Ambassador Posts Archives - Page 2 of 6 - Shared Hope International

August 5, 2021 by Gunnar Simonsen

What if EVERY SCHOOL had an Ambassador of Hope?

As children across the country begin their transition back to school, Shared Hope offers many resources to help educate and equip schools to bring awareness to DMST (domestic minor sex trafficking).

When the pandemic hit, closing most schools and driving students online, we upped our focus to help further protect our kids online with our internet safety series. In this, regardless if students are attending their schools online or in person, Shared Hope is ready to meet them and their teachers where they are.

But, to do this, we need your help.

Connecting Resources To Needs: One Example

Recently, we received a report from one of Shared Hope’s Ambassadors of Hope on what they are doing to plant a seed with their school district in bringing our curriculum to their schools. If you ever wondered about what you can do to help make a difference in protecting our kids at school, here’s a glimpse of Ambassador’s Butch and Jean meeting with their local school board as well as a great example of what Shared Hope has to offer in resources for schools.

“My wife and I met with the School Board at our local school district this week. We had requested a month ago to be added to the agenda to talk about DMST and Shared Hope’s education tools we can offer to the district this coming school year.

The meeting went well with fifteen people in attendance. We only had a short time, so we made envelopes of Shared Hope International info for each of the 6 board members, the District Admin. and the new JR/HS Principal. This seemed to work well and they appreciated the ability to look over examples of what SHI has for resources. We also had our display poster board as an example titled “It is happening here” to help dispel the myth that we are isolated from DMST. The meeting went well and we were able to engage the school board to consider working HT into this coming year’s curriculum. We were quickly able to reference our flexibility to meet the need for awareness and prevention for students, staff, as well as parents.

I want to highlight that the letter to parents explaining what “Chosen” is and the talking points tip sheet with bullet points is a great resource to include in the info pkgs. I was able to reference that sometimes when parents hear that the school is considering having a presentation in their curriculum about Human and Sex Trafficking there may be anxiety and questions. We highlighted that the school could use this letter as a template to help parents understand what is being presented. We also included the bullets of what Chosen is and other helpful materials, such as the “How to Keep Kids Safe Online” booklet.

The new principal transferred from another school district where we have not yet been able to present. In being able to support him here, we feel it may have opened a door of opportunity to reach that northern district as well.

Overall a good evening and having the info packages was a really good way to give them more information when we only had a short time to speak on the agenda. Looking forward to the upcoming school year and the ability to be in the classroom with students again.”

What If?

Did you know that there are approximately 13,800 public school districts in the United States? These districts collectively educate approximately 55.2 million students. What if we could reach each one with the message of Shared Hope and the awareness that DMST is real and is happening there?

What Are Ambassadors Of Hope?

Ambassadors are trained volunteers, active in their communities preventing trafficking through education. Whether it is hosting a table at a local event, speaking to students, advocating online for a state bill, or leading a session for parents, Shared Hope equips you with all the training and tools you’ll need to educate your community and prevent sex trafficking.

Are you passionate about preventing sex trafficking in your community? We invite you to apply to become an Ambassador of Hope and make a difference in your hometown!

Like Butch and Jean, you too, can help make a difference. You can apply to become an Ambassador of Hope here.

What if every school in America had an Ambassador of Hope to help connect resources to needs and to further protect our children from DMST? What if that Ambassador of Hope was you?

May 7, 2021 by Guest

From the Field: Ambassadors at Work

As Ambassadors, we always hope that the seeds we plant will make a positive difference in some way. When we give a prevention and awareness event on DMST we highlight the signs to look for and the importance of saying something if you see something that does not seem right. We are sure to hand out the SHI Signs of Trafficking cards and explain the Human Trafficking hotlines that are staffed 24/7. We ask the audience to program the numbers into their cell phones.

During our events, we emphasize what Law Enforcement tells us when we ask, “How can we as a citizen best help you in dealing with possible DMST?” Their response is: “Be a good witness. Notice and record and remember the details of what you are seeing.” During our events, we are sure to encourage the audience to call 911 or local Law Enforcement if there appears a need for immediate response. However, we recognize that some people may not be comfortable for whatever reason or maybe in an unfamiliar location where they don’t know the number, so the Hotline Number is good to have programmed into their phone.

Yesterday we had a call from an attendee at one of our events and he recognized the signs and called the hotline number and then called us. He was able to give them valuable information about the type and color of the vehicle, the license tag number and details of what the people looked like and what they were doing. He was in a local Walmart parking lot and observed two older males putting a young girl who was crying into the back seat of a car that had blackened windows and it appeared she did not want to get in the car.

He called me to let us know that he just made the call. I thanked him for having good eyes and taking responsible action. Since the information warranted immediate action from local law enforcement, I followed up immediately with a call and made sure they were in the loop with the information that had been passed on to the national hotline. They had not received the information yet, so I gave them the number of the friend who had observed the incident and had the details.

