Christmas is now behind us for another year, and new year is here. We as Defenders have assisted in making a huge impact in 2012. Many lives were saved, and many laws were passed to protect women and children in the US. This is incredible news.
To me, the new year is a time of hope and opportunity. This is a time where every person reflects on the past year, acknowledges that what is behind us has already happened, and that we have a new opportunity to bring new life and restoration. That’s why we have New Year’s Resolutions, right? New Year’s Resolutions show that the coming year is an opportunity to change; it’s a chance to make things different. New Year’s is a time of hope because the last year’s baggage is behind us, and we can move on with hope for difference and restoration.
As a fellow Defender, I’m excited for the next year. This last year was truly a great one when it comes to impact, but there is no reason why 2013 can’t be better. I have so many different ideas and hopes for the next year.
What if we are even more motivated than last year? What would happen if every man who has taken the pledge would seriously change his lifestyle so women and children are defended and the demand for commercial sex ceased to exist? What would happen if every man seriously took part 2 of the Defenders pledge seriously, and held their fellow men accountable?
For 2013, I picture a year where every Defender is an active one. I want every man to be committed to ending the demand for such a brutal industry. Men, we all know how brutal commercial sex can be. Why not take that brutality seriously, and truly follow the pledge you have taken? Hold your friends accountable. Take action. Abstain from commercial sex. At the Defenders office, we try to put together as many resources as we can to help each other out. Go to our Defenders Resource page, On this resources page, you’ll find information on the brutal commercial sex industry, you’ll find infographics, and you’ll even find a resource on how to start a Men’s Accountability Group. You’ll also find books, and lists of helpful organizations for you in your fight as a Defender.
So Defenders, this year I’m going to call you out. Together, let’s take 2013 seriously. Let us make it a year where Human Trafficking is ended because there is no demand for it. Share the pledge. Participate in community on our Facebook page. Hold your friends accountable. And most importantly, let your lifestyle end the demand.
New Years is a time of hope. It’s a time of reflection and a plan to change. This is my call to action. Take your identity as a Defender seriously. Together in 2013, we can bring about restoration and ultimately end demand.
