victims of a crime rather than criminals themselves.
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Grants Pass High School

When: February 26th, 2015
Where: Grants Pass, OR.

The YES Board was invited to serve as the guest speakers for The Prevention Project, a national anti-trafficking program implementable in schools. Caleb LaPlante brought the program to Grants Pass High School in order to engage students to take action. Given the distance between Grants Pass and Portland, OR, YES Board Members held a live video presentation. The students in the class already had a strong grasp on human trafficking and were especially interested in starting a chapter.
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Catholic Community Services

When: February 16th, 2015
Where: Salem, OR.

The Catholic Community Services in Salem invited YES board members to speak to Foster Youth and their parents on the issue of human trafficking locally. The board focused on preventative topics, such as how to spot a trafficker and what to do if you suspect trafficking is going on. The Catholic Community Services sent the board home with matching mugs.

Lake Oswego High School

When: January 30th, 2015
Where: Lake Oswego High School. Lake Oswego, OR.

The Political Action Seminar class at Lake Oswego was visited by the YES Board who informed them of ways they can personally fight the injustices of human trafficking. The presentation specifically emphasized a call to action and highlighted tangible opportunities to get involved. Lake Oswego was an engaged and interested group to speak with and YES was happy to meet them.
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Franklin High School

When: January 27th, 2015
Where: Franklin High School. Portland, OR.

The YES Board was honored to speak at Franklin High School with the Stop the Trade Club. YES informed them about local human trafficking issues in Portland and specifically shared ways they can protect themselves and others, follow current news stories, and be active advocates for change in the Portland community. Pham and Christina Kuang, the club leaders, are pictured here following the presentation. YES loves working with other youth who are involved in modern day abolition in the Portland area.

Oregon City High School

When: January 26th, 2015
Where: Oregon City High School. Oregon City, OR.

The Youth Ending Slavery Board is branching out into the community for the new year. As a group, we are dedicating our time to reaching out to schools, clubs, and community groups to share information about human trafficking and our organization. We will also include time for discussion to hear youth-driven solutions. The first class we visited was an Oregon City High School health class.
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Portland Rotaract Club 

Meeting

When: December 3rd, 2014
Where: United Way Building. Downtown Portland, OR.

The YES Board was invited to serve as guest speaker for the Portland Rotaract Club's meeting in December. The discussion included how and why sex trafficking thrives in Portland as well as possible solutions, such as Sweden's legislation regarding prostitution. 
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