The Co-Creation Process

Survivor Alliance would like to express our profound gratitude to the Action Plan participants whose collective efforts brought this plan to fruition. Collaborating with hundreds of survivors was a uniquely humbling experience, as we joined forces to craft something meaningful for all survivors. Working alongside such a dedicated group was not just a privilege but an absolute honor.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to every contributor of the Action Plan, this was crafted for you, by you, reflecting the strength and unity of the survivor community.

How this Action Plan was Co-Created

The journey of the Action Plan began in 2021 when Survivor Alliance orchestrated the World Congress, a historic event that marked the first-ever global conference on anti-trafficking entirely led and facilitated by survivors. Gathering nearly 200 survivor leaders from 10 different countries and accompanied by 60 allies, the Congress aimed to shine a spotlight on survivor leadership, a crucial aspect often sidelined in such gatherings due to the prohibitive costs of participation.

Fast forward to July and August of 2022, Survivor Alliance’s team organized a series of 12 workshops known as the Visioning Workshops. Attracting the participation of 170 survivors hailing from 20 countries, these workshops became spaces where collective imagination thrived. The participants envisioned a world where survivors took center stage as leaders of change. These workshops were more than just sessions; they became powerful showcases that underscored a simple yet profound truth—survivors transcend their tough stories. They harbor immense dreams, ideas, and creativity, proving beyond doubt that they can lead.

A Global Snapshot

"My favorite thing about the Working Groups was learning about the different realities of the other participants and seeing how supportive everyone was to each other. I also liked being able to share and learn." - Action Plan Participant

Following this inspiring phase, Survivor Alliance carefully handpicked 60 survivors from 20 different countries to engage in a comprehensive six-month strategic planning process, resulting in the creation of the Action Plan. These survivor leaders were organized into working groups, each focused on specific thematic areas. Through collaborative efforts, they set collective goals and demands for their respective themes.

Post the working groups, Survivor Alliance facilitated five additional sessions exclusively for survivors to provide feedback. This inclusive approach ensured that even those who couldn't actively participate in the planning groups due to capacity constraints had their voices heard. 82 survivors from 12 countries gathered to review the Action Plan, supplemented by written feedback from an additional 55 survivors representing 10 countries.

The realization that emerged was both stark and compelling: many decisions, policies, service models, advocacy efforts, and even pay structures have been influenced by individuals who lack a shared lived experience with survivors. The Action Plan serves as a powerful call to action, asserting unequivocally that survivors should be the guiding force in the fight against trafficking and slavery.

IT'S CRUCIAL TO EMPHASIZE THAT SURVIVOR ALLIANCE DOES NOT CLAIM OWNERSHIP OF THIS PLAN; CREDIT GOES TO THE SURVIVOR LEADERSHIP COMMUNITY, WHOSE DIVERSITY AND COLLABORATION BIRTHED THIS TRANSFORMATIVE INITIATIVE. WE ENVISION ITS CONTINUED EVOLUTION AND FLOURISHING AS MORE SURVIVORS EMBRACE ITS CONTENT AND MESSAGE!

Email us at actionplan@survivoralliance.org to share your thoughts, or ask questions about the Action Plan.