A21 Campaign
Posted by Ryan Geiger on June 8, 2011 · Leave a Comment
27 million is almost impossible to fathom…as long as there is one victim of human trafficking, thats all the motivation we need.
Most of us have seen the movie Taken and for most of us that is just a movie. Maybe we are moved. Maybe there is a part of us that wishes we could do something about it, but how? But where? A21 Campaign exists to abolish slavery in the 21st century, here some of their story here. They are actively working in Europe to accomplish 4 goals.
- PREVENT people from being trafficked.
- PROTECT and support those who have been trafficked.
- PROSECUTE traffickers, and strengthen legal responses to trafficking.
- PARTNER with law enforcement, service providers and community members to provide a comprehensive front against trafficking.
To be honest I had no idea this issue existed and I had no idea that there are organizations who are making a difference in this area. I tried to put myself in the shoes of some of these parents who have lost their daughters and sons to human trafficking. The helpless feeling they must feel and the questions of what they could have done differently must consume their thoughts. I am pretty sure if I ever came face to face with someone who hurt my child like that I would be writing any future blogs from cell block c.
I was unaware of the issue in the Northeast. The I95 corridor between Washington D.C. and New York City, including Baltimore and Philadelphia is notorious for human trafficking of girls age 9-14. It breaks my heart. This is a nation wide problem and a world-wide problem. Shaun King talked about his work in Haiti and how kids after the devastating earthquake were stolen and sold into slavery. People with voices need to step up and speak out for those without a voice.
So what can you do? As I have said before and will continue to say, half the battle is knowing what is out there, the other half is figuring out what you can do about it. Put your faith into action and do something about it. Look globally, locally and internally. There is poverty all around us if we are willing to look.
For some of you reading this it is the first time that you’ve heard there is an issue. Pray, give financially and share the news. You can make a difference. Several small steps can make a huge difference. Check out A21Campaign and what they are doing and see how you can help.
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