Michelle Kauenhoffen from the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT Alberta) joins us to shed light on a critical but often misunderstood issue affecting communities across the province. As the Manager of Community Engagement at the only organization supporting victims of all forms of human trafficking throughout Alberta, Michelle brings valuable expertise on prevention, education, and direct support.

Michelle shares how ACT Alberta provides support for trafficking victims while developing education initiatives to protect vulnerable youth from exploitation. Through innovative partnerships and tailored trainings, they're working to dispel myths and equip communities with the knowledge to recognize and respond to trafficking.

• ACT Alberta serves victims of all forms of trafficking and provides free education throughout the province
• The Youth Empowerment Project was created in partnership with Crime Stoppers and Little Warriors to address the 815% increase in online exploitation
• Training programs teach youth to identify healthy vs toxic relationships and recognize warning signs of exploitation
• Both students and adults receive education to ensure everyone uses the same language and understanding
• Common myths about trafficking include beliefs it "doesn't happen here" or only affects certain demographics
• ACT improves lives by helping victims find safety, with positive impacts extending to their families
• Free resources available include monthly Human Trafficking 101 sessions and customized sector-specific trainings

Visit actalberta.org to learn more, access the education form, or email education@actalberta.org to arrange a training for your school, workplace or community.

About Our Guest

With a strong background in social services and non-profits across the Prairies, Michelle Kauenhofen is a systems thinker who thrives in advocacy work, social justice, education, and community development. She brings a passion for raising awareness and empowering individuals to act, ensuring survivors’ voices are amplified and local efforts are united. Michelle is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between diverse communities and advancing efforts to combat human trafficking.  Committed to ACT’s mission, she strives to inspire change and collaboratively build resilient networks that stand against exploitation.

What is Give Amplify Connect?

There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.

Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com

Podcast music used with artist permission
"Okay" by Ellen Braun