Slavery is Not a Thing of the Past: What YOU can do to end human trafficking

Leah Schoen, an advocate for social engagement and contributer to The Good Speaks Project, wrote a post on www.goodspeaks.org called "Slavery is Not a Thing of the Past" in recognition of Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Her piece not only focuses on the issue of human trafficking but on what you can do to help end this incredible injustice. Read her recommendations and resources below, or click HERE to read her post.


Support these campaigns to end slavery and human trafficking:

• United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking 
• The Blue Campaign is the unified voice for Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to combat human trafficking. Working in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations, Blue Campaign strives to protect the basic right of freedom and to bring those who exploit human lives to justice. The Blue Campaign provides information on training and outreach, how traffickers operate, and victim assistance to help keep 
• CF (Compassion First)'s  mission is to live for the sake of others. They seek to bring healing, restoration and most importantly the means for a bright and hopeful future in the lives of women and young girls who have been sexually trafficked. Compassion First is promoting a fundraiser to raise $17,500 by February 11th  (National Freedom Day) 
• International Rescue Committee works to break this cycle of violence by helping survivors to heal, delivering care to victims of sexual assault, and by bringing women together for mutual support. Through innovative skills programs, the International Rescue Committee helps women gain economic independence.

Stop Buying Goods Made By Slaves

“Worldwide 12.3 million children and adults work in forced labor. This is modern day slavery, and it is linked to the products you buy.”  The Anti-Slavery International’s Slavery and What We Buy campaign shows that slavery can occur at different stages, from the production of raw materials such as cocoa or cotton, to the manufacture of goods such as garments, toys or fireworks.

Buy Something Beautiful to Support Survivors of Slavery

The Free Forever Campaign is a project of Made by Survivors, in partnership with Women’s Interlink Foundation, India, to build a shelter for 125 girls in Jalpaiguri, India.  They sell elegant, hand-made jewelry, bags, scarves and other gifts.  Check out their online store.

We're sharing this resource as part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Learn more about the month HERE and check back on this blog for more resources and ways you can take action.