Who: The Northwest Coalition Against Trafficking (NWCAT) that was founded by Soroptimist International members and clubs will be hosting their annual public conference on Saturday, January 9, 2010 in Portland, Oregon. Speakers include:

Ø  Emcee: Priya David, host of “Keep it Local” on KOIN6

Ø  Jane Velez-Mitchell, host of “Issues” on HLN who will be awarded the Ruby Award

Ø  Dallas Jessup, founder of “Just Yell Fire” and past CNN HERO

Ø  Cathy Standiford, Soroptimist International of the Americas’ President

Ø  William Hillar, whose story partially can be seen in “Taken”

What: The Northwest Coalition Against Trafficking is a coalition of many Agencies, Political Leaders, Community Organizations, Individuals, Media and Business Supporters throughout the Northwest working to Inform, Educate, and Protect the women and girls from the Human Labor & Sex Trafficking in the Northwest Region of the United States of America.  One of the outreach efforts in accomplishing this is through a public conference and forum. 

This year’s conference will offer breakout sessions, keynote speakers, exhibit expo, award luncheon, and child finger printing.  The objective of the conference is to educate the public on this epidemic with the hope that more supporters and donors join our coalition to help us raise the funds needed to break ground on a future Trafficking Victims’ Shelter in the Northwest of the country.  The coalition has identified Portland, Oregon as the location of the first shelter in the Northwest.

When / Where: The conference will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the Red Lion Hotel on the River in Jantzen Beach-Portland, OR from 9am to 5pm.

Cost/Registration:$50.00 per person.  Go to www.NWCAT.org to register online.