Responsible...

27 million people enslaved in the world today.  There are more slaves today than at any point in human history....

i've been asked, "what can i do about this?". first of all...that makes me happy. if one more person is aware and chooses to take action...thats what its all about!
for me, its a constant roller coaster of emotions.  one day i'm super pissed that it happens and i feel hopeless. another day i'm so amped that i want to go in and get people out myself. but, every day i have to remind myself that there are people doing things and i have to stay focused and continue to do my part. whether anti human trafficking is a passion of yours or not....it is the human race, and we are responsible.


"Because slavery is a hidden crime, the greatest challenge is to raise consciousness, to expose it in all its forms. When Americans feel it in their gut, they will understand that ending this crime so monstrous is not a political issue; it is an American imperative, and a human responsibility.  This is why there are still modern-day abolitionists. And this is why the rest of us should join them."
-Richard Holbrooke (excerpt from the forward in A Crime So Monstrous)

Taking Action

1. Dont be ignorant. Research Human Trafficking...where it is, what it means, why it happens. (chances are you'll learn something).

2. After you learn about it, its time to do something about it.  Organizations such as Not For Sale, Polaris Project, and International Justice Mission are a few. (Breaking Free- Minnesota Local).  They need our help.  You can host events, give financially, buy products, and more.

3. Tell others about it.  A lot of people dont know what human trafficking is or that it happens HERE, where you live!

ok, so this is a start. i get that not everyone is going to be as passionate as i am about this.  everyone has their thing. but there are choices to be made with this information....and that is up to you.
Staying ignorant, shouldnt be one of them....
you may be saying "wow, she is laying the guilt heavy!" well, you'd be right. we (including myself) should feel a responsibility. we are talking about modern day slavery, something we thought we got rid of a long time ago. it is all ages, all races.  that is a problem.
there is hope, and i'm determined to fight for that.

websites:

polarisproject.org

notforsalecampaign.org

ijm.org