In 2010, President Barack Obama declared January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. “I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the vital role we can play in ending modern slavery, and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.” In honor of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Sun Gate Foundation is asking various groups around the nation to stand with us on Monday, January 26, 2015 for an event called “Hope Rising.”
Human trafficking is an epidemic that is plaguing our nation with disregard to human life and dignity. Many of the stories we hear about human trafficking are disheartening, sad and lacking hope. Despite, these atrocities we hear about on a daily basis there is hope. Let us stand together knowing there is hope while being the light in this dark world of human trafficking.
“Hope Rising” is a symbol of hope and light for:
- Human trafficking victims and survivors
- For better laws or the use of existing laws
- For service providers and NGO’s addressing the issue of human trafficking
- For law enforcement to better fight human trafficking cases
- For legislators and our criminal justice system handling human trafficking cases
- For community members in playing their role in the fight against human trafficking
We have a long way to go and a lot of work to do in the fight against human trafficking. As we fight and work let us not forget to hopeful.
How does “Hope Rising” Work?
- Select an outdoor location to hold the event on January 26, 2015. (It is winter in some places and it will be cold but this is a challenge. Human trafficking victims endure torture under worst conditions.)
- Reach out to at least 5 people in your community/network to stand with you.
- Purchase your candles and sky-lanterns here.
- You can decide the order of your event. If you wish to stand in silence and then release the sky lanterns you can do so or you can have a short program speaking about human trafficking in your community.
- Each person in attendance will make a commitment to self on one step they will take towards the fight to end human trafficking.
- Use the hash tag #hoperising
- At the end of your program release the sky lanterns
- Don’t forget to take pictures and share them on the Sun Gate Facebook page.
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