Every crisis makes people more vulnerable to labor and sex trafficking because of the disruptions to daily life – whether it is the loss of a home, job or access to health care or being unable to connect with support networks of friends and co-workers. These disruptions are especially devastating to those who are already vulnerable and hanging on financially. They become desperate for any way to earn money and survive.
As one trafficking survivor said recently, “Before COVID-19, we were ‘low-wage, low-skilled’ workers, but now, we are ‘essential.’”
However, this new label, “essential,” has not resulted in better pay or job security — quite the opposite, and this is where traffickers can enter the picture.
An ecumenical conference for the Big Bend faith community to address aspects of human trafficking and help formulate a response to this epidemic. The program includes speakers from the front lines in the fight against human trafficking, reflections from members of the faith community, a panel discussion on how the faith community can be involved, personal reflections from a survivor, and action plan development.
DetailsFood Chains sheds light on how Florida farmworkers are battling to defeat the $4 trillion global supermarket industry through their ingenious Fair Food program, which partners with growers and retailers to improve working conditions for farm laborers in the U.S. Their story is one of hope and promise for the triumph of morality over corporate greed. A panel of experts will follow the film featuring Dr. Mark McNease, founder of RedEye Coffee, Dr. Maria Pouncey from Panhandle Area Education Consortium (PAEC), Dr. Joseph Grzywacz and FSU Professor Terry Coonan from the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights.
DetailsThe “Imagining Freedom” Fundraiser and Dinner is a casual dining event to raise awareness about both labor and sex trafficking in the Big Bend. Food stations, coordinated by Susan Turner and Food Glorious Food, will feature dishes that are slavery-free and not part of food chains that include trafficked labor. Experts will provide insights and answer questions about trafficking in our area — and beyond – and will offer concrete ways guests can help victims of human trafficking.
DetailsAmyLynn Harrington Smoot, a survivor of child sex trafficking, will share her story. She will also discuss what can be done to help human trafficking survivors and end this horrific reality.
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