Equip Yourself to Recognize and Respond to Human Trafficking

Be the One Who Knows: Equip Yourself to Recognize and Respond to Human Trafficking

Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) invites you to attend our upcoming Civilian First Responder (CFR) Training Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday, October 25, 2025. This essential, one-day training is designed to equip everyday individuals with the tools to identify, understand, and respond to human trafficking within their communities.
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Why Attend the CFR Training Conference?

Human trafficking is a pervasive crime, often hidden in plain sight. Traffickers prey on the vulnerable, manipulating their needs and circumstances for exploitation. At WAR, Int’l, we believe that awareness is the first step to action. This conference will help participants “see the unseen,” understand the complex nature of trafficking, and learn how to be a voice of protection and restoration.

By attending, you become part of a broader movement to prevent exploitation and support survivors in meaningful, life-changing ways.
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Conference Highlights

● Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST

● Location: WAR, Int’l Headquarters – 2790 44th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519

● Registration Fee: $35 (includes lunch and training materials)

● Registration Deadline: October 22, 2025

● Register Here
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What to Expect

The day is carefully structured to maximize both learning and impact. Sessions will be led by Rebecca McDonald, founder and president of WAR, Int’l, along with law enforcement professionals, survivor leaders, and other subject- matter experts.

Session One | This opening session introduces the current reality of trafficking in the United States. Participants will learn why it is critical for all civilians to understand what trafficking looks like and how it functions in our communities. The session includes a survivor testimony that brings this issue into sharp, personal focus.

Session Two | This session will examine the 22 lures commonly used by predators and 21 trafficking flashpoints. Participants will also explore demographic patterns specific to Western Michigan and review Homeland Security’s guidelines for civilian responders. Stories shared in this session include interviews with law enforcement, Homeland Security, and survivor accounts, including a case in which a single phone call led to a woman’s rescue.

Lunch Break | A catered lunch is included with registration.

Breakout Sessions | Attendees will choose from various focused breakout sessions led by professionals who work directly in anti-trafficking efforts.

Session Three | This session focuses on practical application—what to do when trafficking is suspected, how to have safe and appropriate conversations with children, and how to serve as a trustworthy advocate for the vulnerable. It concludes with participant-submitted questions collected throughout the day.

Q&A Panel | The conference concludes with a live Q&A session featuring a panel of speakers, survivors, and subject- matter experts. Questions gathered throughout the day will be addressed, allowing for deeper insight and direct engagement with the presenters.

TAKE ACTION

Attending the CFR Training Conference is more than an educational opportunity—it is a tangible step toward protecting the vulnerable and preventing exploitation. You will leave not only informed but also empowered to respond with confidence, compassion, and clarity.

If you cannot attend in person, consider exploring our Digital Civilian First Responder Program to access training on your own schedule.

Together, we can stand as a circle of protection around those at risk. Join us as we bring awareness, prevention, and hope to our communities.

Register today: CFR Training Conference – October 2025

Our S.T.A.N.D. Classes

Liz Midkiff had a simple yet profound vision: fight human trafficking through educating young women. The first program started in August 2013 in Ohio and then progressed to New York in 2018. In 2019, Liz started branching out to other states. After an excruciating past as a young woman, as an adult she desired to do something more than just raise awareness for the cause (as important as that is). So, she began teaching the girls in her youth group to be watchful in their daily lives, empowering them to develop holistic tools to notice when the signs of trafficking are going on around them and to help others who might be at risk. She spent time with the teenagers and did research about human trafficking, all the while knowing the brutal fact of the matter: this issue wasn’t a rare phenomenon in some distant country. People were being trafficked every day, right under people’s noses. And yes, this was occurring even in the “Land of the Free.”

Eleven years later, amidst her ongoing initiatives for teenagers, her five-year-old son asked, “Mom, why don’t other kids know about the work you are doing?” So, out of a desire to educate the next generation on the issues of human trafficking, Liz and Rebecca McDonald, resident and founder of Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) founded S.T.A.N.D. classes, which stands (no pun intended) for Safety Awareness, Trafficking signs, Age Appropriate, No (Okay to say no), and Determination.

