Back To The Beginning: Thailand

“The adventures of a humanitarian striving to keep Love at the root of it all.”

While the original tag line of my blog still rings true I find it has evolved from a place for friends and family to read about my humanitarian adventures into a place where I write about my passions, dreams, experiences, bring light to important issues and share what inspires me in hopes it will inspire you.

Thinking back to the beginning of this blog, it never would have started if it weren’t for people mentioning I should write so they could keep up with all of my travelling adventures. Upon arriving home from places like Haiti in 2010 after the earthquake, or leading students in Dominican Republic various years, people in my life were interested in what happened on these trips. Sit down chats were often had, stories shared, pictures shown on phones and laptops… It was always fun to talk about my experiences with those I had an opportunity to do so with. While I wanted to tell everyone about the trips I was taking, by the time I saw some friends the stories had already started to fade and the generic “it was good” became a response all too often given. After a while the excitement fades as time goes on and new things in life unfold.

Before travelling to Thailand in 2012 with Live Different I started Love Inspires Change to document what was sure to be quite a different expedition as I had been eagerly waiting to go for a couple of years. Being able to write almost daily about what I was experiencing kept the information fresh, the stories as accurate as I could remember, and the memories engrained in my mind for as long as I can look back and read them. Not only was I able to document these adventures for friends back home to read, it has served as a way to draw on my experience when needed—for public speaking, re-sharing my experiences, and for remembering the faces that now corresponded with statistics I both hear and often quote.

Being back in Thailand feels almost like a reunion—I am back to visit the people I think about often, people I told I would try hard to return to.  The factors that make this trip most exciting are an accumulation of my life experiences since the first time I was there…

Having participated in the Not For Sale Fellowship lends itself as a main contributor to my excitement. While with Not For Sale I learned so much about their projects (including their Thailand project—the children’s home we work at), more about human trafficking, and had the opportunity to see Kru Nam again and hear of all the amazing work that had been happening there since the Hero Holiday in 2012.

The completion of my stint with Not For Sale was the onset of my blog as an education tool—a way to share about what I had learned and what I was continuing to learn, and hoping those who read would be inspired to allow their lives and decisions to stand as an example to end slavery. Now that I have grown my knowledge (and am still doing so) it is exciting to return back to Thailand knowing more and more about the issues at hand. When I went to Thailand the first time, although I read books and stories, watched documentaries, etc, there is nothing like the combination of knowledge and experience to really grow your passion for the cause.

I am also excited to see the projects we completed last time we were there—it will be SO exciting to see how the library and meditation building is, how the playground is holding up, and even though we were unable to actually build a pig pen and chicken coupe (since the rain made the ground incredible tough to dig in to) it will be lovely to see how the employees at the home put it together! This, of course, makes me excited for the work we will be doing when arrive there soon! This year our agenda involves spending time with the kids at an arts camp, building a green house and doing other creative projects! As an individual who works at a bakery committed to growing as much of its own produce as possible, and sourcing the rest locally, it is exciting to help create self-sustainability for the home.

Still a favourite picture from Thailand 2012

Most of all I am looking forward to the simple acts of Love that make communication stretch beyond the different languages, cultures and experiences that define who we are. The way holding hands, a simple hug, or sitting together in silence are the only requirements to communicate and show love to another human being who needs it is absolutely incredible. I am looking forward to tangibly showing compassion to individuals whose stories I do not yet know, and being able to put into practice the qualities that each individual needs to be shown to truly feel as valuable as they were created—love, kindness, grace, compassion, patience and all other good things. The truth is, as much as I am looking forward to giving those things to others, I know the only way I can is to ask God every day when I wake up to show me how. I receive those things from Him and I look forward to passing it along.  Compassion has no limits—a line I heard in Thailand in 2012 which has stuck with me every day— and as I am continually shown compassion and grace I will strive to extend those to everyone I can both in Thailand and when I return home.

Thailand 2014, I am looking forward to this experience and sharing it with others who also look to make a change in the world, live a life of Love, and strive to show compassion to everyone.

Why I Don't Shop At Forever 21

Note: This has been a hard post to both write and publish. While in Dominican Republic over the summer working with Canadian volunteers, eyeing up outfits on Pinterest, or asking friends where they bought the adorable ensemble they happen to be wearing, Forever 21 seems to always be the answer. It’s hard to respond when that is what I hear—I don’t bust out a ‘don’t shop there’ speech that may come across judgmental and negative… I tend to respond with the emotionally non-descriptive ‘cool’. These are my thoughts and I hope you enjoy reading them! As always, I encourage you to make your own decisions when you choose whom to support with your hard-earned dollars!

