SW MN Regional Trafficking Task Force Meeting

Agenda Introductions Please share: Your name What interests you about being here What questions do you have if any Who, What, How and Why Discussion / Questions Closing

What is a task force? A group of people who are temporarily assigned to work together to achieve a very specific and clearly defined objective A temporary grouping of individuals and resources for the accomplishment of a specific objective. A unit or formation established to work on a single defined task or activity. A small team given responsibility for a short- term assignment with specific goals.

What are characteristics of a task force? typically there is a sense of autonomy a task force is usually mobile, flexible, and effective, allowing the members to use their abilities in very efficient ways. typically contains a broad cross-section of people, integrating an assortment of skills into a single unit.

Why create a trafficking task force? To build on a state wide response of victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking State of MN is moving towards laying out a road map for communities to adopt and fit as necessary to help deal with cases of sexual exploitation and trafficking We know we have the potential for cases of sexual exploitation of trafficking but limited resources and knowledge. We know that these are very difficult cases and require deep collaboration and high level of communication. There are many challenges that are faced to even identify cases and more training that is needed to follow through the entire processes. To establish an intersection between other forms of violence and oppression.

Steps necessary to create a task force 1.Outline what goals the task force should accomplish. Set specific goals and write them down in a plan of action. 2.Choose task force members. Depending on the size of your group, this may be vary. Each should be chosen based on willingness and availability first of all; then by their applicable skills and knowledge. Members should have the time and drive to accomplish the goals of the task force and ideally have some experience with needed skills. 3.Choose a task force leader. Ideally, this is someone who has experience leading task forces but that may not be the case. Choose a person who is accustomed to leading people and who is at ease with responsibility. The task force leader needs to keep everybody on track, give orders and help task force members work out problems. Be sure this person knows the aims of the task force and how to accomplish them. 4.Be sure all the task force members can communicate with each other and with the group’s overall leadership. 5.Come up with an assessment tool. How will the task force and the larger group know they are succeeding? A report to the main group is a good idea after a certain period of time. 6.Plan a lifespan of the task force. These ad hoc committees are not a permanent part of most organizations. They are called task forces because they accomplish a certain task, then are disbanded. There should be a clear ending date chosen at the time of formation.

Questions & Discussion What is our goal/ objective? This should be based on specific results that can be achieved. Do we want to create a short term goal or long term goal? Do we want multiple goals or objectives at a time? Do we want sub groups? Who do we need as part of our task force? Are there groups/organization/agencies that should be represented that aren’t here? How broad of an area do we want to cover? Currently 3 different locations (Mankato, Marshall, Worthington) – stay that way or combine?

Next Steps