Polaris, formerly known as Polaris Project, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to combating and preventing sex and labor trafficking across North America. Established in 2002 by Derek Ellerman and Katherine Chon, the organization derives its name from the North Star, symbolizing guidance and freedom. Polaris's mission is to reshape the systems that enable human trafficking, aiming for a just and equitable society where such exploitation is eradicated.
Key Strategic Focus
Polaris's strategic initiatives are centered on three primary areas:
1. Empowering Migrant Workers: Addressing vulnerabilities in U.S. agricultural and other industries to prevent labor trafficking.
2. Financial System Engagement: Collaborating with financial institutions to disrupt trafficking networks and hold perpetrators accountable.
3. Support for the Sex Trade: Expanding services and support to individuals in the sex trade to prevent exploitation and trafficking.
These efforts are informed by data from the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, which Polaris has operated since 2007.
Financials and Funding
As of 2024, Polaris operates as a privately held nonprofit organization. The organization has secured funding through various grants and private donations to support its initiatives. Specific financial details, including total funds raised and recent funding rounds, are not publicly disclosed.
Pipeline Development
Polaris's key programs include:
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: Since its inception, the hotline has handled over 400,000 contacts, identified more than 100,000 trafficking situations, and assisted approximately 197,000 victims across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
- Polaris Resilience Fund: Launched in 2023, this pilot program provides monthly cash assistance to survivors, aiding in their economic stability and reducing vulnerability to re-trafficking.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Polaris leverages advanced data analytics to combat human trafficking:
- Data Collaboration: Partnered with the UN International Organization for Migration to create the Counter-Trafficking Data Collaborative, offering a comprehensive dataset on human trafficking.
- Financial Intelligence Unit: Since 2020, this unit has produced over 100 intelligence packages to assist financial institutions and law enforcement in disrupting trafficking operations.
Leadership Team
- Megan Lundstrom: Serving as the CEO, Megan brings extensive experience in anti-trafficking initiatives and survivor advocacy.
- Katherine Chon: Co-founder of Polaris, Katherine has been instrumental in shaping the organization's strategic direction and outreach efforts.
Leadership Changes
In 2025, Megan Lundstrom assumed the role of CEO, succeeding Bradley Myles. Megan's leadership focuses on enhancing survivor support programs and expanding Polaris's impact in combating human trafficking.
Competitor Profile
Polaris operates within the nonprofit sector, focusing on human trafficking prevention and survivor support. While there are other organizations addressing similar issues, Polaris distinguishes itself through its comprehensive data-driven approach and operation of the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Polaris has established significant partnerships to strengthen its mission:
- Financial Institutions: Collaborates with banks and financial entities to identify and disrupt financial transactions linked to trafficking.
- Law Enforcement Agencies: Works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to provide data and support for trafficking investigations.
- International Organizations: Partners with entities like the UN International Organization for Migration to share data and best practices on a global scale.
Operational Insights
Polaris's operational strategy emphasizes:
- Data Utilization: Leveraging extensive data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline to inform policy and intervention strategies.
- Survivor-Centered Approach: Ensuring that programs and initiatives are guided by the experiences and needs of trafficking survivors.
- Policy Advocacy: Engaging in legislative advocacy to strengthen anti-trafficking laws and protections for victims.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Looking ahead, Polaris aims to:
- Expand the Resilience Fund: Increase the reach and impact of the cash assistance program for survivors.
- Enhance Data Analytics: Develop more sophisticated tools for analyzing trafficking trends and informing interventions.
- Strengthen Partnerships: Build deeper collaborations with technology companies to innovate in trafficking detection and prevention.
Contact Information
- Website: www.polarisproject.org
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/polaris-project
- Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
