Natalie Pashaie

Editor-In-Chief

Human trafficking is modern day slavery. It is when humans are bought and sold as property, most commonly for the purposes of forced labor or sexual exploitation. According to DoSomething, a large organization that specializes in inspiring youth to be socially active, approximately 80% of trafficking involves sexual exploitation, and 19% involves labor exploitation. There are also approximately 20 to 30 million slaves in the world today. This problem is not exclusive to distant parts of the world- in fact, the issue hits closer to home than many may think. The Polaris Project reports that the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline has received reports of 14,588 sex trafficking cases inside the United States since 2007.

With an issue so widespread, horrific, and enduring, it can seem that as a student, one cannot do much to make a difference. However, there are several ways to get involved. Joining local organizations and even the Milken Students Against Human Trafficking club on campus can help you raise awareness about the issue. Volunteering at drop-in centers or county departments may provide opportunities to gather resources for victims and help catch perpetrators. The ways to help are numerous, but above all else, be aware. Keep your eyes open for any suspicious activity, especially near places ridden with massage parlors and other private service practices.

An opportunity to get involved is actually happening on Sunday, January 24, beginning at 5:00 PM. The National Council of Jewish Women is hosting a city-wide outreach program on Fairfax in Los Angeles. The program will involve outreach training, team meetings, and a rally. Extensive experience or even knowledge about modern day human trafficking is not required to get involved. Anybody interested in ending this modern day practice is encouraged to sign up! Sign up and get more information by visiting NCJWLA.org or clicking the following link:

http://ncjwla.org/events/18/eyes-on-trafficking-join-a-team-for-a-night-of-outreach-los-angeles/

For more information, please contact Ms. Lauren Miller.