RENATE was established in 2009 by a group of religious representing several different Congregations working against Human Trafficking in Europe. In 2007 USMI (Union of Major Religious Superiors in Italy), invited Religious from all over the world to come together to discuss the phenomenon of trafficking and to adopt a way forward for religious in combating this evil. This group, called INRATIP, Global to work together to form another international body under the umbrella of UISG (Union of International Female Superiors General). In 2009 this dream was realised and the international group of religious called TALITHA KUM was established. At this gathering some of the members of TALITHA KUM, from Europe, realised that there was no network of religious for Europe. A decision was made to call together sisters from congregations working in Europe who would be interested in establishing such a network. The first gathering of Sisters from Europe took place in The Netherlands at the administration base of SRTV, courtesy of the Dutch religious who founded this organisation. At this meeting, RENATE (Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation) was conceived. RENATE is grateful to SRTV for enabling these first meetings to be realised. This first group, of fifteen sisters and a core group of six sisters, plus the two workers employed by SRTV, established RENATE on a legal footing, with financial support by 2010. The mandate for this initial group was to call a conference to launch RENATE, and to invite Religious from Eastern, Central and Western Europe. This conference was realised in Trzebinia/Poland in September 2011, at which RENATE was launched as a network.

RENATE has developed a methodology of work which includes a high level of networking processes amongst the members using modern technology and clear communication. List of specific means and methods used by RENATE to conduct its work: • monthly conference calls via Skype with RENATE Core Group, followed by any written feedback from the Secretary • ad hoc conference calls via Skype when an urgent need requires immediate action • an annual meeting of the RENATE Working Board with representatives from 20 European Countries, followed by a written report of the Minutes of the meeting • an annual training programme for RENATE members on a specific subject related to anti-trafficking, followed by a written report of the training • an annual meeting of RENATE Core Group to consider long-term plans and a chance to liaise with each other in more ‘informal’ setting * Quarterly meetings of RENATE members in their specific country groups. • exchange of information by email, mobile phone • cross-cultural visits for capacity building publishing of the latest news, projects and trafficking alerts on the website • sharing of source materials, toolkits, ideas for prayer via the website • using Facebook to inform the followers of RENATE about anti-trafficking actions • campaigning, using the medium of Facebook as well as the RENATE web • issuing a quarterly Newsletter addressed to a wide audience (circulated not only between the members but also on the website) • meeting key people involved in anti-trafficking work who represent the Catholic Church and other relevant actors who influence public opinion • raising awareness at different levels of society, from local parishes, schools, to reaching larger groups of interested audiences at universities, at the conferences and symposiums and similar events • giving the opportunity for members to benefit from intensive English language courses when needed, or specialized training in the field of Human Trafficking or short respite care for workers • offering financial support to RENATE members for local projects • mapping of the work against trafficking across Europe