320 – The Toolkit For Building Survivor Informed Organizations, with Crystal Bennet Ending Human Trafficking Podcast

Dr. Sandie Morgan is joined by Crystal Bennett as the two discuss the importance of building survivor informed organizations and how the Toolkit for Building Survivor Informed Organizations serves organizations who seek to do so.

Crystal Bennett

Crystal Benett is a seasoned professional serving as the Deputy Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, and Special Initiatives at the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center. With a rich background in social justice, advocacy, and community engagement, Crystal is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments and advancing initiatives that combat human trafficking.

Key Points



The Toolkit for Building Survivor Informed Organizations is for organizations who serve individuals who have experienced trafficking, are working to prevent situations where an individual may experience trafficking, or are wanting to include individuals with lived experience in anti-trafficking efforts. 

SAMHSA’s 6 Guiding Principles to a Trauma-Informed Approach are vital in the Toolkit for Building Survivor Informed Organizations. The principles guide organizations in cultivating a physically and psychologically safe environment. 

It’s important to listen to and uplift the voices of those with lived experience in order to guide the work of the anti-human trafficking movement. 

An organization should ensure that all staff members have access to self care and should have a foundation set in which leadership shows a commitment to the organization’s ability to achieve its mission. 

It is essential to ensure the culture of an organization values all staff and members, giving individuals with lived experience control over their stories and whether or not they are shared. 

Equity represents access and opportunity. 



Resources



Toolkit: Building Survivor Informed Organizations

National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

SAMHSA’s 6 Guiding Principles to a Trauma-Informed Approach

Human Trafficking Leadership Academy

On the “VIBE” Framework



Transcript

Sandra Morgan 0:14

Welcome to the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast, here at Vanguard University's Global Center for Women and Justice in Orange County, California. My name is Dr. Sandie Morgan. This is the show where we empower you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference in ending human trafficking. Today, we're going to explore the Toolkit For Building Survivor Informed Organizations. I talk to people all the time, who say, "Well, we have had a conversation with so and so who is a survivor and they tick the box." Well, I'm here to tell you today that our guest is going to show you there are a lot more boxes to tick on this. Our guest today is from the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center. Crystal Benett is a seasoned professional serving as the Deputy Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, and Special Initiatives at the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center. With a rich background in social justice, advocacy, and community engagement, Crystal is dedicated to fostering inclusive environments and advancing initiatives that combat human trafficking. As I've followed her leadership, I have admired how she's driving strategic planning and implementation of programs, and it is a delight to have you on our show today. Crystal, thank you.



Crystal Bennet 2:09

Thank you, Sandie. It's an absolute honor to be here.



Sandra Morgan 2:12

So Crystal, I want to start with who is this toolkit for?



Crystal Bennet 2:18

Yeah, Sandie. I think that there are a lot of organizations that are currently serving individuals wh...