This month I am participating in Dressember, a fundraising campaign to raise funds to fight human trafficking. So as I work to raise awareness about the problem of modern day slavery, I am reading books about this issue to educate myself. The first book I chose to read is Not For Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade - and How We Can Fight It by David Bastone.
This book states that it's purpose is to be a handbook for the modern-day abolitionist. I can confirm that is what it is. Through stories of both victims and rescuers, the book paints a very real picture of the problem, but it also share stories of rescue and hope.
It highlights several organizations that are working in the fight against human trafficking, and I'd like to share them with you - so you can support them however you can!
NightLight International - This organization works all over the world reaching out to women in the sex industry offering relationships, alternatives, and resources. They also operate a design business in Thailand which offers jobs to women coming out of prostitution and trafficking. They have some great jewelry and accessories!
Hagar International - This organization started in Cambodia as a home of refuge (the Hagar Home) for women and their children. It has since expanded and now also does work in Afghanistan, Vietnam, and Singapore. Through 25 years of work, they have become a leader in recovery services for survivors or human trafficking, slavery, and abuse.
International Justice Mission - Dressember's main partner, International Justice Mission is at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking. They work to rescue slaves, provide after care, prosecute slave owners, and put an end to slavery for good.
World Vision - World Vision, best known for their child sponsorship program, works all over the world where there are needs. They are mentioned in this book for their work in Uganda in working with children affected by war and violence.
Polaris Project - Named after the North Star that served as a guide for slaves escaping during the time of slavery in the United States, this group provides resources for victims of trafficking. They also are working to gather as much data as possible on human trafficking in the United States and then use that data to suggest or make changes that will disrupt the structure of trafficking.
Save the Children - As an organization focused on children, they work to protect children from the threat of exploitation - as well as abuse, neglect, and violence.
Friends of Casa Generacion - This organization works with Generacion - a group that supports and aids street children in Peru - providing them with support and aid that helps protect them from exploitation, trafficking, and violence.
CAST (Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking) - Another partner of Dressember, CAST is based in Los Angeles, California and works to support survivors of trafficking as well as advocate for changes in legislation and policies to end slavery.
I highly recommend this book, and if you'd like to know about some of the other books about Modern Day Slavery that are on my "to read" list, check out my Amazon list!
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