Freedom Weekend was a great weekend of community awareness and fundraising! A huge thank you to Susan Oliver and everyone who participated, organized, planned, or donated items for this weekend.
On May 7, 2011, U-ACT will be raising awareness in various locations around downtown Indianapolis to educate and raise funds for TraffickJam 2011, a benefit to support Hard Places Community in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Please respond to this email if you are willing to help at TraffickJam on May 7!
Love146 maintains a safe shelter in the Philippines for trafficked girls. Last fall, a small group of brave bike riders made the trek from Indy to NYC to raise awareness and funds for Love146. This year, the ride will be more localized…the bikers will be riding from Indianapolis, IN to Toledo, OH. In preparation for this year’s bike ride, the Love146 team will be hosting three events. If anyone is interested in participating in or planning these events, please contact Kaylin Linnemann at k.linnemann7@gmail.com.
The first Superbowl planning meeting has been scheduled for this month, so please watch for new and exciting opportunities in the near future! We will need your time and talents to make next year’s Indianapolis Superbowl a safe and slavery-free event!
We would like to extend a big thank you to LiNK (Liberty in North Korea) representative Wyatt Walker for attending and speaking at this month’s meeting. Wyatt showed a film called “Hiding,” which provides a brief background on LiNK’s work with North Korean refugees. Currently, the living and social conditions in North Korea are so deplorable that North Koreans are desperate to leave. This is not an easy feat. When leaving North Korea, citizens have two options: try to reach safety in South Korea by crossing the very dangerous DMZ, where snipers, guards, electric fences, and hidden land mines lay in wait, or travel through icy waters to China, where North Koreans are ignored, forced into hiding, or trafficked. 70-90% of all women and girls escaping North Korea thru China are sold into the Chinese sex industry, some for as little as $15. LiNK works on the ground in China and throughout Southeast Asia to help guide North Korean refugees escape lives of oppression and begin new lives in Southeast Asia, the U.S., or South Korea. To learn more about or donate to LiNK, visit www.linkglobal.org. If you would like to volunteer with LiNK within the U.S., contact Kira Wheeler at kira@linkglobal.org.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
January U-ACT Meeting Re-Cap
Happy January! We hope everyone is staying warm and safe this winter! **If road conditions force us to cancel the February meeting, we will email you 24 hours prior…so watch your inbox on Sunday February 20th.
January Meeting Update:
- Julia Spangler is hard at work compiling her ethical shopping guide and is still in need of volunteers to help research store merchandise. If you are interested in working with Julia, please contact her at spanglerjl@gmail.com. This is an amazing opportunity to help change the way consumers view shopping…don’t miss out!
- Valerie Schmitt of Exodus Refugee has the new INATP website up and running! Add www.inatp.org your favorites list and check it often for updates and upcoming events.
- We would like to extend a HUGE thank you to our newest friends who braved the cold and drove all the way from Muncie to attend our meeting!
- Thank you to Amanda Bocik for regaling us with tales from the
RideForLove146 bike ride last fall!
**The Love146 bike ride from Indy to NYC will become an annual ride, and new cyclists are welcome to join the team this fall. Want to participate? Start training this spring or summer and contact Amanda at ajbocik@gmail.com let her know you’re in!
- We will be emailing soon with a list of needs for Freedom Sunday (March 13th).
- New legislative opportunities coming your way very soon…watch your inbox!
**Action Area Leaders**
We are still looking for people to take charge of specific action areas and report to the group during monthly U-ACT meetings. We are tremendously thankful to Sharon and Abby for spearheading Julian Center/Exodus outreach trainings, to Carol for taking charge of a fall 2011 event, and to Emily for staying on top of current HT news from around the world.
If you are interested and able to commit, or would simply like more information about leading an action area, the following areas are still in need of
leadership:
1. Legislation
2. Not For Sale Campaign
3. Speaking Engagements
**Upcoming Events**
3.12.11 Freedom Weekend Art Event 3.13.11 2nd Annual NFS Free2Walk event, 2pm @ Friedens UCC -Contact Sarah Haas at pastorsarah@friedensucc.org to help organize.
3.13.11 Freedom Sunday: day to spread awareness about slavery and trafficking.
-Contact Susan Oliver at susangeeoliver@gmail.com help organize.
5.7.11 TraffickJam 2011: national walk event to spread awareness of HT across the U.S. and financially benefit Hard Places Community in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
-Contact Laura Pope at laura.pope@yahoo.com uact.indy@yahoo.com help organize.
An article from Emily - http://www.rutherford.org/articles_db/commentary.asp?record_id=696
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
January Meeting Update:
- Julia Spangler is hard at work compiling her ethical shopping guide and is still in need of volunteers to help research store merchandise. If you are interested in working with Julia, please contact her at spanglerjl@gmail.com. This is an amazing opportunity to help change the way consumers view shopping…don’t miss out!
- Valerie Schmitt of Exodus Refugee has the new INATP website up and running! Add www.inatp.org your favorites list and check it often for updates and upcoming events.
- We would like to extend a HUGE thank you to our newest friends who braved the cold and drove all the way from Muncie to attend our meeting!
- Thank you to Amanda Bocik for regaling us with tales from the
RideForLove146 bike ride last fall!
