FGCU offers human trafficking awareness class

The Center for Public and Social Policy, in collaboration with Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs at Florida Gulf Coast University recently received funding from the Lee County Sheriff's Office towards community education events on the topic of human trafficking. As part of this grant-funded initiative, FGCU has partnered with Edison College to present a 4-hour introductory class 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, July 23 on the Edison Campus. The class is free and open to the public.

The class titled "Human Trafficking - The Many Faces," is designed for law enforcement, human service providers and community members. The primary focus of the class is to provide an understanding of the origins, methods of operation and indicators of trafficking, along with an understanding of the unique victimization process. Emphasis is placed on the importance of building alliances and coalitions as part of a coordinated community response to human trafficking using case studies as examples.

FGCU alumna Nola Theiss, executive director of Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships Inc., will teach the class.

For further information about the class and to register, visit www.edison.edu/lee/ce/ publicsafety.