6DTES
The Challenges
View Day 6: Make a Difference
Video
Challenge
Challenge 1: Reflection
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Share your reflections on 6 Days To End Slavery: something you learned, why this issue is important to you, or anything else you would like to share to encourage other participants. Create a video, image, or a comment and post it on the discussion board below or call into the final podcast at 7:30 pm PST. If you joined the challenge late or if you were not able to complete challenges, please don’t feel that you can’t call. We really want to hear from you! Call in between 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm PST 909-202-8672.
The Final Challenge: The Next Step
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Prayerfully consider and brainstorm your own ideas about how you can use your unique skills, gifts, and passions to help the human trafficking situation. This may or may not be something that can be accomplished in a day. Share with us on the discussion board below or on tonight’s podcast (7:30 pm-8:30 pm PST) if you had a challenge for yourself today or if you have ideas about how you personally want to continue helping in the future.
Podcast
View Day 5: Awareness
Video
Challenge
Challenge 1: Spread the Word?
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Help generate greater awareness of human trafficking by sharing your knowledge with 6 others.
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Option 1: In Person
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Using the cards in you Day 4 packet (click here if you don’t have a packet) share with your friends, family, neighbors, church, etc. the facts about human trafficking.
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Option 2: Online
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Share on your Facebook or other social network “Oblivion: Story of the Unseen Girl.” Post it on your wall and on your friends’. Email the link to “Oblivion” to your friends: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOB1ldkJ5Ys&feature=player_embedded,
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Podcast
View Day 4: Recovery and Rehabilitation
Video
Challenge
Challenge 1: Words to Build Up
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Search on an online search engine for a safe house or rehabilitation center for human trafficking survivors in your area. Write a letter of encouragement to a survivor or staff member and mail it to their office or email it.
Optional Challenges
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Social Media Challenge: Share the link to the safe house or rehabilitation center you find on your social network and encourage your friends to check it out and see how they can help.
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Take the next step: Through the organization’s website or by giving them a call, find out how you can further help. Safe houses often are looking for donations of clothes, furniture, etc., people to help with projects to maintain and improve their facilities, or a few individuals interested in investing their time to directly help human trafficking survivors recover and establish a new life.
Podcast
View Day 3: Prosecution
Video
Challenge
Challenge 1: Support Legislation (in California)
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Learn about upcoming California ballot initiative Prop 35 (read the Prop 35 Fact Sheet or visit their website at www.voteyeson35.com) and share with four people about the proposition using the cards in your “Day 3″ Packet (click here if you don’t have a packet).
Challenge 2: Support Legislation (out of California)
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Option 1: Learn about upcoming California ballot initiative Prop 35 (read the Prop 35 Fact Sheet or visit the website at www.voteyeson35.com) and find a Californian (through a friend, online, get creative!) and share with them about Prop 35.
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Option 2: Write/call a local legislator and ask them to take a stand against human trafficking. Share with them what you have learned about human trafficking/why you care about this issue and ask them to take action! You should be able to find your local legislators’ info quickly through an internet search.
Optional Challenges
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Social Media Challenge: Share this Prop 35 image on your social network (don’t forget to tag Speak Up Revolution).
- In California: See Option 2 for out of California, contact your local legislator.
Podcast
View Day 2: Prevention
Video
Challenge
Challenge 1: Proactive Parenting
- Open Your “Day 2″ Packet (click here if you don’t have a packet) to find “The Prostitution of Children in America: A Guide for Parents and Guardians” document. Share this document with a parent or guardian of a child and discuss with them the warning signs of human trafficking encouraging them to share with their child information they feel is appropriate.
Challenge 2: Safer Schools
- Talking about human trafficking with children is a sensitive subject, however teachers and other people that work with children can take steps to help protect children from human trafficking without directly talking about it. Print and give or email this article to a friend who works in education, your child’s teacher, a member of a local school board, or someone else that regularly works with children. Ask them to take a look at the article. It may have some tips that they can implement into their classrooms to help prevent human trafficking.
- “10 Tips To Help Prevent Trafficking” http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/speaking-out/2012/jun/5/10-trafficking-prevention-tips-schools/
Optional Challenges
- Social Media Challenge: Share the “10 tips to help prevent trafficking” article on your social network (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
Podcast
View Day 1: Be Informed
Video
Challenge
Challenge 1: Get down the Facts
- Open Your “Day 1 Packet” (click here if you don’t have a packet) to find your “End Slavery Fact Sheet.” Get out your pens and hightlights and mark up your End Slavery Fact Sheet. This will be an invaluable resource to you over the next 6 days.
