Being a newcomer to the issue of human trafficking can feel a bit overwhelming. I desire to make a difference, but I will say I am nervous at the same time.
I want to get it right!
The subject itself is very complex, so I do realize that I need to educate myself and put in the work. I need to stay open, stay curious.
I’ve decided that one of the first steps on this road to a true understanding of the issue is by connecting with established organizations, not just popular ones. Over the next year, I plan to attend awareness events and collaborate with lived experience experts and survivors themselves to learn from and see how I might effectively contribute.
What do I personally have to give to this movement?
I want to be able to learn all I can so that I can effectively teach others as well. We need all the hands we can get in this fight.
But what actually IS human trafficking? A quick Google search will give me a general idea but also point me in a million different directions. The perception you get from TV and movies in theaters isn’t really how trafficking happens in the real world.
Trafficking is the illegal trade and movement of goods or people, mostly involving exploitation or violation of human rights. Human trafficking specifically involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of people through force, coercion, or deception (or fraud) for the purpose of exploitation. This can result in forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other forms of abuse. It’s a serious criminal enterprise and a grave violation of human rights.
I care about people. I care about humankind. This is an issue that’s not personal to my heart but is quickly becoming something I am passionate about. Not all the things we experience in life turn into our greatest passions. But hopefully, some of our greatest passions can be born out of our heart for the treatment of others.
If not us, then who?
Won’t you join us in this fight? If you’re interested in volunteering with Grit Plus Gumption, we have a place for you! Email us at wendy@gritplusgumption.org and we’ll get you started.
Brenda J Williams is a certified life purpose coach, who also specializes in conflict resolution and transparency. She helps women and men who have a hard time being open and honest not only with others but also in themselves by being transparent. She also helps those that need assistance in reaching agreements and mediates hard conversations. She hosts of a weekly zoom called “What is Your Why?”