Implementing the Assets and Logic Strategic Planning Tool to Address Human Trafficking in a Small Midwestern State

Author: Preble, Kathleen & Nichols, Andrea

Abstract: This pilot study examined the strengths and challenges of implementing a strategic planning tool, Assets and Logic, to address human trafficking in a small Midwestern state in the U.S. from the perspectives of anti-trafficking coalition specialized workgroup organizers and members using the tool. Drawing from community action research methodology, thestudy examined 11 in-depth interviews with coalition workgroup members and organizers. Interviews were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed in a multi-tiered co-coding process to uncover key themes and subthemes. Implementing the tool presented with strengths and challenges; short‑term goal setting and discussions about specific resources were strengths of using the strategic planning tool, while establishing shared medium- and long-term goals related to direct practice, setting a distinct timeline, balancing workgroup organizer/member leadership and discussing varied community assets in a whole community context were identified as challenges. Recommendations include establishing shared goals, setting both short-, medium-, and long-term goals with specified timelines, and viewing and using community assets more broadly (e.g. using all available community resources from multiple sectors) to better meet identified goals.

Keywords: anti-trafficking coalition, community based response, coordinated community response, human trafficking, interagency response