History of the Coalition:

Representatives of various agencies (social services, legal outreach, law enforcement, and non-governmental organizations) located along the central coast of CA met on January 19, 2007, in Watsonville to begin a discussion on how they could collaborate to combat human trafficking. Over the ensuing year they invited in other representatives and speakers to continue learning how other areas of CA are working against this human rights abuse.

During 2008 the members formalized their commitment to collaborate and defined the parameters for effective functioning and growth of the Coalition.

In 2009 the Coalition prepared its web site, brochures and began expanding its public face and invitation for agencies to join in its work.

CA-CCC-SE Vision Statement:

The CA-CCC-SE strives to assure that persons living and working along the central coast of California eliminate human trafficking from their communities.

CA-CCC-SE Mission and Goals:

To train key organizations and persons in understanding how human trafficking happens and how to effectively curtail it.The CA-CCC-SE will achieve this mission by undertaking the following goals:

• Raise awareness about human trafficking among the diverse populations along California’s central coast;
• Establish a strong network of participating agencies able to recognize and effectively aid victims;
• Enable survivors of human trafficking to become contributing members of society.
• Cooperate with law enforcement and the legal system to prosecute those who enslave persons through force, fraud or coercion.Principles of the CA-CCC-SE:
• Strategies and decisions will be victim-centered;
• Response to trafficked survivors will be culturally sensitive;
• Services will be provided in a timely and efficient manner;
• First responders and subsequent service providers will collaborate and coordinate their services to the benefit of the survivor.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched the Blue Heart Campaign against human trafficking in March 2009. The Blue Heart represents the sadness of those who are trafficked while reminding us of the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell fellow human beings. The use of the blue UN color also demonstrates the commitment of the United Nations to combating this crime against human dignity. By wearing the Blue Heart you raise awareness of this crime and join the campaign to fight it. Materials and more information on the Blue Heart campaign can be found at www.unodc.org/blueheart.

"'We all have a choice in how we respond to slavery; turn a blind eye, or get involved. 
The CA-CCC-SE and other abolitionist organizations are the only hope for the victims of trafficking.  Slavery affects all of us - locally and globally. Slaves don't have a choice, but you do. 
So the question is really very simple: how will you respond?"
Sgt. John Vanek, Program Manager, San Jose CA Police Department Vice Unit, Human Trafficking Task Force.