Freedom Hub Issue Two: Encourage by Freedom Hub

FREEDOM HUB

Issue Two

Features From the Managing Director Meet a Volunteer Convergence Freedom Hub meets Google Hello, Marketplace New Beginnings Six Ways You Can Get Involved

06 10 14 18 26 28 34

Contributors Sally Irwin

Managing Director

Kirstie Le Lievre

Editor-in-Chief

Nishita Dayal

Editor

Jessica Irwin

Editor

Judith McGhie

Editor

Edward Kost

Writer

Lauren Clucas

Writer

Constance Khoo

Writer

Stephanie Harnn

Graphic Designer

Michelle Harnn

Illustrator (Cover Image)

Jo Wacher

Typography Inspiration

Josh Mikhaiel

Photographer

Style and Substance With every purchase of this unique Freedom Hub butterfly print, 100% of profits support the work we do with survivors of human trafficking in Australia.

$29.95

Artwork by Kyla Flanagan for Designed & Collected

Now Available at our online Market Place thefreedomhub.org/shop

From the Managing Director Sally Irwin

Welcome to 2016! What a year it is going to be. Our last two years have been so focused on survivors of modernday slavery that we are excited to make 2016 about you. When starting the Freedom Hub, part of our aim was to also be able to give every Australian an opportunity to do something about this crime in our country. So, this year, with the launch of our café and our online ethical retail range, you, our valued supporter, will be able to help change lives. Not everyone can volunteer, not everyone can donate, however, everyone can re-align their usual spending to buy products that are ethically sourced, and 100% of the profits support survivors of human trafficking. In saying that, our marketplace is worth a look. For Sydneysiders, the opening of our café in Waterloo will be a ‘hub’ for you to come and be part of something truly unique. It will be an urban escape with amazing coffee, exotic teas and a beautiful atmosphere. In alignment with one of our core values, ‘encouragement’ will also be key to your experience in our café.

The Oxford dictionary defines “encouragement” as the act of giving someone support, confidence, and hope. These three things are vital to the success of our mission at the Freedom Hub. Right from the beginning when I sat down to think about, write, and articulate our core values, ‘encouragement’ had to be on the top of the list. Everyone thrives when given encouragement. Unfortunately, as encouragement is increasingly becoming counter-cultural, our human nature commonly steers us into being judgmental and critical of others, usually led by how the media portrays the “ideal person”. Insecurity fuels this criticism as many try to elevate themselves above others. We learn, at a young age, that certain trends are almost compulsory to avoid bullying and criticism. It is so easy to join the choir of negativity around us rather than stand up and encourage one another. The result of this created culture is that we must choose encouragement; it is something we must decide to do. Deciding to give “support, confidence and hope” is free, and is liberating for

us too. It is a beautiful gift that costs nothing. In its counter-cultural nature, encouragement takes practice, as sometimes it is hard to give away. At the Freedom Hub we put time and effort into training our volunteers and staff to encourage others, including those in their personal lives. If encouraging others is not second nature at the Freedom Hub, then it is not going to be expressed easily when we work with vulnerable people. The survivors of modern-day slavery that the Freedom Hub works with have been lied to, manipulated, discouraged and threatened. They, like many people, need encouragement – they thrive with encouragement. So we strive to make encouragement a foundational aspect of our culture. Encouraging words can do wonders. They can change our perspective on life, prevent us from giving up in

trials, they make us feel valued, they energise us, give us strength and hope. Encouragement builds self-esteem and gives the people around us a muchneeded boost in a busy, difficult day. With our café opening very soon, it will be our aim to carry this encouraging culture into our customer service. I would like to think that when you walk through our doors you will feel the difference – feel valued, supported and lifted out of the grind of everyday life with words that encourage and lift spirits. Stay tuned to @freedomhuborg on Instragram to see some of the beautiful pictures of our menu and get to know our new staff, as we get ready to launch. Finally, I also hope that you will find this second edition of the e-magazine encouraging as you read stories of freedom and discover the work done behind the scenes by our wonderful volunteers and staff. Sally.

