Free the Slaves is accepting nominations for their 2008 Freedom Awards. 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.

The William Wilberforce Award will be given to an individual who has moved a major institution, a business, or large groups of people to significant action to fight slavery. It will award the winning individual a total of US$10,000 over two years, to be used as he or she feels is appropriate.

Both nominations and self-nominations are welcome. Individuals in any part of the world are eligible for nomination for this award.

The individual must:

• Be willing to travel to the United States (Free the Slaves will cover travel costs and assist with travel documents).
• Be willing to speak out about his or her experiences (Free the Slaves will also arrange interpretation).

The deadline for application is January 18 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.