NGOCSTIP – NFL Draft Shock struck in an unexpected way this year, not on the football field but in the streets of Green Bay. As thousands of fans flooded the city for the NFL Draft on July 16, 2025, a quiet but powerful operation was unfolding. HER Alliance, a local nonprofit organization, had spent months preparing a major anti-trafficking campaign ahead of the event. The group’s goal was clear: prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals during one of the city’s biggest events.
Their tactics were grassroots but effective, involving local canvassing, targeted education, and a fully staffed helpline for those at risk. With police support, two arrests linked to prostitution were made, and ten new trafficking victims were identified, ranging in age from 17 to 46. These outcomes did not happen by chance. They resulted from proactive planning, community involvement, and a deep commitment to human dignity that HER Alliance upholds daily.
During the NFL Draft Shock, HER Alliance showed that community action prevents tragedy. While most people followed draft picks and game predictions, HER Alliance volunteers canvassed neighborhoods, handed out awareness materials, and trained residents to spot signs of human trafficking. Their presence stayed quiet yet reached across the city. Victims contacted the helpline directly after seeing promotions in shelters, clinics, and public transit. These calls revealed real stories of exploitation that tend to emerge during large events. HER Alliance identified the risks early and prepared the city to respond. Their team coordinated efforts with local law enforcement and hospitals to ensure fast, clear communication. This joint response kept trafficking incidents unusually low throughout the draft weekend. Other cities now examine the nonprofit’s strategy as a successful example of prevention and rapid reaction during major gatherings.
HER Alliance believes in the power of awareness to prevent harm before it happens. They launched their educational outreach months before the NFL Draft. Local churches, youth groups, and libraries participated in seminars on how to recognize trafficking red flags. Volunteers went door-to-door sharing flyers with warning signs and resources. At bus stations and parks, conversations were started with people at risk of being targeted. The campaign focused not just on women but on all vulnerable groups, including teens, immigrants, and the homeless. Local schools were involved through classroom discussions and parent workshops. Empowerment was at the heart of every event. People learned to ask questions and offer help without judgment. One of the program’s goals was to build trust so that victims would feel safe coming forward. That trust paid off when ten victims bravely contacted the helpline. This level of public engagement saved lives during the NFL Draft.
Green Bay’s experience during the NFL Draft provides a powerful model for other large-scale gatherings. HER Alliance launched their campaign months in advance to build relationships and boost public awareness. The team trained both authorities and civilians to respond quickly with trauma-informed care. Volunteers placed prevention materials in hotels, gas stations, and rental car offices to reach potential victims and educate community members who might unknowingly support traffickers. HER Alliance prioritized both protection and compassion throughout the campaign. The team addressed harm without assigning blame or shame. They invited everyone to participate in either offering or receiving help. Staff identified victims more efficiently and connected survivors to support programs right away. This approach showed how a united community can stop trafficking before it starts and expand the reach of prevention during major events.
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As HER Alliance reflects on its success during the NFL Draft, the organization plans to grow its digital outreach. Social media played a key role in their efforts, spreading alerts and educational messages throughout the community. Text support systems were set up for silent reporting. Victims who feared making calls could text discreetly and still receive urgent help.
Data gathered from the helpline is now being analyzed to identify risk patterns and improve future responses. Technology amplified compassion and helped the team reach more people. As HER Alliance continues to evolve, the core principle remains the same: every person deserves safety. This mission drove every flyer printed, every call answered, and every life protected during the NFL Draft. Moving forward, HER Alliance aims to share its model nationwide, ensuring no event becomes an opportunity for human exploitation. The success seen in Green Bay could be repeated anywhere, given the right commitment and community support.
