10 Things You Can Do to Fight Human Trafficking

Published December 30, 2008 @ 10:26AM PT

Human trafficking may seem like an insurmountable challenge because it is a multi-billion dollar global industry, but individuals can have a huge impact on the fight against trafficking. Here are 10 ideas for things you as an abolitionist can do to free slaves and end slavery.

Throw a Viewing Party. Educate yourself others about human trafficking by inviting your family and friends to watch a film on human trafficking and discuss the issue. A film, either a documentary or fictional story, is a great way to introduce people to the issue because it helps them connect visually and emotionally to the victims. A film will also provide some topics for discussion. For some suggested short films, see the 10 Human Trafficking Videos section of this blog.

Host a fundraiser for a local anti-trafficking nonprofit. While donating individually to the causes you support is great, there are many ways to take a small amount of money and turn it into a much larger amount for bigger impact. Instead of making a direct donation, try buying supplies for a bake sale or car wash and donate the proceeds, or recruit your friends to match your donation amount. Try some of these original fundraising ideas and don't be afraid to think outside the box.

Oppose the commercial sex industry, including prostitution, escort services, strip clubs, pornography and the "pimp n ho" culture. Sex trafficking victims can be found in all areas of the commercial sex industry, and demand for commercial sex makes the business lucrative for traffickers and motivates them to enslave more victims. Have bachelor and bachelorette parties at non-traditional (commercial sex-free) venues. Refuse to watch pornography and encourage friends to do the same. When fewer people buy commercial sex, traffickers have less incentive to force women and children to meet the demand.

Support new or better state and local anti-trafficking laws. Many states already have anti-trafficking laws, but some don't. Check to see if there are anti-trafficking laws in your state. Help strengthen state and local laws in your area by contacting your Governor, Senator or Representative. As a voter (or soon-to-be voter), you have the power to demand your representatives follow an abolitionist agenda. And remember, many voices asking for the same changes are powerful- consider a letter-writing campaign.

Buy fair trade. Consumer demand for cheap goods and services motivates traffickers to enslave workers to pick our fruit, make our clothing, clean our hotel rooms, serve our food and do a number of other tasks. By buying fair trade goods, you support companies and products which ensure a living wage for the producers and humane working conditions. Learn more about what buying fair trade means.

Support education and business opportunities for women and girls. Females disproportionately become victims of human trafficking because in many countries (including the U.S.) they lack the same educational and economic opportunities given to men. There are a number of international microeconomic development programs which give opportunities to girls and women, as well as U.S. organizations like the Girl Scouts which can help low-income girls afford college.

Think globally, act locally. Involve your community, like your school, club, sports team or place of worship in the abolitionist movement. It's a built-in network to spread the word about your passion for abolition and a great place to get your feet wet as an anti-trafficking activist. You might be surprised at what resources are available to you in your immediate community.

Express the importance of freedom through art, music or performance. A college student with a love of theater and a passion for abolition once noticed that there were a number of young but talented theater majors at her school who weren't getting cast in the big productions. So she wrote a short play based on real narratives of former slaves and cast her fellow students in the play. By charging a small admission fee to the show and selling products from Ten Thousand Villages, she was able to raise awareness in her community and over $1000 for a local anti-slavery NGO in a single night. A performance or piece of art stands out in a sea of facts and brochures.

Remember the past and learn from it. It wasn't that long ago that slavery was legal in the United States and most other countries. While economics is and has been the driving force behind human trafficking and slavery, racism, hate, bigotry, indifference and ignorance of different people and cultures have allowed it to thrive. Remember and celebrate abolitionist heroes of the past and celebrate racial unity and diversity today.

Report suspected situations of human trafficking. Be alert to signs in your community that someone is being held, forced or coerced to work. To seek assistance for a trafficking victim, call the Department of Health and Human Services Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE or 800-787-3224 (TTY). Both hot lines are prepared to answer calls in a number of languages. To report suspected trafficking crimes to law enforcement, call the U.S. Department of Justice Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation Task Force at 888-428-7581 or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at 866-DHS-2ICE.

Image from Time.com

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More You Can Do

Get action and news alerts about Human Trafficking »
Browse top Human Trafficking organizations to support »
Find out more about Human Trafficking and what you can do to help »

Comments (12)

In addition to this, I thought I would direct everyone to the American Bar Association International Human Rights Law Section and a link to their White Paper, "International Rule of Law Symposium: A Plan for Action." Even though it is rather old, it is very much relevant: http://www.abanet.org/intlaw/committees/division_chair/section/Trafficking_White_Paper.pdf.

Posted by Stephanie Williams JD on 01/17/2009 @ 03:53PM PT
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I do not see a link or blog on the TVPRA, which passed on Dec. 10, 2008.

U.S. Anti-Trafficking Bill is Unanimously Reauthorized by Congress
Washington, DC
December 23, 2008

President Bush signed the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 on December 23, 2008, surrounded by executive branch officials, Congressmen, and NGO advocates in the fight against Modern Day Slavery.

