New York Times article:

Slavery Becomes a Personal Question Online

American Apparel Headquarters

USC: "The worst thing and academic can be is an advocate"

USC Trafficking and Technology presentation

The Technology and Trafficking in Persons Research Project is an initiative of the USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership and Policy created to study the current use and broader implementation of information communication technologies in the international fight against human trafficking and modern slavery.

After two years of listening to highly emotional (and I must say highly impactful) presentations on human trafficking, USC spoke in academic terms. They outlined the premise for their research, spoke about the overwhelming lack of hard data on the issue, and refreshingly lacked emotion. For two hours we discussed the standards of academic research and theoretical honesty when researching social issues. While passion is effective in raising awareness about a social concern, data that informs policy most effectively lacks emotion. Dr. Mark Latonero, the Center’s Research Director, went so far as to say that the worst think an academic can be is an advocate. In this project, it’s crucial that they understand the research, wherever it may take them, even though they're concentrating on an issue they have a subjective stance on. Does this make sense?

In essence: trafficking is wrong, it violates every moral code one can think of, but that stance cannot interfere/overshadow/guide research in any way/shape/form.

The team of researchers we met with is working alongside USC’s Information and Sciences Institute (the same group that helped develop the internet for the world in the 70’s). ISI is highly interested in how machines learn and respond to language, and the FBI has worked with ISI on previous projects (think anti-terrorism) to track language in social media. This time they’re developing a website prototype that will allow the FBI to detect and analyze patterns in language on websites such as Craigslist, Backpage.com, and Redbook – sites commonly accused of facilitating trafficking. This next generation of this prototype would be MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter. “There’s a common link among traffickers; we need that same link among anti-traffickers.” - Zhaleh Boyd, Research Associate. While those who follow the issue know that social media is being utilized by traffickers, USC is hoping to actually turn these anecdotes into data - and supporting anecdotes statistically is what informs policy. Right now, the data is all over the map and academically sound research is hard to find. They have their work cut out for them, but I’m excited to hear that fields like communication and information technology are stepping forward.

Amanda Allen, Project Manager, Baylor Interdisciplinary Poverty Initiative

American Apparel and the Latino Immigrant Community

American Apparel

We toured every floor of American Apparel’s “vertically integrated” clothing factory. The fact that we were even able to go inside the building set them apart from peers in the garment industry. We’re unaware of any other clothing manufacturer that allows consumers to observe work conditions (in Los Angeles and the United States). We saw in American Apparel what we’d like to imagine all factories possess – fair wages, healthcare, laughter. But from countless articles and experts we were able to speak with throughout the week we know American Apparel is the outlier. We may have read about unfair labor practices before, but seeing the process before our eyes gave us new knowledge- on exactly how complex supporting non-exploitative labor can be, and how we fit into that picture.

Latino Immigrant community:

“Just blocks from MacArthur Park, known for its gang-violence and drug-dealing, we toured a street that is a hub of immigrant culture on weekend nights. As the sun starts to go down, all the life hidden inside the shops and homes in the area turn out of doors into a lively festival-swap meet vibrating with movement. We met a guy named Ruben Nuno who moved his church into this part of town to minister to gang members and migrant families who are overlooked by the system and lost in gaps of poverty. The street was lined with outdoor vendors selling anything from what looked to be old donated Levis from a thrift store, to churros, to miscellaneous technology parts. We bought (with cash) and tasted delicious fajitas on fresh corn tortillas—and got a whole new understanding of “street tacos”. As we walked among what looked to be the entire Latino immigrant community of downtown LA, he shared with us the stories of many of those he had worked with over the years. The majority of these individuals, he said, were victims of labor trafficking and likely still trapped in debt-bondage situations.”