Meet a Volunteer: Kate Johnson by Constance Khoo

Kate loves music. She loves creating it, she loves listening to it, and she loves how it can communicate emotion and transcend cultural and age differences without words. This aspiring music therapist may seem like a typical postgrad student with her juggling of full-time study, two jobs, and a social life. However, Kate also gives herself whole-heartedly to a cause that can takes up her weekends, emotional and physical energy. Alongside 52 others, Kate is a volunteer at the Freedom Hub. She organises and takes survivors of human trafficking on educational outings around Sydney, helping them understand and assimilate into Australian culture, and enjoy their new freedom. KJ: Bush walking in the Blue Mountains, the

So, why do it? Museum of Contemporary Art, Sky Zone, park When we are all so busy, why would picnics, whale watching in Sydney Harbour... We you choose to volunteer? Connie Khoo want them to learn more about Sydney, the people sat down with volunteer, Kate Johnson, and the culture... and during the events we slowly to discuss her heart for the Freedom build their confidence and independence. Hub and what drives her passion.

Did you have a moment of revelation where your perception of human trafficking and the world changed?

I was feeling so overwhelmed with all the tragic things happening in the world and felt so helpless. People play naïve saying that slavery doesn’t happen in Australia, let alone Sydney. I grew up in a privileged community where every struggle I witnessed was a very ‘First world’ issue. You heard about these horrible things like slavery and human trafficking in other parts of the world but it would have ‘never happened here.’ I was lucky enough that my parents didn’t let this complacency impact me. Did you feel a social responsibility to do something about it?

I understood from a very early age that the life I had was a privilege and if you can help anyone else…you should do it. You know, sharing is caring. Would you say that the experience is priceless?

I remember thinking at one stage, ‘I could

be getting paid to do this work, I don’t earn enough to give my time away for free.’ It sounds horrible, but just because you’re a volunteer doesn’t mean it’s easy all the time - especially in your early twenties! But how could you not volunteer for this cause? Whenever I’ve had those negative thoughts I would take a step back and look at everything I’ve gained from being a volunteer for the Freedom Hub. Those experiences are unmatched. Being a volunteer is being selfless. In a world where most people are selfish and only looking out for their individual wants and needs, you forget the fulfilment found in helping someone achieve their goals. Giving someone your time is priceless. Have you met some like-minded friends through volunteering?

When you volunteer you feel like you’re giving back to your community. You have a group of people from all different walks of life who are passionate about a cause and work together at a grassroots level. It’s so interesting hearing what the other

volunteers do outside the Freedom Hub! It’s an amazing way to make new friends, network, while actively helping these survivors achieve their goals. And you see that every small action makes a difference, right?

One of my personal favourite memories would be eating ice cream in Manly… The survivors want to expand their English and try to understand words so they come up to you so excited with their hand actions and expressions it’s so nice! (Laughs)

When you imagine what these survivors have overcome, true modern-day slavery, you realise that while you can’t fix the entire world, fixing one aspect will make the world a better place.

No matter your reason for volunteering, we’d love to meet you and share the experience with you! There are many opportunities to put your skills and strengths to good use, or even build on your amateur interests. At the Freedom Hub, we believe that everyone has something to offer. It is the unique contribution, and the personality of each volunteer that makes this community feel like family.

Convergence by Constance Khoo

Convergence: Noun - con·ver·gence: The occurrence of separate entities becoming one; aligning in characteristics, goals and purpose. Come Thursday evening and you will see a stream of different people walking into the Hub at Waterloo. Leaving their days behind, they are warmly welcomed by new and old faces, funny and random conversations, and delicious nibbles. Welcome to CONVERGENCE, the Freedom Hub’s monthly gathering.

