United Against Contemporary Trafficking (U-ACT)

The "New Look" of U-ACT

2011-11-19T18:32:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to be growing and expanding as an organization, and with that growth has come...our new website!

We will no longer be updating the blog with current projects or volunteer opportunities, so please visit www.u-act.org to stay up-to-date with all things U-ACT!

Sarah Joy in Ghana

2011-09-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

Want to keep up with Sarah Joy, the NFS: Indiana rep who's been so amazingly good to us at U-ACT for the past 2 years, while she's volunteering in Ghana for the next year? Check out her blog at http://sarahjoym.wordpress.com!

New Legislative Opportunities to Fight Trafficking!

2011-09-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

1. Petition to end forced labor in Vietnam:

All over Vietnam, some 40,000 men, women, and children are being held against their will and forced to work for up to four years in centers run by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labor. The victims are held without a hearing or a trial in a court of law after testing positive for illegal drugs. Some people, in desperate need of medical treatment for drug addiction, have even entered the centers voluntarily to find too late that medical treatment is not offered, but that they are not free to leave and now have to work shelling cashews or sewing garments for private companies. Before rewarding Vietnam with the benefits of joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership [Free Trade] Agreement, we call on the USTR to join with the United Nations to denounce the Vietnamese Government’s sponsorship of forced labor, and to demand that Vietnam permanently close the forced labor centers.
---> Sign a petition today to call for an end to state-sponsored forced labor in Vietnam: http://action.laborrights.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=2769

2. TVPRA in the House!

Just last week, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) was introduced in the House of Representatives. This bi-partisan bill renews and strengthens the legislation that established U.S. programs to fight slavery at home and abroad. Many of you joined us in asking the Senate to pass the TVPRA. Now we have an opportunity to urge the House to do the same - and we need your help.
Current legislation governing U.S. anti-trafficking programs expires in a few short weeks. Let’s remind Congress that they have an opportunity to impact the lives of children, women and men living in slavery today.
---> Please take one minute NOW to urge your Representative to co-sponsor the TVPRA:
https://secure3.convio.net/ijm/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=135&JServSessionIdr004=v1zye7y603.app305a

Freedom Drive

2011-07-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

Join us this Friday, July 29 for Freedom Drive, a film screening with a twist!

Where: Friedens UCC
When: 7-9pm
Cost: FREE!

June/July Updates

2011-07-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hello U-ACT! We hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and enjoying the hot summer sun!

Below are important updates and this month's meeting agenda. Read on! :)

Many many thank yous to the following people/organizations for their hard work in organizing, hosting, volunteering with, or providing training for various human trafficking awareness events during the past few months:

-Abby, Kaylin, Emily, Brian, and Sharon for your early-morning commitment to spreading awareness at the Mini Marathon!
-Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic for a wonderful awareness forum this past Saturday!
-Sharon and Carol for educating the community at a recent Indiana Criminal Justice Association meeting!
-Julia for her continued work on the fair trade shopping guide, as well as her design expertise!

Upcoming Opportunities :
NOW --> check U-ACT's June blog update or facebook.com/IndyUACT to sign the online petition presented by IJM
July 29, 2011, 7-9pm --> Freedom Drive film screening at Friedens UCC (volunteers needed! please email if available!)
Sept 7, 2011 --> Sex+Money film screening, location TBA
Fall 2011 --> Love146 fundraiser
*We are looking for someone to step up and organize a fundraiser for Love146. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact Kaylin Linnemann at k.linnemann7@gmail.com

July Agenda:
1.Guest speaker Jen Mukes from the non-profit byTavi will be presenting! Don't miss an opportunity to learn about this great local organization! Learn more at byTavi.com, shop online at www.etsy.com/shop/byTavi?amp&, or follow them on Twitter @byTavi
2.Updates from Julia about the fair trade shopping guide!
3.New legislative opportunities, including upcoming visits to Senator Lugar's office

Sarah and Laura
co-founders, U-ACT
www.u-act.org
Twitter @IndyUACT
Facebook "IndyUACT"

Vision of Hope

2011-07-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

One of our very own U-ACTers, Kaylin Linnemann, is participating in the July 23, 2011 Race For Hope 5K Walk/8K Run to benefit Vision of Hope, a faith-based residential treatment program for girls age 14-28 struggling with unplanned pregnancy, alcohol or drug abuse, eating disorders, or self-harm. To support Kaylin and Vision of Hope, donate online. If you prefer to give via check or cash, mail in your donation to:

Vision of Hope
5652 Mercy Way
Lafayette, IN 47905

To specifically sponsor Kaylin for this run/walk, be sure to write “Race For Hope/Kaylin Linnemann" in the memo line, or on a note accompanying cash!

2011 TIP Report

2011-07-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

The 2011 TIP Report was released this week. Check it out :)

CNN's Freedom Project

2011-06-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Check out IJM's newest campaign alongside CNN...the Freedom Project!

IJM Legislation

2011-06-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

IJM has posted another round of legislation, so if you're interested in asking your legislators to vote for more anti-trafficking funding, click here!

May Meeting Recap

2011-05-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

Please take a few minutes to answer the Community Outreach Survey questions below this post. Send your answers/opinions to us at info@u-act.org! Thank you!

Upcoming Events:
1. Purchased 5K Run/Walk @ Eagle Creek Park → June 11, 2011 @ 8am
Registration opens at 8am that morning, and the run/walk begins at 9am. Download and print the attached file if you would like to help hand out fliers during the next few weeks to inform the community of the event!
2. RideFor146 Bike Ride → Sept 12-17, 2011
This year the ride will begin in Indianapolis, travel through Cincinnati, Ohio and end in Toledo, Ohio. If you are interested in participating as a bike rider, please contact Kaylin Linnemann at k.linnemann7@gmail.com.
**If anyone has connections with churches in Madison, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, at Hanover College, or in any other cities along that route, please also contact Kaylin.
3. NFS Global Forum in Silicon Valley → October 21-22, 2011
Register now at www.notforsalecampaign.org for the lowest rate possible!

Volunteer Opportunities:
1. **Superbowl 2012**
Many of you have expressed interest in volunteering to raise awareness prior to or during Superbowl 2012 in Indianapolis. Please read below for available volunteer positions and contact info:
1. Professional volunteer media designer
2. Volunteer contact person for churches interested in helping with Superbowl 2012 Campaign
3. Volunteer contact person for colleges/college groups interested in helping with Superbowl 2012 Campaign
**Email Valerie Schmitt at vschmitt@exodusrefugee.org for more info on these opportunities!

2. Not For Sale is still searching for a State Director for the fall. If you are interested in this volunteer position, follow this link:
http://www.facebook.com/notes/not-for-sale-indiana/become-the-next-not-for-sale-indiana-state-director/180640645318801

3. Become a “nomad” this fall for LiNK, or Liberty in North Korea! Travel across the U.S. and host film screenings for LiNK! Learn more at www.linkglobal.org.

4. Help U-ACT organize an annual events calendar by sending us emails about annual events around the city that we could participate in!

5. Contact Carol Hall at cahall726@gmail.com if you are interested in helping compile a list of trucking companies and/or truck driver training schools in the state of Indiana. We are working towards a partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), an organization that strives to educate truck drivers and other travelers about human trafficking and who to contact if and when they encounter human trafficking. Learn more about TAT at www.truckersagainsttrafficking.com.

6. We're looking for someone to step up and lead the brainstorming, organization, and hosting steps of planning a summer benefit event for Love146. This benefit could take many forms—be creative! If you would like to spearhead this benefit event, or if you have a great idea for this benefit, please contact Kaylin Linnemann at k.linnemann7@gmail.com.

