By Jenny Beatrice, Regional Communications Director, Provinces of NY-Toronto, Central South, and Mid-North America
Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd has a global reputation for supporting trafficking survivors and vulnerable migrants. Recently, Fran Eskin-Royer, executive director of the Good Shepherd National Advocacy Center (NAC), took this mission to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., during advocacy days, teaming up with the Alliance to End Human Trafficking.
On June 5 and 6, eight sisters from the provinces of NY-Toronto, Central South, and Mid-North America (Sisters Francisca Aguillon, Gayle Lwanga Crumbley, Teresa Gomez, Brigid Lawlor, Maureen McGowan, Severiana Morales, Madeleine Munday, and Christine Truong), along with Toni Ponder, Director of Province Administration and General Counsel for Mid-North America, joined in lobbying visits and a panel briefing.
These activities aimed to inform staff at Capitol Hill about the critical connection between human trafficking and forced migration. The focus was on three key pieces of legislation for vulnerable migrants, unaccompanied migrant children, and asylum seekers. The advocacy days amplified the sisters’ voices and showcased their unique perspectives.
“Shepherd participants were natural advocates, drawing on their commitment to reconciliation and bridge building,” said Fran. “Each sister brought her unique gifts. These ranged from personal experiences with immigrants and trafficking survivors to the famous Good Shepherd hospitality. They brought the collective heart of Good Shepherd to the nation’s capital.”
Sr Brigid Lawlor moderated the panel, which featured a trafficking survivor and two immigrant service providers. The briefing demonstrated a commitment to bipartisanship with its honorary co-chairs, Congressman Dan Goldman and Congresswoman Maria Salazar. Three Capitol Hill staff members offered their insights about the key legislation after the panel.
For many participants, like Sr Madeleine Munday, it was their first time advocating on Capitol Hill. “Meeting the congressional staff members was incredibly meaningful,” Sr. Madeleine shared. “They were welcoming and genuinely interested in what we had to say about the legislation.”
The event also helped build relationships with representatives and senators from both parties. While anti-trafficking is a bipartisan issue, its link with migration poses challenges across party lines. Sr Brigid noted, “We may not always change minds during a single visit, but ongoing, gentle persistence often leads to positive political outcomes. It’s all about building relationships.”
Over the two days, 35 advocates made 33 visits to Capitol Hill, uniting their voices for a common cause. “Our response is amplified when we join forces with other advocates to demand justice for human trafficking survivors,” said Sr Maureen McGowan, “we are better together!”
Main picture: Sisters Teresa Gomez, RGS, Ann Oestreich, IHM, Severiana Morales, RGS, Francisca Aguillón, RGS, and Gayle Lwanga Crumbley, RGS.
