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A shared problem calls for shared solutions.
The Freedom Connection Conference is an anti-human trafficking conference focused on understanding exploitation and survivorship, in-demand skills, and best practices for volunteering. Hosted by Rotaractors from GMU, UVA, and the NoVA area.
Hosted at Van Metre Hall, GMU's Arlington Campus on April 19th, 2026, this event will feature lectures, discussions, and workshops led by survivor-leaders and anti-trafficking professionals.
WHO? WHY?
The Freedom Connection Conference is a student-led initiative, hosted by Freedom Connection Rotaract at George Mason University, in partnership with the Rotaract of the University of Virginia, The District 7610 Rotaract E-Club.
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Human trafficking in the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) region remains a serious yet often overlooked issue. The Freedom Connection Conference will bring together students and community members to learn about human trafficking dynamics, survivorship, and emerging trends in the field. Check out our "SESSIONS" tab to learn more.
Why this Conference?
Each semester, FCR hosts a career panel featuring service providers, policymakers, and survivor-leaders from nonprofits and government agencies in the DC-MD-VA region. Attendees—students in Dr. Al B. Fuertes’s Human Trafficking and Smuggling course, FCR members, and students from across disciplines—hear career insights, ask questions, and network. After three panels, Spring 2024 Board members noted a common theme: panelists valued networking and idea-sharing. This inspired our vision to expand this event into a conference.
Through conversations with anti-trafficking professionals, survivor-leaders, direct service providers, and advocates, we realized that human trafficking and survivorship truly affects the whole community - and it requires the whole community to respond effectively to support survivors and prevent trafficking.
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