Paige Panter; Service Learning VISTA, co-leader

Highlight: LA Metro Task Force Meeting

"Back on Texas soil, I leave the city of Los Angeles hopeful, hopeful that the battle to end human trafficking is being fought by brave individuals who do not cower to the belief that the enslavement of human beings was, is, and will always be. One week was not nearly enough time to see all the great things being accomplished in the name of justice but I was most impressed by our time at the LA Metro Task Force meeting on Tuesday morning. We had the real honor of sitting in the presence of true heroes, extraordinary in their combined efforts to end the tragic conditions in society that allow for human trafficking to soon become the most profitable crime in the world. Comprised of FBI agents, NGOs, and officers from the LAPD and Long Beach P.D., we were welcomed in introductions and sat in awe and deep appreciation of how well they communicated what has recently been done on their front. We witnessed a very honest, critical admission of missteps and areas in need of improvement. I was amazed by the rapport that was displayed in that room. So many different approaches (advocacy, law enforcement, aftercare), ideologies (faith-based vs. non-faith-based), and areas of focus (labor trafficking vs. sex trafficking), yet we were able to witness such successful collaboration. Now that we’re back from that beautiful city, it’s our hope to see the establishment of similar alliances, here, and abroad."

Kristina Miller; School of Social Work, Junior

IJM Secretary

Highlight: LA Metro Task Force Meeting

“Before going on the LA Anti-Human Trafficking trip, I had read a lot of different articles that discussed how every profession was addressing the issue of human trafficking. As I continually read these articles I was bothered by the lack of collaboration between these professionals and organizations. For example, one article that portrayed the perspective of a social worker might say that under-aged girls should never be arrested for prostitution because they are a victim and should not be treated as a criminal. Then another article from a police officer's perspective will argue how important it is to arrest these girls because at least they can hold them for a couple of hours and get service providers, social workers, and non-profit representatives a chance to come in and help the girls instead of them before they are released and return to their pimp. All these articles offered very different yet valuable perspectives towards the issues of human trafficking. But because of all these controversies around the issue, by far the most inspiring part of the LA trip was the LA task force meeting. This is a group of professionals that meet once a month to discuss success stories and concerns around the issue of Human Trafficking. This group consisted of LAPD, FBI, and ICE officers, along with lawyers, social workers, and non-profit organization representatives. The meeting is open to the public so we were fortunate to be in town and able to attend. Hearing all the different issues that I've read about laid out on the table and discussed was very encouraging. Seeing all these important people come together to truly discuss issues and find solutions to these problems, depicted a sense of collaboration that cannot be received from reading the articles. Reading about all the perspectives offered a lot of intellectual insight, but being able to witness it first hand and talk to people after the meeting was a priceless opportunity.”

Dalychia Saah; School of Social Work, Junior
IJM Justice Week Coordinator

images from the trip

A glimpse from out the window of a sweat shop we toured after hours--big thank you to Ruben Nuno.

 Dinner in little Tokyo our last night

 A picture of the founder of Downtown Women's Center with the center's inspiration, Rosa

 We found the two coolest stores in Echo Park; on the left is satellite project of Dave Eggers' non-profit that provides after-school tutoring and writing classes for youth in the area

Lots to say about language

On Tuesday night, we ate at Cole’s (originator of the French dip)-with a friend-contact who does communications for an anti child trafficking organization. Among other interesting points of conversation, he shared with us his insights into how non-profits operate and what their role might be in social movements accomplishing change. in our conversation about the nature of non-profits versus the nature of social change, we reflected on the ways some non-profits seem to be operating on old world models and lack the innovation and momentum that is part and parcel of any social movement. Referring to evolving human problems and human solutions, he described how an issue develops faster than does language; and that for an issue to be adequately addressed, it has to wait for language to catch up to it. He said that, in a way, this also diagnoses the illness of some of today’s non-profits: they’re using old-fashioned processes and termninology, and so cannot upgrade their work to the level of social change.

We agreed that this is also a symptom of the nuances of tackling the issue of human trafficking. It is pivotal to discuss what human trafficking is, but sometimes it is impossible to broach the subject without offending someone. The language that we use in discussing this issue is fraught with misconceptions, designations and tags that threaten to give way to stereotype, and generalizations that misrepresent. Some have argued the importance of calling human trafficking what it is: modern day slavery, insisting that the term is more equipped to demand the attention the issue deserves, and that to do less denies the severity of the individual’s condition. But a significant portion have questioned what happens when we term someone a “slave”—or a former slave, or a victim. Terms and names like “slave” and “victim” attach a host of signifiers to individuals (without their choosing) that they may prefer not to drag behind them. Moreover, they bisect humans into stark categories. The categories and qualities surrounding trafficking situations are rarely black and white but multifarious; understanding human trafficking requires understanding a spectrum of issues. Can we put all these individuals who have been oppressed under the power of another in the same category? Isn’t blanket terming a hallmark of mischievous rhetoric?

