Set Resolutions to Change the World

In 2008, why not try setting some resolutions that are about others? Instead of simply wishing for a smaller wasteline or better job, make some small steps that have a huge impact! Everyone is needed in the fight against human trafficking. Your time, creativity, and resources make a huge difference!

Here are some ideas for the new year:
1. Use your skills! Sign up to volunteer with a local organization fighting trafficking (several are mentioned on the right)
2. Use your resources! Make a donation because every penny counts. Or think big and organize a fundraiser!
3. Use your head! Get educated. Decided to read a book about trafficking or keep up to date with articles. (there's a link on this site that can help with that one)
4. Use your home! Host a Made By Survivors Party with friends and family.
5. Use your network! At your school, workplace, or church host a training. If you're in the San Diego area contact me for more information.
6. Use your purchasing power! Buy Fair Trade and support groups that promote just business practices.
7. Use your voice! Write letterse to local businesses and government demanding more attention be placed on human trafficking. (check the links on the write for more specific letter writing campaign ideas)

The Salvation Army and Leo Burnett, Johannesburg put kids on sale in South African malls to raise awareness of human trafficking

Leo Burnett Goes Window Shopping
The Salvation Army and Leo Burnett, Johannesburg put kids on sale in South African malls to raise awareness of human trafficking.

By: Pete Pellizzi Published: Dec 12, 2007

Imagine yourself hustling through the mall trying to find those last minute holiday toys and trinkets, and the window display of your favorite department store is boasting a blowout sale on, that's right, children! Well, that's just what Leo Burnett, Johannesburg and The Salvation Army cooked up to inform shoppers of the horrors of human trafficking. The installation, currently displayed in leading South African malls and boutiques, features several children (between the ages of 4 and 13) of varying nationalities enclosed in a window display draped with "For Sale" signs. The sign also includes age brackets to imply a variety of price options. We spoke with art director Alan Marks and copywriter Nicole Solarsh of Leo Burnett, Johannesburg about the conception and execution of this provocative installation.

"Originally, we wanted to put people inside the meat section of supermarkets, but thought the connotations for that may be too below the belt," says Marks. "Then the idea came to us to sell children in fashion boutique windows. Just like that, it was the natural progression of the 'third idea' coming to play. By this I mean, you brainstorm one idea, the second one comes along and then the all important third idea springs up."

Marks and Solarsh seemed to have no problems setting up the entire installation within three weeks, including obtaining space and participants for the project. "We had to find a store that would accommodate us, and we did—in Nelson Mandela Square," says Solarsh "The shop, Cameroon, gladly gave up their entire store window to us. Obviously, working with kids is always hard, but we pulled some favors, and got kids we know to help with this important issue."

The children were asked to stand in the window display for 30-minute intervals—an impressive feat considering most of the kids were under the age of ten. The creatives are currently pursuing two other stores in different areas to help spread awareness. "We plan to run this campaign for as long as our client is open to it," says Marks. "The issue of human trafficking is an ongoing problem, and so wherever we can show this idea, the better, no matter where in the world. The great thing about the Salvation Army is that they are so open to 'out there,' punchy and provocative ideas that it has definitely made us think sharper, clearer and more creatively. As for what's next on the horizon, well, we hope the whole world sees this idea."

The Impact of 21st Century Slavery and Human Trafficking on Development

For the full press release go here: http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/rm/07/96708.htm

This week Mark P. Lagon, Director, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons addressed the current global state of slavery and trafficking.

After bringing awareness to the issue Lagon commented "we need to follow up the legislation with tougher prosecution of criminals, greater support and protection for victims, and stronger warning messages to prevent innocent men, women, and childrren from being lured into exploitation schemes." He also commented that "every country can do more, even the United States."

LOVE 146 Craigslist "Call to Action" Campaign

Copy this web address to read about craigslist in the media. And Join Love146 in fighting trafficking that takes place on craigslist. You can make a difference by putting pressure on craigslist to address this problem. Email and mail a letter to craigslist today!
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/storysection=local&id=4928094

"In light of the New Year, we are asking Craigslist to make a New Year’s resolution to follow in the footsteps of MySpace and Google and implement better preventative policies and monitoring efforts to protect its site from being used as a resource for child traffickers." -Love146

Please mail in this petition this week! and send an email to this address: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/cgi-bin/emailForm.cgi

Here is a link to the pdf file of the petition and more information:
http://www.love146.org/uploads/Craigslist_campaign_2007.pdf?tr=y&auid=3229427

William Wilberforce Act Passed in House of Representatives

On December 4, 2007 the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act 2007 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives!

Copy this link for the Statement Release:
http://www.csce.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=ContentRecords.ViewDetail&ContentRecord_id=350&ContentType=S&ContentRecordType=S

Despite opposition from Department of Justice, this historic breakthrough changes the way sex trafficking is defined and handled in the U.S. and the rest of the world. This is a large step in fighting domestic and international cases. The work of those fighting trafficking is evident in this monumental bill.

The next step will be putting pressure on the Senate. This victory shows the power of grass roots work in aiding in the process in Washington. I'll post more about how to write letters to our Sentators and National leaders.

Choose Chocolate That Doesn't Enslave

Each month I've decided to post on one way to make a difference right where you are. Since the holidays are upon us, the increase of chocolate sales are imminent. Much of the world's cocoa production is harvested by child laborers in regions of Africa and Central/South America. You can choose to buy fair trade chocolate and make a difference in fighting child slavery.

Here's some tangible steps to take action:

1. Learn more! Here are some articles and links to inform you about the fight for fair trade chocolate.
http://www.oxfam.org.nz/whatwedo.asp?s1=What%20we%20do&s2=Issues%20we%20work%20on&s3=Fair%20Trade&s4=About%20Fair%20Trade&s5=Fair%20Trade%20Chocolate
http://www.stopthetraffik.org/chocolatecampaign/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/2042474.stm
http://vision.ucsd.edu/~kbranson/stopchocolateslavery/main.html

2. Buy Fair Trade! Give it as a holiday gift with a letter explaining why you chose fair trade!
http://www.stopthetraffik.org/chocolateDownloads/chocolate_guide_uk.pdf
http://www.typetive.com/candyblog/category/fairtrade
http://www.transfairusa.org/content/certification/licensees2.php#cocoa

3. Write your favorite chocolate company asking for fair trade products!

4. Your Voice Counts! Sign these petitions:
Sign the Trade Aid Anti-Slavery Petitionhttp://www.oxfam.org.nz/whatwedo.asp?s1=What%20we%20do&s2=Issues%20we%20work%20on&s3=Fair%20Trade&s4=Take%20action&s5=slavery

Petition to Make Fair Trade in the Pacific
http://www.mtfpacific.org/take-action

5. Spread the Word During Christmastime!
Stop the Traffik's Chocolate Campaign has several resources for the holidays including stickers, powerpoints, and posters. Sharing what you have learned with just one friend or your community brings needed awareness!

Here is a link to Fair Trade Standards for Cocoa:
http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/FLOStandardsCocoa.pdf