A21 Campaign

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.

1. PREVENT people from being trafficked.
2. PROTECT and support those who have been trafficked.
3. PROSECUTE traffickers, and strengthen legal responses to trafficking.
4. 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.

A21 Twitter

A21 Facebook

A21 Blog

Charity Water::

Charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100% of public donations directly fund water projects.

I have watched this organization for years and am so impressed with Scott Harrison and his vision.  I have heard Scott speak several times and the way this organization came to be is so much fun to hear.  You can hear it here.

For me, charity is practical. It’s sometimes easy, more often inconvenient, but always necessary.

It’s the ability to use one’s position of influence, relative wealth and power to affect lives for the better.

Charity is singular and achievable.There’s a biblical parable about a man beaten near death by robbers.

He’s stripped naked and lying roadside. Most people pass him by, but one man stops.

He picks him up and bandages his wounds. He puts him on his horse and walks alongside until they reach an inn.

He checks him in and throws down his Amex. “Whatever he needs until he gets better.”

Because he could.  The dictionary defines charity as simply the act of giving voluntarily to those in need.

It’s taken from the word “caritas,” or simply, love. In Colossians 3, the Bible instructs readers to “put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.” Although I’m still not sure what that means, I love the idea. To wear charity.

My kids love charity water and have tried to bring awareness of it to their schools as well as starting their own campaign.  You can check it out here and give. They have done a yard sale and have donated Birthday and Christmas money.  So proud of them and their heart for clean water and for those in need.

A couple years ago I was so self consumed I had no idea issues like this existed.  I’m embarrassed to admit but if I was honest it didn’t affect me so I didn’t care.  However just because I was ignorant or too proud to look outside my own walls doesn’t mean there wasn’t still an issue affecting millions.   Chances are you won’t come up with a new organization that will change the lives of millions and the good news is you don’t have to, you can partner with one already existing.

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.  What can you do to make a difference?

Charity Water Twitter

Charity Water Facebook

Charity Water Blog

The A21 Campaign and Human Trafficking

Anybody who knows me knows how passionate I have become about speaking out for social justice issues.  It wasn’t until last year that I learned that all of these issues existed.  I guess I can attribute that to a lack of caring and a product of my white, suburban, upper middle class surroundings.  However becoming aware of an issue is only part of a solution because there are many more parts that can be done to make people aware and work towards an end.  Today I am introducing you to an  organization called The A21 Campaign.  The A21 Campaign stands for abolishing injustice in the 21st century. Anyone can join – everyone can make a difference.  Below are some thoughts, stats, ideas and opportunities taken from a recent brochure of theirs.

[def.] the movement of individuals, with the primary purpose of forced servitude or sexual slavery.

Today, an estimated 27 million people are held in slavery, with statistics estimating that 99% of these victims are never rescued. Trafficking in women is the second largest global organized crime, and in some cases girls are forced to service as many as 40 men a day.

It is easy to be overwhelmed by the issue of human trafficking and think that we cannot make a difference.  But do not forget that each one of us has at our disposal the most powerful weapon of warfare – and that is prayer.

PRAY…

FOR THE VICTIMS

For their strength & salvation

For their protection, freedom and justice

For their hope and healing

FOR THE TRAFFICKERS

For conviction, repentance and salvation

For criminal networks to dismantle

For the oppressors to be arrested and prosecuted

FOR GOVERNMENTS

For corruption to cease

For the implementation of just legislation

For discernment in forming alliances

AGAINST ROOT CAUSES

Against poverty

Against greed

Against prejudice

FOR INCREASED GLOBAL AWARENESS

The reality of trafficking is unveiled

For strategies to raise awareness

For people to be stirred to action

THE CHURCH

For the church to prevail

For advocates and laborers to emerge

To unite against injustice

THE A21 CAMPAIGN

For divine favour

For divine wisdom

For divine provision

21 WAYS TO HELP

1. Spread the word
2. Use your talent
3. Invest in freedom
4. Lobby politicians
5. Organize a fundraiser
6. Support survivors
7. Fast on the 21st
8. Volunteer
9. Start an awareness group
10. Buy fair trade products
11. Sponsor those at risk
12. Intern for a summer
13. Educate yourself
14. Stay current
15. Work the web
16. Pray
17. Motivate the media
18. Stay alert
19. Work for freedom
20. Make connections
21. Help victims escape

ALL THAT IS NECESSARY FOR EVIL TO TRIUMP IS FOR GOOD MEN TO DO NOTHING. -Edmund Burke

Charity:Water

The story of charity: water – The 2009 September Campaign Trailer from charity: water on Vimeo.

