“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. - Nelson Mandela”
Ways to Learn More:
Start examining the issue in-depth. Our favorite introductory books are:
Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy by Kevin Bales
A Crime So Monstrous: Face-to-Face with Modern-Day Slavery by Benjamin Skinner
Understanding Global Slavery by Kevin Bales
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
Find one that interests you, and sit down for a couple of hours. After watching, select another one - one that describes the issue in a different way, and begin to learn more about the complexity of the problem and the many solutions being developed.
You can search our Antislavery Directory to find organizations in your area. If you are a university student, check out your student organizations. If there isn't an anti-trafficking organization on your campus, start one. Many professional associations and corporations are beginning committees and creating opportunities for their members and employees to get involved, so check out what's being done.
Whether at your church, business or organization, begin a library so others can start learning about the issue too. Books and DVDs are inexpensive ways to invite others to begin learning. Ask others to bring in their used materials once they're finished reading, so the library can continue growing.
Increase your understanding of the issue, and explore ways to get involved by attending a local training event. Check our Antislavery Directory, find your local organizations and sign up for free events and trainings.
Invite a group of people to learn more about human trafficking by getting them involved in a book club, film screening or potluck dinner. Our book and film resource list has excellent options to start the conversation. Model a dinner party after Dining for Women, a group of potluck-goers who get together once per month to try new recipes from various countries and discuss the injustices - such as trafficking - that occur there.
Advocating for corporate and public policies is necessary to building lasting solutions that will finally end the practice of slavery. Stay up to date with current legislation at the federal and state levels, and start paying attention to local responses and policies. When an important policy change is discussed, show your support and inform others of its importance. Write an op-ed in your local or state newspaper, hold a community forum and publicly endorse or criticize the policy.