Take+Action

** Take Action against Trafficking **

· [] The United Church of Christ sponsers this website. It identifies human trafficking as the third largest illegal trade industry after drug and weapon smuggling. January 11th has been designated as Human Trafficking Awareness Day by the UCC. People are encouraged to learn more about the issue and find ways to take action. For three months, other churches are also encouraged to support ratification of the International Violence against Women Act as one way to end such crimes against women. The UCC website has a list of resources with extra links to other organizational efforts for people interested in obtaining more information on how to be proactive.

· [] Meetup is the world’s largest network of local groups. This website helps over 2,000 groups meet each day with a goal of improving their lives and communities. Leaders of community or activist groups can post information about their group’s special goal and details of time and place of their next open meeting. People who are not leaders and just wish to become active in their community can search for local events. This is not only a good way for people to learn about tackling global issues on a local level. It gives people the opportunity to be social and learn in a safe environment.

· [] This activist government organization is sponsored by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The organization has two trafficking awareness campaigns: the DHS Blue Campaign and ICE In Plain Sight Campaign. The organization controls project STAMP. “Project STAMP attacks human smuggling and human trafficking organizations from an aggressive anti-money laundering stance. ICE’s Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) follows money trails to identify key members of criminal organizations involved in human smuggling/human trafficking activity.” Seizure of these assets is crucial to shutting down these organizations. ICE recognizes that a lot of victims of human trafficking are people who pay strangers to smuggle them into a foreign country as an illegal immigrant. ICE is serious about putting an end to trafficking, but it depends on tips from everyday people to find criminals. The public can visit this website or call the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to address personal or local issues or to submit an anonymous tip. The ICE website posts what recent investigations they have been involved with. They also have links to news passages associated with human traffic crimes.

· [] This is a radio website for KUOW in Seattle, Washington. KUOW recognizes their local Seattle Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center where there are protests and efforts against trafficking every month. Bands came to play to raise awareness and join the cause, which really motivated more people to become involved. The featured indie band “Jubilee” sends half their CD sales and 10% of their show earnings to the nonprofit International Justice Mission (IJM). IJM was the first to hire lawyers and attorneys and fight hand in hand with legislation to end trafficking. Speaker Mandy Maxell was featured in KUOW radio to fundraise for the nonprofit Stop Child Trafficking (SCT) Now. The KUOW station also brought up activism in political circles. KUOW has a list of related links to websites with information and activist opportunities.

· [] This change.org article features ten things people can do to fight human trafficking. “ 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.” Watching educational films and documentaries is a great way for individuals to learn about trafficking or even interest friends into learning more. People can also support education and business opportunities for women. This article encourages people to vote or be active in fighting for better anti-trafficking laws in their local or state governments. One effective way to fight trafficking is by opposing the commercial sex industry. Bachelor/bachelorette parties can be thrown in sex-free venues. The website also allows comments from the public at the end of the article. This is a good way for people to add their own methods of fighting trafficking. Some people may even post activist opportunities or events for people to be part of.