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.
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