Community Outreach Survey

2011-05-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

WE WANT YOUR OPINIONS!

In an effort to provide you with opportunities you are interested in pursuing, please help us by completing the following survey and sending us your opinions via email at info@u-act.org. Thank you for your time and ideas!

Community Outreach Survey
1. What types of community outreach activities would interest you?
2. Do you have conflicts/hesitations/concerns about participating in community outreach? If yes, can you elaborate?
3. If we choose to organize a door-to-door outreach event, what items would be helpful to bring with us?
4. Do you have any suggestions for outreach guidelines? i.e. safety, courtesy, distribution of accurate information?

Upcoming "Purchased" Events

2011-05-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

Purchased, a faith-based anti-trafficking organization here in Indy, is hosting a three part series of movie and discussion nights to educate the community about human trafficking. The films and discussions will focus on demand, rescue, and restoration, and guest speakers will accompany each film. To learn more about Purchased, visit www.purchasedevents.org.

Part 1: Friday, May 27 from 7-9pm @ Common Ground
Part 2: Friday, June 24 from 7-9pm @ Common Ground
Part 3: Friday, July 29 from 7-9pm @ Common Ground

Moving Forward!

2011-05-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know, U-ACT is nearing it's 2 year anniversary, and we could not be more excited. We also could not be more thankful to and appreciative of our many, many talented volunteers who continually offer their time, energy, creativity, and resources to fight human trafficking. Thank you thank you thank you!!

In light of U-ACT's growth over the past few years, we are happy to announce that U-ACT now owns the domain www.u-act.org! As of now, this domain will redirect to this blog site, but it also leaves room for us to expand in the future. Along with this domain, we have acquired a new email account, so please direct all future email inquiries to info@u-act.org.

As always, if you have questions, comments, or ideas, please contact us! We value your input!

Sarah and Laura
co-founders, U-ACT

March Meeting Recap

2011-05-14T22:51:00.000-07:00

Freedom Weekend was a great weekend of community awareness and fundraising! A huge thank you to Susan Oliver and everyone who participated, organized, planned, or donated items for this weekend.

On May 7, 2011, U-ACT will be raising awareness in various locations around downtown Indianapolis to educate and raise funds for TraffickJam 2011, a benefit to support Hard Places Community in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Please respond to this email if you are willing to help at TraffickJam on May 7! 

Love146 maintains a safe shelter in the Philippines for trafficked girls. Last fall, a small group of brave bike riders made the trek from Indy to NYC to raise awareness and funds for Love146. This year, the ride will be more localized…the bikers will be riding from Indianapolis, IN to Toledo, OH. In preparation for this year’s bike ride, the Love146 team will be hosting three events. If anyone is interested in participating in or planning these events, please contact Kaylin Linnemann at k.linnemann7@gmail.com.

The first Superbowl planning meeting has been scheduled for this month, so please watch for new and exciting opportunities in the near future! We will need your time and talents to make next year’s Indianapolis Superbowl a safe and slavery-free event!

We would like to extend a big thank you to LiNK (Liberty in North Korea) representative Wyatt Walker for attending and speaking at this month’s meeting. Wyatt showed a film called “Hiding,” which provides a brief background on LiNK’s work with North Korean refugees. Currently, the living and social conditions in North Korea are so deplorable that North Koreans are desperate to leave. This is not an easy feat. When leaving North Korea, citizens have two options: try to reach safety in South Korea by crossing the very dangerous DMZ, where snipers, guards, electric fences, and hidden land mines lay in wait, or travel through icy waters to China, where North Koreans are ignored, forced into hiding, or trafficked. 70-90% of all women and girls escaping North Korea thru China are sold into the Chinese sex industry, some for as little as $15. LiNK works on the ground in China and throughout Southeast Asia to help guide North Korean refugees escape lives of oppression and begin new lives in Southeast Asia, the U.S., or South Korea. To learn more about or donate to LiNK, visit www.linkglobal.org. If you would like to volunteer with LiNK within the U.S., contact Kira Wheeler at kira@linkglobal.org.

January U-ACT Meeting Re-Cap

2011-02-28T14:58:00.001-08:00

Happy January! We hope everyone is staying warm and safe this winter! **If road conditions force us to cancel the February meeting, we will email you 24 hours prior…so watch your inbox on Sunday February 20th.

January Meeting Update:
- Julia Spangler is hard at work compiling her ethical shopping guide and is still in need of volunteers to help research store merchandise. If you are interested in working with Julia, please contact her at spanglerjl@gmail.com. This is an amazing opportunity to help change the way consumers view shopping…don’t miss out!
- Valerie Schmitt of Exodus Refugee has the new INATP website up and running! Add www.inatp.org your favorites list and check it often for updates and upcoming events.
- We would like to extend a HUGE thank you to our newest friends who braved the cold and drove all the way from Muncie to attend our meeting!

- Thank you to Amanda Bocik for regaling us with tales from the
RideForLove146 bike ride last fall!

**The Love146 bike ride from Indy to NYC will become an annual ride, and new cyclists are welcome to join the team this fall. Want to participate? Start training this spring or summer and contact Amanda at ajbocik@gmail.com let her know you’re in!

- We will be emailing soon with a list of needs for Freedom Sunday (March 13th).
- New legislative opportunities coming your way very soon…watch your inbox!

**Action Area Leaders**
We are still looking for people to take charge of specific action areas and report to the group during monthly U-ACT meetings. We are tremendously thankful to Sharon and Abby for spearheading Julian Center/Exodus outreach trainings, to Carol for taking charge of a fall 2011 event, and to Emily for staying on top of current HT news from around the world.

If you are interested and able to commit, or would simply like more information about leading an action area, the following areas are still in need of
leadership:
1. Legislation
2. Not For Sale Campaign
3. Speaking Engagements
**Upcoming Events**
3.12.11 Freedom Weekend Art Event 3.13.11 2nd Annual NFS Free2Walk event, 2pm @ Friedens UCC -Contact Sarah Haas at pastorsarah@friedensucc.org to help organize.
3.13.11 Freedom Sunday: day to spread awareness about slavery and trafficking.
-Contact Susan Oliver at susangeeoliver@gmail.com help organize.
5.7.11 TraffickJam 2011: national walk event to spread awareness of HT across the U.S. and financially benefit Hard Places Community in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
-Contact Laura Pope at laura.pope@yahoo.com uact.indy@yahoo.com help organize.

An article from Emily - http://www.rutherford.org/articles_db/commentary.asp?record_id=696

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

December 2010 Update

2010-12-24T08:18:00.001-08:00

This will be our last email update for 2010...can you believe how quickly time flies?! Here are a few updates to keep you up to speed! :)

First, upcoming events!
** 1.17.2011 - next U-ACT meeting
** 3.13.2011 (Freedom Sunday) - 2nd Annual NFS Free2Walk event @ Friedens UCC
--> hosted by U-ACT to benefit the Not For Sale Campaign

** 5.7.2011 - TraffickJam 2011 --> 10 mile walk to benefit the Hard Places
Community.

See below for further info.

New opportunities to fight against trafficking:
1. Julia Spangler is in the process of planning and organizing an ethical
shopping guide! If you would like to be a part of the guide's creation, please
contact Julia.

2. Our friends at the Julian Center and Exodus Refugee have so kindly offered to
bring their volunteer training to us! Our goal is to utilize the January or
February U-ACT meeting for this training. It will be specialized to HT
community outreach. We will update you as soon as we set a definite training
date.
*You no longer need to complete a volunteer application with the Julian Center
or Exodus Refugee if you plan to attend the training during a U-ACT meeting.
However, if you would like to complete the training at the Julian Center or at
Exodus on your own time, you will need to complete and submit an application to
JC or Exodus.

