Friday, March 21, 2014

Human Trafficking Documentary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          

CONTACT:
Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279

Three Organizations Host Film Screening About Modern Day Slavery on March 19
Followed by a panel discussion with local experts

PITTSBURGH, PA (March 11, 2014):  Human trafficking and other forms of modern day slavery are present in the United States – and even Western Pennsylvania. To bring awareness to this issue, there will be a special salon screening of “Not My Life,” the first documentary to depict the cruel and dehumanizing practices of human trafficking and modern slavery on a global scale, followed by a panel discussion on Wednesday, March 19.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and Bricolage Production Company have joined together to show this film in recognition of International Women’s Day. The event is supported by the Eden Hall Foundation.

The program takes place from 5-7 p.m. at Bricolage Production Company, 937 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Seating is limited, and registration is required. There is no charge for this event. Refreshments are included. To register, visit www.worldpittsburgh.org or call 412-281-7970.

Following the film screening, a panel of local experts will address “Understanding Modern Day Slavery: Pittsburgh’s Role in Finding a Solution.” Deb Acklin, President and CEO of WQED Multimedia, will serve as moderator. Panelists include Elizabeth Echevarria, CEO and Founder of Living in Liberty; Anne Rackow, Planning and Evaluation Manager of the Project to End Human Trafficking and Co-Facilitator of the Western PA Human Trafficking Coalition; and Greg Bristol, retired FBI Special Agent, featured in the film “Not My Life.”

The discussion builds on the topics of human trafficking and forced labor, among other related crimes, and the work being done on the local, national and international levels to address these issues. Who is being exploited? What are the signs? What can you do to help?

Human trafficking, domestic servitude, forced labor, and child soldiers are just a few forms of modern day slavery affecting vulnerable populations – women and children especially – around the world. While often hidden, these exploitive practices are in fact present in the United States – and even Western Pennsylvania.

International Women’s Day is dedicated to celebrating the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, present, and future.  First celebrated in 1911, International Women’s Day recognizes the work for women’s rights, celebrates women's success, and reminds us of the inequities still to be redressed.
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About the Partners
The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh strengthens our community by creating and advancing opportunities for all women to seek equality and self-sufficiency.  We are dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of key contemporary international issues throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Bricolage Production Company immerses artists and audiences in adventurous theatrical experiences that foster connections and alter perceptions.

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Laura Harwin
Director of Development and Marketing
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
305 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-1279 (phone)
412-391-5109 (fax)

lharwin@ywcapgh.org
www.ywcapgh.org
Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

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