2014). We converge over a common desire to see slavery eradicated, and we converge with ideas and passion to see freedom made possible for more and more survivors. We also love the fun of gathering with like-minded people who support each other and feel like an eclectic tribe.

We converge over the outrage that modern day slavery is occurring here, in Australia, with approximately 3,200 persons enslaved (Global Slavery Index,

The end of 2015 brought the theme of ENCOURAGE to our monthly gatherings - an opportunity to reflect on the year, and set the ball rolling for 2016!

Encourage: Verb en·cour·age: The giving of support, confidence or hope to someone. To cultivate courage in others, and inspire action. Encouragement is one of the core values of the Freedom Hub. We seek to encourage our clients, supporters,

networks, and each other. Here are some examples of how we have put encouragement into practice.

Our Survivors

one of our survivors has successfully finished her scholarship program with us, and after 12 months of intensive courses here at the Freedom Hub, she completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Learning where she gained employment through one of our corporate partnerships withinw the sector. With the support of the Freedom Hub, she has was empowered to transform from “victim” to “survivor.”

We seek to encourage survivors to reach their dreams. This means supporting their goals even when they are different to our own. We have supported various survivors who have come from a background of forced marriage, forced labour, attempted organ trafficking, and sexual exploitation. Through the specially adapted Survivor School, we have assisted survivors back onto their feet so they can attend TAFE and other courses, with the purpose of pursuing a career. Our social events and educational outings help to build a sense of community and provides the confidence that comes from being familiar with, and integrated into, Australian society. Through this partnership, we are seeing survivors achieve their dreams and being empowered with the resources to live out their independence. For example,

Our supporters and networks The year 2016 has brought an unbelievable amount of support through our corporate partners and networks. Though sharing the Freedom Hub’s cause and business model as a social enterprise, we are cultivating courage in individuals and businesses to act ethically and purposefully, through realigning their spending. For example, in November,

More information on the Australian Freedom Network can be found at: afn.org.au

More information on The Freedom Hub staff & volunteers can be found at: thefreedomhub.org

we received $27,585 through Pozible crowdfunding, as well as incredible furniture and goods from Fantastic Furniture. The support continued through Decorative Events, HART LDN, Bit Coin, Campbell’s Cash and Carry and Bunnings, … just to name a few. We also held a fundraiser at Google, which you can read more about on page 14. Furthermore, our credibility and network was greatly strengthened in December when Freedom Hub CEO, Sally Irwin, was invited to Parliament House, to witness the signing of Australia’s Freedom Network to end Slavery. Signatories to the declaration include Pope Francis, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, the Grand Mufti of Australia, Rabbi Alon Meltzer from the Rabbinic Council of Australia and New Zealand, and Pandit Narendra Dave, the President of the Australian Council of Hindu Clergy). We are amazed and humbled by these

opportunities, and believe they are a testament to how powerful and contagious encouragement can be for a worthy cause.

Each other Finally, the Freedom Hub continually seeks to inspire, recharge and empower its various committed and passionate volunteers. CONVERGENCE gatherings are one way to witness this contagious encouragement. We would love for you to check out CONVERGENCE for yourself, and come along next time. We also have an online community, and are constantly looking for new volunteers to pursue their passions in a way that contributes to a cause they care about. To sign up, or find out more, visit www.thefreedomhub.org

Freedom Hub Meets Google by Edward Kost

From the moment we stepped into the building we knew this was a workplace like no other. Our skin was kissed with the warmth of the sun, a pleasant effect of a building designed to let in maximum natural light. Employees smiled and waved at us as they zoomed past on scooters heading to their offices. An indoor tire swing swayed gently, slowly recovering from its last joyful passenger. We had entered Google headquarters in Sydney to participate in Google’s Give Week.

with double the amount of what was originally donated!