Challenge 2: Look into it for Yourself
- Type your county or state and the words “human trafficking” into an online search browser. Search for a news article or press release with information about human trafficking in your area.
Optional Challenge
- Social Media Challenge: Share the news story you find on a social network (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) don’t forget to tag Speak Up Revolution
Podcast
Hey Everyone! Welcome to the Speak Up Revolution Discussion Board. So excited for the next few days!
Oh, also, you can easily post images by selecting the “Choose File” button right under the comment window to show us what you’re doing! Thanks for joining us in the battle against modern day slavery!
Just finished the challenge. I went to the Prop 35 website, and read their page about human trafficking.
For the benefit of anyone interested in reading it themselves, here’s the link: http://www.caseact.org/learn/humantrafficking/
Thank Aimee. I just followed your link and learned more about prop 35. I appreciated the distinction made between human slavery and human smuggling. That was very enlightening. They are two distinctly different issues.
This is the first link that I found, and read. It is also dated from 2 days ago .. http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/NJ-panel-to-consider-human-trafficking-measure-3948751.php
I wanted to share this one particularly because of this quote…
“Human trafficking has been classified as a felony in the state since 2005, but there have been only 33 defendants charged with the offense, and no convictions to date, said Daniel Phillips of New Jersey’s Administrative Office of the Courts.”
This is just absolutely depressing. The numbers here just don’t feel right, it isn’t adding up in my mind that only 33 people have been charged in NJ. Not only that, but that none of them to date have been convicted. Let’s say just one of them was arrested in 2005, that is 7 years without justice for the lives they have effected. That’s so sad.
Wow! The passing of Proposition 35 would change that. Also getting so many people to be aware and supportive of the fight will keep politicians and lawmakers on their toes. The Squeaky wheel gets the grease! This cannot continue, the idea of no one paying the price for the lives they are ruining!
Thanks for sharing that article Alex! That is so crazy that no one has been convicted, definitely doesn’t add up. Hopefully they’ll be able to get that new legislation through and start really cracking down on trafficking.
I researched this article: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2009/jul/11/1mi11vista192240-human-trafficking-growing-concern/. It was written about a trafficking arrest in Vista. All arrested were 22 women and 2 men. Victims should not be arrested but rescued! This happened to be a group of all Chinese using the front of Day Spas and Acupressure. Think of how hard it would be to assimilate into our country if you were Chinese and how easy it would be for you to be captured. Some groups I would like to network with were mentioned in this article. They were “Not for Sale” and the “Polaris Project”. Does anyone know if they are still active? Also Lou de Baca was mentioned as President Obama’s ambassador-at-large for combating Human Trafficking. I am going to google him right now.
http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?S=13352443 This is on awareness in Missouri. It is the article I read today. I have been researching and educating myself over the last 2 weeks and have found great information on the Polaris project site as well.
So, I always knew that Detroit was messed up (I live in MetroDetroit) but I was shocked when I saw that it’s in the top ten list of Human Trafficking areas. . . top 4 to be exact. Wow. Anyway, I am super excited about getting involved with this! Thanks for putting together!
Also, here’s an article I found: http://www.freep.com/article/20120524/NEWS01/205240454/Club-owner-gets-prison-time-in-human-trafficking-operation-in-metro-Detroit.
I’m working on starting a pro-life and anti-slavery blog (I’m also a pro-life activist) and hopefully it’ll be up this week. Thanks again!
Angela,
Thank you SO much for your posts about Detroit. I feel like “Shock” is such common reaction. Thats exactly how I felt!
Jer
Awesome video. I have lived in San Diego for over 50 years and had no idea that our fine city is the 7th largest domestic area for human trafficing. You are to be commended for bringing this shameful situation to our attention. We cannot allow this to continue. We must raise public awareness. We need to bring the love of Jesus to these victums of evil. May God multiply your efforts. Peace.
Lee ready for Day 1!
Podcast starts in 1 1/2 hrs.! Make sure to tune in!
I read this article for Day 1: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/8-charged-in-California-sex-trafficking-ring-3776017.php . I’ve been educating myself on this topic for the past three or four years now, so I’ve been aware its everywhere, but its not something that crosses my mind everyday and to think this happened only a few hours away from me is crazy! And also this music video was made by another anti sex trafficking organization called courage to be you in Rocklin, CA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tv31zSEj6o . Another look into the life of a sex trafficking victim. Extremely powerful!
Great job guys on the podcast. It was very informative and had some great music. Keep up the good work.
