TRAFFICKING IN AMERICA CONFERENCE

Article 5-14 in The City Paper, Nashville, TN

I was asked a question not long ago, and at first, drew a blank, primarily because my immediate thought was, ‘Why would you even have to ask?’ I gave what I thought was a pretty good answer, you know, the normal politically correct answer, “Because you need to become educated so you can help stop it.” The question haunted me and I saw that my answer was very “stereotypical” to say the least. That’s the obvious. Everyone needs to be educated. The question was now questioning me. Why would anyone want to take 3 to 4 days out of their life, spend money for travel, lodging, and registration, to sit and listen to speakers talk about an issue that most can’t even fathom (or can’t accept) happens at all?

This is not your normal pep rally type conference. It is not a warm and fuzzy topic, it will not make you rich, it will not send you away thinking your life will get better and your self esteem will be enhanced. It is not any of those things. It is quite the opposite. You’ll most likely lose a part of your life by attending. That part that keeps you from reaching beyond your own self-interests. The 2012 Trafficking in America Conference is not something we necessarily enjoy doing, although meeting wonderful people from across this nation does bring extreme joy! Quite frankly, I wish we didn’t have to do it.

While pondering the answer to the above, I recalled last year when I was in the midst of planning our first conference, someone asked me the question, “What made you decide to do a conference?” With the same reaction I had above, my initial thought was not the best. I don’t know why I do that, but I do  — I suppose I’m just in awe that people are not moved when they hear that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys are molested before they are 18 and that girls and boys are forced into unimaginable scenarios and raped as high as 30 times a day in some cases — in America. Needless to say, that question also questioned me back to search for deeper reality and be bold enough to speak it. So, now I am going to answer both questions: 1) What made me decide to hold a national conference, and 2) Why should you attend?

I think America is an amazing country. People are amazing creatures. The root purpose that pushes me upward in my walk on this planet is grounded in the reality that we are all created in the image and likeness of God, yet we, those who claim Christ as their deliverer, are not acting like it. And, over the past decade I have seen an America (many aspects regarding the culture of our country) decline into a mindset that I don’t necessarily like at the present moment. We have made a place for and given permission to our citizens to stoop to a place that not many years ago would be challenged without fear of consequence or reprisal. Hence, we are seeing the fruit of those seeds.

The good news is that once a seed is planted in the ground, as it grows, it also forces the garbage to the surface of the ground. Human trafficking is some of that fruit. So, in light of that truth, what we may be experiencing is a resurgence of purity and a return to who we really are as a people. And, we have a chance today to be a part of something much greater than ourselves. IF — and that is a big IF — we catch the vision before us. That vision is to search for the understanding of what got us here to begin with. We need the courage to reach outside of ourselves and come out of a broken system that divides us. We need the endurance to stand with those whose lives have been broken as a result of this culture, advanced with greed and self interest as the vehicles by which that highway has been built.

So, my answer to the questions — Why am I conducting the conference? Because my life and who I am are directing it. That simple. Why should you attend? Because I believe you are larger than life, stronger than all of the challenges, and have a part to play in changing the direction on this country, and that leads to yet a third question we need to answer — What does a conference on human trafficking have to do with changing the direction of our country? I counter it with other questions — Why do we think so lowly of ourselves?  Why is over 50% the church addicted to pornography? Why are young girl so desperate for attention and love that they post their lurid photos on websites in order to attract men? Why are business men taking trips overseas and paying thousands of dollars to have sex with children? When the “WHY” is answered honestly (and I don’t mean the standard answer that it’s as simple as the sin nature and we go about our merry way), lives will be changes and human trafficking will stop, then America will change, and the lives of your children and grandchildren will change. I hope you are as sick at heart regarding all of this as I am — I do hope you will join us.

Since the TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigations) completed their study to reveal exactly what the state is experiencing regarding sex trafficking, citizens ears perk up when they hear of the 4,000 cases in the previous 24 months. NGO’s (non government organizations) now have ammunition to back up their claims when conducting education and awareness meetings. Statistics are necessary and, while boring, are a valuable part of bring the reality of any issue to light. Yet all the statistics in the world will not profit us if we do not make fundamental changes sin our culture.

This has changed my way of presenting awareness meetings on human trafficking. On March 28, 2012 I had the honor of presenting a forum at the Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare in Cool Springs, TN and the audience was amazing. It’s finally registering with attendees at conferences and other meetings on human trafficking awareness that we must do something different in America if we are going to make a real impact in the lives of our youth. During the 90 minute presentation, there were more questions than most likely my former 10 presentations combined. Social workers have a special heart to make life better for those they serve. Some amazing suggestions came forth from this audience and, even though some we have been implementing, an eagerness to help advance the thinking processes of our youth to avoid our cultures acceptance of sex as a business and an accepted lifestyle rather than a gift to be valued was seen.