3. Our friend Emily (thanks Emily!!) introduced us to the Pepsi Refresh Project,
an online opportunity for innovative individuals to win grant money for their
great project ideas. Starting February 1st, vote for up to 10 of your favorite
ideas every day. View, vote, and learn more at
http://www.refresheverything.com/. Or, to view HT-specific ideas, follow this
link: http://www.refresheverything.com/search/?q=human+trafficking

4. If you would like to host a fair trade jewelry party, Destiny Rescue is your
contact! Visit
http://www.destinyrescue.org/us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41&Itemid=54

For further info, contact Barbie at usa@destinyrescue.org or call 574-834-1109.

5. Kaylin asked us to share the attached information about an event this Friday.

Other important info:
**Current details on 2011 NFS Free2Walk:
This will be a 3 mile walk located near Friedens UCC. The route
follows the same path as the 2009 NFS walk. If you are interested in helping
plan or organize Free2Walk, please contact us asap!

**Current details on TraffickJam 2011:
TraffickJam 2011 is a Walk-A-Thon event to benefit the Hard Places Community, a
ministry with locations in literal "hard places" of the world...places where
others are too fearful or too unwilling to go and help those who need it most.
One Hard Places Community exists in Cambodia, a country in southeastern Asia
whose sex trade and human trafficking industries are astounding. TraffickJam
2011 will be a nationwide event to raise awareness, spread hope, and raise funds
for the Hard Places Community in Cambodia. U-ACT has decided to act as the
Indiana event coordinator for this walk, so if you are interested in planning,
organizing, or even participating in this event, please contact us asap! :) We
will begin work on this project in January 2011.

**Some members expressed interest in a recent news article...so here it is! :)
FBI: 69 children, 99 pimps found in national bust
(AP) – Nov 8, 2010
WASHINGTON (AP)
More than five dozen child prostitutes have been found in the last three
days as part of a nationwide crackdown on the sexual exploitation of children,
the FBI said Monday.
FBI spokesman Jason Pack said 69 children were removed from prostitution and 99
suspected pimps were arrested in 40 cities across 30 states and the District of
Columbia. Authorities arrested 785 other adults on a variety state and local
charges, Pack said.
All the children found in the last three days have been placed into protective
custody or returned to their families.
The children were found during Operation Cross Country V, a three-day
roundup targeting child traffickers and pimps. The largest group of child
prostitutes, 24, was found in and around Seattle, according to the FBI. FBI
executive assistant director Shawn Henry said the children found ranged in age
from 12 to 17. Authorities are working with the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children to confirm their identities.
Henry said child prostitutes are often recruited by loose knit groups
that seek out kids who may be involved in drugs or runaways looking for a
"responsible adult" to help them.
"There are groups of people out there preying on naive kids who don't have a
good sense of the way of the world," Henry said. "Sometimes there's a threat of
force, threats of violence. A lot these kids operate out of a sense of fear."
Since 2003, when the FBI and the Justice Department launched the
Innocence Lost National Initiative, about 1,250 child prostitutes have been
located and removed from prostitution.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

This is an article from Sojourners that several U-ACT Members asked us to include - Child trafficking arrests. FBI: 69 children, 99 pimps found in national bust “More than five dozen child prostitutes have been found in the last three days as part of a nationwide crackdown on the sexual exploitation of children, the FBI said Monday.” Federal crackdown on child prostitution results in 884 arrests “A three-day federal crackdown on child prostitution rings across the country has resulted in the recovery of 69 children and the arrest of 884 persons, including 99 pimps, federal authorities said Monday.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We hope everyone has a very merry and safe Christmas and a happy New Year as
well :)
Thank you for a wonderful year! And, as always, WE LOVE TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS! So
send them our way! :)

Sarah and Laura
co-founders, U-ACT
www.unitedagainstcontemporarytrafficking.blogspot.com
pastorsarah@friedensucc.org
317-709-5857

August meeting update

2010-08-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

Hi U-ACT! Hope your week is going well. Many thanks to Austin for his visit on Monday evening and to all of you for all of your excellent work. We are really grateful to the team who visited Lugar’s office yesterday and to all those working on the events to raise awareness and support efforts to end human trafficking. We have listed some of the upcoming events below as well as a few articles.

Here’s a link to the article to one of Austin’s articles on human trafficking in Dubai: http://www.guernicamag.com/spotlight/1476/bubble_city/

This link is from Laura’s friend Heather who spoke to us about her work in Cambodia:
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/2E617561A12EFFB6852574440043C4B5?Opendocument

This final link is from one of the men who participated in the Set the Captives Free Bible study last summer: http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj1008&article=selling-our-children

Stop Child Trafficking Now Benefit Concert - Saturday, August 21 beginning at 7 p.m. at Midtown Grill in Broad Ripple - sponsored by NUVO and 92.3 WTTS. There are 3 great music acts lined up that will be playing acoustic sets. We also have Dr. Greg Wark, the Executive Director of Stop Child Trafficking Now, as an honored guest. He will be sharing the latest developments at SCTNow. There will also be a silent auction with some great memorabilia that includes a John Wooden signed basketball, plenty of Colts stuff, and some other great items. Questions – Please call Brad Harper 331-8818

UCC and Disciples in the Greater Indianapolis area… You’re invited! Former Global Mission Interns, Erin McKinney and Alex Morse, will be sharing the story of Caminante, our Global Ministries partner in the Dominican Republic at Friedens United Church of Christ (8300 South Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46217) Tuesday, August 24th @ 7:30pm Come hear the story of God’s mission in the D.R. and enjoy some food and music from the Caribbean. For additional info contact: Pastor Sarah Haas pastorsarah@friedensucc.org

EAT, DRINK & FUND Pervertigo!!! Come join us for a splendid evening of revelry on Friday, August 27 from 7:30-10:30pm at Yats on Mass Ave in downtown Indy! Food by Yats, Beer by Sun King Brewing Company and Wine by Easley Winery! $15 gets you food and drink tickets, including alcohol! Hope to see you there! Want more info? Visit Pervertigo's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Pervertigo/123532364349719?ref=ts

Labor Day Evening Gathering – Just for fun – details to come soon.

Crafting for Others Night – Wednesday, September 8th from 6:30 to 8 p.m. – at Friedens UCC (8300 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN, 46217)

Bike Ride Launch – Friday, September 24th at 10 a.m. from the Circle – Go to www.ridefor146.org or contact Amanda Bocik for more information – ajbocik@gmail.com

Not for Sale Regional Gathering – Saturday, September 25th from noon to 5 p.m. at Friedens UCC (Lunch will be provided.)

Stop Child Trafficking Now Walk - October 2 at 8AM at the Canal in downtown Indianapolis. The walker registration page is up and ready for you to register. You can do that by clicking here http://sctnow.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.eventDetails&eventID=655&destination=E
Questions – Please call Brad Harper 331-8818

Thank you!
Laura and Sarah
www.unitedagainstcontemporarytrafficking.blogspot.com

July Meeting Recap

2010-08-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

Hello U-ACT! We are excited to relay all of the wonderful information we gleaned from our guest speakers at this month's meeting, as well as update everyone on current and future opportunities to become involved in our initiatives! We hope everyone is doing well, and we look forward to seeing you at next month's meeting on Monday, August 16 at Common Ground!