For the day one exercise I ended up doing my research on FBI. gov. The website told me about how real the problem is here in the U.S. and I already knew that from the film. However the site also talked a lot about helping the victims after they are rescued. That made me think of how important it is to help the people after they are saved. I thought that finding the people was the important part, and it is, but I was forgetting how important it is to help the girls after. The site talked about the adjustment the girls have to make to return to a normal life and that was something i needed to hear.
me too bro. It’s so incredibly important for us to be dedicated to working with organizations like Generate Hope who minister to victims.
I was blown away when I read an article about Sex Trafficking here in San Diego. It is terribly sad to think of those young kids being raped day after day.I didn’t get a chance to see the podcast live but am going to watch it tomorrow as well as the day 2 podcast.
Will the day 1 podcast be posted tomorrow?
Hey Shem! Yes, the past podcasts are now on our past challenges page: http://speakuprevolution.com/thechallenges
I read an article here: http://www.scpr.org/news/2012/08/23/33993/in-california-an-effort-to-fight-human-trafficking/. It was crazy to read that it is only a misdemeanor for the offenders when they are caught…that is not much of an incentive for the perpetrators to stop! Like Aaron mentioned, there is a problem for the victims once they are taken out of slavery to get re-assimilated. Check out this quote from the article:
“Not all of the kids pulled from the streets of Los Angeles County are as lucky to make it to a place as Children of the Night. Some wind up in the girls units of Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall…
Cardenas says they are working hard to change the perception of the girls to victims rather than criminals. “But we still have to bring them here unfortunately because there is nothing in the community that would keep them safe,” Cardenas says.”
Going to juvenile hall after being in slavery doesn’t exactly seem like the best place to help a girl/guy regain their self-worth…perhaps more Christians should look into opening their homes and/or ministry centers for the victims?
I am a teacher and will print these and put them in our offices
at Julian Charter School.
I am a teacher. I will print some of these and put them in the offices at Julian Charter School
Sorry I didnt mean to run the same post twice! Ykes! It is Day 3. Anyway, I am taking the YES on 35 cards with me to work. I want to actually hand them out to people and personally encourage them rather than just leave cards in the office.
There is alot of frightening statistics in these papers. i never knew how many children were trafficked every year. 100,000 is alot of kids.
i so agree so scary and frightening
this is such an important subject to me because im just about inthe middle if these ages and i always think if it were me i would want to be prayed for and helped. i read this on a website about trafficing and this just blew my mind away. “300,000 children in the U.S. are at risk every year for commercial sexual exploitation”
Hey everyone! I wanted to write something about 6 Days to End Slavery, so I was wondering if I could interview a few of the people who are participating in this. If you’re willing to answer a handful of questions by email, please send me a message here: nightbloom@att.net.
Angela, I am always available to speak up for the oppressed!
Hey guys! I just wanted to share another website that I found recently. Its an organization called Fair Girls http://fairgirls.org/about. They are also fighting against sex trafficking. Wish I could share more, but unfortunately, I am getting started on the challenges a little late. Speak Up has definitely inspired me to learn more about this problem, though.
Eric, thank you for the information. It is so awesome to see the boards blowing up with way more resources and sites to checkout about trafficking!
-J
Hi i really liked the prevention theme in todays challenge…. It was really informative.
Thanks! We are excited on how it’s working out.
Wow — the Day #2 podcast just now was so informative! Really learned a lot of new details about how kids are lured into human trafficking. I think the thing that’s scary is that the “creeps” that lure kids aren’t creepy. They just seem like normal, caring people, not someone to run from. And I so agree — parents! Open communication with your kids. Yeah, it’s a tough part of parenting. Like Emily shared, no kids want to betray friends. But like she also shared, it could spell the difference between life and death, if not for your child, perhaps a friend they care deeply about.
I’m currently taking a class on International Social Work and our professor has had our class create different facebook pages to raise awareness of different human rights and social justice issues that exist. It’s really cool how I can share the information from these challenges with my class and post it on the facebook pages of those who are also trying to raise more awareness about the negative impact that results from allowing human trafficking to take place.
great! i will be voting yes on 35 and i will share why so others will vote too!
Yeah! AWESOME!!
Props to the Speak Up Revolution team for your initiative in putting together these challenges and podcasts! I remember, when I first learned about this issue, one of my main questions was “What can I, as an ordinary citizen, do about it?” In answer to that, I like the general attitude of “whatever we are able, big or small.”