They contacted him right away and were able to quickly determine that the license plate number was not a valid number, and they took action to view the parking lot video for additional details to follow up.

I did not want to assume that local Law Enforcement had this critical information, so the follow-up was the right course of action. My friend who had viewed the incident thanked us for helping him know what to look for and to be able to help.

We don’t know the final outcome but trust that the information and action made a difference and could have saved a young girl’s life.

May 6, 2021 by Guest

Pope Francis Appoints Survivor to Office to Protect Minors

On March 24, 2021, Pope Francis appointed Juan Carlos Cruz, a survivor of child sexual abuse, to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which was established in 2015 to formally address the scandal of sex abuse of minors within the Catholic church. Pope Francis is facing perhaps the greatest crisis of his papacy due to the new wave of sexual scandals that have emerged on his watch. The Pope’s appointment of Juan Carlos Cruz is a giant leap for change.

After The Boston Globe‘s 2002 coverage of the child sexual abuse scandal in the Boston archdiocese of the Catholic Church, U.S. bishops felt compelled to formulate a coordinated response. As the breadth and depth of the scandals became apparent in dioceses across the US, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), in June 2002, unanimously approved a Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (more commonly known as the Dallas Charter) that pledged that the Catholic Church in the U.S. would provide a “safe environment” for all children in Church-sponsored activities¹. To accomplish this, the U.S. bishops made a commitment to developing uniform procedures for handling sex-abuse allegations against lay teachers in Catholic schools, parish staff members, coaches, and other staff and volunteers who represent the Church to young people¹.

Pope Francis’ commitment to protecting children is evident in appointing Juan Carlos Cruz, elevating his voice as a survivor, lived-experience expert and member of the LGBTQ+ community. In a tweet, Juan Carlos Cruz stated, “I am very grateful to Pope Francis for trusting me with this appointment. I deeply appreciate it. This renews my commitment to continue working to end the scourge of abuse and for so many survivors who still do not have justice².” As we know within this movement, as quoted by the DOJ Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, “the survivor voice is vital in establishing effective anti-trafficking strategies that address prosecution, protection and prevention³.”

While these cases of child sexual abuse are not necessarily considered commercial sexual exploitation of youth (CSEY), evidence shows that child sexual abuse can lead to exploitation in adolescence and adulthood. According to the CDC, “females exposed to child sexual abuse are at a 2-13 times increased risk of sexual victimization in adulthood⁴.” The adverse childhood experience can also result in depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse, among others⁴.

There is evidence the U.S. Catholic church has cut down on the level of sex abuse since the Dallas Charter was implemented. According to Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate — an authoritative source for statistics on Catholicism in the U.S. — there have been fewer than 300 allegations of clerical sex abuse of minors occurring since 2005 until 2020, compared with more than 11,500 allegations of abuse occurring in the 1970s and 1980s (2018)². However, victims and victim advocates claim more must be done to reduce the number of cases and to make offenders accountable for their crimes.

We commend Pope Francis for appointing survivor leader, Juan Carlos Cruz, to this vital role in the fight to protect children and youth from sexual abuse and further exploitation.

Retrieved from:

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Dr. Kim Robinson taught at Midwestern State University for several years including in the Study Abroad Program in London, England for 5 summers. While working in a private psychiatric hospital, she worked on a military unit and specialized in PTSD. She then worked for all 4 branches of the military until May of 2019. She currently is a “train the trainer” and consultant for the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth for Child Sexual Abuse and Sex Trafficking. She has served as an ambassador for Shared Hope International for a year. She is now working for Ranch Hands Rescue, (RHR) a sanctuary for abused and neglected humans and animals, and where animal-assisted therapy is used when appropriate. RHR will open the first safe house for male victims of sex trafficking between the ages of 18 and 24 in May 2021.

December 15, 2020 by Guest

The Gifts that Give

As I reflect on the last year, I consider my journey that included cancer, COVID-19, kids, and raising domestic minor sex trafficking awareness.

The past year, I simultaneously battled and beat breast cancer during a pandemic, while homeschooling my four children under age 9. And I continued to fight against child sex trafficking because I felt none of those obstacles could stop me from exercising my God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. I had a calling and I knew I had to pursue it.

It started about three months before my breast cancer diagnosis. I read the book “Renting Lacy” by Linda Smith and felt compelled to become an Ambassador of Hope. Once I completed my online Ambassador training, I jumped on the fast track to raise awareness by becoming involved with local Anti-Trafficking committees, hosting an event at my church, and openly sharing my passions on social media. Knowing what I now knew, I had to act to take action. As I learned more about DMST, the more I wanted to stop it. It felt exhilarating serving with others who had a similar calling in life. It felt rewarding doing the work with a sense of purpose.