**Our first guest speaker was Robin Rossmanith, the co-chair of the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Task Force and owner of Shop to Stop Slavery, a website created to educate consumers about the origins of everyday products. Robin and her family were visiting from Florida and took time out of their busy schedule to attend our meeting! Robin described her work with the Human Trafficking Task Force, as well as allowed U-ACTers to ask questions regarding the work she and her colleagues are doing to educate the public about human trafficking, as well as their work in partnering with local law enforcement and social service agencies and providing human trafficking victims with the services they need and deserve. We would like to thank Robin and her husband for their time and willingness to share. For further information about the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Task Force or Robin's work there, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Northeast-Florida-Human-Trafficking-Task-Force/105079392865875. For information about Shop to Stop Slavery, please visitshoptostopslavery.com.

**Heather Blanch was our second guest speaker. Heather is home in Indiana for a few short weeks before she returns to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Heather provided us with an overview of Cambodian history, culture, daily life, and current challenges. She described her work with SHE Rescue Home, a shelter for sexually exploited or at-risk girls, as well as her upcoming work with The Hard Places Community as the Research and Development Coordinator for Cambodia. We very much appreciate Heather and her time, passion, and insight! Follow Heather viaher Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=110728881511&ref=ts or through her blog at http://eleutheroo.blogspot.com/.

Action Area Updates:
1. Our SCTNow fundraiser at Midtown Grill is less than a month away (Aug 21, 7-10:30pm)! If anyone has contacts with big businesses who might be willing to donate items for the silent auction at the event, please contact Laura Pope asap!
2. Please watch for future U-ACT emails with info regarding:
- dates to accompany Sarah to visit Senator Lugar's office to ask for his
support of the CPCA
-Crafting for Others Night – August 24th beginning at 6:30 p.m.
- Amanda Bocik and the RideFor146 team's needs
- the Indy SCTNow Walk that will take place this October
3. Remember to utilize available resources, such as IJM House Party kits, Book Clubs, and the U-ACT Training Kit, to educate family, friends, and the community on the issue of human trafficking.
4. We are looking for a few volunteers to man a table at an event in Bloomington this September 17th and 18th. Please respond to this email if interested and available.

And, as always, if you have ideas you'd like to see become Action Areas, please let us know! We value your input!

Laura and Sarah
co-founders, U-ACT

MEETING on MONDAY JULY 19th

2010-07-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

We hope to see you at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 19th at Friedens UCC church building (8300 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN, 46217). We will have a longer meeting this month due to an opportunity to visit with guest speakers. Please feel free to come for part of the meeting even if you aren’t able to come for the whole meeting. Below you will also see several upcoming events and opportunities to volunteer.
Thank you,
Laura and Sarah

7 to 8 p.m. – Guest Speakers
Heather Blanch – Sharing about her experience in Cambodia
Robin Rossmanith – Sharing about her work with the NE Florida Human Trafficking Task Force

8 to 9 p.m. – Work on Action Areas

Upcoming Events

Speaker on the Congo – Friedens United Church of Christ – Monday, July 12th – Following the opening of Vacation Bible School – approximately 6:20 p.m.
Questions – Please contact Sarah Haas

If you’d like to visit one or both of our Senators about the Child Protection Compact Act in August or September, please contact Sarah Haas as soon as possible.

Benefit Concert for SCTNow at Midtown Grill in Broad Ripple on Saturday, August 21st.

Crafting for Others Night – a chance to work on the Freedom Scarves – August 24th at Friedens United Church of Christ church building beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Please let contact Laura Pope or Sarah Haas if you would be available to work at a U-ACT table and briefly speak about U-ACT at an event in Bloomington on Sept. 17th and/or 18th.

Notes from June 21st Meeting

2010-07-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

Hello U-ACT!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Monday, June 21st meeting at Common Ground! We are so excited for the progress we're making in our Action Areas! For everyone who couldn't attend, here is a summary of the Action Areas discussed, volunteer opportunities available, and other important information. Thank you all for the time and energy you dedicate to combating human trafficking!

1. Exodus Refugee Human Trafficking Caseworker Valerie Schmitt generously attended the meeting and informed us about current and future opportunities to partner both individually and as a group with Exodus and the Julian Center.

*Current Opportunities:

a. If anyone has experience in marketing, videography, or graphic design and is interested in working alongside the Julian Center to create community awareness publications, please email Valerie Schmidt at vschmitt@exodusrefugee.org.

*Future Opportunities:

a. The Julian Center is creating human trafficking community outreach programs and, once these programs are in place, the Julian Center will need volunteers to serve on these outreach teams. If you are interested in this future opportunity, you must first complete the Julian Center's general volunteer training. Sign up for this free training by following this link: http://www.juliancenter.org/volunteer_individual.html

2. Amanda and Adam Bocik attended the meeting to tell us about an upcoming human trafficking fundraiser and awareness event to benefit Love146. Amanda, Adam, and a few other Indianapolis residents will be riding bicycles from Monument Circle to New York City from September 24 to October 2, 2010. They are in need of the following items/services:

a. financial donations

b. goods donations, i.e. lodging, food, energy bars, cycling gear, jerseys, cycling equipment, safety vehicle (large van/trailer) c. volunteers to publicize the event d. volunteers to organize a send-off event on Monument Circle on Sept. 24.

e. volunteers to spread the word about this event!

**All donations are tax deductible through Forkout.org. If interested, please contact Amanda Bocik at 317-695-3568 or ajbocik2gmail.com. Further information on the bike ride event can be found at www.ridefor146.org or www.love146.org.

3. If anyone is interested in financially or prayerfully supporting Laura's close friend Heather Blanch, who is serving an anti-trafficking non-profit in Cambodia, please email Laura at laura.pope@yahoo.com or uact.indy@yahoo.com.

4. We signed postcards to Senator Lugar asking for his support of CPCA. If you’d like to sign postcards or work on further legislative issues, please contact Sarah at pastorsarah@friedensucc.org or 317-881-6779 or 317-709-5857.

5. We continued to work on fundraisers and awareness events. If you have questions about these opportunities please see below or feel free contact us.

Thank you,

Laura and Sarah

Action Areas:
1) Summer/Fall 2010 Fundraising Event
Task: brainstorm and organize an outdoor fundraising event to benefit Pearl Alliance
Points to Discuss: bands/singers/dancers to perform (could be local), possible outdoor venues (downtown Indy preferable), marketing ideas, sponsor/donor ideas, fair trade vendors at the event

2) Freedom Scarves – We found out that you don’t have to use the looms if you know how to knit.
Task: knit scarves to raise funds for NFS
marketing/sales ideas
*Info about Freedom Scarves:
1. Freedom Scarf tags: http://www.flickr.com/photos/intocollidingentropy/sets/72157622429608580/
2. brands of yarn: Red Heart Light and Lofty (for adults), Red Heart Baby Clouds (for kids), can be
purchased at JoAnn Fabric's or online at herrschners.com
3. novelty yarns (to be mixed in w/base yarns above, if you wish):
http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?pid=95446,
http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?pid=95409,
http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?sku=711506P&qid=
4. looms: http://cottagemagpie.com/imgc/easy-loom-knitted-scarf-1.jpg, can be purchased at JoAnn Fabric's or Wal-Mart for $5-$9.
5. The typical child sized scarf is 2 1/2 inches wide and 4 to 5 feet long, depending on the age of the
child. They sell for $10.00. Teen and adult scarves can be made either 4 ($10) or 5 inches ($12) wide
(or even 2 1/2, for those who like thin scarves) and are 5 1/2 to 6 feet long (depending on the skein of
yarn).
6. instructional knitting videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pPIT9Us7ZE&feature=related,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgLYwCgF63E&NR=1

3) Ground Initiative
Task: create business-size info cards to leave in doctors' office bathrooms, etc. that inform victims of their rights and options for help
Points to Discuss: possible distribution locations, available community resources for victims, hotline info, other info to include on card

(Coasters to bars)

4) Julian Center Domestic Trafficking Volunteer Training
Task: review existing volunteer training programs and then assemble our own to serve domestic trafficking victims housed at the Julian Center (or elsewhere, in the future)
Points to Discuss: helpfulness of completing OVCTTAC Sexual Assault Advocate/Counselor Training (more info found at ovcttac.gov/saact/index.cfm)
*Please review the following org's existing training programs:
1. misssey.org
2. sharedhope.org
3. love146.org
4. free-international.org

5) Advocacy

Task: research current legislation that relates to human trafficking

Points to Discuss:

1) What are our best sources for information about current legislation?

