Human Trafficking
A faith response
Human trafficking, the second largest and fastest growing illegal trade in the world, is modern-day slavery where people are in bondage through fraud, force or coercion.
You can help raise awareness about human trafficking in your congregation and community!
Resources
ELCA Justice for Women program human trafficking curriculum series
Designed to be led for and by young people, these resources are also easily adapted to beginner audiences. You don’t have to be an expert to lead! Simply download, print and follow the user-friendly directions.
Session 1: “Human Trafficking: Our Call to Care and Action”
In one hour, participants will have identified their existing knowledge about human trafficking, learned key trafficking facts, and connected their faith to the call to care about and act to end human trafficking.
Session 2: “Human Trafficking: Scope, Definition, and Identification”
In one hour, participants will have summarized the scope of human trafficking, assessed the term “human trafficking”, and named key signs to help identify victims.
Session 3: Coming soon
“Human Trafficking: A Faith Response” brochure
This brochure provides information about the cycle of trafficking, a brief Lutheran theological introduction, examples of ELCA responses to trafficking, fast facts and suggestions for further action.
Human Trafficking Awareness Day worship resources
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed annually on January 11. This resource includes topical readings, hymns, and prayers and ELCA documents for study and guidance.
Human Trafficking bulletin insert
The insert includes a story, brief definition and educational component on the cycle of trafficking, and the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline number for information and reporting.
Links
The Polaris Project
www.polarisproject.org
The Polaris Project for a world without slavery was founded in 2002 and provides a comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking. As one of the largest anti-trafficking organizations in the United States, Polaris provides educational information, active legislative and policy-related campaigns, survivor testimonies, and much more.
The U.S. Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
www.state.gov/g/tip/
The United States Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons aims to eradicate modern-day slavery. The Office invites you to learn about victim protection, prosecution of traffickers, prevention and anti-trafficking programs. You can also read their annual Trafficking in Persons Report (commonly called the “TIP Report”) about the actions countries are taking to combat trafficking in persons.
Cherish Our Children
www.cherishchildren.org
Cherish Our Children is a national Lutheran ministry of prayer, education, relationship-building and action to prevent child sexual exploitation, a form of human trafficking. The heart of Cherish Our Children is in congregations, where leaders work in teams to pray, speak and act on behalf of children in the congregation and community. Visit their Web site to make a donation and join their e-mail list to subscribe to newsletters and their Wednesday Prayer piece.