Thursday, August 5, 2010

How Can YOU Fight HT

Whenever I go and speak, I am asked this question quite a bit. Usually I will refer the askers to different websites because I am getting my info from them.

Human Trafficking.org
and a few others

I usually have the inkling to just tell people to "GOOGLE IT" but today, I thought that I would put up a simple guide to help answer some of these questions for what the community can do.

I HOPE THIS HELPS!

1. The way to teach others about the issue, it is important to learn more about the facts of human trafficking and slavery so that you can be more informed. Consider memorizing some of the statistics or some of the facts that you think are most profound. They really come in handy when it comes time to present them in a presentation or to a group of non-believers.

2. Tell others. This is the up-most important aspect of advocacy. Without spreading the word, the mission dies. Mention some of the new info you've learned in conversation with people you come in contact with. This is a basic way to spread awareness. Putting up an informational booth, handing out flyers, and chalking are ways that are easy to do and shows people that the issue is important enough to make the effort.

3. Use whatever talents or abilities you have to promote awareness and challenge others to join the effort. You can use practically any form of creative expression or talent to communicate a message of awareness or state a challenge. Advocating for this issue doesn't have to be depressing. Putting on events, talent shows, art shows, writing contests, and even concerts can be turned into educational events. In fact, making something fun is more effective than drilling a whole bunch of statistics into someone's head. It is better to appeal to your audience...know what the people want =).

4. Volunteer your time or services to help an organization that fights human trafficking and/or helps rescue victims of trafficking. Even if it isn't an actual shelter, any organization that fights on any front of the mission needs help in all kinds of ways. There is always need for people to help promote the organization and help with the events. Where I'm from, we really don't have many resources to get involved in the anti-trafficking movement. In that case, create one. There are several resources on the internet of starting a coalition. Form an anti-trafficking coalition on your college campus. American's for Informed Democracy is an organization that advocates for change on pretty much every political front. Human Rights is a huge political issue and guess what falls under Human Rights? That's right....human trafficking.

5. Buy fair trade products. Oh come on, do I really have to explain this one out to you. All right, so be it. What I mean by Fair Trade is that the products that are being consumed by everyday Americans are NOT being made with slave labor. It is easy to find lists on the Internet to see if the products you are using come from slave labor. Click Here

6. Sign petitions or contact your legislation about the issues that you think need to be addressed. In order for these petitions to appear in your radar, most of the time you have to sign up on mailing lists for different anti-trafficking organizations. Facebook even has certain causes that will send you a notification about a petition that comes up. It is very important to sign petitions because this is one of the most effective ways an Average Joe like you and me can be a direct part of the trafficking movement.

7. Become a member of an existing organization that is already creating positive change and support their efforts. This one is kind of self explanatory. Find one in your area, join! They are everywhere!!

8. Stay alert for any signs of human trafficking in your area. If you see anything that looks remotely suspicious, report it to the authorities. Remember that you can make an anonymous call that will not endanger you in any way. First learn the signs, then you will be able to affectively identify any sort of trafficking behavior.

9. You can financially support an organization that fights human trafficking and/or helps rescue victims of trafficking and slavery. There are tons of wonderful organizations out there that fund rehabilitation services and even prevention services to many at-risk populations in almost every country. Really all you have to do is GOOGLE IT =)

10. And perhaps the most important part. DON'T BUY OTHER HUMAN BEINGS.

That is all. I wish you the very best of luck in your endeavors.

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