That’s how my journey as an Ambassador began. I felt a sense of satisfaction and purpose and passion again, beyond my role as a mother. I love my four children (ages 7, 3, and 18-month-old twins at the time), but I longed to utilize and exercise my gifts, and to share them with others. I embrace my role as mommy, but knew I had another calling in life – to do more, be more, say more. I knew I had to set an example for my kids, my friends, my community. I knew that children and other victims of sex trafficking needed a voice. I had that voice, and the faith and confidence to use it. I knew that I had to speak up and exercise my God-given gifts!

But then came a breast cancer diagnosis. Everything I wanted to pursue halted. I had to begin chemotherapy treatments and focus on my health and my family. The work had to go on hold and it devastated me. But the work didn’t really stop. My team of fellow advocates kept working and raising awareness and I stood by cheering them on. I couldn’t wait to get back in the game. Cancer couldn’t stop me, but it temporarily slowed me down.

I continued supporting the cause throughout my chemotherapy treatments. In between surgery and radiation treatments, I facilitated virtual meetings and events amidst the shutdown. I juggled motherhood and cancer treatments and covid craziness while continuing the fight against human trafficking. Victims of trafficking don’t have the luxury of taking a break, so I felt I needed to continue advocating for them, to the best of my ability, no matter what was going on in my own life. This is not to boast but to share with you what empowered me: it is a disservice to ourselves and the world to suppress our gifts and talents! I knew I had a calling from God and I couldn’t take that lightly. I had to live out my faith, one of my greatest and most treasured gifts in life. I had to show my friends and my community, that no matter my circumstances, the issue of child sex trafficking matters enough to keep talking about it and doing something about it. I felt God was with me to do that.

So now a year later, I have battled and beat cancer living the verse in Psalm 71:7 NLT: “My life is an example to many, because GOD has been my strength and protection.” I reflect on the chaos of the year and how God continued to give me strength for His Good and His Glory. I moved my faith to action by decisions, and as a result, He has produced in me perseverance, character, and hope as in Romans 5:4 NLT.

Can you think of obstacles in your life that have prevented you from using your gifts? There are so many ways that you can pursue your calling and exercise your gifts too. Take a leap of faith and see where it takes you.

Consider and identify your talents and abilities. What gifts has God given you? How can you use them for good?
Answer the calling, whatever that is for you, and it will show your faith through your actions. Shared Hope has so many ways to take action https://sharedhope.org/takeaction/
Who can you invite to also become an Ambassador of Hope? This is a great place to start building a team. https://sharedhope.org/aoh/

I promise your gifts will be a gift to others.

By Grace Witchey, Ambassador of Hope

December 4, 2020 by Guest

Combating Human Trafficking in and out of Uniform

My name is Mary Kate (Donnell) Soliva and I am a volunteer Ambassador of Shared Hope International. I am also a Special Operations soldier currently serving in the US Army. I joined the fight to combat human trafficking in 2012 while a student at the University of Guam.

After hearing about the first known human trafficking case on Guam, I felt called to do something. I empowered others to spread awareness, volunteered as a victim advocate, and started a fund for survivors. I stood alongside students, local leaders, and members of the community at main intersections in Guam with a message saying, “It’s Happening”. This prompted people to ask what was happening and we would proceed to explain that human trafficking exists. We worked tirelessly to meet with local Rotary Clubs and Politicians to discuss the myths that often surround human trafficking, how to support survivors, and resources to educate others. I volunteered to assist the US Attorney of Guam and the local Human Trafficking Task Force. It was during our trip to Palau where I first met former Congresswoman and founder of Shared Hope International, Linda Smith. I was amazed at the work she was doing globally and continue to support her efforts to this day. As a soldier, I was able to help establish a Human Trafficking Task Force outside of Fort Detrick, Maryland. Throughout my career as a soldier, I coordinated training for hundreds of military personnel on the impact and signs of sex trafficking.

What if you had the resources to conduct training with those in your local community? If you are in the military, will you take the opportunity to train other servicemembers about human trafficking? Many of us lead busy lives, but there is a way to support and get involved in the fight against human trafficking. As a volunteer Ambassador of Shared Hope International, I provide knowledge and training to other servicemembers and my community. I am just one person but imagine how much more we could accomplish if we all answered the call to stop the demand of sex trafficking. While I was deployed, I had the privilege of providing awareness about human trafficking to fellow servicemembers and the host nation. Having a conversation is a great start in prevention and it could make all the difference to someone. This is not a fight just for those wearing the uniform, but a call to serve for everyone around the world.

Things you can do right now:

Have a conversation with those you know about human trafficking and find out how much they know.
Learn about local resources and services in your area that help survivors of sex trafficking.
Become a volunteer Ambassador of Hope and join the fight against human trafficking.

Other Resource: Renting Lacy

Mary Kate (Donnell) Soliva
Special Operations/ US Army
Trained Ambassador of Hope