**The Love146 bike ride from Indy to NYC will become an annual ride, and new cyclists are welcome to join the team this fall. Want to participate? Start training this spring or summer and contact Amanda at ajbocik@gmail.com let her know you’re in!
- We will be emailing soon with a list of needs for Freedom Sunday (March 13th).
- New legislative opportunities coming your way very soon…watch your inbox!
**Action Area Leaders**
We are still looking for people to take charge of specific action areas and report to the group during monthly U-ACT meetings. We are tremendously thankful to Sharon and Abby for spearheading Julian Center/Exodus outreach trainings, to Carol for taking charge of a fall 2011 event, and to Emily for staying on top of current HT news from around the world.
If you are interested and able to commit, or would simply like more information about leading an action area, the following areas are still in need of
leadership:
1. Legislation
2. Not For Sale Campaign
3. Speaking Engagements
**Upcoming Events**
3.12.11 Freedom Weekend Art Event 3.13.11 2nd Annual NFS Free2Walk event, 2pm @ Friedens UCC -Contact Sarah Haas at pastorsarah@friedensucc.org to help organize.
3.13.11 Freedom Sunday: day to spread awareness about slavery and trafficking.
-Contact Susan Oliver at susangeeoliver@gmail.com help organize.
5.7.11 TraffickJam 2011: national walk event to spread awareness of HT across the U.S. and financially benefit Hard Places Community in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
-Contact Laura Pope at laura.pope@yahoo.com uact.indy@yahoo.com help organize.
An article from Emily - http://www.rutherford.org/articles_db/commentary.asp?record_id=696
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Friday, December 24, 2010
December 2010 Update
This will be our last email update for 2010...can you believe how quickly time flies?! Here are a few updates to keep you up to speed! :)
First, upcoming events!
** 1.17.2011 - next U-ACT meeting
** 3.13.2011 (Freedom Sunday) - 2nd Annual NFS Free2Walk event @ Friedens UCC
--> hosted by U-ACT to benefit the Not For Sale Campaign
** 5.7.2011 - TraffickJam 2011 --> 10 mile walk to benefit the Hard Places
Community.
See below for further info.
New opportunities to fight against trafficking:
1. Julia Spangler is in the process of planning and organizing an ethical
shopping guide! If you would like to be a part of the guide's creation, please
contact Julia.
2. Our friends at the Julian Center and Exodus Refugee have so kindly offered to
bring their volunteer training to us! Our goal is to utilize the January or
February U-ACT meeting for this training. It will be specialized to HT
community outreach. We will update you as soon as we set a definite training
date.
*You no longer need to complete a volunteer application with the Julian Center
or Exodus Refugee if you plan to attend the training during a U-ACT meeting.
However, if you would like to complete the training at the Julian Center or at
Exodus on your own time, you will need to complete and submit an application to
JC or Exodus.
3. Our friend Emily (thanks Emily!!) introduced us to the Pepsi Refresh Project,
an online opportunity for innovative individuals to win grant money for their
great project ideas. Starting February 1st, vote for up to 10 of your favorite
ideas every day. View, vote, and learn more at
http://www.refresheverything.com/. Or, to view HT-specific ideas, follow this
link: http://www.refresheverything.com/search/?q=human+trafficking
4. If you would like to host a fair trade jewelry party, Destiny Rescue is your
contact! Visit
http://www.destinyrescue.org/us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41&Itemid=54
For further info, contact Barbie at usa@destinyrescue.org or call 574-834-1109.
5. Kaylin asked us to share the attached information about an event this Friday.
Other important info:
**Current details on 2011 NFS Free2Walk:
This will be a 3 mile walk located near Friedens UCC. The route
follows the same path as the 2009 NFS walk. If you are interested in helping
plan or organize Free2Walk, please contact us asap!
**Current details on TraffickJam 2011:
TraffickJam 2011 is a Walk-A-Thon event to benefit the Hard Places Community, a
ministry with locations in literal "hard places" of the world...places where
others are too fearful or too unwilling to go and help those who need it most.
One Hard Places Community exists in Cambodia, a country in southeastern Asia
whose sex trade and human trafficking industries are astounding. TraffickJam
2011 will be a nationwide event to raise awareness, spread hope, and raise funds
for the Hard Places Community in Cambodia. U-ACT has decided to act as the
Indiana event coordinator for this walk, so if you are interested in planning,
organizing, or even participating in this event, please contact us asap! :) We
will begin work on this project in January 2011.
**Some members expressed interest in a recent news article...so here it is! :)
FBI: 69 children, 99 pimps found in national bust
(AP) – Nov 8, 2010
WASHINGTON (AP)
More than five dozen child prostitutes have been found in the last three
days as part of a nationwide crackdown on the sexual exploitation of children,
the FBI said Monday.
FBI spokesman Jason Pack said 69 children were removed from prostitution and 99
suspected pimps were arrested in 40 cities across 30 states and the District of
Columbia. Authorities arrested 785 other adults on a variety state and local
charges, Pack said.
All the children found in the last three days have been placed into protective
custody or returned to their families.
The children were found during Operation Cross Country V, a three-day
roundup targeting child traffickers and pimps. The largest group of child
prostitutes, 24, was found in and around Seattle, according to the FBI. FBI
executive assistant director Shawn Henry said the children found ranged in age
from 12 to 17. Authorities are working with the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children to confirm their identities.