Every year, Google hosts a giving week where a small number of organisations are handpicked to represent their cause, educate Google staff and meet new supporters. Generosity is a key aspect of Google culture and employees are encouraged to donate to as many of the organisations as they like. All donations are then matched by Google, providing each of these organisations

Our designated day was the second last day of the giving week. All money donated to the Freedom Hub would go towards paying for a survivor to undertake a course at the Survivor School. The school equips survivors of human trafficking Australia with the vital education and life skills they need to build up their confidence to assimilate successfully back into society.

We set up in our designated area, dressed in matching purple t-shirts boasting the words “Freedom Hub” and giggling like chipmunks as we ‘quality tested’ the helium before filling up our balloons. We were anxious and excited about how the day would pan out. We only had a few short hours to spread the word about a cause only a few have heard is happening in Australia.

Facial expressions changed from empathy and anger to that of optimism and determination as we educated the Google employees about the reality of slavery and trafficking in Australia and how the Freedom Hub works to rebuild the lives of survivors. ‘I would like to donate’, was a chorus sung by countless Google employees, filling the air with the accompanied ‘bing’ noise generated by each transaction received. Conversations filled with joy and laughter soon followed, fueled by understanding the life-changing movement they were now a part of.

When it was all over, and the dust finally settled, we all stood there smiling and shaking our heads in amazement. Countless courses at the Survivor School had just been financed and the path towards rehabilitation and a fresh beginning had been paved for many survivors. It was a joy and a privilege to be part of Google’s giving week and to educate others about the work and vision of the Freedom Hub. Though we were present for only one day, the effects of that day at Google will last a lifetime.

Freedom Hub Cafe Opening 29 March, 2016! 283 Young Street, Waterloo, Sydney 7am - 2pm weekdays 9am - 2pm weekends

Get social with us freedomhuborg freedomhuborg

Hello, Marketplace By Kirstie Le Lievre

Anna Lappé once said “Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want. What a remarkable way to think about your purchasing power. Have you asked yourself what kind of world you want? We invite you to explore the Freedom Hub’s online marketplace where 100% of profits support survivors of human trafficking in Australia. The current range features beautiful art prints for your home, Freedom Found single origin coffee beans, a stunning selection of locally made candles and spring water. The Freedom Hub is passionate about sourcing quality products for you, and new additions to the range will be added soon. Watch this space! Aligning your spending with the cause of freedom not only empowers survivors of modern-day slavery, but also empowers you. You have made a difference in the lives of others, and you are part of their story of new beginnings. Some of those new beginnings are happening right now, as survivors continue their training at the Survivor Training School and work towards a new future. We want to extend this opportunity to more and more survivors. We believe that you do too. Every Australian can do something to stop the crime of modern-day slavery in Australia. That can be as simple as choosing a gift for a friend or the coffee you kick-start your mornings with from the Freedom Hub. You can shop confidently, knowing we have taken earnest steps to ensure all products have no slavery in the supply chain. Thank you for choosing to shop ethically!

thefreedomhub.org/shop Shop our curated range of quality, ethically sourced products where 100% of profits support survivors of human trafficking in Australia.

New Beginnings By Kirstie Le Lievre

The Freedom Hub works with survivors of modern-day slavery in Australia who have each overcome experiences of profound exploitation. This story is a fictional piece, but in many ways, it could be the story of any one of the survivors. We hope that you gain insight into modern-day slavery and to the survivors we work with, and that this story inspires you to marvel at the resilience and strength of survivors who are rebuilding their lives and stepping forward after what could have been a defeating end. You can partner with us in the next chapter of their story. Visit www.thefreedomhub.org to find out more, and turn to Page 33 for some ideas to get you started. The first time I met my future husband, I was studying for my final school exams. With a pen in my hand and notes sprawled across my desk, my father came into my room and announced the news. “We have found a husband for you!” My mother hovered behind him, and with a faint smile, I could see that she was pleased at the announcement.

excitedly about the fabrics we would need to purchase for the occasion, and the colours we would wear. I was seventeen. The next two days passed with a flourish and in a small room at the modest hotel in the city, we met with Khalil and his family.

