By james art 
Former NFL defender Tim Tebo spoke at the Symposium on January 16 at Ontario on Traffic of Human Beings in San Bernardino County. | With the kind assistance of San Bernardino County/YouTube
The symposium for human trafficking in 2025, held on January 16 in Ontario, gathered 50 young people and over 400 professionals to cope with one of the most common challenges of society – trafficking in human beings.
Assessed by the coalition against sexual exploitation, the event of the Children’s Network of San Bernardino County inspired those present with new instruments and resources, and a shared bet on a significant impact in 2025.
“We really want people to understand that this is happening here,” said case coordinator Angel Magalanes in a district video of the event.
The main spokesman for the symposium was former NFL defender Tim Tebo. Known for his advocacy through the Tim Tebo Foundation, he made passionate remarks about the need for joint efforts to combat human trafficking and the exploitation of children. TEBOW emphasized the need for innovative traffic reduction solutions, and it also talks about the global scope of the problem.
“His words resonated deeply with the audience, winning broadly praise for their provocative thought and applicable insights,” said the county statement.
“There are so many people who are in desperate situations and they are starving for help,” Tebo told the symposium. “Maybe some of the decisions, some of the cooperation, some of the ideas, some of the planning of the game, some of the prayers that happen here may be part of the decisions for them to get out of this place of despair.”
The case played a key role in the organization of the event, the assembly of experts, surviving and defenders to provide participants in the symposium information on care techniques informed of trauma, strategies for empowering survivors and data on modern trends for traffic.
County employees note that “the coalition management provides a dynamic and impactful program designed to train and inspire community actions.”
The participants in the symposium participated in seminars, youth sessions and panel discussions that examined timely topics ranging “from culturally responsive interventions to the construction of survivors’ resistance,” staff said. “Participants acquired valuable tools to support survivors and promote changes in their communities. The youth, inspired by Tebo and interactive enrichment activities, is committed to raising awareness and becoming the creators of changes in themselves. “
Magalanes said that “this particular symposium really focuses on young people and brings activism to the education system.”
The conclusion of the event was a panel discussion and the final remarks in which the participants made a collective bet to take action this year in the battle against human trafficking. The children’s network and the case emphasized the importance of partnerships and efforts of main efforts to maintain progress and promote systemic changes.
“We are extremely proud of the impact that this symposium has on our community,” said Children’s Network official Ashley Brukes. “This event reflects our unwavering commitment to eradicate trafficking in human beings. By uniting professionals, young people and defenders, we allow our community to create a more light, more fascinated future for all. “
The symposium emphasized the vital role of education, cooperation and actions in dealing with trafficking in human beings. In the lead, the participants went with renewed strategies for determination and enforceable strategies for the use of resources in San Bernardino County and outside.
“I didn’t take it seriously at first because it didn’t happen to me. But as we talked about it – especially as girls, like young girls – I want everyone to feel that it is real and it can happen to anyone, “said Niyana Harris, a student who attends the symposium.
For further information on the case or to join the efforts to support trafficking in human beings, employees have stated to call 909-383-9677.