Henry said child prostitutes are often recruited by loose knit groups
that seek out kids who may be involved in drugs or runaways looking for a
"responsible adult" to help them.
"There are groups of people out there preying on naive kids who don't have a
good sense of the way of the world," Henry said. "Sometimes there's a threat of
force, threats of violence. A lot these kids operate out of a sense of fear."
Since 2003, when the FBI and the Justice Department launched the
Innocence Lost National Initiative, about 1,250 child prostitutes have been
located and removed from prostitution.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This is an article from Sojourners that several U-ACT Members asked us to include - Child trafficking arrests. FBI: 69 children, 99 pimps found in national bust “More than five dozen child prostitutes have been found in the last three days as part of a nationwide crackdown on the sexual exploitation of children, the FBI said Monday.” Federal crackdown on child prostitution results in 884 arrests “A three-day federal crackdown on child prostitution rings across the country has resulted in the recovery of 69 children and the arrest of 884 persons, including 99 pimps, federal authorities said Monday.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We hope everyone has a very merry and safe Christmas and a happy New Year as
well :)
Thank you for a wonderful year! And, as always, WE LOVE TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS! So
send them our way! :)
Sarah and Laura
co-founders, U-ACT
www.unitedagainstcontemporarytrafficking.blogspot.com
pastorsarah@friedensucc.org
317-709-5857
First, upcoming events!
** 1.17.2011 - next U-ACT meeting
** 3.13.2011 (Freedom Sunday) - 2nd Annual NFS Free2Walk event @ Friedens UCC
--> hosted by U-ACT to benefit the Not For Sale Campaign
** 5.7.2011 - TraffickJam 2011 --> 10 mile walk to benefit the Hard Places
Community.
See below for further info.
New opportunities to fight against trafficking:
1. Julia Spangler is in the process of planning and organizing an ethical
shopping guide! If you would like to be a part of the guide's creation, please
contact Julia.
2. Our friends at the Julian Center and Exodus Refugee have so kindly offered to
bring their volunteer training to us! Our goal is to utilize the January or
February U-ACT meeting for this training. It will be specialized to HT
community outreach. We will update you as soon as we set a definite training
date.
*You no longer need to complete a volunteer application with the Julian Center
or Exodus Refugee if you plan to attend the training during a U-ACT meeting.
However, if you would like to complete the training at the Julian Center or at
Exodus on your own time, you will need to complete and submit an application to
JC or Exodus.
3. Our friend Emily (thanks Emily!!) introduced us to the Pepsi Refresh Project,
an online opportunity for innovative individuals to win grant money for their
great project ideas. Starting February 1st, vote for up to 10 of your favorite
ideas every day. View, vote, and learn more at
http://www.refresheverything.com/. Or, to view HT-specific ideas, follow this
link: http://www.refresheverything.com/search/?q=human+trafficking
4. If you would like to host a fair trade jewelry party, Destiny Rescue is your
contact! Visit
http://www.destinyrescue.org/us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41&Itemid=54
For further info, contact Barbie at usa@destinyrescue.org or call 574-834-1109.
5. Kaylin asked us to share the attached information about an event this Friday.
Other important info:
**Current details on 2011 NFS Free2Walk:
This will be a 3 mile walk located near Friedens UCC. The route
follows the same path as the 2009 NFS walk. If you are interested in helping
plan or organize Free2Walk, please contact us asap!
**Current details on TraffickJam 2011:
TraffickJam 2011 is a Walk-A-Thon event to benefit the Hard Places Community, a
ministry with locations in literal "hard places" of the world...places where
others are too fearful or too unwilling to go and help those who need it most.
One Hard Places Community exists in Cambodia, a country in southeastern Asia
whose sex trade and human trafficking industries are astounding. TraffickJam
2011 will be a nationwide event to raise awareness, spread hope, and raise funds
for the Hard Places Community in Cambodia. U-ACT has decided to act as the
Indiana event coordinator for this walk, so if you are interested in planning,
organizing, or even participating in this event, please contact us asap! :) We
will begin work on this project in January 2011.
**Some members expressed interest in a recent news article...so here it is! :)
FBI: 69 children, 99 pimps found in national bust
(AP) – Nov 8, 2010
WASHINGTON (AP)
More than five dozen child prostitutes have been found in the last three
days as part of a nationwide crackdown on the sexual exploitation of children,
the FBI said Monday.
FBI spokesman Jason Pack said 69 children were removed from prostitution and 99
suspected pimps were arrested in 40 cities across 30 states and the District of
Columbia. Authorities arrested 785 other adults on a variety state and local
charges, Pack said.
All the children found in the last three days have been placed into protective
custody or returned to their families.
The children were found during Operation Cross Country V, a three-day
roundup targeting child traffickers and pimps. The largest group of child
prostitutes, 24, was found in and around Seattle, according to the FBI. FBI
executive assistant director Shawn Henry said the children found ranged in age
from 12 to 17. Authorities are working with the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children to confirm their identities.
Henry said child prostitutes are often recruited by loose knit groups
that seek out kids who may be involved in drugs or runaways looking for a
"responsible adult" to help them.
