Every so often, media attention creates a new wave of interest around human trafficking. We at Allies have been in this work long enough to see it happen many times. It’s wonderful and important for communities to see human trafficking as a critical issue to address, and the energy that comes from these swells of awareness have the potential to make a real difference.

It’s understandable that the typical response to learning about the exploitation of humans, and children in particular, quickly jumps to “Let’s rescue all these children and lock up the bad guys!” Many people care deeply that this injustice is occurring both overseas and in our local communities, and rightly so! Humans made in God’s image should not be exploited and sold. It is a subject that almost all of us can agree on, no matter your politics, ethnicity, religion or gender. We all want justice for the oppressed, and the good news is, we all can play a part. It can be frustrating and even a bit deflating, then, when we ask “what can I do to help?” and anti-trafficking groups typically answer with “learn more” and “donate.” 

The truth is, the issue of human trafficking is incredibly complex, and is certainly not black and white. Survivors and those who have dedicated their careers to working in the field will tell you that there are many many layers to this issue, and the path from exploitation to freedom is not straightforward. Over the past decade, there has been significant improvement in the systems at play and services available for survivors, however, there is still much work to do (and YOU can be a part of that work!).

Bottom line is, for the vast majority of direct anti-trafficking work, the survivors and professionals involved need to lead the way and carry most of the responsibility. When you donate to existing anti-trafficking organizations, locally and globally, you are increasing their capacity to lead change, strengthen systems and care for & walk alongside survivors on their journey forward in healthy and sustainable ways. This is significant, and many of these organizations depend on donations from people like you! 

Paired closely with making a donation is education. When community members take the time to learn about the realities of both local and global human trafficking from trusted sources and take helpful action steps, our communities become safer places for our children and those vulnerable to trafficking. It truly takes a village, and again, those on the front lines depend on people like you to partner with them in this way.

That makes sense, but there MUST be more we can do than educate ourselves and give money to existing organizations, right? 

Actually, yes. But, it might look different than what you think. To really make a dent in the issue of trafficking here at home, the most important thing communities can do is get ahead of the problem. Here are some tangible ways to engage in prevention of human trafficking locally that make a direct impact on the issue. 

• • Get involved with the youth at your local schools. When a child has even one trusted adult in their lives that truly cares for them, their chances of being taken advantage of by a trafficker or perpetrator decreases. Become a tutor, become a mentor at a school or local agency, be a caring and dependable neighbor, aunt or uncle, invest in the kids around you. Be curious, be open, be a non-judgmental listener, be a resource. When we all take this responsibility seriously, our children will be safe from trafficking. 
  • Support a homeless shelter or donate to a food bank. When we care for the most vulnerable in our community, we are directly caring for those most at risk for trafficking. Local shelters and food banks are always taking donations, and often have ways to volunteer your time. 

• Become a trusted resource. We live in a time where news travels fast, videos go viral in moments, and stories spread globally in an instant. With so much information at our fingertips and a plethora of movies, podcasts, and websites sharing stories with us every day, we must be more diligent than ever to think critically about what we read and share. Take a look at our list of trusted sources to learn more about the issue. Allies is a resource for education as well, from community trainings to our podcast and other resources.
• Do your part in increasing online safety. The internet can be a wonderful yet scary place. Not only do we have a responsibility to engage appropriately ourselves, but we can help those around us understand the risks and be safe when they are online. There are numerous resources out there on internet safety for kids, parents and caregivers. Trafficking and other kinds of exploitation thrive online when unchecked. You can decrease the opportunities for predators to reach youth by being proactive!
• Become a foster parent, or be a support to current foster parents. A significant number of survivors of trafficking we work with touch the foster care system. Youth in foster care are particularly vulnerable to trafficking. When you can help provide a safe and loving home environment for a youth in foster care, you are decreasing the chance they will be exploited or traumatized again.
• Serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) or Guardian ad Litem (GAL). These critical roles are filled by trained volunteers and are appointed by a judicial officer to provide advocacy for a child who is under the jurisdiction of the courts due to abuse or neglect. The CASA serves as the “eyes and ears” of the judge for children in foster care. Imagine the relief it must be for the youth to know that they can trust and rely on someone to advocate for them when they have no one else!
• Be aware of what you consume. Sometimes we are unaware that our actions have a direct impact on others. Focusing on fair trade and learning about the harms of fast fashion and unethical labor practices can help you empower people with your dollar instead of exploiting them. Understanding the connection between porn, the sex industry and trafficking helps us make personal choices that keep others safe from harm. 

Perhaps you’ve been learning and engaging in the issue for a while and you still desire to work directly with survivors in a more involved way. That’s great! We need more people who are willing to dedicate their time and careers to this issue. Here are a few ways to get started: 

• Put your expertise to good use by joining a board of directors for an anti-trafficking organization.
• Become a trained mentor at Allies or volunteer for another reputable organization. There are many volunteer needs that require a commitment, training and background checks. If you’re ready to dive in, this might be a good step for you!
• Consider getting a degree in nonprofit management, social work, fundraising or other related fields. Anti-trafficking organizations are always looking for qualified and passionate people to join their teams.

It takes us all to address the complex issue of human trafficking. The fact that you’re here and looking for a way to get involved in a meaningful way is a great start! If you’d like to connect with Allies to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. 

And, of course, your financial partnership is greatly appreciated. Become a monthly donor for Allies here.

“Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9