January is Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Month–and if you’ve ever found yourself wondering what you can possibly do to make a *real* difference, we’ve got 5 actionable things here that go beyond sharing heart-wrenching statistics.
- SUPPORT SURVIVORS. This can be done in so many different ways!
- Don’t miss an opportunity to help survivors fulfill their dreams–more often than not, they involve supporting and protecting other victims and survivors
- Do take action by hiring survivors whenever possible, shop at survivor-owned businesses, offer your mentorship, guidance, and connections, and whatever else you can think of to support survivors from a place of dignity and compassion.
- BE MINDFUL OF VICTIM BLAMING AND SHAMING. Even kind people can fall prey to harmful narratives. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking of what a victim should’ve done differently to avoid what happened, this could be you.
- Don’t ask about things like what a victim was wearing in an effort to make it make sense to you.
- Do remember that no matter the circumstances, it should never have happened, and the guilt and shame are for the perpetrator ALONE to bear. There is no vulnerability in the world that is an invitation for harm.
- START WHERE YOU ARE. We will always create the most impact when we start right where we are. You can make the biggest difference by sharing what you know with those you love and care for. These conversations are difficult, but they can save lives.
- Don’t just volunteer or donate and let it end there.
- Do make it a point to also start conversations within your home, workplace, and community. Look out for friends and family members who are vulnerable and lend them your support. Remember, the kids and adults who seem like the hardest to help are often the ones who need it most.
- CONNECT WITH THE CHILDREN IN YOUR LIFE. Kids are among the most vulnerable to being exploited, but having a deep connection with a safe adult has the power to protect them.
- Don’t let yourself run on autopilot when it comes to the kids in your life.
- Do intentionally cultivate a deep and meaningful connection with them–extend your attention to all of the kids in your family, your kids’ friends, and your friends’ kids as well. The safer their community, the safer all of our kids will be.
- ONGOING EDUCATION. Human trafficking is complex as it touches on every social issue from homelessness to childhood trauma. It continues to exist because a lot of the things that perpetuate these issues are embedded in our culture.
- Don’t just Google it and assume you’re now fully educated on the issue.
- Do acknowledge that education is an ongoing process–especially if you work in the field. Join your local task force and attend presentations, especially those facilitated by Survivor Leaders.
(Check upcoming dates and register for our next free training via Zoom: bit.ly/humansavetrainings.)
Each thing on this list takes ongoing introspection, intention, and time–but they also have the power to transform lives and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
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