"There are groups of people out there preying on naive kids who don't have a
good sense of the way of the world," Henry said. "Sometimes there's a threat of
force, threats of violence. A lot these kids operate out of a sense of fear."
Since 2003, when the FBI and the Justice Department launched the
Innocence Lost National Initiative, about 1,250 child prostitutes have been
located and removed from prostitution.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This is an article from Sojourners that several U-ACT Members asked us to include - Child trafficking arrests. FBI: 69 children, 99 pimps found in national bust “More than five dozen child prostitutes have been found in the last three days as part of a nationwide crackdown on the sexual exploitation of children, the FBI said Monday.” Federal crackdown on child prostitution results in 884 arrests “A three-day federal crackdown on child prostitution rings across the country has resulted in the recovery of 69 children and the arrest of 884 persons, including 99 pimps, federal authorities said Monday.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We hope everyone has a very merry and safe Christmas and a happy New Year as
well :)
Thank you for a wonderful year! And, as always, WE LOVE TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS! So
send them our way! :)
Sarah and Laura
co-founders, U-ACT
www.unitedagainstcontemporarytrafficking.blogspot.com
pastorsarah@friedensucc.org
317-709-5857
Saturday, August 21, 2010
August meeting update
Hi U-ACT! Hope your week is going well. Many thanks to Austin for his visit on Monday evening and to all of you for all of your excellent work. We are really grateful to the team who visited Lugar’s office yesterday and to all those working on the events to raise awareness and support efforts to end human trafficking. We have listed some of the upcoming events below as well as a few articles.
Here’s a link to the article to one of Austin’s articles on human trafficking in Dubai: http://www.guernicamag.com/spotlight/1476/bubble_city/
This link is from Laura’s friend Heather who spoke to us about her work in Cambodia:
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/2E617561A12EFFB6852574440043C4B5?Opendocument
This final link is from one of the men who participated in the Set the Captives Free Bible study last summer: http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj1008&article=selling-our-children
Stop Child Trafficking Now Benefit Concert - Saturday, August 21 beginning at 7 p.m. at Midtown Grill in Broad Ripple - sponsored by NUVO and 92.3 WTTS. There are 3 great music acts lined up that will be playing acoustic sets. We also have Dr. Greg Wark, the Executive Director of Stop Child Trafficking Now, as an honored guest. He will be sharing the latest developments at SCTNow. There will also be a silent auction with some great memorabilia that includes a John Wooden signed basketball, plenty of Colts stuff, and some other great items. Questions – Please call Brad Harper 331-8818
UCC and Disciples in the Greater Indianapolis area… You’re invited! Former Global Mission Interns, Erin McKinney and Alex Morse, will be sharing the story of Caminante, our Global Ministries partner in the Dominican Republic at Friedens United Church of Christ (8300 South Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46217) Tuesday, August 24th @ 7:30pm Come hear the story of God’s mission in the D.R. and enjoy some food and music from the Caribbean. For additional info contact: Pastor Sarah Haas pastorsarah@friedensucc.org
EAT, DRINK & FUND Pervertigo!!! Come join us for a splendid evening of revelry on Friday, August 27 from 7:30-10:30pm at Yats on Mass Ave in downtown Indy! Food by Yats, Beer by Sun King Brewing Company and Wine by Easley Winery! $15 gets you food and drink tickets, including alcohol! Hope to see you there! Want more info? Visit Pervertigo's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Pervertigo/123532364349719?ref=ts
Labor Day Evening Gathering – Just for fun – details to come soon.
Crafting for Others Night – Wednesday, September 8th from 6:30 to 8 p.m. – at Friedens UCC (8300 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN, 46217)
Bike Ride Launch – Friday, September 24th at 10 a.m. from the Circle – Go to www.ridefor146.org or contact Amanda Bocik for more information – ajbocik@gmail.com
Not for Sale Regional Gathering – Saturday, September 25th from noon to 5 p.m. at Friedens UCC (Lunch will be provided.)
Stop Child Trafficking Now Walk - October 2 at 8AM at the Canal in downtown Indianapolis. The walker registration page is up and ready for you to register. You can do that by clicking here http://sctnow.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.eventDetails&eventID=655&destination=E
Questions – Please call Brad Harper 331-8818
Thank you!
