“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world.  Indeed it is the only thing that ever has”.  Margaret Mead

The more I learn about the local and international realities of modern-day slavery, the more I discover modern-day revolutionaries.  Ordinary people are using their careers, talents, and voices to creatively spread the word about Human Trafficking.  Regardless of age or status, you too can become an abolitionist in your realm of influence.As we are made aware of more agencies and individuals who are taking an active role to abolish modern-day slavery, we can join them in their efforts.  Below are just a handful of movements worthy of our attention.  As you read about these organizations or people, consider how you too can play an active role today.

Educating the masses

CNN has committed a year of airtime to spotlight modern-day slavery.  Their goal is to amplify the voice of victims, and share success stories of organizations and local groups who are making a difference in the abolitionist movement.

This project began in March 2011 and the newscasts are available to view on:

The CNN Freedom Project: Ending Modern-Day Slavery – CNN.com Blogs.

Interfering with the import and export of victims

Flight attendants have the unique ability to identify victims of Human Trafficking in the midst of transport.  The Airline Ambassadors International (AAI) has collaborated with the anti-slavery group “Innocents at Risk” to bring airlines into the anti-slavery movement.  Flight attendants are trained to identify signs of victims who are being trafficked, and they call hotlines who immediately connect them with officials who recognize the urgency to investigate and arrest individuals.

Delta Airlines is the first U.S. airline to sign an International Anti-Slavery Code of Conduct.  You know what that means, right?  We need to do our part to support Delta Airlines!

Read about this incredible movement at:

2011 June 02 | Free the Slaves BLOG.

Fair-Trade Coffee Shop

A few months ago I enjoyed a cup of coffee with a friend.  Not only did I enjoy the conversation, but I enjoyed the energy and atmosphere of this contemporary cafe.  Located in a family community and just down the street from William Jessup University, this place was hopping!  The tables are filled with students playing cards, families playing games, and folks conversing as they drink their Fair-Trade coffees or teas.

I quickly learned this is no ordinary coffee shop.  Origins Coffee located in Rocklin, CA does not hire its employees.  Local citizens volunteer their time and work shifts in order for all income to go toward the anti-sex trafficking movement.  Although Origins Coffee is officially a not-for-profit business, they prefer to be referred to as a “for-benefit” business.  Beyond the usual overhead costs, all profit goes directly to those fighting the sex trade.

Origins is continuing the conversation about the sex-trafficking epidemic and providing ways for common folk to get involved.  As long as places like this exist in our communities, it becomes our privilege to actively purchase coffee beans, offer our time, and meet for conversation for the cause!  You can read more about this innovative way to be an abolitionist at:

Origin Coffee Tea / Home.

Reaching her circle of influence

In the Spring I had a conversation with an awesome woman.  She is a dynamic woman with a creative career.  She influences people with her design, her personality, and her diligent work ethic.  Recently she has been convicted about the leaders she rubs shoulders with on a regular basis and she began asking herself what her role should be in the positions God has placed her in.  When her eyes and heart were opened to the realities of Human Trafficking and Slavery she knew right away she needed to be a voice.

This woman bought great bags from Trade as One and gave them away as gifts.  These bags began the conversation.  One 14-year-old who received a bag bought more bags for her friends while explaining these products help provide work to individuals vulnerable to Human Trafficking..  (You can read more about these bags in my previous post: “Start the conversation: Modern-day slavery and Fair Trade shopping”)

This is where it begins for each of us.  Hopefully we are so unsettled by the realities of injustice that we can’t rest until we take action.  Become familiar with different organizations whose mission it is to abolish modern-day slavery.  Keep asking yourself, “What can I do today, in my realm of life and influence, to put an end to Human Trafficking?”

Leave a comment to let us know how you are beginning to take steps.  Are you already using your purchase-power or talents to abolish slavery?  Let everyone know so we can support you and join in the fight together!

For more posts about Human-Trafficking and becoming a modern-day abolitionist, see the category “Do Justice” on the right of the screen.