Membership Criteria and Application Procedures
If the goals and ideals of you or your organization align with those of the Freedom Network, we invite you to apply to become a member of our coalition.  (To see a list of our current members, click here.)  Please read the following membership criteria and requirements.  Below you will find the application for membership.

Please note: the Membership Committee reviews applications for membership semi-annually.  

The first deadline for submission is April 1.  Decisions will be made by July 1.  For those applications that are approved during this period, the annual dues will be pro-rated and the new member is only expected to pay half the annual due (with the next payment due at the beginning of the next calendar year).

The second deadline for submission is October 1.  Decisions will be made by January 1.  If approved, new members will be expected to pay the entire annual due for that calendar year.  

Should you have any questions about the application process or becoming a Freedom Network member, please direct them to the Membership Committee Chair.
(See our list of current chairs and committee chairs Click here)

FN MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

1.  Open to individuals and independent NGOs that are providing services to, or engaging in advocacy on behalf of, persons trafficked into or within the US.  In the beginning, membership will be upon recommendation of a member only.  (If you do not have a FN reference, please feel free to contact the Membership Chair to discuss other options.)

2.  At least one staff member of applicant organization or individual applicant is dedicated to working at least half time on trafficking in the United States.  

2.  Applicants shall submit:

a.  A statement outlining trafficking or related work undertaken or to be undertaken.  If the organization has had any trafficking cases, then also include a description of the work done on the case(s). (Please note: membership approval is not dependent on having past experience.)

b.  The organization’s capacity to undertake the work.

c.  A copy of the organization’s or its fiscal sponsor’s 501(c)(c3) tax letter from the IRS, or a copy of the application for 501(c)(3) status.

d.  The latest organizational annual report.

e.   A signed FN Confidentiality Policy and a signed FN Principles Policy.

3.  Applicants agree to

a.  Support the Freedom Network (USA) Trafficking Definition, Mission Statement and Principles.

b.  Adopt the following Principles of Operation:

i.  Adopt a policy of non-discrimination in hiring, promotion and firing, and in providing services.  The policy must state that it does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, age, nationality, or marital status.

ii.  Adopt a policy to use non-coercive practices, such as ensuring that their organization has no requirement for clients to participate in religious classes, no deprogramming or other coercive programs directed at sex workers, no pressure to cooperate with law enforcement.

iii. Use Freedom Network (USA) database form and distribute Freedom Network (USA) materials to potential clients.

iv.  Only use the name of the Freedom Network (USA) to advance the mission of the Freedom Network.  

v.  Abide by other principles of operation adopted by the full members.
PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

One year provisional membership is required before becoming a full member.  During this period, provisional members must:

a.   Adhere to the Principles of Operation
b.   Engage in advocacy on behalf of, or provide services to, trafficked persons
c.   Pay dues
d.   If available, participate in FN trainings

Provision members must also comply with two of the following three requirements each year. (However, participation in all three areas is recommended.)

e. Participate in at least one committee
f. Participate in at least one-half of yearly Network conference calls
g. Attend annual meeting (usually held day after annual conference in spring)

Provisional members may vote on committees but not at annual meetings. Provisional members may not serve as co-chairs or on the membership committee.
FULL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Full members must comply with the Provisional Membership Requirements and, in addition, they may:

1.  Vote, with one vote per organization/individual member
2.  Serve as committee chairs or as a chair of the FN

APPROVAL AND REVOCATION PROCEDURES

Provisional membership approval procedures

1. Application must comply with all membership criteria.

2. Applicant’s provisional membership must be recommended by at least ¾ of the members of the Membership Committee.   Rejection by the Membership Committee is final but applicants can resubmit at a later date.

3. Membership Committee will distribute recommended applicant names to full members for comments

4. Approval by the Membership Committee is final.  

FULL MEMBERSHIP

1.  A vote of 2/3 of all members who reply in writing or by phone conference call by the deadline date (one year from approval of provisional membership).

2. Revocation of full membership can be taken only by a 2/3 vote of full members at an annual meeting (in person or by written proxy).