Laura and Sarah
www.unitedagainstcontemporarytrafficking.blogspot.com
Here’s a link to the article to one of Austin’s articles on human trafficking in Dubai: http://www.guernicamag.com/spotlight/1476/bubble_city/
This link is from Laura’s friend Heather who spoke to us about her work in Cambodia:
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/2E617561A12EFFB6852574440043C4B5?Opendocument
This final link is from one of the men who participated in the Set the Captives Free Bible study last summer: http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj1008&article=selling-our-children
Stop Child Trafficking Now Benefit Concert - Saturday, August 21 beginning at 7 p.m. at Midtown Grill in Broad Ripple - sponsored by NUVO and 92.3 WTTS. There are 3 great music acts lined up that will be playing acoustic sets. We also have Dr. Greg Wark, the Executive Director of Stop Child Trafficking Now, as an honored guest. He will be sharing the latest developments at SCTNow. There will also be a silent auction with some great memorabilia that includes a John Wooden signed basketball, plenty of Colts stuff, and some other great items. Questions – Please call Brad Harper 331-8818
UCC and Disciples in the Greater Indianapolis area… You’re invited! Former Global Mission Interns, Erin McKinney and Alex Morse, will be sharing the story of Caminante, our Global Ministries partner in the Dominican Republic at Friedens United Church of Christ (8300 South Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46217) Tuesday, August 24th @ 7:30pm Come hear the story of God’s mission in the D.R. and enjoy some food and music from the Caribbean. For additional info contact: Pastor Sarah Haas pastorsarah@friedensucc.org
EAT, DRINK & FUND Pervertigo!!! Come join us for a splendid evening of revelry on Friday, August 27 from 7:30-10:30pm at Yats on Mass Ave in downtown Indy! Food by Yats, Beer by Sun King Brewing Company and Wine by Easley Winery! $15 gets you food and drink tickets, including alcohol! Hope to see you there! Want more info? Visit Pervertigo's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Pervertigo/123532364349719?ref=ts
Labor Day Evening Gathering – Just for fun – details to come soon.
Crafting for Others Night – Wednesday, September 8th from 6:30 to 8 p.m. – at Friedens UCC (8300 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN, 46217)
Bike Ride Launch – Friday, September 24th at 10 a.m. from the Circle – Go to www.ridefor146.org or contact Amanda Bocik for more information – ajbocik@gmail.com
Not for Sale Regional Gathering – Saturday, September 25th from noon to 5 p.m. at Friedens UCC (Lunch will be provided.)
Stop Child Trafficking Now Walk - October 2 at 8AM at the Canal in downtown Indianapolis. The walker registration page is up and ready for you to register. You can do that by clicking here http://sctnow.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.eventDetails&eventID=655&destination=E
Questions – Please call Brad Harper 331-8818
Thank you!
Laura and Sarah
www.unitedagainstcontemporarytrafficking.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
July Meeting Recap
Hello U-ACT! We are excited to relay all of the wonderful information we gleaned from our guest speakers at this month's meeting, as well as update everyone on current and future opportunities to become involved in our initiatives! We hope everyone is doing well, and we look forward to seeing you at next month's meeting on Monday, August 16 at Common Ground!
**Our first guest speaker was Robin Rossmanith, the co-chair of the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Task Force and owner of Shop to Stop Slavery, a website created to educate consumers about the origins of everyday products. Robin and her family were visiting from Florida and took time out of their busy schedule to attend our meeting! Robin described her work with the Human Trafficking Task Force, as well as allowed U-ACTers to ask questions regarding the work she and her colleagues are doing to educate the public about human trafficking, as well as their work in partnering with local law enforcement and social service agencies and providing human trafficking victims with the services they need and deserve. We would like to thank Robin and her husband for their time and willingness to share. For further information about the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Task Force or Robin's work there, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Northeast-Florida-Human-Trafficking-Task-Force/105079392865875. For information about Shop to Stop Slavery, please visitshoptostopslavery.com.
**Heather Blanch was our second guest speaker. Heather is home in Indiana for a few short weeks before she returns to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Heather provided us with an overview of Cambodian history, culture, daily life, and current challenges. She described her work with SHE Rescue Home, a shelter for sexually exploited or at-risk girls, as well as her upcoming work with The Hard Places Community as the Research and Development Coordinator for Cambodia. We very much appreciate Heather and her time, passion, and insight! Follow Heather viaher Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=110728881511&ref=ts or through her blog at http://eleutheroo.blogspot.com/.
Action Area Updates:
1. Our SCTNow fundraiser at Midtown Grill is less than a month away (Aug 21, 7-10:30pm)! If anyone has contacts with big businesses who might be willing to donate items for the silent auction at the event, please contact Laura Pope asap!
2. Please watch for future U-ACT emails with info regarding:
- dates to accompany Sarah to visit Senator Lugar's office to ask for his
support of the CPCA
-Crafting for Others Night – August 24th beginning at 6:30 p.m.
- Amanda Bocik and the RideFor146 team's needs
- the Indy SCTNow Walk that will take place this October
3. Remember to utilize available resources, such as IJM House Party kits, Book Clubs, and the U-ACT Training Kit, to educate family, friends, and the community on the issue of human trafficking.
4. We are looking for a few volunteers to man a table at an event in Bloomington this September 17th and 18th. Please respond to this email if interested and available.
And, as always, if you have ideas you'd like to see become Action Areas, please let us know! We value your input!
Laura and Sarah
co-founders, U-ACT
**Our first guest speaker was Robin Rossmanith, the co-chair of the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Task Force and owner of Shop to Stop Slavery, a website created to educate consumers about the origins of everyday products. Robin and her family were visiting from Florida and took time out of their busy schedule to attend our meeting! Robin described her work with the Human Trafficking Task Force, as well as allowed U-ACTers to ask questions regarding the work she and her colleagues are doing to educate the public about human trafficking, as well as their work in partnering with local law enforcement and social service agencies and providing human trafficking victims with the services they need and deserve. We would like to thank Robin and her husband for their time and willingness to share. For further information about the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Task Force or Robin's work there, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Northeast-Florida-Human-Trafficking-Task-Force/105079392865875. For information about Shop to Stop Slavery, please visitshoptostopslavery.com.