2) Which state and federal representatives should be contacted?

*Child Protection Compact Act

*TVPA

Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act (S 2925)

Funding for several authorized programs related to child labor, forced labor, human trafficking and slavery in the FY 2011 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation Bill

*International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA)

Letters to the editor

6) Film Screenings/book groups

Task: raise awareness about human trafficking and efforts to abolish it by providing film screenings/book groups

Points to Discuss:

1) Compile lists of places to show films or discuss books

2) Design system to keep track of places that have been contacted and responses given

3) Continue to add to list of films and books

4) What social media tools might be available to assist with making connections and promoting our availability to do film screening and lead book groups

7) Contact database

Task: develop method of keeping track of contact information for names of leaders/organizations that we have partnered with, groups we’ve been in touch with about speaking engagements, groups with projects that we have helped with, ect….

8) If you are interested in becoming a Stop Child Trafficking Now Ambassador, please contact Laura Pope.

NEXT meeting and IMPORTANT INFO/EVENTS

2010-05-13T05:53:00.000-07:00

U-ACT (United Against Contemporary Trafficking)
Next meeting: Monday, May 17, 2010 at 7 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ (8300 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN, 46217)

Supper will be served and then we will continue to work on the following initiatives:

1) Summer/Fall 2010 Fundraising Event
Task: brainstorm and organize an outdoor fundraising event to benefit Pearl Alliance
Points to Discuss: bands/singers/dancers to perform (could be local), possible outdoor venues (downtown Indy preferable), marketing ideas, sponsor/donor ideas, fair trade vendors at the event

2) Freedom Scarves
Task: knit scarves to raise funds for NFS
marketing/sales ideas
*Info about Freedom Scarves:
1. Freedom Scarf tags: http://www.flickr.com/photos/intocollidingentropy/sets/72157622429608580/ 2. brands of yarn: Red Heart Light and Lofty (for adults), Red Heart Baby Clouds (for kids), can be purchased at JoAnn Fabric's or online at herrschners.com 3. novelty yarns (to be mixed in w/base yarns above, if you wish): http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?pid=95446, http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?pid=95409, http://www.herrschners.com/product.aspx?sku=711506P&qid= 4. looms: http://cottagemagpie.com/imgc/easy-loom-knitted-scarf-1.jpg, can be purchased at JoAnn Fabric's or Wal-Mart for $5-$9. 5. The typical child sized scarf is 2 1/2 inches wide and 4 to 5 feet long, depending on the age of the child. They sell for $10.00. Teen and adult scarves can be made either 4 ($10) or 5 inches ($12) wide (or even 2 1/2, for those who like thin scarves) and are 5 1/2 to 6 feet long (depending on the skein of yarn). 6. instructional knitting videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pPIT9Us7ZE&feature=related, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgLYwCgF63E&NR=1

3) Ground Initiative
Task: create business-size info cards to leave in doctors' office bathrooms, etc. that inform victims of their rights and options for help
Points to Discuss: possible distribution locations, available community resources for victims, hotline info, other info to include on card

4) Julian Center Domestic Trafficking Volunteer Training
Task: review existing volunteer training programs and then assemble our own to serve domestic trafficking victims housed at the Julian Center (or elsewhere, in the future)
Points to Discuss: helpfulness of completing OVCTTAC Sexual Assault Advocate/Counselor Training (more info found at ovcttac.gov/saact/index.cfm)
*Please review the following org's existing training programs:
1. misssey.org
2. sharedhope.org
3. love146.org
4. free-international.org

5) Advocacy
Task: research current legislation that relates to human trafficking
Points to Discuss:
1) What are our best sources for information about current legislation?
2) Which state and federal representatives should be contacted?
3) Will there be opportunities to talk with representatives running for offices this spring?
*Child Protection Compact Act
*International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA)Letters to the editor

6) Film Screenings/book groups
Task: raise awareness about human trafficking and efforts to abolish it by providing film screenings/book groups
Points to Discuss:
1) Compile lists of places to show films or discuss books
2) Design system to keep track of places that have been contacted and responses given
3) Continue to add to list of films and books
4) What social media tools might be available to assist with making connections and promoting our availability to do film screening and lead book groups

7) Contact database
Task: develop method of keeping track of contact information for names of leaders/organizations that we have partnered with, groups we’ve been in touch with about speaking engagements, groups with projects that we have helped with, ect….

8) If you are interested in becoming a Stop Child Trafficking Now Ambassador, please contact Laura Pope.

Upcoming Events:

Congo Symposium – May 21-22nd – Please contact Sarah Haas for more information.

Cage Fight Event – Information Below

Not for Sale: Indiana has recently partnered with Fight Night MMA (a wholly owned subsidiary of Mike the Pike Productions, a publicly traded entertainment company) to host a cage fight in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 5 (http://www.fightnightmma.com/). Fight Traffic will feature amateur and professional mixed martial artists. The event will raise awareness about modern-day slavery and raise money for the rescue and restoration of human trafficking victims! (Talk about literally fighting slavery!)

I'll be speaking about human trafficking and the Not for Sale Campaign and NFS film clips will also be shown in between matches. We are also honored to have Marti MacGibbon join us to share her experiences as a survivor of a human trafficking ring between the United States and Japan (http://www.martimacgibbon.com/).

I'd like to encourage you to visit the Fight Traffic! page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Wayne-IN/Fight-Night-MMA/114358778576627#!/event.php?eid=107105492660470&ref=ts). Become a fan and invite your friends to this event. Tickets are on sale now and it's going to be an incredible opportunity to take a stand against a $32 billion a year industry that is destroying the lives of some 27 million men, women, boys, and girls.

Not for Sale is so excited about this opportunity that Mike the Pike Productions (http://mikethepikeprods.com/) has offered us.

Concert to benefit Stop Child Trafficking Now – August 21st – 7 to 10:30 p.m. at Midtown Grill in Broad Ripple

A few more notes from Sarah Joy (Not for Sale’s IN Director) – We’ll have the attached letters that are referenced at the meeting. We’ll also have letters that have been written to support current legislation regarding funding for efforts to end human trafficking.

"To begin with, Not for Sale has developed Abolitionist Faith Conferences. They're a fantastic way to equip your church to get involved and you can read the attached PDF for more info. You can also visit http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/action/faith/underground-church-network/ for information about the Underground Church Network and the many ways Christians are getting involved in Biblical justice!

I'd also like to invite you to visit http://ecmafrica.org/36236.ihtml Lorella Rouster (who is cc'ed to this e-mail), along with her husband John, lives here in Indiana but regularly travels to Africa to take part in the rescue and restoration of modern-day slaves. They would both love to come share at your church! I've had the privilege of talking to Lorella on the phone and she has some amazing experiences and stories to tell!