I nodded and processed the news. I put my pen down. In two days I would meet Khalil and shortly after, become his wife.

My hands were sweaty and I was quiet as the adults negotiated and Khalil tried to catch my eye.

I brushed my hair back from my face and thanked my father. This was good news for my family. I could sense my mother’s relief, as she twisted her bracelets around her wrist and spoke

We had a moment together, just Khalil and I, before we would meet again at our wedding. “We’ll be going to Australia, Latika. You and I. We’ll start a new life there.” He continued,

animatedly, clasping my hands in his. “We have family there, and a business too. You will work too. You will like Australia.” Australia! That giant island I had seen before on maps and wondered at how lonely it looked in the middle of the south most seas. “….But, my family.” I whispered “Don’t worry!” Khalil reassured. “They will come to visit sometime. You can write to them.” On the plane to Australia, I couldn’t help but think of how far away my

mother and father were. Khalil was kind. I felt my stomach flip as we looked out of the plane to see a web of roads and tall towers in the sprawling city below called “Sydney”. We met Khalil’s extended family later that day at their home. The women were harsh with me and the conversation brusque as I was shown to my quarters. The home was annexed to the shopfront of the family business and my quarters were at the back of the home, below ground, where it was dark and the windows looked out at grass-level. My voice shook with incredulity. This was not what Khalil had described. “Khalil, you are staying here with me?” 30

He stepped back, to his family. “No, Latika. You are staying here...”

I screamed and ran towards the windows. I knelt up against the windows and beat with my fists. I beat and beat and the glass broke over my hands.

Uncle took my passport from Khalil and said that he would keep it for me. He told me not to ask for it, and I sensed he was I remember the police arriving, and the very serious. neighbours surrounding me in the street. I couldn’t believe it as I sat on the grass The older aunt told me that I would be with a blanket around my shoulders. starting work tomorrow at 8am, and not to be late. This day was three years ago. I left the house and found safety in a refuge for The next two years passed... the first few months of my new life. Everything has changed. I am a different I reached my twentieth year with wellperson to the girl who beat against the concealed bruises under my clothes. It glass for her freedom. was rough at the house and I hadn’t seen or heard from my family since I have been studying at TAFE and arriving in Australia. learning English. I have dreams for my future and I hope to move into my own I had long stopped asking for anything. I apartment soon. I am looking forward was the weariest and saddest I can ever to seeing my parents again, and they remember being. I felt so much older, know that I am safe now. I love to walk tracing the bags beneath my eyes when I and see new places. Now I am living in looked in the mirror. the Australia I imagined. If you ask me what freedom feels like, I would say the My miracle came on a Tuesday afternoon. choices and opportunities I now have. I like to think of it as my miracle. Sydney is a place of hope again. I had been locked in a room of the house when Khalil and his family left for the afternoon. I saw a neighbour across the street, and this time I was not hushed away from the windows, or blocked from view by the swift swish of a closing curtain.

Image by Josh Mikhaiel The Stag & Doe Photography

This story is a fictional work. All characters appearing in this piece are fictitious and any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental.

"I love to walk and see new places. Now I am living in the Australia I imagined. If you ask me what freedom feels like, I would say the choices and opportunities I now have. Sydney is a place of hope again."

Six Ways You Can Get Involved AWARENESS Let everyone know it’s happening in our own country: Facebook/freedomhuborg www.thefreedomhub.org

SUPPORT Support our cafe. All profits will support the Survivor Training School and partner in the fight to end slavery in Australia.

FUNDRAISE Get your friends, work colleagues, gym any group, together and run a social or sport event for our cause.

VOLUNTEER From admin to teaching, every skill is needed to ensure the Survivor Training School is successful.

EMPLOY Can your business provide work experience or shortterm employment for survivors? We need ‘safe’ partners to work with us.

DONATE We have no government funding so we can personalise the help we give. Your donation directly rebuilds a life.