Membership to the National Survivor Network (NSN) is open to any survivor of human trafficking, regardless of race, ethnicity, indigenous identity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (transgender and cisgender women, non-binary and genderqueer people, and transgender and cisgender men), religion, age, disability/injury, veteran status, political ideology, substance use history, sexually transmitted infections, genetic information, pregnancy/abortion, marital status, socioeconomic status, education, language, physical appearance, work in informal economies, conviction history, incarceration, or any demographic legally protected from discrimination. We recognize the diversity of thought, identities, and perspectives. We also recognize that individuals affiliate with multiple identities.

Membership is open to any individual who:

1. Has experienced force, fraud, or coercion in any form of labor, to include the sex trades or other criminalized economies;
2. Was commercially sexually exploited as a child;
3. Engaged in commercial sex while a minor.*

*Why do we say both “was commercially sexually exploited as a child” and “engaged in commercial sex while a minor”? Both of these fit the definition of the TVPA but reflect the diversity of ways our members describe their experiences. Some, especially those who were sex trafficked as small children, do not identify as being a “youth in the sex trades” due to the unique circumstances of their experiences. And others prefer to describe their experiences as being a “youth in the sex trades” due to the extenuating circumstances that necessitated their sex trading (such as homelessness, fleeing family abuse, etc.). We honor the self-descriptions of our members, and recognize that this definition or explanation does not capture the full diversity of experiences of trafficking.

Membership Application Process

• Applicants must complete the NSN Membership Application.
• NSN staff will reach out via email within one to two weeks (BEGINNING IN AUGUST 2022) to schedule a phone conversation with the prospective member. During the phone interview, the following topics will be discussed: the NSN mission, activities, current goals, and policies, as well as expectations, interests, concerns, and goals of the prospective member.
• NSN staff will review the potential member’s application with the NSN leadership. Approval for membership is contingent on approval.
• If the applicant is approved for membership, the new member will then be added to the NSN email newsletter, NSN contact database, and the NSN private discussion group(s) if desired.

Membership activities are rolling back out over the the coming year and may include:

The Hub – The NSN’s monthly e-newsletter, with resources, opportunities, and news

NSN monthly meetings (Topics include workgroup updates, potential opportunities, etc.)

Wellness opportunities

Peer support and/or mentoring groups

Professional development & training opportunities

Speakers/Consultants Bureau

Opportunities with NSN workgroups, including policy, membership and engagement, and consultancy