As the team discussed in the van today, it is easy to be suspicious of the emotional response slavery language inevitably solicits. In the same way that “sex sells”, and sex trafficking receives an inordinate amount of attention than does labor trafficking*, using slave terminology can seem more like powerful branding than tactful respect.

I think the one term that affords the most to the conversation about human trafficking is exploitation. For all the talk of humans deprived of their basic rights and their oppressive condition, we haven’t heard the term <<exploitation>> near as much as others. The crux of the issue seems to me to be that individuals are exploited on a massive level we do not fully realize. Our goal on this trip is to understand what this means, and also to understand how we can curb our consumption behavior to prevent exploitation instead of perpetuating it.

*USC researchers shared with us that for every one person sex trafficked, nine people are labor trafficked.

Reflections on the LA trip thus far

What can I do? After hearing of so many terrible things happening in the world, I easily feel overwhelmed and ask myself, what can I do? This has been the most challenging aspect of the trip and the issue for me. Clearly, I have been influenced by what I have learned, but what does this changed attitude really accomplish? Does fighting peoples` attitudes and mindsets lead to actual change in the lives of those who are affected? This disconnect is something we all encounter as we learn about tough issues. Many people say that as more and more people become “enlightened”, gradual shifts in the world will happen. Are we, right now, the product of previous peoples` enlightenments? If so, can enlightenment ever be truly complete? Will we not continue to produce various problems as long as we continue? If this is the case, what is the point of enlightenment?

The biggest problem with things like sex and labor trafficking is that most people do not have to see it, and can go on with their lives mostly unaffected and unaware. What reason do we have to care? What does it mean to actually care for people being exploited? Is it really as simple as buying fair-trade and being philosophically opposed to the purchase of human beings? I`m not so sure. Are we truly able to care for someone without meeting and interacting with them? If we must know someone to care for them, what is the best course of action? We can`t all be social workers or doctors or police officers…how are we to know someone until we step out of our comfort zone and somehow search for the stuff of this world that is often less than pleasant? And then, how can we do this without coming off as condescending or naïve? Is it condescending and naïve to reach out to others who are different than us, with the hopes of helping them have a ‘better life’? It all comes down to the value we place on each individual`s right to define what life should be like. So often I just want to try to fix things and make it all, you know, nice. But these situations are usually complex, and people are certainly not to be sorted and set aside like laundry. This truly makes me examine my motives for wanting to help someone, or to work for a certain mission/cause. Am I in it to make myself feel better for what I perceive as the fault of my privileged life? Am I here for the purpose of fulfilling some role I think I am supposed to fit into, like model citizen or caring student? Or, am I more interested in the person?

It is really hard for me to generate energy for taking action or supporting something without knowing or hearing about the actual people involved, and I think this is probably true of most people. It all comes down to stepping outside of our own little bubbles, and relating to someone who is different than us. It means discarding our assumptions and the baggage of our upbringing—certainly not an easy task. I don`t think people are bad or don`t care. I think they are busy and tired, and don`t really know or have the motive to find out. I think it is counter-productive to place blame on anyone for these problems. So, what is productive?

I think it is important to realize that each of us is important. Every life is a life, and there is no single life that is worth more than another. As soon as we all start to see everyone, every single person alive today, as a child of God and as equal to us—that`s the kind of enlightenment that can change the world. I think it is the heart of Jesus to embrace people, regardless of their background, their social status, and any other part of their so-called identity. All of this stuff that we say we are: female, male, black, white, Christian, Muslim, vegetarian, American, gay, straight…none of it is who we truly are. Our true identity is a beloved child of God, made in his image and made to bring God praise. Until we can see beyond the labels this world gives us, we will never be able to see the Kingdom of Heaven. That`s just a part of the challenge that Jesus offers, but it`s certainly one worth walking forward in. So, yea—Reach out, reach up, reach inward, but most of all, reach for the one who gives you breathe. Without that, all of the other reaching will end empty-handed. -Hanna

