Human trafficking is present in every state and province the School Sisters of Notre Dame live and minister. This modern-day slavery comes in many forms, including forced labor, forced prostitution, debt bondage and forced marriage. And while human trafficking often occurs unseen by us, we can all play a part in eradicating human trafficking through prayer, education, advocacy, survivor services or financial support.
In recognition of January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, here is a list of action items to complete each week throughout the month. Thank you for doing your part to address human trafficking.
Every week, pray the SSND prayer for an end to human trafficking:
https://ssnd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/prayer_trafficking_2018.pdf
Week 1, January 1-7
Complete Polaris Project’s free online human trafficking 101 training to learn what human trafficking really is, how it happens, and how you can be part of the solution.
https://polarisproject.org/training/
Week 2, January 8-14
Read the U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking (USCSAHT) newsletter “Stop Trafficking!” SSND is a sponsor of USCSAHT, a collaborative, faith-based national network that offers education, supports access to survivor services, and engages in advocacy in an effort to eradicate modern-day slavery.
https://sistersagainsttrafficking.org/stop-trafficking-newsletter/
- January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. To raise awareness of human trafficking, everyone is encouraged to take photos of themselves, friends, family, and colleagues wearing blue clothing and share them on social media along with the #WearBlueDay hashtag. Learn more.
Week 3, January 15-21
School Sisters of Notre Dame have long been involved in efforts to end human trafficking. Read some examples of how SSND ministers to this important concern.
https://ssnd.org/fellow-travelers-along-the-road-of-life/
Week 4, January 22-28
Talitha Kum is an international network of consecrated life working to end human trafficking. Take time to explore their multiple resources, trainings and videos.
https://www.talithakum.info/en/resources
A particular concern in all School Sister of Notre Dame ministries is the establishment of a just society. SSND work to enable persons to reach the fullness of their potential and to create a global community where human dignity is respected, the environment is treasured and spirituality is nourished. Alert to rapidly evolving conditions in changing societies, we discern which world concerns we are called to address. We invite you to learn more about human trafficking and our other areas of concern at https://ssnd.org/shalom/areas-of-concern/.
To be connected with services and supports to get help and stay safe, report a tip about a potential case of human trafficking, or find service referrals for victims of trafficking, contact the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 (TTY:711), by texting “BeFree” (233733), or email. Services are available toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