The most challenging aspect of affecting cultural change is that of self worth. Questions as to what has caused an entire generation of young people to feel the need to advertise themselves on social media sites are emerging. Real solutions are being sought. If we can address that and bring a decline in the number of girls wanting to advertise themselves on the internet, then we have addressed a huge part of the supply side of sex trafficking.

While the almost unbelievable proof shows that demand (the millions of men who are buying sex) is growing, we must address it with compassion and wisdom. And, getting to that root will aid in a dramatic reduction of sex trafficked victims. I was given the name of yet another Pastor who was struggling with pornography addiction and seeking help.  We have engaged in research to document what we believe to be an even rise in sex crimes with the explosive growth of pornography (from the inception of Playboy in 1953), not only in magazine and internet form, but in our own entertainment industry as well. Hollywood films, lyrics to songs, strip clubs, etc. We must join together to bring an end to what some say is protected as a right under our constitution — if killing someone with a weapon is illegal then so should pornography be – it kills the soul and destroys lives.

Thank you social workers everywhere who are stepping up to the plate to make a difference. You are a valuable aspect to our human family and we value what you do. Your voice matters. I leave with everyone this question: How are you affecting cultural change in your circle of influence that will stop sex trafficking and such horrific abuse?

TIA Now TV show on the 2012 Conference

For those wanting to attend the 2012 Conference, take some time this evening to watch the new Trafficking In America NOW telelvision program seen on Comcast channel 19 on Monday’s at 12:00 midnight; Fridays 11:30 pm; and Saturdays 9:oo pm. This year’s Conference will not only be educational, but it will bring you inspiration from survivors and citizens alike who are working towards preventing more victims of human trafficking and rescuing those trapped in this terrible crime.

Then, after you have finished watching, brouse this site to get all of the details and then take time to register. Early-bird registration of $99.00 is good until April 15, 2012.

We are looking forward to hosting you at the 2012 Trafficking In America Conference where together we can work across this country with a determination to end human trafficking and modern day slavery of people once and for all.

Many people have told me that they do not believe we can ever put an end to human trafficking. Some have been more hopeful in that it could occur in the next generation — after the baby-boomers have gone. I believe it can happen BEFORE those enlightened, compassionate, activists leave this earth. How, you might ask, for those who are less optimistic and tend to lean on the old adage that people don’t change? The answer lies in another old adage: one soul lights the candle of another and if everyone lights some one else’s candle, eventually, everyone’s candle is lit. Ending human trafficking is the same principle, and for those who choose to believe it, it will happen.

The “I Promise To Do My Part Campaign” initiated last fall is one of those “candle lighting” scenario’s. If everyone promises to take the I Promise Pledge then eventually, we will see a generation loving up to a level where people do not want to harm one another — hence no more human trafficking — no more slavery of mankind. SO, if you want to join us in putting an end to inhumanity to man, in whatever form that looks like to you, in the privacy of your own reading space, take the pledge. When you take it, say it out loud, say it with meaning and purpose, and then strive to touch the people in your world.

My favorite scene in our movie, A Dance For Bethany, is when Bethany rushes out of a date with Eric (her dance instructor) because she simply feels she can’t make the transition out of abuse into wholeness — she hasn’t reached that place of understanding her true worth as a creation of God. After all, she’s been a victim of sex trafficking for 6 years. Nonetheless, the scene is powerful and moving. Sarah is making an attempt at helping her understand. In the midst of that attempt, Bethany throws the hot steamy tea that Sarah  has prepared for her onto the ground and declares, “Stop it. Just stop it. I don’t fit in your world, or Abbey’s, much less Eric’s.” Sarah replies, “Last I checked we all live in the same world.” Bethany doesn’t buy it. “I’m not worth fake pearls much less real ones.” Holding up a strand of pearls in front of Sarah’s face, she continues, “He gave me these tonight. Did you know that?” Sarah then holds Bethany’s sweet face in her hands and replies, “Sugar plumb, you ARE a real pearl.”

If we could all understand that beneath the surface of our wounds and heartaches lie a real pearl, we would then understand our neighbor, and we could end the hard world of slavery in whatever form it reveals itself to us. Take the pledge — do your part — you ARE a pearl!

I Promise to do my part to educate myself on the issue of human trafficking in my state; to encourage and motivate my peers to become involved in educating themselves; to live with integrity, truth, respect, and humility as my guiding principles in my relationships; and to be a part of the solution rather than the problem. I am an Ambassador of a new generation and I am up for the challenge.

Last week I watched a movie about a woman who, in the face of the worst possible outcome – death, persevered in order to stand for what she believed in — and she didn’t die. If you’re like me, you dream of being so courageous; you wonder if you have what it takes to really stand in the face of adversity. At various times throughout my life that question has entered my being, taken a seat in the room of my soul where no one dares to tread, and challenged me to answer it. Without words, I’ve only been able to imagine what it would be like to be so immersed in purpose that nothing would be able to shake my resolve. That woman in the movie challenged me again and I realized she had something beyond courage, something that caused her to transcend mere strength of cause.

