Free the Slaves is accepting nominations for their 2009 Freedom Awards, including these two fellowships to be awarded to young adult anti-slavery activists eligible to work in the United States (US). These awards are open to organisations and individuals who are working to eradicate human trafficking and modern-day slavery. The Freedom Awards were created to celebrate the vision and courage of community-based organisations, survivors of slavery, individual leaders, and young adult anti-slavery activists who are showing the way to a world without slavery. The awards also honour past heroes who inspire the anti-slavery movement today.

Two Fellowships will be awarded to young adults (21 – 30) who have demonstrated consistent determination, creativity, and results in the anti-slavery movement, and who are committed to developing their career to help rid the world of slavery. The awardees may have shown their commitment against slavery in a variety of ways; for example, raising awareness in communities, advocating for improved policies, helping set up programmes with people in slavery or former slaves, or making films about slavery.

The recipients will receive a one-year fellowship to work with Free the Slaves, with a salary of US$35,000 plus benefits, a professional development package including accredited academic and non-profit management courses, and the opportunity to travel overseas to learn about other anti-slavery efforts.

Both nominations and self-nominations are welcome.


Nominees must:

• Be eligible to work in the US (green card or citizenship).
• Be between ages 21 and 30.
• Have been involved in anti-slavery activities for at least 2 years.
• Be available to work for the year in a Free the Slaves office.
• Be a university graduate, or about to graduate.

The deadline for application is December 1 2008.

Nominations must be made on the appropriate form. Click here for more information and access to a downloadable nomination form in MS Word format.

Click here to read about previous winners.

Email from Ama Giddens to The Communication Initiative on November 5 2007 and Aashika N. Damodar on October 15 2008 and Free the Slaves Freedom Awards website.