**Heather Blanch was our second guest speaker. Heather is home in Indiana for a few short weeks before she returns to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Heather provided us with an overview of Cambodian history, culture, daily life, and current challenges. She described her work with SHE Rescue Home, a shelter for sexually exploited or at-risk girls, as well as her upcoming work with The Hard Places Community as the Research and Development Coordinator for Cambodia. We very much appreciate Heather and her time, passion, and insight! Follow Heather viaher Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=110728881511&ref=ts or through her blog at http://eleutheroo.blogspot.com/.
Action Area Updates:
1. Our SCTNow fundraiser at Midtown Grill is less than a month away (Aug 21, 7-10:30pm)! If anyone has contacts with big businesses who might be willing to donate items for the silent auction at the event, please contact Laura Pope asap!
2. Please watch for future U-ACT emails with info regarding:
- dates to accompany Sarah to visit Senator Lugar's office to ask for his
support of the CPCA
-Crafting for Others Night – August 24th beginning at 6:30 p.m.
- Amanda Bocik and the RideFor146 team's needs
- the Indy SCTNow Walk that will take place this October
3. Remember to utilize available resources, such as IJM House Party kits, Book Clubs, and the U-ACT Training Kit, to educate family, friends, and the community on the issue of human trafficking.
4. We are looking for a few volunteers to man a table at an event in Bloomington this September 17th and 18th. Please respond to this email if interested and available.
And, as always, if you have ideas you'd like to see become Action Areas, please let us know! We value your input!
Laura and Sarah
co-founders, U-ACT
Friday, July 9, 2010
MEETING on MONDAY JULY 19th
We hope to see you at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 19th at Friedens UCC church building (8300 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN, 46217). We will have a longer meeting this month due to an opportunity to visit with guest speakers. Please feel free to come for part of the meeting even if you aren’t able to come for the whole meeting. Below you will also see several upcoming events and opportunities to volunteer.
Thank you,
Laura and Sarah
7 to 8 p.m. – Guest Speakers
Heather Blanch – Sharing about her experience in Cambodia
Robin Rossmanith – Sharing about her work with the NE Florida Human Trafficking Task Force
8 to 9 p.m. – Work on Action Areas
Upcoming Events
Speaker on the Congo – Friedens United Church of Christ – Monday, July 12th – Following the opening of Vacation Bible School – approximately 6:20 p.m.
Questions – Please contact Sarah Haas
If you’d like to visit one or both of our Senators about the Child Protection Compact Act in August or September, please contact Sarah Haas as soon as possible.
Benefit Concert for SCTNow at Midtown Grill in Broad Ripple on Saturday, August 21st.
Crafting for Others Night – a chance to work on the Freedom Scarves – August 24th at Friedens United Church of Christ church building beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Please let contact Laura Pope or Sarah Haas if you would be available to work at a U-ACT table and briefly speak about U-ACT at an event in Bloomington on Sept. 17th and/or 18th.
Thank you,
Laura and Sarah
7 to 8 p.m. – Guest Speakers
Heather Blanch – Sharing about her experience in Cambodia
Robin Rossmanith – Sharing about her work with the NE Florida Human Trafficking Task Force
8 to 9 p.m. – Work on Action Areas
Upcoming Events
Speaker on the Congo – Friedens United Church of Christ – Monday, July 12th – Following the opening of Vacation Bible School – approximately 6:20 p.m.
Questions – Please contact Sarah Haas
If you’d like to visit one or both of our Senators about the Child Protection Compact Act in August or September, please contact Sarah Haas as soon as possible.
Benefit Concert for SCTNow at Midtown Grill in Broad Ripple on Saturday, August 21st.
Crafting for Others Night – a chance to work on the Freedom Scarves – August 24th at Friedens United Church of Christ church building beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Please let contact Laura Pope or Sarah Haas if you would be available to work at a U-ACT table and briefly speak about U-ACT at an event in Bloomington on Sept. 17th and/or 18th.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Notes from June 21st Meeting
Hello U-ACT!
Thank you to everyone who attended the Monday, June 21st meeting at Common Ground! We are so excited for the progress we're making in our Action Areas! For everyone who couldn't attend, here is a summary of the Action Areas discussed, volunteer opportunities available, and other important information. Thank you all for the time and energy you dedicate to combating human trafficking!
1. Exodus Refugee Human Trafficking Caseworker Valerie Schmitt generously attended the meeting and informed us about current and future opportunities to partner both individually and as a group with Exodus and the Julian Center.
*Current Opportunities:
a. If anyone has experience in marketing, videography, or graphic design and is interested in working alongside the Julian Center to create community awareness publications, please email Valerie Schmidt at vschmitt@exodusrefugee.org.
*Future Opportunities:
a. The Julian Center is creating human trafficking community outreach programs and, once these programs are in place, the Julian Center will need volunteers to serve on these outreach teams. If you are interested in this future opportunity, you must first complete the Julian Center's general volunteer training. Sign up for this free training by following this link: http://www.juliancenter.org/volunteer_individual.html
2. Amanda and Adam Bocik attended the meeting to tell us about an upcoming human trafficking fundraiser and awareness event to benefit Love146. Amanda, Adam, and a few other Indianapolis residents will be riding bicycles from Monument Circle to New York City from September 24 to October 2, 2010. They are in need of the following items/services:
a. financial donations
b. goods donations, i.e. lodging, food, energy bars, cycling gear, jerseys, cycling equipment, safety vehicle (large van/trailer) c. volunteers to publicize the event d. volunteers to organize a send-off event on Monument Circle on Sept. 24.
e. volunteers to spread the word about this event!