Constructive Or Destructive

I got angry this morning.  I know those of you who know me are extremely surprised but guess what I got angry yesterday as well.  Most likely you got angry within the last two days.  Sometimes our anger is justified and sometimes it is silly and stupid.  I think for me yesterday it was justified when a rock hit my windshield and cracked it because it can’t be repaired.  So there was anger that I would have to spend more money to take care of a vehicle.  Today it was because the Mercedes parked right in front of Starbucks and the lady that parked there couldn’t walk ten more feet and park in a spot.  That anger or frustration or pet-peeve was not constructive.

There are times when our anger is justified and sometimes needed but we have to be careful that we don’t take our anger too far.  I get angry when I see natural disasters take out a population because they don’t deserve that and most of the time I can’t do anything about it.  I get angry when I see social justice issues.  I get angry when I see people being hurt or taken advantage of and they can’t stand up for themselves.  I believe those are constructive angers because hopefully it will compel me to do something.  It evokes a passion in me to do something.  Our anger can be destructive when we use it to hurt others or to tear down.  When our anger gets out of control or when it is over things that are silly that don’t really make a difference.

So the question for you today: Is your anger constructive or destructive.  Does your anger improve the situation or make it worse?

One Day’s Wages

I am really impressed with this concept. Do you ever see or hear something and go, why didn’t I think of that?  It’s so simple and yet it is life changing and revolutionizing.  I love passing on the ideas of others.  Passing on their dream and vision.  One day you or I may have a God sized vision and who will pass it on for us?  One Day’s Wages has blown me away with what they are able to accomplish.  Here is what they are about:

In one word: Movement.

In two words: Compassionate Justice.

In a phrase: A Movement of People, Stories and Actions of Compassionate Justice to Fight Extreme Global Poverty.

In one paragraph: One Day’s Wages (ODW) is an international grassroots movement dedicated to ending extreme global poverty. ODW promotes awareness, invites giving, and supports sustainable relief through partnerships, especially with smaller organizations in developing regions.

Our vision is to change global issues of injustice affecting millions of people, regardless of race, culture, sex, age, or religion.

Our vision is to inspire people around the world to simply donate one day’s wages and to renew that pledge monthly, quarterly or yearly on their birthdays to the cause of ending extreme global poverty.

If your wages for a single day cannot save the world, they can dramatically impact another person’s life; consider, then, what millions of you giving your daily wages and renewing the gift at least annually on your birthdays will accomplish!

One Day’s Wages is you, me, us, them: giving, dreaming, and working together to end extreme global poverty. Join the movement.

What an incredible concept.  This is not meant to get you to jump all over this but become aware of issues and causes and those who are working to make a difference.

Dark History

I watched this on Outside The Lines this morning on ESPN and I was blown away.  I had never heard of this before.  I love history, I study history and I even taught history for two years and never have I seen this in a text book. I have no idea how I could have missed this but I am so glad I was able to watch this and know a little bit more about American history.

In 1942, in the midst of World War II, nearly 20,000 Japanese-Americans were taken to Santa Anita Park and held there as threats to American security because of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  The West Coast was thought to be a potential target or battle area.

It amazes me that this happened and it amazes me that throughout the world things like this still happen and products and freedoms of some are built on the backs of others.  Awareness of Social Justice is crucial, but it is not enough to just know about something it is our responsibility to do something about them.

Radiohead-All I Need Anti Trafficking

Charity Water

charity: water promo featuring “Time Bomb” by Beck from charity: water on Vimeo.

The A21 Campaign

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