OUR BEGINNING
ACT United (Anti Child Trafficking) is a 501c3 not for profit organization, in Minnesota, USA. We began in 2015 to fill a gap in child exploitation and trafficking prevention by launching a bold, new model of prevention. With space donated by a local church, we opened the doors and filled the room hosting our first “Juvenile Sex Trafficking: Community Awareness to Action” event. We brought three things that were missing in a growing movement: an engaging model of prevention education for youth, the inclusive story of who is impacted by this health and human crisis, and a strong message and method that United We Win! As friends and partners, you have heard us say more than once…
“We will not end the sexual exploitation and trafficking of youth by responding to it, we end it by
getting ahead of it in prevention!”
“We will not end the sexual exploitation and trafficking of youth by responding to it, we end it by
getting ahead of it in prevention!”
OUR MISSION
Unite communities in prevention and ignite youth leadership in the movement to end online exploitation and trafficking of children and teens.
OUR MODEL
Prevention. Online child exploitation, sextortion, and trafficking prevention. Our prevention programs are informed and updated by current research, direct service experience, law enforcement partners, and survivor leader expertise for best practices in prevention, intervention, and survivor support. Our strategies engage and equip the whole community and youth with the education, skills, and resources they need for exploitation prevention, peer-to-peer advocacy, and opportunity for leadership development on a dynamic youth leaders track.
Meet the Team
Jessica Bartholomew
Executive Director
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With 25 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in youth outreach, domestic and foreign missions, and as a Police Officer, Jessica brings firsthand information and experience to the issues of child and teen sexual exploitation, abuse, and sex trafficking.
Jessica is an engaging, passionate speaker who will leave you not just informed of the facts of juvenile sex trafficking, but inspired to take action by her message that “UNITED WE WIN.” “I take my hindsight and make it your foresight for the protection of children, youth, and families” – Jessica |
Melissa Rodriguez
Secretary
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As a native Minnesotan it came as a surprise to me when I was called to the mission field on an island in the Caribbean. My two children were born and grew up in a rural mountainous village of the Dominican Republic where we worked in community development for 20 years. My joy was hosting a Bible club for kids. Being so closely knit to the lives of these precious ones also opened my eyes to the horrific reality of the degree to which the sexual exploitation of children exists in our communities. I consider it a privilege to serve with ACT United and be a part of a collective force that will bring awareness and prevention of the exploitation of the innocent. It is my firm belief that children are to be protected!
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Saysha Boike
Chair
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My fiancé Scott and I are parents to four amazing kids who keep our household busy! Five years ago, I made the courageous decision to transition out of the corporate sector to pursue my life passion and joy of serving kids. I received my teaching certificate in early childhood education and had a wonderful position as a preschool teacher for three years. Currently, I have the honor of home educating our kids. I began as a volunteer for ACT United in 2017 co-teaching and leading student small groups for our YOUTH AWARE teen programs in high schools. In 2019 I became the part time Director of Outreach and missions and had the life changing opportunity to serve on a Thailand missions team. I am now serving as the Chair on the board of directors. It is because of my experiences as a teenager that I am passionate about bringing a message of personal value, worth, and hope for the future to children and teens through my role at ACT United!
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