The Free Project began in September 2010 when a group of passionate college students from four campus antislavery organizations in the Washington, DC/Maryland area decided to come together to pilot a global student organization to fight slavery. The four founding schools were Georgetown University (Students Stopping the Trafficking of People), George Washington University (Trafficking Free GW), University of Maryland (Students Ending Slavery) and the Corcoran School of Art + Design (Don’t Buy Chocolate From Strangers).
Each faced the challenges of starting and growing an antislavery student organization on our campuses, and we knew there would be strength in numbers. They agreed to choose a common name and identity and adopt a common charter, so that they could share resources such as websites, calendars, communication tools, marketing materials, administrative support and more. This allows them to fully participate in the things they love the most — raising awareness and hosting fun events!
In 2013, the organization Historians Against Slavery took over leadership of The Free Project.
The Free Project is a growing network of college students fighting to bring an end to slavery worldwide.
Free Project chapters share a common name, charter and resources. Chapter leaders at each campus self-determine the projects they want to undertake and the antislavery organizations they want to support (local, national and international). The Free Project offers a number of resources, including grants, to get chapters active on their campuses.