National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Today is Human Trafficking Awareness day in the United States.  Through a resolution passed by the US Senate last year, January 11 is dedicated to raising awareness of and opposition to human trafficking.  Indeed, elevating public consciousness of modern day slavery – not just acknowledging its existence, but deepening the understanding of its grim realities – is the one of Polaris Project’s key principles. It’s important to understand what human trafficking is to prevent the spread of common myths and misconceptions.

Raising awareness is a crucial first step, but alone it is not enough.  We should ask ourselves when we seek to raise awareness – to what end?  Knowledge without action is information wasted.  It isn’t enough to merely be aware. Armed with information, we should act.

Often I hear the question, “Now that I know, what can I do?”  Every action, no matter how big or small, counts.  Below is a list of ways you can get involved:

1) Advocate for legislation. Work to strengthen existing laws and pass new anti-trafficking legislation to punish traffickers, create and provide resources and assistance to all victims, and implement training for law enforcement, prosecutors and judges. To get up-to-date information about current legislation related to human trafficking in all fifty states, visit our policy page.

2) Report a tip at 888-3737-888. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) is a national, 24/7 hotline available to answer calls from anywhere in the United States.  Callto report a tip; connect with anti-trafficking services in your area; or request training and technical assistance, general information or specific anti-trafficking resources.

3) Shop smart.  Avoid buying products that could’ve been made with cheap labor.  Reference the Department of Labor’s List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor.  It gives consumers a tool to approach companies importing goods into the country and demand that what they sell is free of slavery.  Additionally, the Free2Work website offers consumers information about which major brands are addressing severe labor rights abuses.

Today we will be sending out news, information, and updates about human trafficking and Polaris Project’s work through our social networking sites.  There are numerous ways to get involved online right away.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Change.org. You can also visit our Action Center to learn more.

Now is the time to act!  Will you join us?