Anyone can join in the fight against human trafficking. Human trafficking is defined as specified acts taken to exploit another person through “prostitution . . . or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.” [1]
With a total global market value of 32 billion US dollars [2], illicit human trafficking ranks as the world’s third most profitable crime after illicit drug and arms trafficking. It is a global epidemic that rears its ugly head right in our back yard.
Rahab’s Daughters focuses on preventing and halting sex trafficking right here in Illinois. Yes, it happens here, and yes, it happens young: the average age a victim is first trafficked is 14. Two recent rescues include an Evanston girl trafficked at 13; the other, trafficked at 18 and eventually transported across state lines to a Chicago brothel.
As a business, nonprofit, member organization, church, staff or other organized group, your combined efforts become so much more than the sum of individual parts. The same way a team of Belgian horses – any one of which can pull 8,000 lbs on its own – pulls 3-4 times as much in tandem, we too can hugely amplify our efforts by fighting as a team.
Here are 10 ways your business or organization can help put an end to human trafficking: [3]
1. Learn more. Schedule a training on human trafficking.
It’s tough to contribute to a cause when it remains shrouded in mystery and misconception. Learn more about trafficking as well as how to identify a potential trafficking victim. Request an introductory talk or training for your organization here.
We provide human trafficking awareness education to any interested party, especially:
BusinessesEmergency Room Staff & First Responders Healthcare Professionals & Hospitals Law Enforcement Educators & Schools Community Groups Sports Teams Parents Hotels, Airlines & others in Travel/Hospitality Executives & Sales Teams Federal Employees Social Workers Individuals Networking Groups
2. Report suspicious activity.
If you believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, report your suspicions to law enforcement by calling 911, our 24-hour hotline at 1-224-333-0911, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. All trafficking victims are eligible for services.
3. Volunteer with Rahab’s Daughters.
We gratefully welcome volunteers! We have needs for regular volunteers as well as event-driven opportunities.
Ongoing roles include administrative staff, advocates, thrift store team, and volunteers for the rescue-rehabilitation-reintegration process.
Short-term volunteer opportunities occur throughout the year, from our gala benefit to our annual Superbowl trip. (The Superbowl attracts a spike in trafficking, so we lead a targeted outreach team). Apply to volunteer here.
4. Ask about – or implement – employer-paid or organization-sponsored volunteer days.
Some businesses partner with nonprofits and give back to the community by paying their employees for a specified number of days for volunteer work. Check with your employer, or initiate such a program at your company. Other organizations simply lead volunteer campaigns, or informally get together for a team volunteer effort. Apply to volunteer here.
5. Organize a safehouse supply drive.
We manage and staff 3 safehouses, with plans to add a 4th within the next year that would include shelter for the nearly 50% of trafficking survivors who are male. Items needed on a regular basis include:
- These storage containers
- New or very gently used sheets, comforters, pillows for 3 Queen, 2 Full, and 4 Twin beds
- Bath, hand and face towels
- Toiletries such as razors, feminine supplies, dental floss, deodorant/anti-perspirant, and bath gel (small individual sizes).
We also currently need the following for a newborn baby in our care:
Enfamil (yellow or newborn green)Baby socks and shoesDiapers (size 1)Baby wipesClothing 0-3 months and 3-6 monthsBottles / bottle cleaners (Gerber size 1 nipple)
6. Become a corporate sponsor.
Sponsorships take many forms—and are not just for corporations! Your organization can sponsor an upcoming event or fundraising drive, host a public presentation, cover or contribute to ongoing or one-time expenses, or donate a portion of your proceeds from the sales of certain products or services. A local Melaleuca representative donates 5% of her sales to Rahab’s Daughters. The Barrington chapter of the Dynamic Professional Women’s Network sponsored a table at our recent gala event, with two members also serving as vendors. Contact us to learn about upcoming sponsorship opportunities.
7. Donated services, expertise or resources.
Does your organization or business provide services or resources that we need?
Handymen and construction firms can help repair and maintain our safehouses.Attorneys can offer trafficking victims legal services, including support for those seeking benefits, protection, or expungement of coerced criminal activity—as well as support our organization’s day-to-day operations.Businesses can provide jobs, internships, skills training, and other opportunities to survivors.Schools and universities can help provide GED and vocational training.Health care providers can learn how to identify the indicators of human trafficking and assist victims, and with our help, extend low-cost or free services to human trafficking survivors.Marketers and writers can help, too. This blog is brought to you by donated services.
Apply to offer your organization’s skills, expertise, services or resources here.
8. Host a fundraising drive.
Invite your organization’s employees or members to donate. Incentivize employee or member participation by setting an organizational goal, and/or offering matching donations. Kick off the drive with an event; we’re happy to send presenters to introduce our organization, educate your people on human trafficking, and demonstrate just how far their donations go to not only rescue, rehabilitate and reintegrate survivors, but educate and prevent trafficking in the first place. Contact us for guidelines and materials.
9. Sponsor a recurring giving program.
One-time donations are so very wonderful and we appreciate every single one. And, one of the challenges of managing a nonprofit is consistent, reliable funding. As a faith-based organization, we are not state-funded, and so rely on private donors, grants and volunteers. Recurring donations help to solve that challenge, and provide a stable base upon which to continue offering our services. Set up recurring donations here.
10. Host a fundraising event.
Contact us to let us know what you’re planning and we are happy to support with speakers, presentations and marketing. We will post the event on our website, as well as share it with our community and list. Funds raised can be donated here.
[1] Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, Supplementing the U.N. Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2000.
[2] Human Trafficking in Illinois Fact Sheet, University of Illinois at Chicago.
[3] Inspired by the U.S. Department of State’s 15 Ways You Can Help Fight Human Trafficking, https://www.state.gov/j/tip/id/help/.