I hope you'll take the time to read Ben's letter (attached). It describes the heartbeat of Free2Play far better than I ever could. Would you like to take him up on his challenge? Let me know and I'll be sure to put you in touch with him. Would you like to bring what he is doing to your local soccer field/baseball diamond/swim meet/tennis court? Then visit http://www.teamfree2play.org/ to find out how you can help the victims of modern-day slavery be Free2Play!"

Upcoming EVENTS

2010-05-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

1. Congo Symposium
-Theme: Natural Resource Wars in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Their Impact on Women and Children
-When/Where: Fri/Sat, May 21-22, 2010 at the Sheraton Hotel (downtown Indy)
-Register by May 19 - $45 for entire weekend, includes dinner on Friday and lunch Saturday
-See link below for list of speakers/topics
http://globalministries.org/calendar/congo-symposium.html

2. Fight Traffic! Mixed Martial Arts Fight Night
-When/Where: 6pm on June 5, 2010 at Ft. Wayne Memorial Coliseum in Ft. Wayne, IN
-tickets start at $15
-benefiting NFS
-See link below for further info:
(http://www.fightnightmma.com/).

Upcoming Meeting

2010-04-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

The next U-ACT meeting is on Monday, April 19 at 7 pm. This month's meeting will be at a different location- Common Ground Christian Church (4550 N. Illinois St).

If you have any questions or comments, please contact uact.indy@yahoo.com

Thanks!

Resource List- We need YOUR help!

2010-04-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

U-ACT is trying to expand our resource list and needs help from our members! We need the following information from anyone who has read/watched any human trafficking material, including dvds, books, magazine articles, etc:

-overall summary
-length
-target audience
-any other pertinent info

Please send any information you have to us at uact.indy@yahoo.com

Thanks so much for your help!

Free2Walk Event: April 24th, 2010

2010-03-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

U-ACT will be sponsoring their first ever Free2Walk 3-mile run/walk on Saturday, April 24th from 9 am -11:30 am. All proceeds from this run/walk will benefit the Indiana chapter of the Not For Sale campaign. Please view the following links for more information about the event and registration.

Registration Form HERE

Informational Poster HERE

Four small informational fliers HERE

Please email uact.indy@yahoo.com with any questions or comments. Thanks!

Important Info

2010-03-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY, APRIL 10TH- Break the Chains event in Marion, IN. Proceeds benefit White LILAC Ministries and World Hope International. For information, please GO to EVENT WEBSITE.

ONGOING: Sign a petition asking President Obama to work toward eradicating slavery and trafficking in Haiti through the work of International Justice Mission (IJM): SIGN HERE!

*Please check side bar for a new link about the Playground film project, a film that focuses on startling trends in trafficking of American children.

Meeting and new info

2010-03-12T18:04:00.000-08:00

The Next U-ACT Meeting will be this Monday, March 15 at 7pm at Friedens UCC.

Please read and look into these four events/projects *click on links on right side of blog*:

1. Freedom Network Conference in Washington, D.C., held March 17-18, 2010. Check for updates about the outcome or other Freedom Network events at Freedom Network website (see link in right column).

2. Not For Sale Campaign Freedom Scarves
Interested in knitting for freedom? Email Sarah Joy Morbitzer, the NFS Indiana Rep, at sarahjoym@notforsalecampaign.org for more info about yarn brands and scarf measurements!! Check out the following links for instructional videos on how to get started: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pPIT9Us7ZE&feature=related and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgLYwCgF63E&NR=1

3. Not For Sale Investigator Academy in San Francisco, CA, held July 13-24, 2010. Learn more or register at Not For Sale Investigator Academy website (see link in right column).

4. "Cries of Anguish, Stories of Hope" video produced by Overcoming Violence (see first link at right).

If you have any questions or comments, please email uact.indy@yahoo.com

Thank you!

NO MEETING TONIGHT

2010-02-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

TONIGHT'S U-ACT MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO SNOW.
Please check back for further information about current and new initiatives and March meetings.

NEXT Meeting- Monday, February 15th

2010-02-10T19:28:00.000-08:00

This coming Monday, February 15th, U-ACT will be meeting at 7 p.m. at Common Ground Church on 46th and Illinois. There will be NO 6 p.m. meeting this month.

If you have any questions or need directions, please contact uact.indy@yahoo.com

Congressional TIP Report Petition

2010-02-05T16:31:00.000-08:00

Please read and sign our petition to ask Congress to include the U.S. in the 2010 TIP Report:

PETITION- CLICK HERE

Please pass this link along to others to help encourage Congress to include national statistics and information in the TIP Report, which are vital for the stoppage of human trafficking within our own country.

January 18, 2010 Meeting notes

2010-01-31T11:19:00.000-08:00

The first U-ACT meetings of 2010 were wonderful, and we have many people to thank for that! First of all, we would like to extend our thanks to Carleen Miller of Exodus Refugee and the Julian Center for speaking at our 6pm safehouse meeting! Carleen gave us all some excellent information about her experience with human trafficking in Indianapolis, as well as a few new local volunteer opportunities. We would also like to thank Sharon Hedegard, Jessica Thornburg, Glenis Bonano, and Julia Spangler for their excellent work in preparing U-ACT materials, logos, and our newest resource, the U-ACT Human Trafficking "kit" for our 7pm training meeting! You all are amazing!

Also, please remember to help spread the word: we are no longer able to send out mass emails on our uact.indy account. So, for the time being, please check the blog and/or Facebook page to stay up-to-date with U-ACT info! We can still send and receive individual emails on the uact.indy account, but we cannot reply in mass.
Thank you!

UPCOMING EVENTS:
**The first ever U-ACT Free2Walk event to benefit Not For Sale will be held Saturday April 24, 2010 from 9:30am-11:30am at Friedens UCC. It will be an outdoor, 3 mile walk. Check back soon for more information about sponsorship forms and registration!

NEW OPPORTUNITIES:
1. Serve on one of the Julian Center's new human trafficking outreach teams!
**If you're interested in learning more about the outreach teams, please email Glenis Bonano at gbonano@juliancenter.org.
2. It is our goal to empower U-ACT members to spread awareness about human trafficking in our community. We realize that some of you may not know where to begin when presenting trafficking information to a group of community members, so we've created U-ACT human trafficking "kits"! Each kit contains three powerpoint presentations, a presenter's guide, and lots of informative paperwork that can be copied and handed out to your audiences. So pick up a kit at the February U-ACT meeting, contact a local business manager (hospitals, emergent care centers, doctors' offices, restaurants, etc.) and ask to schedule a presentation time! You can use the "kit" as a point of reference, and add film clips or other handouts to personalize the presentation.

FYI: INSIGHTS from guest speaker Carleen Miller:
-human trafficking is still considered to be a "new crime" in Indiana
-local service agencies (such as the Julian Center) must partner closely with law enforcement to ensure that the best care possible is given to victims
-U.S. domestic trafficking victims are mainly youth (18 years and younger)
-she feels that Indiana does not yet have an extensive foreign or domestic trafficking problem, or if we do, it is largely unnoticed
-large events, such as the Indy 500 and the Superbowl, tend to generate trafficking

Sarah and Laura
co-founders, U-ACT

Congressional Support for Trafficking Victims

2010-01-10T16:34:00.000-08:00

Last month, Congress passed a bill that includes increased funding for human trafficking victims and those who serve them. To read about the specifics of the Congressional appropriations, please read the following article:

"Congress Agrees to Fund Crucial Trafficking Victims' Services"

Next Meeting- January 18th

2010-01-10T16:20:00.000-08:00

U-ACT will be meeting next Monday, January 18th, at 6 p.m. During the first hour, we will continue our discussion of involvement and work in our Indianapolis community. Also, we will have a guest speaker this month- Carleen Miller from the Julian Center and Exodus Refugee. At 7 p.m., Mrs. Miller will lead a training session for anyone interested in learning how to formally present the issue of trafficking to the community.