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Sunday May 15, 2011

We are currently at an airport in Denver, CO. Our flight was canceled from Dallas, and we got on a new one at 4:50. So, we spent some time in some comfy chairs, and are about to board the plane to LA. We each have a copy of Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof, and I read it on the plane. (Not all of it, yet). It is very challenging to read about the many horrors occurring on a daily basis, but it is also inspiring to see the triumph that is possible when we join together for a worthy cause. The thing that has stuck with me the most from the book so far is a Hawaiian parable by Naka Nathaniel:

A man goes out on the beach and see that it is covered with starfish that have washed up in the tide. A little boy is walking along, picking them up and throwing them back into the water. “What are you doing, son?” the man asks. “You see how many starfish there are? You`ll never make a difference.” The boy paused thoughtfully, and picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean. “It sure made a difference to that one,” he said.

All that to say, even though we may not be able to completely eliminate or solve the entire issue, what we are able to do still matters and is worth working for. Rather than be discouraged or give up because we feel like the issue is too big to take on, we must instead look towards what we can do to make a difference, even if that is only in one person`s life. I think faithfulness in the small things is the only way we will ever get to be a part of the big things, and I am learning to be grateful for each step along the way. Until next time, Hanna. 

Silence Hurts Art Exhibit - Rocio Ramirez Landoll

Alternative Spring Break goals and outcomes report

The Alternative Spring Break: Anti-Human Trafficking Immersion and Social Justice Education was an incredible experience for all involved. Seven students and two sponsors traveled to Houston for five days to study how city leaders and organizations are combating modern day slavery at home and abroad. We got to pick the brains of experts leading the way in anti-human trafficking efforts from several sectors including social workers, NGOs, social service groups, faith based organizations, federal prosecutors and academics.

The students’ familiarity with modern day slavery pre-trip ranged from having no experience with the issue to having pursued academic study and research on the issue. With such a spectrum of knowledge represented, our discussion and reflection time each night was lively and fruitful; and especially demonstrated that our day’s work offered a wealth of new information and a challenging, transformative experience for everyone. Our conversation was guided by the students’ own promptings, questions in our curricular guide and also material that students posted on their blogs.

The most important outcome achieved was that students received a panoptic view of the issue: some of the agencies and community partners that we visited were able to raise the issue in light the students had yet to consider. Because each different site visited presented the modern day slavery from a different standpoint (depending on the angle from which they were tackling the issue, whether it be as a case manager, or as a litigator, or as a professor, or as a Christian in ministry, or as a university student, or as a former victim), the students were forced to consider the issue from a rigorously critical standpoint, measuring several different perspectives as they formed their own views.

Another hugely significant outcome is that students’ visions for how to tackle modern day slavery once back in Waco were vastly expanded. Next week IJM (Baylor organization of which many of the trip’s participants are members) will host Justice Week and focus its advocacy events on anti-human trafficking. At two of the advocacy groups that we visited, students were given new ideas for ways to powerfully probe discussion and reflection on this issue; including a participatory art project (see photo on blog). Students will continue to execute these ideas in coming semesters as several of the trip’s participants are underclassman who are on their way to becoming leaders of IJM as well as our campus at large. On an even more impactful scale, students got to observe firsthand the ways Houston has effectively combated trafficking. The reason Houston’s anti-human trafficking efforts are so impressive is that sectors that usually don’t communicate have begun to align their efforts and work together. For the first time, federal prosecutors and social workers are humbling themselves to see an issue from the other’s perspective. As one of the federal prosecutors shared with us, at the first meetings of the anti-trafficking taskforce (which comprised many of the sites we visited), a social worker shouted across the room at him: “You could care less about the victim—all you’re worried about is putting the criminals away.” A few years later, the taskforce has come a long way and the city has accomplished so much change. A similar taskforce is so needed in Waco, and we believe that working with a Baylor professor, students have the potential to assemble a best practices/recommendations report to local law enforcement and law enforcement for Waco’s implementation. We met with a student group from the University of Saint Thomas who conducted similar research for Harris County attorneys.

The reach of this trip has already extended beyond the attending students and sponsors; they each have committed not to allow this societal ill to go unacknowledged—and the campus, the Waco community and their future communities will not go unchanged. Your diversity enhancement grant helped pay for our housing and honorariums shared with each site visited; not only did your support allow students this front-line learning experience, but also went to help the heroes we observed to continue in their noble work.

