Radical Empathy to meet with U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program
Virtual Reality based human trafficking training group to share education successes and formulate strategies for international cooperation
By: Radical Empathy Education Foundation
AUSTIN, Texas – June 29, 2022 – PRLog — Pamela-Jean Mohamed, Associate Executive Director International Programs for the International Hospitality Council of Austin, invited Billy Joe Cain, co-founder of Radical Empathy, to meet with participants from the International Visitor Leadership Program by the U.S. Department of State.
The purpose of the 30 June 2022 meeting is to discuss “Combating Trafficking in Persons – A Project for India.”
The Department of State outlined the following specific objectives for the project:
- Examine efforts to combat trafficking in persons, including crimes against women and children, by examining the formulation, administration, and enforcement of policies at the international, national, state, and local levels;
- Present innovative strategies for preventing, investigating, and prosecuting trafficking crimes;
- Explore U.S. initiatives to recognize, protect, and assist victims of abuse and trafficking, including social and economic reintegration services;
- Discuss awareness and education efforts and share strategies for international cooperation in combating trafficking in persons.
“This is a very exciting opportunity to share our successes with GlobalAustin and the attendees from the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program,” says Cain. “After our 4500th student completed our virtual reality training this month, we want to share how the training affects people and makes them more interested in learning about human trafficking.”
Their virtual reality experience, called TRAPPED: A VR Detective Story, is a completely immersive, interactive story that allows users to explore the world of a 14 year old girl who is tricked by a boy online, who meets and manipulates her when she is experiencing vulnerabilities in her life.
In 15 minutes, Lisa explains how she met a boy on social media, who tricked and controlled her through threats and violence.
——-
ABOUT RADICAL EMPATHY EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Radical Empathy Education Foundation (REEF) is an Austin-based nonprofit dedicated to ending human trafficking in one generation. To capture the attention of young adults, they use virtual reality experiences that include fully interactive, computer generated environments married with narrative, user-directed stories. To support REEF's work, please visit https://www.reefcares.org/
ABOUT GLOBALAUSTIN
“Think Local, Act Global.” GlobalAustin promotes opportunities for the Central Texas community to experience global, cross-cultural exchange. Our vision is to educate our members through Citizen Diplomacy receptions, Distinguished Speaker Series, film screenings, internationally-themed events, the online International Calendar of Austin, Great Decisions discussion groups, and other International events and activities.
Austin Programming Contact: Pamela-Jean Mohamed, Associate Executive Director International Programs; Cell: (512)569-9922; e-mail: [email protected]
GlobalAustin, PO Box 170127, Austin, Texas 78705; 1015 Norwood Park Blvd., Austin, Texas 78753
Contact
Billy Joe Cain, Co-founder / Creative Director
Radical Empathy Education Foundation
[email protected]
5125218874