Through the S.T.A.N.D. classes, Liz desires that parents see the importance of educating their children on topics such as the inherent dignity of every human and the need for physical safety for overall well-being. In other words, while the theme of the sessions is undoubtedly tied to the topic of human trafficking, Liz makes it a point to cover much more than trafficking itself. Additionally, while S.T.A.N.D. classes are just that—classes—they encompass much more than what someone might picture with a teacher speaking to students at desks. Instead, Liz employs games, interactive activities, and question-and-answer methods to teach and uses age-appropriate terminology to do so; for instance, she won’t use the word “rape” with a five-year-old.

The boys and girls (yes, the classes are offered to both) learn concepts such as how to answer the questions, What is safe? Who is safe? What do I do if my babysitter tells me to take my clothes off? Which of the following can we buy with money: food, clothes, and/or people? In short, these classes address the fundamental aspects of what it means to be human. Through this educational framework, the instructor is able to help children think through these questions before the problem actually happens. One of the evils of human trafficking is the unpredictability of who is trafficked, and when and how it happens. Therefore, it’s never too early to learn and grow, and be aware of basic safety techniques. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to sit in on the session and continue the dialogue with their children afterwards.

Though these tools of protection, techniques of safety, and levels of awareness have been crucial for all human history, due to our digital age there is a sense in which the truths and skills taught in the S.T.A.N.D. classes are more important than ever. With the interconnectedness of the web, the widespread usage of social media, and the false feeling of closeness with which people on the internet have, it is in many ways easier than ever to traffic innocent men and women, boys and girls. Thus, S.T.A.N.D. skills are crucial to navigating the cultural moment with safety and putting up appropriate barriers where necessary.

Will these classes prevent all forms of human trafficking? Of course not. Will they provide children of all ages the fundamental tools they need to react should various situations arise in future years? Absolutely.

Liz’s goal is for the kids to leave the class with basic knowledge of what a victim and survivor is, a holistic perspective of safety, and practical ways to prevent trafficking and help others in this enterprise. Of course, these classes aim for no less than human trafficking prevention, but the ambition is much broader—all-around safety. The vision for S.T.A.N.D. is simple in nature yet exceedingly profound in impact, just like Liz’s original objective eleven years ago.

Taught by Liz, the classes can be held locally at WAR headquarters in Wyoming, MI, or hosted by any sort of school, nonprofit, church, or similar entity. To host a session or register for a class, email WAR, Int’l at emidkiff@warinternational.org. Also, please see the Frequently Asked Questions below if you have additional inquiries.

Meet Liz Midkiff | Liz’s passion is two-fold. She seeks to speak truth to the upcoming generations as they navigate growing up in today’s social media culture as well as to give voice to the once voiceless by highlighting the incredible work of their hands.

She is married, a mom of 2 young boys, the creator of the S.T.A.N.D. Classes, an Ambassador for Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l), a survivor of human trafficking, and an advocate for survivor artisans.

FAQs

Why are these classes important for children?
They provide children with fundamental safety awareness information and techniques without delving into unnecessary graphic details. Age-appropriate terminology is exercised as the instructor gives practical wisdom for children of all ages.

Are these classes only for girls?
No, both boys and girls are welcome (and encouraged) to attend.

Are boys and girls in the same room?
The hosts can choose whether they want a co-ed session or desire to have the two genders in separate rooms.

What type of venue is the typical host site?
Any school, church, nonprofit, company, organization, or group of people, whether formal or informal, is encouraged to reach out about holding these classes. WAR, Int’l headquarters in Wyoming, Michigan, is a great option for locals from the Grand Rapids area.

How much do they cost?
Cost depends on location, attendance, and other logistical factors. The more people you gather to attend, the cheaper it will be!

Can parents sit in on the classes?
Of course! Parents can choose to attend the classes with their child, or they may deliberately allow their child to attend by themselves and then be intentional regarding later conversation. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to conduct the classes and then have a parent-only question-and-answer session afterward. Through the classes, Liz is seeking to be a bridge between the parent and child, and parents often find that this program either reinforces principles they’ve been teaching their kids or begins a conversation about important topics.

I have a question which has yet to be answered.
Sorry your question wasn’t answered. Please email emidkiff@warinternational.org.

Myths that Perpetuate Trafficking | Part Two

Myths that Perpetuate Trafficking (and Facts that Break Chains)

Part Two in a three-part series

Today, at least 50 million people are enslaved by the evil that is human trafficking. Though it is frequently punishable by law, the horrific realities are often hidden behind closed doors. To make matters worse, the shadowy nature of human trafficking contributes to many misunderstandings which allow the industry to thrive. In the spirit of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, here are a few myths that confuse and hinder the efforts to combat human trafficking in our own communities, nationally, and across the globe.