After we met with the US Attorney's Office

A mural created by refugees and victims of trafficking served by YMCA International Services

 

A participatory art piece designed to help individuals learning about trafficking reflect about the subject

JUSTICE WEEK AT BAYLOR

BIPI is excited to sponsor of this Student Activities event!

For more information please contact Student Activities Justice Intern Saralyn Salisbury

T-SHIRT SALES:

Proceeds benefit IJM National Office

Place your order with Dalychia_Saah@baylor.edu

JUSTICE SUMMIT

Monday March 21st

12:00 PM: Modern Day Slavery Demonstration, SUB Daniel Plaza Outside

*Counseling Center available to process this demonstration: 254.710.2467

6:00-6:15: Introduction, Barfield Drawing Room

6:15-7:15: Ron Soodalter, Barfield Drawing Room

7:15-7:30: Break, Barfield Drawing Room

7:30-8:15: Break Out Session #1, Barfield Drawing Room

8:15-8:30: Break

8:30-9:15: Break Out Session #2, Barfield Drawing Room

(Tomi Grover; Andy Hein; Art Tonoyan; Anita Johnson)

SPEAKER BIOS:

• Ron Soodalter (keynote speaker, Barfield Drawing Room) is a renowned historian with a B.A. in American History and masters degrees in Education and American Folk Culture. In addition to his two current books – Hanging Captain Gordon and The Slave Next Door – Soodalter’s articles appear frequently in magazines. He has recently written for Smithsonian, Civil War Times, Portland, New York Archives, and True West, and is a featured columnist for America’s Civil War. He is the recipient of the International Regional Magazine Association's 2010 Gold Award. Soodalter is also a well-known public speaker, recently presenting at “The Collective Shout,” an anti-trafficking conference hosted by Love146.

• Dr. Tomi Lee “T.L.” Grover (Baines Room; Title: Human Trafficking in the U.S. - Understanding Advocacy and Engagement Here) serves as an educator and abolitionist with TraffickStop, an anti-trafficking initiative to educate, advocate and engage people on the issues of human trafficking. She actively pursues educating others about the atrocities of exploitation and engages their response in a variety of avenues. T.L. holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work and Ministry-Based Evangelism, and a Master of Arts in Christian Education, from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She serves as an adjunct professor for Dallas Baptist University. T.L. had a twelve year career as a certified telecommunications operator, and was certified as a law enforcement officer, as well as a law enforcement instructor and holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Florida.

• Andy Hein (Fentress Room; Title-TBD) is the Texas Regional Director of Church Mobilization for International Justice Mission. Mr. Hein was ordained and served as a missions mobilization pastor at Saddleback Church for eight years, working to ensure that each of the congregation’s 2,800 small groups embraced and engaged in the P.E.A.C.E. Plan, a global effort to motivate Christians to address the “five global giants” of spiritual emptiness, corrupt leadership, poverty, disease and illiteracy. Mr. Hein joined IJM in 2010 to continue this calling to churches in Southern California and Texas. He teaches that holistic mission includes seeking justice for the poor who suffer abuse and oppression, and that matters of injustice are integral to the church’s missional mandate.

• Artyom H. Tonoyan (Beckham Room; Title: Genocide: Remembrance and Prevention) is a doctoral candidate in Religion, Politics & Society in the J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies at Baylor University, where he also lectures on nationalism, ethnic conflict, and international human rights. He is completing his dissertation on religion and national identity in the Southern Caucasus. His research interests include religious nationalism and church-state issues in the post-Soviet space, and the Armenian Genocide. His most recent article on Armenian-Georgian tensions was published in Demokratizatsiya: The Journal of Post-Soviet Democratization.

• Anita Johnson (White Room; Title: John School) Johnson has served as an investigator with the Waco Police Department for the past 21 years. During 18 of those years, Investigator Johnson has served as an undercover prostitute, which led to her initiative to start Waco’s first John School. The John School was founded by Investigator Johnson in 2002, and has had an incredible success rate in Waco. This unique program aims to decrease the amount of men seeking prostitution in Waco by exposing them to the harm prostitution can cause the clients (the Johns), the prostitute, and the community.