For days, some of the scenes in the film would pop in and out of my mind, like a child playing hide and seek and challenging the seeker to find him. Even now I ponder how easy it is in America to stand up for something when we first begin to fight for a cause. We may have others talk about us or even lie about us but we are certainly not in any danger — like the woman in the movie — and we certainly don’t know what it is like to really lay our lives down for someone else without fear of reprisal as in the days of old. Yet these scenes haunt me.

Slowly, the reality of what the woman possessed, that few of us will ever experience, revealed itself to me: she loved in deed and not in word; she was dead to herself and alive unto others; she did for others what she would have wanted someone to do for her — she loved like Christ said to love. She loved her neighbor as herself. She was her brother’s (sister’s) keeper at all cost. And that is the valor of old that we so desperately need in our culture today. That is what we are missing in our works of service to humanity. We do seem to have some courage but we may not necessarily posses the stronger — that “something” that causes real change –valor.

And then I go to that room in my soul where no one dares to tread, close the door, ponder a while, and pray, “Father God . . . . . . . ” He knows what I prayed.

Just 4 nights ago, the entire world did one of two things: either stayed up past their bedtime  in order to be a part of ushering in a new year or went to bed as usual without giving the annual event a second thought. Since we are in the central time zone my husband and I participated in the Times Square event via the large idol that is secured above the fireplace. He went on to bed immediately afterwards while I stayed up and flipped to other channels to see more of the festivities around the world. After so many years of going around this mountain one would think we’d get tired of it — but the fireworks and the nostalgia never get old to me — at least not yet.

Yet there is something deeper connected to moving us from that 10 second count down out of the old and into the new –something that drives all of us — like shedding a snake skin, or becoming the butterfly that oozes out of its cocoon. It’s that thing deep within us that causes us to move ahead and launches us into the unknown, that is, if we posses it. It’s called HOPE. With it we can move mountains — and without it we die in the cocoon. We don’t even have faith without it, we can’t love without it, and we can’t really live without it.

I think that one of the reasons that the faith and prosperity movement in modern day Christianity took off like the New Year’s Eve fireworks is that the teachers dangled something tangible in front of their congregations, yet over the years, those tangibles, if not attained, gave way to a loss of faith and more over, a loss of hope. I believe many of them failed to give us the truth about faith, that it is not the tangibles that we are to have faith for, rather the substance of life –  “Now faith is the SUBSTANCE of things HOPED for, the evidence of things not seen.” It’s not hoping for things we see, it’s hoping for things we can’t see — character and integrity, good relationships built out of love and not insecurity and neediness, communicating without hatred and anger, wisdom to make right choices, peace of mind rather than confusion, the experience of joy rather than sadness, and most of all the real experience of acceptance by others — validation that we are valuable. I believe it is the hope that lives in the depths of our hearts that prods us to want to be whole, and if that dream is not realized we begin to lose hope. We are born whole and our sub-conscience needs us to be whole to connect with the rest of mankind.

So when the 12 month cycle comes to it’s end, we tend to want to evaluate our lives in every realm even if we don’t realize we are doing it. When we have hope, because our faith has given us reason to hope, we move forward with expectation. When we have faith in the wrong things, in time, that faith gives way and we lose all hope. The fireworks cease to exist, the vision of a better day has vanished, and we go to bed early — not giving  it a second thought.

Hope, that invisible something that keeps us alive, has the power to effect nations. It is my hope that in 2012 the men and women who have that power readily available to them (because they have seen the results of it) will rise up and join forces to bring about real cultural change in America — not through laws of do’s and don’t's but through real heart change where no law is necessary because no one harms another. It is my hope because I have seen it before — so I can envision it again. Welcome 2012! Hope is on the way.

Affecting the American Culture to Stop Supply and Demand

As an infant organization of less than six months, we are taking time to evaluate the baby steps we have made this year (our legs are still a bit wobbly, but we are standing), primarily our vision. Beginning a non-profit has been scary but it the goal set before us that has taken some of the fear away. I’ve been asked on numerous occasions, “What made you decide to do what you are doing?” I always find that question a bit humorous and sometimes reply, “What made you decide to do what you are doing?” We all become ignited by the Spirit of God to pursue his will for our lives and that is really the answer – we’re simply attempting to follow our hearts as inspired by our maker. But in reality, the answer that most want to hear is this – The first time I learned of human trafficking in America was in 2004 and when I heard of it via a television talk show, my heart broke in two. I knew it would be a journey and my life would never be the same. That was the beginning. My husband and I have worked for 8 years educating through various means, and this year it was time to take it to a new level.