**All donations are tax deductible through Forkout.org. If interested, please contact Amanda Bocik at 317-695-3568 or ajbocik2gmail.com. Further information on the bike ride event can be found at www.ridefor146.org or www.love146.org.
3. If anyone is interested in financially or prayerfully supporting Laura's close friend Heather Blanch, who is serving an anti-trafficking non-profit in Cambodia, please email Laura at laura.pope@yahoo.com or uact.indy@yahoo.com.
4. We signed postcards to Senator Lugar asking for his support of CPCA. If you’d like to sign postcards or work on further legislative issues, please contact Sarah at pastorsarah@friedensucc.org or 317-881-6779 or 317-709-5857.
5. We continued to work on fundraisers and awareness events. If you have questions about these opportunities please see below or feel free contact us.
Thank you,
Laura and Sarah
Action Areas:
1) Summer/Fall 2010 Fundraising Event
Task: brainstorm and organize an outdoor fundraising event to benefit Pearl Alliance
Points to Discuss: bands/singers/dancers to perform (could be local), possible outdoor venues (downtown Indy preferable), marketing ideas, sponsor/donor ideas, fair trade vendors at the event
2) Freedom Scarves – We found out that you don’t have to use the looms if you know how to knit.
Task: knit scarves to raise funds for NFS
marketing/sales ideas
*Info about Freedom Scarves:
1. Freedom Scarf tags: http://www.flickr.com/photos/intocollidingentropy/sets/72157622429608580/
2. brands of yarn: Red Heart Light and Lofty (for adults), Red Heart Baby Clouds (for kids), can be
purchased at JoAnn Fabric's or online at herrschners.com
3. novelty yarns (to be mixed in w/base yarns above, if you wish):
http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?pid=95446,
http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?pid=95409,
http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?sku=711506P&qid=
4. looms: http://cottagemagpie.com/imgc/easy-loom-knitted-scarf-1.jpg, can be purchased at JoAnn Fabric's or Wal-Mart for $5-$9.
5. The typical child sized scarf is 2 1/2 inches wide and 4 to 5 feet long, depending on the age of the
child. They sell for $10.00. Teen and adult scarves can be made either 4 ($10) or 5 inches ($12) wide
(or even 2 1/2, for those who like thin scarves) and are 5 1/2 to 6 feet long (depending on the skein of
yarn).
6. instructional knitting videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pPIT9Us7ZE&feature=related,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgLYwCgF63E&NR=1
3) Ground Initiative
Task: create business-size info cards to leave in doctors' office bathrooms, etc. that inform victims of their rights and options for help
Points to Discuss: possible distribution locations, available community resources for victims, hotline info, other info to include on card
(Coasters to bars)
4) Julian Center Domestic Trafficking Volunteer Training
Task: review existing volunteer training programs and then assemble our own to serve domestic trafficking victims housed at the Julian Center (or elsewhere, in the future)
Points to Discuss: helpfulness of completing OVCTTAC Sexual Assault Advocate/Counselor Training (more info found at ovcttac.gov/saact/index.cfm)
*Please review the following org's existing training programs:
1. misssey.org
2. sharedhope.org
3. love146.org
4. free-international.org
5) Advocacy
Task: research current legislation that relates to human trafficking
Points to Discuss:
1) What are our best sources for information about current legislation?
2) Which state and federal representatives should be contacted?
*Child Protection Compact Act
*TVPA
Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act (S 2925)
Funding for several authorized programs related to child labor, forced labor, human trafficking and slavery in the FY 2011 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation Bill
*International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA)
Letters to the editor
6) Film Screenings/book groups
Task: raise awareness about human trafficking and efforts to abolish it by providing film screenings/book groups
Points to Discuss:
1) Compile lists of places to show films or discuss books
2) Design system to keep track of places that have been contacted and responses given
3) Continue to add to list of films and books
4) What social media tools might be available to assist with making connections and promoting our availability to do film screening and lead book groups
7) Contact database
Task: develop method of keeping track of contact information for names of leaders/organizations that we have partnered with, groups we’ve been in touch with about speaking engagements, groups with projects that we have helped with, ect….
8) If you are interested in becoming a Stop Child Trafficking Now Ambassador, please contact Laura Pope.
Thank you to everyone who attended the Monday, June 21st meeting at Common Ground! We are so excited for the progress we're making in our Action Areas! For everyone who couldn't attend, here is a summary of the Action Areas discussed, volunteer opportunities available, and other important information. Thank you all for the time and energy you dedicate to combating human trafficking!
1. Exodus Refugee Human Trafficking Caseworker Valerie Schmitt generously attended the meeting and informed us about current and future opportunities to partner both individually and as a group with Exodus and the Julian Center.
*Current Opportunities:
a. If anyone has experience in marketing, videography, or graphic design and is interested in working alongside the Julian Center to create community awareness publications, please email Valerie Schmidt at vschmitt@exodusrefugee.org.
