Human trafficking is becoming a regular part of the social justice conversation, but it is such a complex and widespread issue that there's always more to learn. In alignment with Human Trafficking Awareness Month, here are five facts that might surprise you about human trafficking.
Read MoreInternational Justice Mission’s founder, Gary Haugen’s book enters into the horror and disaster of the mid-90’s Rwandan genocide. As he directed the United Nation’s genocide investigation, he recalls standing on the sacred ground of a church where large numbers of Tutsi (mostly innocent women and children) were murdered.
Read MoreThe holidays; a time when airports, train stations, and busses fill with eager travelers making their way to visit family and friends. Andrea Hobart, trained in teaching flight attendants how to recognize and report signs of human trafficking, encourages us this holiday season to keep our eyes open for these common signs of slavery. Andrea is the Director of Human Trafficking Awareness for Airline Ambassadors International, an organization providing for orphans, vulnerable children, and those at risk worldwide. Below is Andrea's story followed by the common signs of a trafficked victim and what we should (and shouldn't do) if we spot them. Thanks for sharing with us, Andrea!
Read MorePodcasts seem to be having what some might call "a moment." From home repair to cooking tips to social justice issues, there seems to be a podcast for anything and everything.
Surprisingly, I do not have a lot of free time in my day. However, when I do, I listen to podcasts! Living with a demanding schedule every day can sometimes rob me of the opportunity to enjoy reading and learning about different topics. Therefore, I turn to podcasts!
I have compiled podcast recommendations about human trafficking that will allow you to become educated, inspired, and equipped to continue this journey of advocating for the inherent dignity of all people.
Read MoreThese questions can stir both excitement and anxiety within Dressember advocates as we seek to educate the community around us about the reality that is modern-day slavery. The easy part is putting on the dress; it is explaining the complexity of this issue and the importance of taking action to people that were previously oblivious that has proven to be the real challenge behind Dressember.
Read MoreAlright, it’s time for some real talk. Northern Sisters? I’m looking at you. Let’s address the dress problem with this project.
Dressember: a dress a day for the month of December. Seems simple enough unless you know what we know --December is freezing! Anyone else love the idea of the project but simultaneously love the comfort of your pants in subzero temperatures? No shame here! The point of this project is not comfort by any means. We cloak ourselves in dresses as our means of advocacy. The frigid temperatures of December serve as an amplifier for our campaign. Everyone dons themselves in summer dresses when temperatures rise and school is out. But when you wear a dress every day despite the elements, you stand in solidarity with the sisterhood of women across the world doing the same.
Read MoreDr. Kimberly Mehlman-Orozco has conducted over 2,000 qualitative interviews with human traffickers and victims, making her one of the few researchers with a background to qualify as an expert on human trafficking in criminal and civil court. Her new book, Hidden in Plain Sight, aims to shed a light on the reality of human trafficking in our world and provide resources to prevent the spread of trafficking. Hidden in Plain Sight releases today and we strongly believe that this is an essential resource for anyone eager to spread awareness and take action. Below is our review of Hidden in Plain Sight. Read to the end for a chance to win a copy of your own!
Read MoreWhat do crickets, skyscrapers, and your 7th-grade history class presentation have in common? They all belong to categories of the biggest fears in the world. We’re all familiar with fear, and whether ours involves creepy-crawlers, heights, public speaking, or plenty more, it often keeps us from fully participating in life.\
Now zoom in a bit. What about the fear of asking for money?
“Would you consider donating to my Dressember campaign?”
Here are eight words that have made stronger people than I freeze up. In a previous blog post about my personal Dressember story, I mention recognizing the social risk involved with asking for financial gifts and my hesitancy to fundraise for a spectacular cause. Why is that?
Read MoreEvery day brings us one day closer to Dressember! As our favorite month of the year gets closer, the excitement and planning start to build! From outfits to fundraising, there can be a lot to think about, but we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Dressember is all about collaboration. We create big change when we work together. That’s where Dressember teams come in. Dressember teams work together to brainstorm, advocate, and fundraise (or as we like to call it: funraise). Hand in hand, we can make an even bigger difference and make a few friends along the way. This is our advocate’s guide to building a team so that, come Dressember, you’ll have the team of your dreams!
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