I volunteered as a signature gatherer to get Prop 35 on the ballot. Since when I started doing that, I have noticed that a much greater percentage of random citizens I speak to now seem to recognize the term “human trafficking,” and they usually feel quite strongly about it. I think the Prop 35 campaign has definitely contributed to spreading awareness on the issue. I’ve also been impressed by how many people, upon hearing about it, are eager to join the cause. So just continuing to talk about it can make a big difference. You never know who might be out there waiting to lend a hand.
hey Henry,
Thank you so much for your encouragement and participation. I agree that Prop 35 is extremely important and also helped gather signatures to get it on the ballot. Thank you SO much for being a part of the 6 days to End Slavery!!!!
-Jer
Was able to hear just the last few minutes of the podcast. Well done!
So for today’s challenge I found a KPBS interview of Susan Munsey of Generate Hope, our special guest for tonight’s podcasat (Tune in at 7PM). The article is about the Generate Hope safe house for victims of human trafficking and includes a transcript of the interview with Susan and friend of the podcast James “Chappy” Hunter of the San Diego Police Department Innocence Lost Task Force. I recommend checking it out of you live in San Diego, very legit article.
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2010/mar/01/safe-house-sex-trafficking-victims-opens-san-diego/
awesome idea with the envelopes!
Andrew,
Glad you liked it!
One thing I love about the podcasts is that I learn something new about trafficking that gives me a bit more insight, another reason to act. Tonight when Susan from Generate Hope mentioned that they try to incorporate time in their program to address things that had been missed in the girls’ childhood/adolescence, like just going bowling, having a bonfire at the beach, or even shopping. These types of things have been a part of my childrens’ life experience, and so much more. It’s almost like a given for parents, to provide opportunities for downtime, whatever the family decides. But, of course, “fun” isn’t a part of these victims lives, maybe never has been. “Fun” is not a right, yet critical to knitting together the entire recovery of the victims. Thanks for the insight, Susan.
Don’t forget to post how your challenge went today on the discussion board! We want to hear from you!
Powerful testimony tonight from Tiffany, survivor and anti-trafficking activist with Hidden Treasures rehabilitation org! Heartbreaking story with a beautiful ending thanks to the love of Jesus Christ! If you missed the podcast, you can still check it out.
I got to thinking what I could possibly do to help, then it dawned on me that what isn’t there I can do to help! The challenge we face to end human trafficking seems almost as impossible as world peace, it is a culmination of the little things that matter. I am very suspicious about a motel that I went to over the weekend, things I heard, saw and felt. They are going to be watched, and if they are trying to slide any covert operation involving sex trafficking, God help them because that ring will be shut down faster than they can book their next guest.
Lynn,
It is so great to see your passion for stopping trafficking! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Since I have been a Cosmetologist for 30 years and a teacher, I am praying about using these talents for one of the organizations that has been introduced during this 6 week challenge. I trust God to open doors as i commit my skills to Him for use in the area of the fight against Human Trafficking. Thank you Speak Up Revolution for placing this desire in my heart through the Challenge.
Marguerite,
Thank you for being a part of the challenge and we are so thankful you want to use your talents to help those who are suffering!
Although I haven’t gotten around to doing every challenge yet, the last 6 days have definitely been a great encouragement to me. I’m always inspired by your team’s dedication, and it has also been enlightening to hear from others who are contributing in different ways to a comprehensive fight to end slavery.
I wanted to share this recent article from the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19831913
In it, Kevin Bales of Free the Slaves argues that slavery is “a solvable problem within our generation.” Bales is the researcher who gave us the figure of 27 million people in slavery today–more than at any other time in human history. But, says Bales, “it’s also the tiniest fraction of the global population to ever be in slavery.”
“Slavery is standing on the edge of its own extinction–if we give it a hard push.”
Passion such as yours tells me that we are ready to make that push and to see an end to this injustice. Thank you so much, and keep it up!
Everyone program this number into your cell phone! National Human Trafficking Resource Center 1-888-3737-888. Call if you suspect human trafficking. Your call could help save someone.
Being more informed over these past six days on the issue of human trafficking has been really insightful for me. I didn’t realize the complexity of the issue until listening to some of the podcasts and in reading about the issue. Though laws are in place to fight the issue, it’s crazy to think that more steps need to be taken, such as law enforcement being more trained or people becoming more aware of the issue and its impact in our own city. In looking at past years, it appears that so few traffickers have been prosecuted, so hopefully, with Prop 35, more effective measures will be done to rescue these victims who are in such a vulnerable state. Even more than that, I think that we do have a responsibility to pray for these women and children in such a way that they too will be able to experience God’s grace and the healing He provides through the work of the Holy Spirit.
I really do thank Speak Up Revolution for putting all this time, work, and passion into causing us to now become responsible for the information we now hold. This is something that we have to continue to talk about with others, so that we play a part in doing what we can to protect and rescue the vulnerable.