I was a monthly donor until recently when the organization began publicizing political propaganda instead of working on their mission. I don't need my money going to a political organization. Most recently they tried to convince people that open borders did not increase human trafficking. Zero common sense there. Final straw for me.
Administrative expenses are out of control. 14.6% Compare to others International Rescue Committee Administrative Expenses 5.2% International Justice Mission Administrative Expenses 9.0%
Review from CharityNavigator
Polaris Project is a young organization that is both highly effective and efficient, with an unwavering focus on fighting human trafficking. The management team is nimble, continually innovating to find more powerful ways of advancing their mission. One of the organization's strengths is its web of close working relationships with other groups (including government entities) to form powerful alliances to combat modern-day slavery. This, along with an unwavering focus on its mission and a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, has enabled Polaris Project to show impressive results while making very efficient use of donors' inputs.
Polaris Project does a great job educating people on the issue of human trafficking. Through the national hotline that they operate Polaris Project utilizes innovative new approaches to combating human trafficking. Each person at Polaris Project is very knowledgeable about the issue of human trafficking, regardless of their role at the organization.
I support the Polaris Project and their mission to combat human trafficking and strengthen the anti-trafficking movement. Over the course of the past year, I have been impressed by the Polaris Project’s ability to educate and raise awareness regarding this important issue. With the help of the Polaris Project, there are now 23 states with improved anti-trafficking laws. Four states now also have Safe Harbor Laws.
I look to Polaris Project to learn more about Human Trafficking in my area and around the country. Their work is stellar and I gladly support their efforts. Also their fellowship program - which provides leadership development for over 50 young professionals a year - is a gift to not only the anti-trafficking movement but the non-profit sector as well.
I became familiar with the Polaris Project last year, and it's really opened my eyes to a problem I previously had no idea was just under my nose. To this end, I find the Polaris Project's information campaign particularly useful. To think the sex trade and illegal trafficking is alive and thriving in our country - in the Capitol no less - is profoundly disturbing, and the frequent emails and blog posts really shine a light on the issue for a mostly unaware public. I fear that without Polaris Project's deep investment in the cause, it might fall off everyone's radar completely; but I believe that if we are to eradicate the sex trade and illegal trafficking, Polaris Project will be the vanguard in that movement.
Polaris Project is doing a great job of fighting trafficking from all angles. This is an issue that occurs here in DC and across the US, but so many people are still unaware of its existence. Polaris Project goes to great lengths to educate the community while also directly serving victims and shaping laws that protect the most vulnerable. I fully support their work and admire their commitment to building a movement to end human trafficking.
I meet and talk with incredible non-profit organizations all day long but some do stand out more than others - Polaris is one of those organizations. It might be because they are a organization here in DC where I live and work -so, I get to see the amazing leadership, dedication and commitment to our local community. I get to see how the organization strives to bring the issue of Human Trafficking to the forefront of our community so that we understand that this issue is not just a problem facing developing countries but its right here in our own city. I commend the staff of this organization who work night and day, to make sure this issue is understood, that their programs address the problems afflicted directly to our citizens and that there is policy change at a broader level to prevent trafficking here and abroad.
I am a very new donor to this organization, but have been a continued supporter of its mission and cause for over a year. I recently sought assistance from Polaris Project when I encountered a person whom I suspected might be in need of their services. The staff that I dealt with at Polaris were friendly and supportive of my concerns, and efficient in their response to my inquiry. That experience gave me great pleasure in knowing that my financial support goes to a fantastic organization.
Polaris Project has a unique organizational culture that emphasizes a strengths-based approach, and strategic planning and evaluation. Polaris Project's staff are experts in the field, extremely hard working, but also humble and inclusive people. The organization is constantly assessing its efforts and adapting its programs to have more impact, and be more conducive to systemic change. Instead of basking in its many awards, Polaris Project is constantly innovating and tailoring its programs in order to remain on the cutting edge of the field, and develop a best-practice approach. It has been a pleasure to work with them.
What is unique about Polaris as a charity is their staff. They really care about their work and take the time to personally respond to their donors. When you take a moment to understand that slavery still exists, it prompts you to delve more deeply into matters of long-term systemic change. Identifying a victim of trafficking is paramount and Polaris has an extensive website for educating the general public about sex trafficking along with a 24 hour hot line to report suspect cases. Corporate social responsibility and consumer based choices make a difference in the lives of the clients Polaris represents. We as citizens of this great country don't need to profit from the labor of the suffering voices that aren't heard. We need to liberate them from violence and make moral choices on the services and goods we use in our households. Supply and demand - let's get together and re define this term so it is fair to all of humanity. Thank you Polaris!
I am currently working as a fellow at Polaris Project and it has been a wonderful experience, in terms of my academic, professional and personal interests. The fellowship lasts for about 5 months and gives students and graduates the chance to work and participate in the anti-trafficking movement. As a fellow, I went through a special training session that focused on human trafficking in the U.S., and this really helped to solidify my understanding of the issue. After the training, I was fully integrated into the development team and worked with them on various fundraising campaigns and initiatives. I was treated like any other staff member and given real responsibilities. I never felt like an intern in any way, which was great compared to previous experiences. I am very happy with Polaris Project overall -- great cause and work, amazing people, and a wonderful atmosphere to come to work to every single day!