Being Sold wasn't Her Choice

April 2012

The Global Movement Call us over-achievers, but we're just getting started! Last week Linda Smith, President and Founder of Shared Hope, presented the keynote address at a gala in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to raise awareness and funds to combat sex trafficking in the state. With the funds they raised, Baton Rouge has purchased a home for girls 17 years and older to serve as a shelter and caring environment for the young women to heal from victimization. Shared Hope's policy director participated in a panel discussion on international human trafficking hosted by the American Bar Association in New York City. We joined the Victims' Rights Caucus in Washington, D.C. to present the issue of sex trafficking in America to inform and inspire new advocates. We recently hosted the State of Change dinner for Washington advocates and anti-trafficking leaders to celebrate the state's committment and progress in ending child sex trafficking, most notably through its recent effort to end the online facilitation of child trafficking. This week, two team members are in Jamaica meeting with policy officials to draw greater attention to the plight of sex trafficking in the country and meet with our local restoration partners. Shared Hope is deeply committed to the success of each of our partners, which is why we go beyond funding to ensure each organization employs efficient, sustainable fiscal practices while providing comprehensive care to women and children. We look forward to spending time with our partners in Jamaica, gladly volunteering for their cosmetology students to practice manicure and pedicure skills on us, and meeting with the leadership of each organization to provide advice, guidance and practical solutions to the many challenges of responding to this unique population. Hear about what we did today in Montego Bay. Next month, be sure to check our blog for updates as our team heads into India and Nepal on a similar stewardship and technical assistance site  visit to our Villages of Hope. Your Chance for Change This week we're gearing up for "Do You Know Lacy?" training in Montana - a full day, community-model training to equip first responders and community members to identify and respond to victims of domestic minor sex trafficking. The training will take place in Kalispell, Montana on April 26. Wish you could attend "Do You Know Lacy?"? Here's your chance! Shared Hope is offering this innovative, lifesaving training on the east and west coasts this fall! Don't miss "Do You Know Lacy?" in Portland, Oregon on October 4-5 and in Washington, D.C. on November 29. Those who register for the training in Washington, D.C. have the opportunity to participate in multi-day celebration and learning experience. Shared Hope will break new ground on November 30 by convening experts and service leaders in the domestic minor sex trafficking field to explore and evaluate solutions for the current state of services for victimized minors in the U.S. That evening all are invited to join us for our largest event of the year, the Sharing the Hope dinner celebration to commemorate the past, celebrate our present, and learn what's next for Shared Hope. Ending Online Exploitation Shared Hope has now documented 71 cases of children who have been sold for sex through the online classified site Backpage.com, in 26 states. Our call to mayors around the nation to defend the children in their city from this threat is ever more urgent. The adult services section is expected to earn nearly $26 million in revenue for Backpage.com. Although 48 Attorneys General, 19 U.S. Senators and over 220,000 advocates have asked Village Voice Media, parent company of Backpage.com, to remove the adult services section, the company has not removed the section, and is instead using the power of the press to minimize the reality of sex trafficking in America. We will bring justice to our children, but not without your help! Please take a moment to sign your name to a letter encouraging your mayor to stand against the online facilitation of child sex trafficking by asking Village Voice Media to remove the adult services section from Backpage.com. You can support these programs today though your online donation.  Connect With Us                                                  Attention Federal employees:  Shared Hope is part of the Combined Federal Campaign.  Please note our CFC number: 60601, for your contribution. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE You've been busy! We're currently tracking over 200 bills in nearly 40 states that will change the landscape of child sex trafficking in America. We couldn't have done this without you! Thank you for taking your state Report Card to your legislator and encouraging policy reform. Thank you for creating petitions to call on your legislator to prioritize this issue. Thank you for hosting community meetings to discuss how you want to bring change to YOUR state! In November 2012 we'll release the 2nd Annual Protected Innocence Challenge Report. We're hopeful that many states will have raised their grade. Until then, keep up the good fight!  DEFENDER SPOTLIGHT The Defenders USA, a project of Shared Hope International, is a coalition of men united in their commitment to protect women and children from sexual exploitation. New members who take the Defender's Pledge are mailed a membership card the size of a credit card to carry in a wallet as a reminder of their pledge.            One new Defender decided to make his membership card more visible. He punched a hole in his card, attached it to a lanyard and is wearing it every time he leaves home. The card is prompting an amazing number of conversations about The Defenders USA and, more importantly, how men can join the movement to end child sex trafficking.

Truth That Hurts...... c/o Toni L.Vossen 2010