On February 9th and 10th, 2011, Not For Sale is hosting an exciting event in Montara, California. Known as the Montara Circle, this gathering brings together 50 of the Bay Area’s brightest business leaders to collaborate and brainstorm innovative solutions for empowering communities in the Peruvian Amazon using Design Thinking. We’re thrilled to embark on this journey and share the incredible ideas that will emerge from this collective effort.

Watch the video to learn more about the inspiration behind the Montara Circle: Montara Circle Video.

Why the Peruvian Amazon?

Not For Sale launched in 2007 with a mission to combat human trafficking and exploitation. One of our first two projects was in Lima, Peru, where we operated a shelter for survivors. We quickly identified a troubling pattern: a large portion of the children at our shelter were being trafficked from the Peruvian Amazon, specifically from the Madre de Dios region. These children had been forced into situations such as labor in factories, begging rings, and sex trafficking in Lima.

In 2009, we began building relationships with indigenous communities in Madre de Dios to explore an “upstream” solution—preventing trafficking before it starts. Working alongside local community leaders, we conducted a SWOT analysis to understand the region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and identified potential business development opportunities that could provide sustainable livelihoods and protect vulnerable populations. This groundwork has informed our strategy and is now the basis for the Montara Circle.

Collaborating for Change

At the Montara Circle, participants will tackle tough questions:

• How can we create lasting economic opportunities for Amazonian communities?
• What innovative business models can both preserve the rainforest and provide livelihoods?
• How can technology and partnerships accelerate progress?

By applying Design Thinking, attendees will use a creative, human-centered approach to solving these challenges. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a commitment to action. We are asking these 50 business leaders to help us develop a long-term, sustainable solution that addresses slavery in the Amazon and halts deforestation. Their diverse expertise—from tech entrepreneurs to social innovators—will help us map strategies that empower Amazonian communities while protecting their environment.

As part of this commitment, Not For Sale pledges to implement the idea that gains the most support during the event. The winning solution will guide our efforts to create impactful, lasting change in the Amazon region.

Special Guest: Jeremy Affeldt

We are honored to welcome World Series-winning pitcher Jeremy Affeldt to the Montara Circle. Known for his passion for social justice, Jeremy brings a unique perspective to the event and will join us in brainstorming ways to create impactful change.

Looking Ahead

The Montara Circle is more than an event; it’s the start of something bigger. By uniting leaders from different industries, we hope to pave the way for innovative projects that make a real difference for the people and ecosystems of the Peruvian Amazon.

Stay tuned for updates on the ideas and solutions that emerge from this gathering. Together, we can build a world where no one is for sale, and where communities and the environment thrive hand in hand.

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