01/30/2019

Anti-Human Trafficking Month coming to an end, but the need for awareness and action doesn't!

Article written by SOS WELCA member:

Recently, on my morning commute to work, I followed a food truck while driving. On the back of the truck, on the bottom right corner, I noticed a decal - Food Pimp 2. I was angered by this decal and all the ways we glorify the sex industry. Then I noticed another decal on the top left corner of the food truck – a nativity scene. How ironic, I thought. But was it? A good friend of ours says “mercy is messy”. And here was a great example of that reality. Jesus entered this broken, hurting world to bring justice, love, and hope. As people of faith, we are called to follow Jesus’ example.

Light dawns on a weary world when eyes begin to see all people’s dignity.

Light dawns on a weary world: the promised day of justice comes. ELW 726

In this month of human trafficking awareness, how can each of us be a beacon of light in this weary world and shine a light on the injustice of human trafficking? Here are just a handful of actions one person can take:

Learn – Educate yourself about modern-day slavery. Research websites such as endslaverynow.org, freetheslaves.net, polarisproject.org, sharedhope.org/resources. Read books and watch videos from your library on the subject. Find expert advice in the U.N.’s toolkit to combat human trafficking.

Consume Wisely – Hold businesses accountable and ask corporations to join the fight. Buy Fair Trade products like coffee and chocolate. Purchase products made by survivors at madebysurvivors.com. Listen to music, watch movies, and visit websites with positive, relationship-building messages rather than glorification of violence and injustice.

Volunteer – Connect with an antislavery organization near you. Work with organizations caring for survivors. Help build shelters. Teach English. Provide skills training. Speak to groups. Ask organizations how you can help and how they can use your skills, talents, and things you love to do.

Report a Tip – Learn the indicator signs. If you suspect slavery or exploitation, call the national trafficking hotline at 888-3737-888.

Advocate for Change – Though slavery is outlawed, advocates are needed to fully prevent it, hold enslavers accountable and empower survivors. Call or write your elected officials to advocate for stronger laws to protect victims. Get news from polarisproject.org on how to engage in political action and advocacy.

Give – Donate today to help end modern-day slavery.

Need more ideas? Visit endslaverynow.org for 320 actions you can take now!

You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know. William Wilberforce