Today, thousands of people from all over shared a similar photo. A selfie with a red X drawn on their hand. I am one of them, because I understand the importance of awareness when it comes to modern day slavery. You can’t change what you don’t know about.
The purpose is to raise awareness on the issue of modern day slavery, or human trafficking. The purpose is a great concept and the reach is far. The followthrough on the other hand, is lacking, in my opinion.
Since I began working for an organization that helps survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, I have had a unique first hand look and experience with the other side of the issue.
Awareness is the first of many steps in the process of eradicating sex trafficking today. It is vital and important, and at the risk of becoming numb to the realness of this issue, we cannot stop after awareness.
So, what do we do once we are aware and in turn spread awareness? What comes next?
Here are 3 simple ways to help in the ending of sex trafficking, beyond the red x.
- Financial & Item Donations
Recovery and restoration is expensive work. In restoration work alone, it takes medical visits, therapy, full-time staff, housing, groceries, clothing, bedding, electricity, water, education, training, and so many other aspects to provide daily restorative care for survivors.
a. Host A Speaking or Awareness Event
b. Become A Monthly Partner
Partner with an organization that is doing the work you believe in, whether that be in the “rescue” or restoration process.
c. Host or Develop A Fundraiser for the organization of your choice
d. Donate Household Items; consistently used bathroom or kitchen items like toiletries, hygiene products, etc. - Volunteer Your Skills
You possess the skills and abilities needed to make a difference in someone’s life. You can teach those lifestyle or professional skills to aid in equipping survivors for life beyond a restoration program.
You can also volunteer your skill in other ways; grant writing, development, event planning, create and sell items that profit an organization working in the area of rescue or restoration, there are SO many options when it comes to this!
Get creative and get going! Your skills can change someone’s life! - Make Lifestyle Changes
Many of us are unaware of the ways in which our daily lifestyle contributes to both labor and sex trafficking. One simple yet eye opening way to gauge your footprint is by taking this quiz!
These things alone, of course, seem to barely make a dent in the issue that is 27 million lives, but when we work together, we change things, one life at a time. There are so many aspects that feed into the supply and demand of human lives, and it will take a moral and ethical revolution to overturn the trends. Your daily decisions make a difference and your voice and actions are desperately needed.
Caffeinated Theologian 