Human Trafficking: A21 Campaign

 I have had a heart for helping others my whole life.  I have had a heart for helping children in Eastern Europe since early high school.  I befriended two new kids to our school who confided in me that when they were very young, they were adopted from Albania.  I had no idea where Albania was.  I researched it and found that it was in Eastern Europe.  I looked up adoption in Eastern Europe and I was stunned to find how big of a problem orphanages were over there.  There are so many children who don't have homes--who will never have homes.  Also, when these children phase out of the orphanages, they have no support system.  Many of the girls are pushed into prostitution/slavery and many of the boys join gangs and turn to drugs.  I have decided that it is my dream to help as much as I can to prevent the terrible conditions that these children have to deal with.

I'll admit it, I get angry thinking about the fact that there are people who take children and adults into slavery, often of a sexual manner.  I feel a sense of urgency about this--like I want to hop on a plane and beat up whoever is doing this to these people, but I am unable to go 'beat up' everyone who is doing this.  I try not to think about it too much because it makes me really upset, but it's hard not to think about it when it weighs heavy on your heart. 

Enough about that, I found out about this organization a few months ago.  I was immediately drawn to it.  They have an amazing web site and they break down 21 ways that you can become involved.  The A21 Campaign recognizes a significant need in the regions of Europe.  You can become an abolitionist (to help end slavery) and encourage others to become involved.  You can host an event in your hometown and raise awareness.  You can donate what you have, including your time to raise awareness of this issue.

The goal of A21 Campain is to:

• Prevent people from being trafficked
• Protect and support those who have been trafficked
• Prosecute traffickers, and strengthen legal responses to trafficking
• Partner with law enforcement, service providers and community members to provide a comprehensive front against trafficking

They need my help to do this. They need your help.

I encourage you to check out their web site.  You will be blown away by how amazing this organization is.  Yes, it is faith-based, and I am especially drawn to that because I am a Christian.  However, even if you are not a Christian, you can respect all they are doing to end human trafficking.

http://www.thea21campaign.org/

www.thea21campaign.org