It is of note that this is not an exhaustive list.

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Myth: The United States does not have a trafficking problem.

Fact: The United States ranks among the top ten countries with the highest estimated numbers of victims of modern slavery. Trafficking is a global issue, and the United States is the third highest trafficking destination in the world. Richer countries do not necessarily correlate with higher demand, but wealthier clients make trafficking more profitable for traffickers. In addition to Women At Risk, International’s (WAR, Int’l’s) efforts to combat trafficking overseas, we are increasingly involved in fighting trafficking and rescuing victims in the United States.

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Myth: Traffickers only have physical control over their victims.

Fact: Many, if not all, victims are mentally and emotionally manipulated and controlled by their traffickers in addition to being physically restraints. The unfortunate reality is that traffickers put sufficient effort into convincing their victims that they either deserve the treatment they are getting and/or that no one will believe them if they speak up. These mental barriers can be incredibly difficult to break, and recovering from this mental trauma, alongside the physical, is an important part of the recovery process.

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Myth: The person being trafficked will leap at the opportunity to ask for help.

Fact: People who have been trafficked or sexually abused are usually in shock, and people in shock generally do not have a rational response to a situation where they are able to ask for help, particularly if it is unexpected. In addition, the perception traffickers cultivate that they know everything about their victims can forestall an attempt to ask for help even if the trafficker is not present. A hallmark of the mental and emotional manipulation traffickers often exert over their victims is convincing them that they are invisible and/or that no one will believe them. This is why it is the onlooker’s responsibility to look for signs that all may not be well and to report suspicious circumstances to an organization that fights trafficking, such as WAR, Int’l or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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Myth: Traffickers live on the edges of society.

Fact: Over ninety percent of trafficking victims are trafficked by members of their community or people they believe they know. Kidnapping is rare. Traffickers often seek to ingratiate themselves into a community to minimize the suspicion they might otherwise raise or so that they can fall back on a history of good behavior if they are questioned.

Join us in facing the reality and breaking the chains of modern slavery!

Attend a Civilian First Responder Training Conference to learn how you can rise up against trafficking.

Host a pop-up boutique to educate your community and support survivors on their healing journeys.

Read Part One in the series here.

International Women’s Day

March 8, 2025

Why We Celebrate

This year, the United Nations’ designation of March 8th as International Women’s Day is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. The spirit of the celebration has existed as a movement and as a celebration of women’s advancements across fields for significantly longer, however. The designation of a day in late February or early March to honor women and promote women’s suffrage dates to the early twentieth century. Celebrating International Women’s Day is not just a reason to reflect on past achievements, however, but to look forward to taking steps toward equality in the future.

Theme

Each year since 1996, the United Nations has selected a theme for International Women’s Day to help promote gender equality, to spur communities to action, and to aid a variety of efforts to help women around the world. The theme for 2025 is “Accelerate Action,” a nod to data from the World Economic forum that estimates it will take until 2158, or about five generations, for the world to achieve economic gender parity. Therefore, this year is focused on raising awareness of the persistent economic gap and advocating for concrete steps to reduce the current timeline.

Women At Risk, International

Women at Risk, International is dedicated to uplifting, celebrating, and protecting women in tangible ways today and every day. We support safe houses and vocational training centers around the world and run a vocational training center right here in the United States at our headquarters in West Michigan. These safe houses and training centers give women a place to recover or seek protection and an opportunity to learn skills that allow them to earn a fair wage and earn their living with dignity, a right that ought to be inherent but has often been denied to them. Our safehouses seek to provide holistic solutions including mental and emotional support as we help rescued and at-risk women move toward living the lives they would have if not for dastardly interference.

Celebrate through Supporting Women

This International Women’s Day, celebrate the women in your life by supporting and uplifting the women who need it most. You can partner in the work of Women At Risk, International by shopping either in person or online from our boutique, which is stocked with goods made by at-risk and rescued women. To take your participation a step further, volunteer to host a pop-up boutique, where we ship product to you and you sell it yourself from your home or church. The impact of these sales cannot be overstated: $300 of these sales are sufficient to support a woman in a safehouse for an entire month!

By supporting the work of the artisans at our United States Training Center, you are an encouragement to Women At Risk, International and to the women we serve, “jumping into the trenches with us and lifting lives to dignity,” in the words of our founder. This International Women’s Day, commit to investing in women and creating a tangible impact in the lives of those most vulnerable.

