action steps

john berger — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 02:20:21 GMT

1. Keep Watch for Freedom. If you suspect slavery or commercial sexual exploitation of a child or adult in the U.S. or abroad, notify U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or contact your local FBI field office. For tips on â€˜looking beneath the surfaceâ€™ to spot human trafficking, check out the DHHS Rescue and Restore Campaign at www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/

2. Write for Freedom. Write your state and federal representatives to tell them that you care about the issue of human trafficking and want stronger laws to protect victims. Polaris Project engages in political action and advocates for slavery survivors in the US www.polarisproject.org

3. Celebrate Freedom and Educate Your Friends. Host and invite your friends to a human trafficking Awareness Party â€“ where they can learn about slavery and buy beautiful handicrafts which empower slavery survivors. The Emancipation Network gives you all the tools you need. www.madebysurvivors.com You can also shop online for products made by survivors.

4. Give for Freedom. Make a donation to pay for rescue and aftercare for people in slavery. Even small amounts make a big difference.

$132.00 pays for a raid to free child slaves in India

Free the Slaves and International Justice Mission rescue children and adults from bonded labor, brothels, industrial slavery, etc. www.freetheslaves.net

www.ijm.org

5. Walk for Freedom Global March has freed over 60,000 adults and children from slavery in India. They also organize international marches that promote education for children instead of forced labor. The next event is scheduled for 2008. www.globalmarch.org

6. Work for Freedom in the US â€“ Host an event â€“ such as a concert or pub night - to raise awareness about slavery and raise needed funds for survivors in the US. Polaris Project and The Salvation Army provide services for people who have been trafficked into the US, and also US children who have been trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation.

www.polarisproject.org

www.salvationarmyusa.org/trafficking

7. Safeguard Freedom in Travel â€“ Fight Sex Tourism

People who exploit children for sex in other countries can be prosecuted in the US. Fight sex tourism by asking local travel agencies, hotels, and tour operators to sign the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children in Travel and Tourism. www.thecode.org. If you suspect slavery or abuse while traveling, get as much information as you safely can (name, nationality, room number) and contact www.cybertipline.com

Learn more at www.ecpatusa.org

8. Research Freedom.

www.protectionproject.org

www.state.gov/TIP

9. Speak out about Freedom: Pass this article on to one friend, talk to one person about modern day slavery, or take a friend to see the upcoming dramatic film about human trafficking, TRADE, starring Kevin Kline.

Single Most Important First Step in Fighting Slavery

john berger — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:25:05 GMT

This is really simple, but in my opinion, probably the most important thing you can do. Find a friend, or group of friends, that want to work with you against slavery.

I know that does not sound like much, but in our experience with all of our Ambassadors at The Emancipation Network, teamwork and having a local partner is probably the single most important factor. Just starting with one partner will give you a huge advantage, but never stop trying to add to your list of partners, the more you have the stronger and more consistent your actions will be.

One last thought â€“ by partner I mean a real world neighbor. Virtual communities are great, but in my experience with other Abolitionists there is real strength in finding a person or group you can meet with regularly, in person.

Take Action about Slavery and Human Trafficking

action steps

Single Most Important First Step in Fighting Slavery