These meetings will take place at Friedens United Church of Christ church building (8300 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN, 46217).

If you need more information, please contact uact.indy@yahoo.com and one of our co-founders will be in touch soon.

NO December Meeting

2009-12-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

Attention U-ACT members (and others interested in attending a U-ACT meeting):

There will be NO meeting this month. Our regular 3rd Monday of the month meetings will resume in January.

Thank you! Have a Merry Christmas!

Latest email from Co-Founders of U-ACT

2009-12-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

"Hello again, and happy December!

We've come across quite a few interesting and amazing pieces of information and opportunities in the past week and wanted to keep everyone informed. Please respond to this email for further information on any of the following opportunities:
1. Laura Pope is hosting another book club discussion group this coming Tuesday, December 15 @ 7pm. The group is reading The Road of Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam. Come and bring friends if you're available! Respond to this email for directions or further info.
2. Attached are two documents from Not For Sale addressing fair trade Christmas purchases and new info about the electronics industry. Please take time to read over the information and pass it along to friends and family! Awareness is half the battle!
3. World Hope International maintains a human trafficking assessment center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. World Hope regularly takes trips to visit this assessment center, and as of now, 2 spots remain open for anyone interested in traveling with the World Hope group. Information is as follows: "There are two possible openings on a trip from Feb. 13-22, 2010. If you--or someone you know--is interested in a trip for those dates, please let me know ASAP."Ginny Cockerill Hope Corps Overseas Volunteer Coordinator ginnycockerill@worldhope.net World Hope International
4. The SOLD Project is looking for Spring and Fall 2010 Interns. Information is as follows: "The SOLD internship is an unpaid 12-week commitment that includes education about child prostitution, helping to expand the SOLD network and leading film screenings. In most cases interns will join the team remotely, so it is absolutely critical that an applicant be a self-starting leader who is able to complete tasks and stay committed with limited supervision." -courtesy of The SOLD Project(www.thesoldproject.com/team/)"

*U-ACT has been having some trouble with sending emails. Please be aware of this issue if you are trying to contact us. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

"A slavery-free Christmas"

2009-11-20T17:25:00.000-08:00

A member of U-ACT received and passed along some important information from the Indiana Not For Sale campaign dealing with our indirect consumer involvement in modern-day slavery. As the Christmas season approaches, it is wise for us to consider how our shopping decisions may endorse companies who use unjust and inhumane ways to produce their product.

Sarah Morbitzer, the Indiana State Director of Not For Sale, has provided a list of alternatives for those of us who want to make sure we are not indirectly supporting slavery through purchasing items a slave has made:

"h ttp://www.sweatfree.org/shoppingguide lists companies that are doing their part to make sure slavery and exploitative labor conditions aren't a part of the products they produce."

"http://www.laborrights.org/creating-a-sweatfree-world/sweatshops/resources/12211 lists some not-so-fantastic companies that carry one or more products in their stores that are tied to slave labor or poor working conditions. I'd recommend avoiding the problem products and finding alternatives at other stores. Depending on the extent of the problem, you may even want to consider avoiding some of these stores altogether (please read the full report - it's not very long - before deciding)."

"http://www.dol.gov/ilab/programs/ocft/PDF/2009TVPRA.pdf is a broader report. Part II contains an extensive list of products that are tied to slave labor or child labor in specific countries. For example, artificial flowers that come from China have been tied to slave labor. However, artificial flowers from other countries are not connected to slave labor. Bananas from Belize, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and the Philippines are likely harvested by children under the age of 15. However, there are no indications at this time that bananas from other countries are harvested under exploitative working conditions. I'd recommend printing off pages 29 - 44 and taking them with you when you go shopping. It's a fantastic way to use your purchasing power to avoid items that come from countries where these products are tied to slave labor."

Sarah also provided the following extensive list of alternatives (divided by category- clothing and accessories, bath and body, and food):

Shop Differently:

Learn more. Do more.

Free2Work: www.free2work.org

Buy Responsibly: http://buyresponsibly.org/

Chain Store Reaction: http://www.chainstorereaction.com/

ASSET Campaign: http://www.chainstorereaction.com/

Clothing and Accessories

Freedom Store: www.notforsalecampaign.org

Cross Cultural Connections: http://www.crossculturalconnections.org/catalog/

Paper to Pearls: http://www.papertopearls.org/

Better Way Imports: http://www.betterwayimports.com/

Freeset Bags: http://www.freesetglobal.com/

Punjammies: http://www.punjammies.com/

Nightlight Jewelry: http://www.nightlightinternational.com/store/

Toms Shoes: www.tomsshoes.com

Abba House: www.abbahousefoundation.org

Invisible Children: http://store.invisiblechildren.com/

The Love Alliance: http://www.thelovealliance.storenvy.com/

We are Overlooked: www.weareoverlooked.com

Love146: http://skreened.com/love146

DCZ Beads and Designs: http://www.dczbeads.com/shop-3.html?vmcchk=1

Global Girlfriend: http://globalgirlfriend.com

Juxtaposie: www.juxtaposie.com

Pendant Star: http://pendantstar.com/

Butterfly Mama: http://www.butterflymama.com

Heaven’s Attic: http://www.heavensattic.co.uk/shop/jewellery/

The Hunger Site: http://shop.thehungersite.com/store

Global Goods Partners: http://www.globalgoodspartners.org

Autonomie Project: http://www.autonomieproject.com/

Pants to Poverty: http://www.pantstopoverty.com/

Green Heart: http://www.greenheartshop.org/

World of Good: http://worldofgood.ebay.com/

Bath and Body

Peace Keeper Cause-Metics: http://www.iamapeacekeeper.com/

Thistle Farms: http://www.thistlefarms.org/

Home and Play

Ten Thousand Villages: http://www.tenthousandvillages.com

Rugmark: www.rugmark.org

Made by Survivors: http://store.madebysurvivors.com/

Global Exchange: http://www.globalexchangestore.org

Fair Deal Trading: http://www.fairdealtrading.com/

Pillow Dreams Project: http://www.pillowdreamsproject.com/

Trade As One: https://tradeasone.com/shop/

Fair Trade Sports: http://retail.fairtradesports.amazonwebstore.com/

Good Weave: www.goodweave.org

Ethical Superstore: http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/

Food

Mai Thai Coffee: http://maithaicoffee.com/

Divine Chocolate: http://www.divinechocolateusa.com/

Equal Exchange: http://www.equalexchange.coop/

Alter Eco Fair Trade: http://www.altereco-usa.com

TransFair USA: http://www.transfairusa.org/

Fairtrade Labeling: http://www.fairtrade.net

Pristine Planet: http://www.pristineplanet.com

Recap from October 19th Meeting

2009-11-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

We hosted our first safehouse meeting at 6pm Monday evening and were very encouraged by the number of people interested and their desire to create a safe space for victims of trafficking in Indiana. If you were unable to attend this meeting, but are interested in attending future safehouse meetings or would like to receive safehouse updates via email, please respond to this email!

Many thanks to everyone who works to keep U-ACT up and running! We are so grateful for all of your time, energy and talent. Thank you to Julia Spangler for her U-ACT logo design! We will finalize the details soon and then post it to our blog and Facebook pages!

