By Jenna Funkhouser
So you want to do something about human trafficking.
Maybe it was the article you read in the newspaper, or the documentary you watched last year. Maybe it was the survivor who bravely shared her story, or the statistics you read all over the internet.
You’ve already agreed that selling and exploiting other people is not OK. But what are you going to do about it? Or, maybe a more accurate question may be, what can you do about it?
The answer: a whole lot more than you probably think.
“God is calling compassionate people of faith to rise up against sexual exploitation – no matter their background, experience, or skill set.”
Busy People, Different Approach
It’s easy for the “average” person to believe that unless you have a degree in restorative counseling or a badge that says “Law Enforcement,” there’s not many hands-on opportunities out there. Or maybe you’ve heard of some of the great opportunities to get involved, but feel your schedule is simply too packed to add just one more thing. It’s ok–we get it. We’ve all been there too.
Instead, may we suggest a different approach?
Rather than adding “fight human trafficking” onto your already piling-up to-do list, why not sit down with that list and ask yourself a few questions?
- Is there a way I can incorporate awareness in any of these places?
- How can I harness what I’m already doing to make a difference?
- Where do I see opportunities to bring someone along with me?
- How can I harness who I am – my passions, interests, and talents?
We understand the many needs already asking for your time. We know what it’s like to feel intimidated about taking on an issue like sex trafficking. But what we want you to know is: one, ordinary people really can do something to stop trafficking. And two, you are not alone. All over your city, there are ordinary believers engaging their communities to bring the transformation of the gospel. God is calling compassionate people of faith to rise up against sexual exploitation – no matter their background, experience, or skill set.
Who You Already Are Is Enough
We love watching what happens when ordinary, even busy, people learn to infuse what they’re already doing with the opportunity to make a double impact. Maybe you already spend several hours a week at your child’s soccer practice–could you bring a youth you mentor along? Maybe you are part of a Bible study group–could you take a few minutes to share about the need in the community, and commit to serving or praying once a month together?
“Wherever you are, whatever you have to offer, we can guarantee this: it is needed.”
Are you a photographer or small business owner that could donate a small portion of your proceeds to anti-trafficking work? Or use those skills to teach a class at a Design Studio? Maybe your business can become a way to raise awareness, or the time you spend with other moms at the neighborhood park. In the past few years we’ve seen dozens of other ordinary people step up and do what they can, from yoga instructors to stay-at-home moms, and everything in between.
Other Opportunities
Here are a few other opportunities right here in the Portland community:
- Volunteer at an Adorned in Grace Bridal Shop and have fun while contributing to freedom!
- Sign up to be a Design Studio mentor or volunteer at Dress for Freedom
- Ready to get your church more involved? Check out our AIG toolkit here!
So what about you? What areas are you able to make a double impact?
Wherever you are, whatever you have to offer, we can guarantee this: it is needed.
I want to grow in my journey of purposeful compassion by receiving stories, encouragement, and service opportunities to my email inbox!