Oh Forever 21. Your combination of trendy, absolutely adorable and cheaply priced clothing means you have dominated the cash flow from the minimum wage, part-time paycheque of most teenagers since you invaded the shopping scene. It’s these same reasons you monopolize the closets of 20-somethings to 50-somethings that find your massive quantities and varieties fitting for any occasion. While finding clothing that is both trendy and affordable can be likened to finding a needle in a haystack, I can’t bring myself to shop at your stores.

Forever 21 had been a place of confusion for me over the past year or so. As a company with owners who have strong Christian values, even having scripture references on the bottom of their shopping bags, I couldn’t help but be confused by the company’s lack of ownership to the sources of their fast-fashion clothing.

Phew, made it through a tricky, sticky, awkward statement involving faith, business, and where my concerns fit in without making any harsh statements!

Does the fact the company was created, and is run, by owners who are believers of God change the immediate issue of the company lacking transparency? No—a company owned by anyone else would still receive my un-approving reaction and choice to not support them demonstrated by no longer purchasing any of their retail goods.

What does change is, as an individual of faith myself; I find faith as the first and base reason to willingly care about supply chains, ethics, transparency, and ensuring fairness for those involved in the process of where clothing is made.

It seems like two conflicting interests rolled into one—a business with owners who do missions work, take trips to help people in crisis, invest in creating a better world, but currently do not do so with their biggest legacy and asset they created and have taken the world by storm with. On the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) page of the Forever 21 website they note the charity work they, as a company, contribute to. Forever 21 raises funds to donate to charity by selling items that are part of its ‘Love To Give, Give To Love’ collection. It is wonderful to see, and most clothing companies donate to charity. Any company that makes large sums of money will often ‘give back’ which helps make consumers feel good about using their dollars as their vote of support.

I read a 2012 interview on CNN with Do Won (Don) Chang, founder and CEO of Forever 21, for Talk Asia in which he discusses his missions work, faith and the often controversial John3:16 on the bottom of the shopping bag. He says, when it comes to the verse on the bag, 

“I want to ask you whether you have read that verse? It shows us how much God loves us. The love he gave us, by giving us his only son, Jesus, was so unbelievable to me. I hoped others would learn of God's love. So that's why I put it there.”

He goes on to state, as the family does in most interviews, that it’s a statement of personal faith and doesn’t represent the beliefs of the entire company.

When Mr. Chang was asked about his time spent travelling ‘helping out’, he mentions his work when Japan was hit with earthquakes, working in the Philippines and also time in Pakistan when there was flooding. His more in-depth answer comes when speaking on handing out corn in North Korea and states that going and visiting in person, spending time with them [the individuals in the villages in North Korea], is even more important than just donations.

And no interview with the man behind Forever 21 would be complete without referencing lawsuits on workers rights in factories that Forever 21 sources clothing from. Mr. Chang’s statement… “Regarding that problem, those are actually not my employees. Those are people who work at a company that sells products to us. With companies that we just buy and trade with, we try to check up on their working conditions and try to prevent any problems…”

The biggest shocker to me, in all my research regarding Forever 21, was the one time Mrs. Chang took the stand in a court case. Taken from Bloomberg Business Week is the following from an article titled “Forever21’s Fast (and Loose) Fashion Empire”. To give you a bit of a ‘101 lesson’ reference before the quote: The $175,400 settlement was in a court case involving garment workers who worked in sweat-shop like conditions right in LA making garments for Forever 21. To top it off, a documentary was shot about the entire situation titled “Made In LA”

“Her testimony was revealing beyond her apparent ignorance of Forever 21's operations…. Lawyers had turned up documents showing that one of the company's biggest suppliers, One Clothing, is owned by Mr. Chang's private investment firm, Too Capital. It was also the supplier that reached the $175,400 settlement with the garment workers in 2004... On the witness stand, Mrs. Chang said she knew nothing about the operations of either One Clothing or Too Capital. "We simply trust the vendors, and then they manufacture the garment for us....That's about it," she said.”