JUSTICE WEEK Dr. Pepper Hour

Tuesday March 22nd, Barfield Drawing (3-4pm)

Participating Organizations:

• International Justice Mission-Baylor Chapter

• Baylor Students for Social Justice

• Waco Arts Initiative

• The Campus Kitchen Project

• The Wells Project

• Baylor School of Social Work

• Mission Waco

• Steppin’ Out

• Up ‘Til Dawn

• And others social justice student groups

These organizations work the Dr. Pepper Hour together, to inform students about the opportunities on campus with justice- and service-oriented student organizations.

TUNNEL OF OPPRESSION

Tuesday March 22nd, Barfield Drawing Room (6-10pm)

The Tunnel of Oppression will portray various types of oppression around the world such as sex trafficking, homophobia, and racial discrimination. Student organizations will be portraying these oppression skits for the observers. Observers will be led in a debriefing after experiencing the Tunnel to discuss and process what they saw. Participating student organizations:

• Theater students (sex trafficking)

• The Wells Project (clean water access)

• Interested Students (homelessness)

• UNITE Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (religious persecution)

• Baylor Students for Social Justice (sweat shops)

• Interested students (homophobia)

HEART FOR JUSTICE

Wednesday March 23rd, Fountain Mall (10pm)

International Justice Mission is partnering with Spiritual Life to host student artists and staff worship leaders in a time of praise for God’s heart of justice. Tents will set up at this event for students to enter and pray for specific forms of oppression such as modern-day slavery.

ACOUSTIC CAFÉ + CALL & RESPONSE FILM

Thursday March 24th, SUB Den (7-10pm)

IJM will be partnering with Acoustic Café to present the issue of modern-day slavery and justice through music. We will present a portion of the “Call + Response” film, as well as justice-oriented artwork provided by Houston Rescue and Restore. PARTNERS:The Academy for Leader Development and Civic Engagement; Baylor Student Government and the Student Government Allocation Fund; Baylor Interdisciplinary Poverty Initiative; StudioNorth

the world needs more rachel lloyds

GEMS (Girls Educational & Mentoring Services), the organization featured in the above video, has been referenced at least once at each of the four sessions we have had with local experts fighting modern day slavery. We have learned that the safe house/transitional house model of re-stabilization of individuals coming out of trafficking situations is incredibly complex and virtually impossible to master, but Rachel Lloyd and GEMS has repeatedly been cited as a best practice.

More posts from trip members

Check out what Dalychia and Asia posted after our initial activities today.

Very Young Girls

Houston Anti-Human Trafficking Trip

By Saralyn Salisbury

Tonight we watched the documentary “Very Young Girls.” The film featured girls who had been sexually exploited by pimps in New York City.

As stated multiple times throughout the film 13 is the average age of the girls who first enter prostitution. All of the girls featured in the film were underage when they entered prostitution.

I believe that this film truly confronts standard assumptions about prostitution in general. It is safe to say that most Americans would probably classify prostitutes as criminals. However, all of these girls were coerced, forced or pressured into this lifestyle. It is also the case that when a prostitute is underage they should automatically be classified as victims. So why then are the girls continuously arrested and serving harsh jail time when the johns that seek them serve little to no time?

IGNORANCE. Would these girls continued to be classified as criminals if we knew what they went through. If we knew that this lifestyle is not a choice and that the girls go through extensive brainwashing and manipulation.

One of the most striking things I noticed about the film was the difficulty that the girls faced in staying away from their pimp and previous lifestyle. These girls grew attached to their abusers and would often go back with nothing else keeping them away.

So how do we end this cycle?

Stay tuned for more blogs from the rest of our trip…

Training Session with Dr. Kim Kotrla

The Anti-Human Trafficking Spring Break 2011 crew met for a few hours today to watch the MSNBC episode: Sex Slaves Texas and debrief with a professional in the field. 

Dr. Kotrla teaches a human trafficking class at Baylor University and has an interest for how social services can most effectively partner with law enforcement and government to combat modern day slavery. Below I've included highlights/information from our conversation:

Kotrla see's modern day slavery as a two-fold issue:

1. DISCRIMINATION ISSUE 

[Gender/ethnicity]

Socioeconomic, gender, ethnicity

Poverty – lack of opp, education

Women feeling this is the only choice they have

Poverty defined as: Lack of opportunity – power to make life choices

2. DEMAND ISSUE

[Since 1997 child pornography websites have increased by 1500%]

The Johns - Book that reports research/interview/info from hundreds of interview with men who have purchased sex; extremely hard read as there is an obvious wide spread disturbing, misogynous view of women by men interviewed

One of the questions asked of the men is what would it take to deter you?