And so while educating is important, we felt that it is simply only the beginning of working to end human trafficking in America. Even rescue and restoration, as important as it is, is only a bandage and will not stop trafficking of humanity. Until we change our culture we will not end it. That mindset became our vision . . . and . . . the

 Trafficking In America Task Force is Birthed

After such a successful TIA Conference in June of this year we felt to go ahead and form our non-profit to enable us to continue moving forward. After tossing around numerous possibilities in search of the correct name of the organization we decided on the TASK FORCE since we felt that it fit with the vision that we had of working across the country to end human trafficking. We went to work, formed our board of directors and wrote our vision and mission statements.

Before we had a chance to lay our foundation, immediately we began to receive requests from people across the nation wanting to be a part of what we are doing. We formed a volunteer group that meets regularly to discuss our projects and programs and work to bring them to pass; introduced our social media on facebook and twitter, and continue to educate ourselves. It’s a real team effort.

Empower Me Literacy Program

Another aspect of the 2011 conference was asking attendees to tell us what programs they want to see us implement. After reviewing all of the comments we created a list of the top 12 ideas and published it waiting for volunteers to come forth and take charge. The first official TIATF Program created is being designed to bring healing and restoration to victims of human trafficking. Latamera Woodley, of DHS and the Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare responded within a day of the list being published and now, the Empower Me Literacy Program is being written with the goal of having it completed by early 2012. A pilot program will be conducted with Hope House in Asheville, NC so we can monitor the effectiveness of the program before we make it available to other safe houses.
I Promise To Do My Part Campaign for Youth

We believe that we need to start with those who are at risk and make an attempt at helping them to understand their culture and the issues that surround them regarding human trafficking. If we can affect our youth, we can dry up the supply. This campaign will have a State Ambassador from the youth population working to recruit and inspire those in their schools to take the “I Promise To Do My Part” pledge (seen on the T-shirt above). The program was launched in November with the State Awareness Week.

Trafficking In America NOW

To meet our mission of bringing awareness we implemented a weekly television program, Trafficking In America Now is being produced by Marion Williams (Producer of the feature film, A Dance For Bethany). The first 5 programs have been filmed and edited (4 additional being edited) waiting to be launched through NECAT Channel 19 on Comcast Cable. Some of the first guests include Steve Siler on pornography; Bryan Thomas, his story as a survivor of sexual abuse as a child; and Kathy Hines, former Detective Detroit PD.

Human Trafficking Awareness Week in TN Proclaimed by Governor Haslam

One of the attendees at the conference contacted me in July and asked, “If you could meet with First Lady Haslam what would you say to her?” That opened the door for me to accompany Delores Johnson from Memphis and Kim Benson (A Bridge of Hope – also Memphis) to a meeting at the First Lady’s office to talk about human trafficking. At that meeting we were asked what we wanted from the Governor’s office and I can still hear myself say, “I’d like to see the Governor proclaim Human Trafficking Awareness Week in TN Schools.” Having a desire to reach our youth since learning of human trafficking in America, this would be an ideal opportunity to begin that push. Several weeks later I received a call from the Governor’s office asking me to submit the proclamation with instructions about how to do so. I quickly went to work writing it and submitted the document for the Governor’s review. On September 27th, he indeed signed the first ever Human Trafficking Awareness Week to include the entire state of TN. This event is now being submitted in the form of a Resolution to become an annual monthly event in TN. And, to date, 13 other states are taking our lead and have submitted the proclamation to their Governor’s. Wisconsin’s Governor Scott Walker has already signed their proclamation and we are working with our WI Team to get their awareness month off the ground.

PSA and Training

As another means of bringing awareness, a simple Public Service Announcement was created and sent to Pastors, Civic Organizations, Non-government organizations, School Teachers, and many others across the State and throughout the Nation. We accepted speaking opportunities at over 30 churches, schools, organizations, and other venues to educate about the who, what, where, why, and when of human trafficking. And, in that process we have discovered a hunger for the general population to know more . . . finally! And now we are coming full circle to what launched us out there in this manner.

Plans for 2012 TIA Conference are Well Underway

Nashville, TN will be host for the 2nd annual Trafficking In America Conference to be held Thursday thru Saturday, May 24 to 26, 2012. With the success of the 2011 event, planners are working to honor the desires of attendee’s remarks on the evaluation forms. One of the repeated requests included break-out sessions with forums covering a broader slate of topics.

Some of the forum topics include: Human Trafficking 101; Hollywood’s Impact on HT; For Girls Only (under 18); For Boys Only (under 18); For Men Only; For Women Only; Video from a sex offender discussing “The Criminal Mind”; and others. There will be a Meet and Greet on the opening night and an Awards Banquet with full meal to close the 3-day Conference. Registration is now open.