Writing about the Underground Railroad on this blog last week was so much easier. Partly because I want to stick my head in the sand and pretend that nothing so horrible as enslaving others is still going on today. While the shackled may no longer be working the cotton, many are still forced into a lifestyle that is NOT of their own choosing. This is even true in Nebraska. (Thanks, Jen, for forcing me to recognize this fact even though I still really want to pretend that it does not exist!)
Sex Trafficking Haunts Nebraska Events
This compelling article from NET tells a story that I do not really want to read. As the two game elimination series happens at the College World Series tonight, for me it is all about a great baseball game. For others, it is not. Big profile events perpetuate crime opportunities. Even small towns can still hide evil.
Image from Wikimedia Commons
On my Sacred Line blog this morning, I wrote a bit about my own personal reflections and what I hope to do about this issue. Being only one small voice, I now want to point out organizations that are working so hard in our community to stop the horrific spread of modern day slavery. How we can make the biggest impact is by coming alongside others who are already aware of exactly what is going on and are taking the stops to stop the injustice. (A big thank you to Colleen for letting me know of several more groups that are making a difference!)
I’ve Got a Name This is the best site to learn about how this issue is impacting the Nebraska area. They have resources to help you get informed and then ways that you can get involved in fighting this issue that does affect us here at home.
Tiny Hands International (Headquartered in Lincoln – they fight slavery here and across the world)
Restore Innocence (While this group may be located in Colorado, they do provide support to victims in Nebraska)
Innocence Lost: Ending Child Prostitution (FBI site) – their office out of Omaha is working directly on cases that may happen in Nebraska
Nebraska University Students Against Modern-Day Slavery (NUSAMS)
“Freedom Change” (A smaller group of students also trying to make a difference)
International Justice Mission on Facebook an international organization that is making a difference around the world!
Love 146 While this organization is based out of Connecticut, I appreciate the work and education that they seem to be providing here and around the world. The below quote by their founder is the reason why I wrote this uncomfortable blog post and is why this issue is so important!
“Child trafficking isn’t just a cause full of mind-numbing stats. It’s about somebody’s son or daughter.” Rob Morris, Love 146 co-founder and president.
Another great resource http://sharedhope.org/
What a great site! Thanks for sharing it with us!