75% said they wouldn’t do it again if they knew several things would happen:

1. letter to family (being outed in some way)

2. picture put on internet or billboard

3. Registered as sex offender

4. Driving license removal

etc.

……………

What about male sex trafficking in US?

99% of investigations of sex trafficking involve females; but in pockets of places like Atlanta – there are reports of demand for male sex tourism - men coming in for young boys.

There's also an organization in Florida that focuses on young boys, however males are not as “pimp-controlled” as females. Interesting distinction.

…………..

Examples of how other countries are addressing the issue differently:

Sweden – prostitution not illegal, but it is a crime to purchase sex; you can see how this criminalization of the purchaser is opposite US protocol. Message: Women should not be bought

Reflection on Free the Captives Conference in Houston, Texas February 26, 2011

 One of Free the Captives, a theocentric anti-human trafficking organization, objectives is to reduce the demand for human trafficking. This objective stands out to me. I was also struck by the amount of information, knowledge, and concern for the issue. To have a fairly large number of people gathered together who all want sex and labor trafficking abolished was encouraging. In the past year or two, I have talked with many people that want to do something, but do not know what can or should be done, and also do not think there is enough information or awareness of how the trade works for productive action to be undertaken. This conference debunked this attitude in me. There are people out there working to abolish trafficking, and there is information and resources a plenty if you are willing to search a little bit for them. The importance of working together cannot be emphasized enough. We must not allow ourselves to become ‘territorial’ about this issue, or think that our way of fighting it is the only way to do so.

To bring about justice, we, as organizations and as individuals, have to work together.

So, you ask, what can I do? It`s important for you to pick a specific area to focus on. You cannot take on the whole system at once or by yourself. Ask yourself which part of the issue angers you the most. Which part makes you want to really take action. Take that, and run with it. If you feel passionate about helping to restore survivor`s lives, get involved with a safe house or an aftercare program. Free the Captives is starting “Girls Circles” that help girls process their feelings and determine their future direction. They journal, make art, and bond as a group so that the girls can support and encourage each other. Jessie Riggs, with FTC, spoke to us about the group she leads. Alert Ministries (alertdfw.org) has a similar goal of teaching survivors and girls at risk life skills and providing them with support. Christina Mackenzie, the director of ALERT, emphasized becoming an advocate for your own training, and for the training of others in your organization or group.

The curriculum must be population specific.

If what you are talking about is not relevant to the people you are serving, then it will not help in achieving your goal of restoring and healing these individuals. Mackenzie also discussed working with law enforcement and government agencies. She said too often these groups are considered enemies of sorts, rather than allies who both appreciate the support you will provide the victims, and have resources and abilities that can help you as you work towards ending human rights violations.

Too often we think we have to travel across the globe to find an issue or cause worth working for. Too often we think that the only people in need are far away. Too often we forget to look around and see the injustice right before our eyes. Each of us contributes to labor trafficking when we purchase items that have been made by forced workers. Each of us is personally responsible for the continued demand for slave labor. Each of us lives in a place where injustice occurs on a daily basis. Before traveling to a different country, we must first work in the city we live in to right and redress wrongs. We have to go into this work with the mindset of long-term investment. Human trafficking will not go away overnight. Your mission trip will not help the community you travel to improve, unless you find a way to create a sustainable and replicable solution to the problems the people face. Unless you find a way to get the local people invested in and taking ownership of the solution, your efforts and vision will not last beyond the time you spend there. Dr. T.L. Grover, the director of TraffickStop, said that we must minister with the people, not to or for them. She said we must prepare for trips by becoming culturally aware and contextually sensitive. We have to know what we`re getting into and where we are going. The same holds true for work in the U.S. and in your own city. The resources and information is out there, so take the time to really do your homework and find the right people and resources before you get involved with something. See what organizations and people are already working where you are, and partner with them.  

Commit to preparation and hard work before you begin, expecting challenges and set-backs as you encounter injustice and seek to remedy it.