Advocacy for Women Survivors of Exploitation: Thistle Farms' Journey to Washington D.C
Forging connections and inspiring change
In June, Thistle Farms' CEO Tasha Kennard and Director of Communications & Advocacy Amanda Clelland took a crucial step in advancing the organization’s advocacy efforts by heading to Washington, D.C. They attended the World Without Exploitation Conference, a pivotal event where they engaged with survivor leaders to learn best practices for advocacy.
Their mission extended beyond the conference as they met with members of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation to shed light on Thistle Farms' impactful work and the urgent needs of survivors.
"So tell me what y’all do.”
One of Thistle Farms' greatest strengths lies in its ability to spark curiosity. This curiosity extends beyond customers and potential donors to include elected officials who may recognize the organization through its products, like the Cafe or a candle. These encounters often lead to enthusiastic learning opportunities, allowing officials to delve deeper into Thistle Farms' mission.
During their meetings with Tennessee's congressional members and their staffers, Kennard and Clelland reconnected with longtime supporters and forged new alliances. They educated these key figures about the realities of human trafficking, dispelling myths and highlighting the critical support survivors need. These discussions fostered excitement over potential legislation, new connections, and promises of future visits to Thistle Farms, where officials could meet the women they serve and gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges they face.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Senator Blackburn, Senator Hagerty, Representative Green, and Representative Rose’s offices for their time and willingness to learn about the transformative work happening at Thistle Farms daily.
Learning to advocate for survivors, from survivors.
The World Without Exploitation Conference, "From Now to Next," provided Kennard and Clelland with invaluable insights and strategies to bring back to Nashville. They explored innovative ways to leverage data to amplify and shape legislation, collaborated with investigative journalists to propel policy, and delved into the role of AI in the fight against human trafficking. The conference was a hub for connection, sharing, and collaboration with other organizations and survivor leaders across the United States.
Thistle Farms' commitment to advocacy and education is a testament to their dedication to creating a world free from exploitation. Through their efforts, they continue to inspire and effect change, proving that with curiosity and collaboration, we can build a brighter future for survivors of human trafficking and prostitution.
Advocacy is one of the many sparks it takes to keep a candle lit.
At Thistle Farms, we keep the candle lit for the woman still on the street searching for a way home, but our work is also done on behalf of the woman we may never get to meet. Our Advocacy efforts - whether championing new local laws in Nashville, working alongside Tennessee’s state legislature, or educating our Congressional representatives in Washington DC - all serve to clear the way for survivor experiences to be better understood, elevating their voices to inspire systemic change. Through advocacy, we challenge the structures that perpetuate exploitation, creating a legal framework that demonstrates dignity and opportunity.