*Future Opportunities:
a. The Julian Center is creating human trafficking community outreach programs and, once these programs are in place, the Julian Center will need volunteers to serve on these outreach teams. If you are interested in this future opportunity, you must first complete the Julian Center's general volunteer training. Sign up for this free training by following this link: http://www.juliancenter.org/volunteer_individual.html
2. Amanda and Adam Bocik attended the meeting to tell us about an upcoming human trafficking fundraiser and awareness event to benefit Love146. Amanda, Adam, and a few other Indianapolis residents will be riding bicycles from Monument Circle to New York City from September 24 to October 2, 2010. They are in need of the following items/services:
a. financial donations
b. goods donations, i.e. lodging, food, energy bars, cycling gear, jerseys, cycling equipment, safety vehicle (large van/trailer) c. volunteers to publicize the event d. volunteers to organize a send-off event on Monument Circle on Sept. 24.
e. volunteers to spread the word about this event!
**All donations are tax deductible through Forkout.org. If interested, please contact Amanda Bocik at 317-695-3568 or ajbocik2gmail.com. Further information on the bike ride event can be found at www.ridefor146.org or www.love146.org.
3. If anyone is interested in financially or prayerfully supporting Laura's close friend Heather Blanch, who is serving an anti-trafficking non-profit in Cambodia, please email Laura at laura.pope@yahoo.com or uact.indy@yahoo.com.
4. We signed postcards to Senator Lugar asking for his support of CPCA. If you’d like to sign postcards or work on further legislative issues, please contact Sarah at pastorsarah@friedensucc.org or 317-881-6779 or 317-709-5857.
5. We continued to work on fundraisers and awareness events. If you have questions about these opportunities please see below or feel free contact us.
Thank you,
Laura and Sarah
Action Areas:
1) Summer/Fall 2010 Fundraising Event
Task: brainstorm and organize an outdoor fundraising event to benefit Pearl Alliance
Points to Discuss: bands/singers/dancers to perform (could be local), possible outdoor venues (downtown Indy preferable), marketing ideas, sponsor/donor ideas, fair trade vendors at the event
2) Freedom Scarves – We found out that you don’t have to use the looms if you know how to knit.
Task: knit scarves to raise funds for NFS
marketing/sales ideas
*Info about Freedom Scarves:
1. Freedom Scarf tags: http://www.flickr.com/photos/intocollidingentropy/sets/72157622429608580/
2. brands of yarn: Red Heart Light and Lofty (for adults), Red Heart Baby Clouds (for kids), can be
purchased at JoAnn Fabric's or online at herrschners.com
3. novelty yarns (to be mixed in w/base yarns above, if you wish):
http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?pid=95446,
http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?pid=95409,
http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?sku=711506P&qid=
4. looms: http://cottagemagpie.com/imgc/easy-loom-knitted-scarf-1.jpg, can be purchased at JoAnn Fabric's or Wal-Mart for $5-$9.
5. The typical child sized scarf is 2 1/2 inches wide and 4 to 5 feet long, depending on the age of the
child. They sell for $10.00. Teen and adult scarves can be made either 4 ($10) or 5 inches ($12) wide
(or even 2 1/2, for those who like thin scarves) and are 5 1/2 to 6 feet long (depending on the skein of
yarn).
6. instructional knitting videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pPIT9Us7ZE&feature=related,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgLYwCgF63E&NR=1
3) Ground Initiative
Task: create business-size info cards to leave in doctors' office bathrooms, etc. that inform victims of their rights and options for help
Points to Discuss: possible distribution locations, available community resources for victims, hotline info, other info to include on card
(Coasters to bars)
4) Julian Center Domestic Trafficking Volunteer Training
Task: review existing volunteer training programs and then assemble our own to serve domestic trafficking victims housed at the Julian Center (or elsewhere, in the future)
Points to Discuss: helpfulness of completing OVCTTAC Sexual Assault Advocate/Counselor Training (more info found at ovcttac.gov/saact/index.cfm)
*Please review the following org's existing training programs:
1. misssey.org
2. sharedhope.org
3. love146.org
4. free-international.org
5) Advocacy
Task: research current legislation that relates to human trafficking
Points to Discuss:
1) What are our best sources for information about current legislation?
2) Which state and federal representatives should be contacted?
*Child Protection Compact Act
*TVPA
Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act (S 2925)
Funding for several authorized programs related to child labor, forced labor, human trafficking and slavery in the FY 2011 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation Bill
*International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA)
Letters to the editor
6) Film Screenings/book groups
Task: raise awareness about human trafficking and efforts to abolish it by providing film screenings/book groups
Points to Discuss:
1) Compile lists of places to show films or discuss books
2) Design system to keep track of places that have been contacted and responses given
3) Continue to add to list of films and books
4) What social media tools might be available to assist with making connections and promoting our availability to do film screening and lead book groups
7) Contact database
Task: develop method of keeping track of contact information for names of leaders/organizations that we have partnered with, groups we’ve been in touch with about speaking engagements, groups with projects that we have helped with, ect….
8) If you are interested in becoming a Stop Child Trafficking Now Ambassador, please contact Laura Pope.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)