We have located three screenprinting companies that purchase fair trade t-shirts and screenprint original designs and slogans and think that working with one of these companies would be a great opportunity for U-ACT members to both raise awareness of human trafficking and raise money for anti-trafficking organizations. Please email us your creative design ideas!

Many opportunities for U-ACT members to get involved in a few Action Areas, specifically fundraising and community awareness, have come to our attention recently. Following is a list and brief description of these opportunities:

1. Purchased Event

*This is a concert/awareness event sponsored by Common Ground church in Indianapolis. It will take place on 11.7.09 from 7-9pm. Volunteers are needed to hang fliers around town prior to the event as well as provide staff support during the event. This is a great opportunity to meet up with fellow advocates and hear some great music!

2. IJM "House Parties"

*International Justice Mission has created "House Party Kits" that can be ordered atwww.ijm..org to help advocates organize awareness parties in their home. You may host the party at your home or at a larger venue. The kits cost $15 and include IJM invitations, a dvd show at the party, and informational cards that can be displayed or used for further discussion after the film.

3. Free2Walk event: February 27, 2010

*Not For Sale has provided a detailed organizational outline to help advocates interested in hosting a fundraising walk/run. It will be held at the Community Church of Greenwood indoor track on Saturday, February 27th- more info about times and registration will be available as the date gets closer.

4. Please visit the Not For Sale website if you are interested in learning more about any of the following opportunities:

-Freedom Sunday

-NFS Fellowship program

-NFS Abolitionist Academy

5. Alternative Gift Markets

*Christmas season is approaching quickly, and we are looking for volunteers to make contacts with local schools, churches, etc. that annually host Christmas or Craft Bazaars (or similar events) and ask if they might be willing to donate space for U-ACT to set up a fair trade merchandise table. All procedes will benefit an anti-trafficking organization.

6. Film Screenings

*We are in need of volunteers to contact Indiana high schools, colleges, churches, etc. and ask if they would like to work in partnership with U-ACT to host a human trafficking awareness film screening. We are asking that the colleges, churches, etc.. allot a minimum of two hours for the screening, which will include a Q & A/discussion time.

7. Victim Assistance Training

*We have been informed by our friend at IPD that if anyone is interested in completing Victim Assistance Training, IPD could utilize those trainees when victims of trafficking are brought in for questioning, looking for shelter, navigating legal procedings, etc. We do not have complete information on this opportunity as of yet, but we will update you as soon as possible. This is a very exciting opportunity to develop relationships with victims and help local law enforcement at the same time!

8. Laura Pope will be hosting a Book Club at her home. The Club will be reading The Road of Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam. If you are interested in participating, please respond to this email to coordinate dates, times and directions.

10. The following anti-trafficking organizations and/or advocates are in need of monetary donations:

- The SOLD Project: Thailand --> www.thesoldproject.com. The SOLD Project is attempting to raise $10,000 by January to build a drop-in center in Thailand.

- Laura Sands, a Chapman University film student who is producing a human trafficking film for her senior thesis. Please email Laura at lsandsthesis@gmail.com if you are interested in contributing to help offset production costs.

- Shared Hope International --> www.sharedhope.org. For a donation of any size, Shared Hope will send you a copy of their book, Renting Lacy, which deals with trafficking in the US.

- Heather Blanch, a U-ACT member from northern Indiana, is moving to Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 10.31.09 to volunteer at SHE Rescue Home, a safehouse for victims of trafficking. If you would like to donate towards her work, please email Heather athjblanch@gmail.com.

11. World Vision is asking advocates to write to their local Congressmen and ask them to sponsor the Child Protection Compact Act (CPCA). Follow this link to learn more: https://secure2.convio.net/wv/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=285&s_src=trafficking-rgt

Laura Pope and Sarah Blossom

co-founders, U-ACT

U-ACT meeting tomorrow.. September 21st

2009-09-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

U-ACT will be meeting tomorrow, Monday, Sept. 21st from 7 to 8 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ church building (8300 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN, 46217). Items on the agenda include the following:

1) Review of the Hands of Hope Conference and Forum

2) Updates from Action Areas

3) T-shirt idea

4) Alternative Gift Markets

5) Faith leaders luncheon on Oct. 14t at 12:30 p.m.

6) Campus awareness plans in progress

7) U-ACT group opportunities

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact us at uact.indy@yahoo.com

Stand Against Trafficking (StAT) meeting

2009-09-07T17:29:00.000-07:00

For those of us in the Indianapolis area, there is a meeting we will not want to miss this Wednesday, September 9th. Heartland Church (9665 Hague Road) in Fishers, IN, is hosting an Indiana Community Forum in their auditorium for Stand Against Trafficking (StAT). The forum begins at 7 p.m. and will include information on how to abolish human trafficking through awareness, education, response, prevention and resources. To learn more about this event, please go to the official StAT event information page.

"Playground'" Documentary by The Nest Foundation

2009-09-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Recently, I viewed a clip from the "Playground" Documentary, a film produced by The Nest Foundation (with movie star, George Clooney, as one of the executive producers). This film focuses on the domestic sex trafficking of children, specifically the story of Michelle, a victim of the American sex trafficking industry whose sexual abuse began at the young age of five.

To learn about filmmaker Libby Spears, her inspiration for the film, and the film itself, click here.

To view a clip from the "Playground" Documentary click here.

What is Human Trafficking & What can "I" do?

2009-09-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

Information on Human Trafficking (all information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services):

-What is human trafficking? Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery where victims (men, women, teenagers, children) are subjected to force, fraud, coercion, for the purpose of sexual exploitation (commercial sex, including prostitution, stripping, pornography, live-sex shows) or labor exploitation (domestic servitude, sweatshop factories, migrant agricultural work).

-Where is human trafficking happening? Worldwide; approximately 600,000 to 800,000 victims are annually trafficked across international borders.

-How does one become a victim of trafficking? Through force, fraud or coercion, traffickers compel men, women, teenagers, and children to their activities. Traffickers may use forceful violence, especially during early stages of victimization, to make victims easier to control. Traffickers may use fraud to entice people into trafficking situations through false job advertisements. An example of this is promising work as a waitress or maid in another country when in reality the person will become a prostitute once they arrive in the other country. Finally, traffickers may use coercion by threatening serious harm or physical restraint to victims.

-What can "I" do about human trafficking? When reading information on human trafficking, it is hard not to become overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and inhumanity of the crimes. However, it is of great importance that we do not ignore the cries of the victims and assume 'someone else' will fight for them. Gracehaven House, based in Ohio, has compiled a list of '24 things you can do to fight human trafficking.' Although not comprehensive, this list provides a variety of practical advice on how to mobilize and respond to the atrocious crimes.

Who We Are and What We're Doing

2009-09-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to United Against Contemporary Trafficking (U-ACT)'s blog. As stated in the blog's title, U-ACT is a grassroots organization that supports and assists local and international individuals and organizations in their fight against human trafficking. U-ACT was founded in August 2009 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. This blog will be updated regularly with links to online articles and videos pertaining to national and international human trafficking and will also be a convenient way to provide both members and non-members information about upcoming events and meetings.

Although we are a newly formed organization, we are already working to fight human trafficking in eight 'action areas.' Our 'action areas' currently include the following: legislative representatives, facebook group page, this blog, Craiglist flaggers, free2work researchers, fundraising team, community awareness team, and a resource update team. If you are interested in learning more about any of these action areas and how you can be involved, please contact us at uact.indy@yahoo.com.

Our meetings are scheduled for the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Common Grounds Coffee Cafe at the Friedens United Church of Christ (8300 South Meridian Street) in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our next meeting is Monday, September 21st at 7 p.m.