Posted by Stephanie Williams JD on 01/17/2009 @ 03:55PM PT
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Dear Stephanie, et al,

Hola. Your words and added linx, inspire, and I hope the need for these projects is clear to usa citizens; reform is the only possibility- with the help of great "end human trafficking" orgs., I've supported for years! Wishing you a great Martin Luther King, Jr., Day and the Happiest of New Years, all the way through.... Thanx for the efforts, friend, your work here is impressive. An injustice to any is an injustice to all, "we, the people...", can't allow it :) For e.g., the fundamental thing taught by Jesus was destruction and murder are of no profit or pleasure, something almost all supposed Christians are anti-thetically opposed to, as is your gov't; and a gleaning from Native American teaching, et al, all life are needed threads in the fabric of life. The more art is given, the more it is, as is life. Put your shadow behind you, give the gift that keeps on giving, a hand to a sister and/or brother. Yet, that will not be enough to realize the possibility of the stopping of the extinction of humanity and large mammals we can see racing towards us from the future, on the horizon; we must change everything :)

http://globalwarming.change.org/actions/view/tell_congress_your_priority

I look forward to hearing from you. For those interested :) "of or pertaining to the morning, day: relating to or happening in the morning or in the early part of the day (formal), (Mid-16th century, from late Latin matutinalis, from Matuta, goddess of the dawn.)". Ciao, for now.

Matutinally Yours,

james m nordlund reality (aja) :)

Posted by james m nordlund on 01/18/2009 @ 05:28AM PT
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Hi, I am starting a project which involves sending a copy of a DVD created by the group Youth for Human Rights. It shows public service ads which are running now and depicts each of the 30 articles contained in the United Nations "Universal Declaration of Human RIghts" celebrating their 60th year. It also contains a music video called "United" showing a story of kid who rallies the youth of the world showing them how to peacefully achieve their rights in the face of suppression. It directly correlates to educating our youth to know that there a laws that protect their human rights and not to be afraid of demanding them. I can send a copy of this DVD and music video to anyone who is interested. cdspaces@optonline.net. Thanks.

Posted by C. Ann Durnan on 03/27/2009 @ 06:47AM PT
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I think this is an important cause. I would like to suggest it for one of our organization's program monthly project. This can include kids of all ages. Can you think of any family friendly ideas to raise awareness and make a difference against human trafficing?

Posted by Michele Rodriguez on 04/10/2009 @ 11:34PM PT
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Keep an eye open for CPS and Social Services. When UNFOUNDED reports are filed, I believe that could be a red flag. Perhaps not, but it's good to be aware. Also children SHOULD NOT walk alone to and from school or anyplace else. Many kids have disappeared on the way to the corner store. Even your own yard isn't safe. It's a shame we have to live like this. You need eyes in back of your head when it comes to kids and teenagers. Being observant and keeping a watchful eye on children. They should never play alone behind schools or in fields.

Posted by Lyndsey Price on 01/07/2010 @ 01:33PM PT
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For some reason, what this brings to my mind is the saying:
"do on to others what you want others to do on to you"
Is it so difficult to be respectful to others?, I know some people haven't had a good upbringing and rough life, but I know their hearts talk to them in some way and I know, they know is wrong. Let all minds think of this, and specially lets make our future generations be repulsive towards Human Traffick.

Posted by Maritza Becerra on 06/16/2009 @ 06:41AM PT
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One thing of note in the list above...Do you really think that anyone who would watch child porn would ever really care about human rights ?

Just something to think about.

Thank you for the list.

Posted by Reverend Boony on 08/30/2009 @ 10:30PM PT
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True, unfortunately. My friend's nephew watches porn habitually. When I tell him about human traifficking he displays his ignorance by saying, "Oh, that kind of stuff doesn't happen in the US." Yeah, right.

Then again, maybe they're not interested. :(

What can we do to educate stupid people who relish their ignorance??

Posted by Moriah Stevenson on 10/20/2009 @ 05:19PM PT
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I just wanted to say thank you for this list. I think it is important to spread the word about the human traffiking problem. Speaking out is the best way to advocate-- i didn't really know much in depth about this until a peer did a project on it. Then I was informed that Prostitution is legal in Rhode Island, my home state, and wthat there has been several cases of caught human trafficking. It is insane and horrifying to know that this happens so close to home...Once again thanks for the list; I really think it can make a difference and inspire others to advocate change.

-Marly

Posted by Marly Torres on 12/08/2009 @ 08:41PM PT
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thank you so much for this. i read DISPOSABLE PEOPLE in my international studies in human rights class, and now i'm writing a curriculum around contemporary slavery for my final. these resources are great. spread the word!

Posted by Sterling Yee on 12/16/2009 @ 06:18PM PT
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Fighting trafficking takes work. There are a lot of things you can do to help. Read a series of posts on what you can do as we approach Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2010.

John Vanek, Sergeant

San Jose Police (CA) Human Trafficking Task Force

http://jvanek.wordpress.com/

Posted by John Vanek on 01/06/2010 @ 09:06PM PT
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Author

Amanda has been a full-time abolitionist for six years. During that time, she has created reports, documentaries and training materials on human trafficking in the United States and around the world.