On June 23, 2011 at the ATEST-CNN forum on human trafficking, Ambassador Luis CdeBaca reminded those attending that just because it’s a new day doesn’t mean the old ways don’t work. The people who fought against legal slavery had good ideas. So, below are a couple of the old, a couple of the new, and a couple of sparks to inspire you to combat sex trafficking.
Old
Pamphlets
During the early anti-slavery movements, pamphlet distribution kept abolitionist printers busy to help spread awareness. In the Library of Congress’s African American Perspectives: Pamphlets from the Daniel A.P.Murray Collection, 1818-1907 there are at least 100 pamphlets on anti-slavery and in From Slavery to Freedom: The African-American Pamphlet Collection, 1824-1909 there are at least 78 pamphlets concerning anti-slavery.
Boycotts
The Free Produce Movement (1790s-1860s) was a boycott against slave-produced goods (mainly sugar and cotton) that birthed organizations and stores that produced and sold only non-slave labor goods. Although ethically produced goods did not became less expensive than slave-made goods, “estimates suggest some 300,000 people abandoned sugar, with sales dropping by a third to a half” (from BBC article Tools of the Abolitionists).
New
Flash Mob
Flash mobbing is when individuals socially coordinate, assemble in a public place, perform an unusual act and quickly disperse. This is an excellent way to spread awareness since it piques curiosity. Love146 held a dance flash mob called “Can You See Me?” in London. Professional performers volunteered their time to raise awareness about child sex trafficking.
Billboards
Sometimes billboards give us an unfortunate craving for a burger. There are times, though, when they give us important information. In response to the findings of the Washington Assessment on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, Shared Hope International launched the “Do You Know Lacy” national ad campaign. Starting in Washington, Shared Hope has put up billboards around Seattle to raise awareness about sex trafficking of American girls.
Sparks
Smartphone QR Code Readers
Today advertisers and companies use barcodes can be scanned to deliver deals and information to a smartphone. These codes could be advertised on the bus or in the subway to give readers additional information on the issue. What a great way to say a lot with just a few lines!
Click here for more ideas on how you can help fight against sex trafficking.