Invitation to support women~

~ Shop to empower women here.

~ Host a pop-up boutique here.

Stories of Rescue, Healing, Hope,…

Presidential Message: Rebecca McDonald

“Our commitment is for the House of WAR to be a sanctuary. We ofter see a spike in the number of 911 scenarios at various times that bring its own dangers to those hiding under a bridge or running for their lives barefoot—or wishing they could. Some stories are messy and still ongoing, and one haunts both my waking and sleeping moments as we continue trying to bring about a resolution. Every life is precious to the WAR family, and we are determined to fight for her.”

Stories of Rescue, Healing, Hope,…

Angel’s Story

The day COVID-19 hit the U.S. in 2020, Rebecca McDonald, founder and president of WAR, Int’l, hid a young woman in her car.

Freedom is costly.

When you help a woman escape exploitation, you see firsthand the devastating loss that comes from fleeing slavery. In leaving behind abuse, women often leave behind everything they’ve ever known. Starting over is exhausting, and is only made worse by navigating the rough waves of trauma and healing. Freedom is not free–it is painfully expensive in a thousand different ways.

Angel had been running barefoot from her traffickers for hours before she secured WAR, Int’l’s number from a national hotline. After she courageously reached out to us, we ran to her aid. Angel was tucked safely away in Becky’s car while we arranged safe housing.

Today, Angel is flourishing. Not only have pro bono lawyers cleared her name of all crimes claimed against her, but she is excelling as a legal secretary, spreading the seeds of justice that were planted in her own life. She has been reunited with her kids. Through your generosity, she has also been provided with a car. Once stereotyped due to riding a bicycle to and from work, Angel now possesses the resources to reflect her inner potential.

Margaret’s Story

Far too often, traffickers aren’t strangers. This was Margaret’s story. Her boyfriend betrayed her, forcing her to sleep with other men in exchange for the drugs that fueled his addiction.

Margaret waited in anguish for an opportunity to escape. Seeing her only chance, she fled while clutching the arm of her teenage daughter. Like so many others, they left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. As the two of them fearfully hid in a hotel, Margaret reached out in faith to WAR, Int’l.

Due to generous contributions to our 911 Rescue Fund, WAR, Int’l was able to respond immediately in Margaret’s hour of need, providing food, clothing, and other basic essentials. We also arranged the transportation that reunited Margaret and her daughter with their family in another city, restoring them to a circle of belonging and protection.

Ramona’s Story

Responding to a call from a federal agency, WAR, Int’l took Ramona shopping for an outfit she could wear to court. Despite unimaginable circumstances and lingering hurt, Ramona had resolved to testify against her traffickers.

We often emphasize how important it is to shed light on the realities of human trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice but forget that it requires real human cost. WAR, Int’l leapt into overdrive to surround Ramona and prepare this courageous survivor to be the key witness against a trafficking ring. Ignoring the attention we attracted by shopping under armed guard, we watched Ramona’s countenance transform from fear to confidence!

Touched by our compassion for her, Ramona whispered, “Why do you care for me when you don’t even know me?”

We at WAR, Int’l love that question! The 911 Rescue Fund allows us to respond, inform, and reach into lives with action. It permits us to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We were honored to be a part of Ramona’s story and are so inspired by her resilience.

The Next Story

Because of your generosity, WAR, Int’l is a sanctuary. Together, we partner in the Lord’s work to bestow beauty instead of ashes.

Our 911 Rescue Fund seeks to be the hands and feet of Christ, showing up for survivors in their hour of need. Empowered by your gifts, there is no need to which WAR, Int’l turns a blind eye.

We hide the hunted, clothe the exposed, and nourish the hungry. To those on the run, we provide rest and respite. The hurting are set on a path to healing and the homeless are embraced. Each woman, man, and child is welcomed and grafted into the WAR family.

Behind each of these initiatives is a story of a survivor who was earnestly pursued and wrapped in compassion.

Your generosity will write the next story. Your Giving Tuesday gift will embolden us to continue to intervene, bringing precious survivors out of darkness and into marvelous light.

Contribute to rescue, donate today to our 911 Rescue Fund.

Give online here.

Send a check to:
Women At Risk, International
2790 44th St. SW
Wyoming, MI 49519.

If you write a check, please be sure to note on the memo line that it is for our 911 Rescue Fund.