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We’re more than 70% of the way to meeting the November challenge!
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The Polaris Post
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Dear John,
As we move through the final stretch of the year, your support is powering a wave of momentum across Polaris and the anti-trafficking field as a whole. Survivor voices are leading major conversations, partners are coming together in new ways, and breakthrough ideas are taking root. Below are a few highlights from November and ways to stay connected to the work preventing and ending human trafficking.
Thank you for being part of the constellation of support that keeps this work moving forward. Your partnership is strengthening the systems and strategies survivors rely on every day. We're grateful for your support.
With gratitude,
The Polaris Team
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We're more than 70% of the way to meeting the match — help us reach our goal!
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This month, a group of donors challenged the Polaris community to raise more money to fight human trafficking by committing to match gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 through Thanksgiving.
We’re excited to share that we’re close to unlocking the full match! With so many programs facing cuts, your doubled gift strengthens the data, training, and partnerships that help keep survivor support strong across the country. Give today to help us reach 100%.
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| Give Now |
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Finding safety, choice, and her voice: Keyana’s story
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In one of the most powerful pieces we’ve shared this year, Keyana reflects on her journey and the moment she finally felt safe, seen, and supported as a whole person.
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From connecting with educational resources to starting her own business, her story shows the power of trust, choice, and survivor-led paths to healing.
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| Read and share her story |
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Polaris leads at the Tech Against Trafficking Summit
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Earlier this month, Polaris joined leaders from across the tech sector at the 2025 Tech Against Trafficking Summit, facilitating a key panel discussion.
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The conversation centered on responsible innovation and the role technology can play in identifying trafficking risks, strengthening collaboration, and elevating survivor-informed strategies.
We left the summit energized about deepening our technology partnerships in 2026 to advance solutions shaped by survivors and grounded in real-world impact!
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Criminal record relief in Michigan and beyond
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Margaret didn’t always identify as a survivor of human trafficking. Instead, she believed what the world said: that she was “an ex-prostitute," despite being just 13 years old when her exploitation began.
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In her recent blog, she shares how criminal records raise long-term barriers to housing, employment, and stability for survivors, even long after trafficking ends. Through her experience, she makes a clear, compelling call for Congress to pass the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act.
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| Read the full post |
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More Ways to Make an Impact Before December 31
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If you’re planning your year-end giving, here are several ways to support Polaris beyond a traditional online donation.
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- Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Recommend a grant from your financial institution using our legal name and EIN: Polaris Project, 03-0391561.
- Gifts of Stock: Donating appreciated securities may reduce your tax burden while increasing your impact. Stock transfer instructions are available here.
- Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you’re 70½ or older, a direct gift from your IRA can satisfy your required minimum distribution and may lower your taxable income. Your financial institution or advisor can help you initiate a QCD.
- Employer-Matched Gifts: Many companies will match charitable contributions made by their employees. It’s a simple way to increase your impact. Ask your employer if they offer matching gifts — we’re happy to help with any documentation they need.
A note on tax changes: Recent federal tax changes may affect the deductibility of charitable gifts. We encourage you to speak with a financial advisor to understand how these updates apply to you.
If you’d like help with any of these or other ways to give, reply to this email and our team will be in touch!
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