To put this into more plain terms, one of Forever 21’s biggest suppliers is a company owned by Mr. Chang’s private investment firm. Trying to prevent problems can come in many forms—from transparency, traceability, factory audits and personally visiting and ensuring codes are kept. Safe to say, just ‘trusting’ a company is idealistic, but certainly not realistic in the fashion industry.

To put this all simply from the factual side, let’s take a look at Free2Work. The Forever 21 Free2Work Score Card and Apparel Industry Trends report are where I found my initial information and served as the foundation of my research.

 As we can see, Forever 21 receives an overall D- grade based on Free2Works checklist and ranking system. In the Worker Rights category they are ‘all in the red’ and even receive an overall F. Any company who wants me to purchase their clothes needs to show they are at least trying to make an effort to do something that will improve the conditions of those who create what they sell.

From a faith-based perspective, we are called to seek justice and help those who need it. I would like to see the Chang’s reach out and go to the homes of those who work in the factories both overseas and in LA that produce their clothing. I’m sure they would be shocked the very people making the clothes they sell in their mega-huge, over the top stores could more than likely be the very people they often seek out on missions trips to be with and offer help to.

Why is there disconnect?

I don’t know. 

It can’t be a lack of education— I feel as though their countless lawsuits would provide you the education you need pretty fast! 

Is it a lack of faith?-- A lack of allowing the idea of ‘practicing what you preach’ to seep into your work life? Mr. Chang has made it clear he separates religion from work in interviews. Perhaps there should be some cross over. Perhaps workers would be treated fairly and we would see a shift from trendy clothes at rock-bottom prices to trendy clothes where a few more dollars through the process means people’s lives are positively influenced. Compassion is in fashion, being a conscious consumer is the best accessory you can wear—I’m quite surprised Forever 21 hasn’t jumped on the trend yet.

If you want to read more articles on why individuals passionate about justice choose to no longer support Forever 21 with their purchasing power check out the following articles!

Awakened Aesthetic - Exposed: Forever 21 

Let's Be Fair - Let’s Trade: Forever 21 

Una Luna Mag - How To Quit Forever 21 

The Frisky - Okay Let's Talk About Forever 21 

Anticipation

My love for reading began at a young age. My earliest memory of reading was when our basement was at risk for flooding… I slept in the living room since my my bedroom was in the basement, and I would read Bible stories before bed. When I was a young girl I recall reading a series of books about a girl named Mandie who had a cute white cat named Snowball and together they would solve mysteries. As I progressed into my teenage years it was mostly fantasy books that drew me in—books like The Princess Bride or novels with a heroine who possessed magic. As I’ve transitioned into adulthood I find myself enjoying a good variety of topics when I sit down to read. The Hunger Games series is one of my more recent favourites, as well as countless books encouraging my faith to grow in love-centered ways. It’s no surprise, looking back on my reading background, I find the observation of comparing life and books to be so commonplace.

Most of us begin reading a book with the eager anticipation of knowing something incredible is going to happen. We know there are many things a lead character will face; many things will be looked forward to, many extreme scenarios will come to pass, and many things will happen that were less than ideal. This anticipation of what to come normally hits once you’re a chapter in and hints of the impending drama have begun to set in. You read and read and keep reading because you literally can’t wait to get to the part of the book where the action begins and the heroine finds herself in the midst of unimaginable situations, doing things you’ve become excited about, as you know the outcome will be a challenge and will lead the heroine to an exciting resolve.

My life, as of late, is similar to the anticipation stage of a book.

The stage has been set, I’ve been introduced as the lead in the epic novel depicting my current phase of life (I believe all of us should know our lives have the potential to be the most epic novel we could ever imagine) and now…

I wait.

I wait for the adventure to begin (or, in my case, the next adventure).

Anyone that knows me will agree I am someone who likes excitement—I like when something fun is happening, when an adventure is right over the horizon, and when I can wake up in the morning fired up for the days’ events. While some may find boredom in waiting, and the idea of being in stand by somewhat lack-luster, I am finding the anticipation of what the next few months will hold enough to keep me energized and looking forward to the beginning and end of each day.

In the next few months I will be embarking to Thailand once again! I am beyond excited to return to the children’s home with Live Different. The time spent in Thailand in 2012 completely changed my life and, needless to say, I am looking forward to another experience of heart-changing moments for myself, the team of amazing volunteers, and the children and youth we work with. And, needless to say, this topic will soon bring about an entire blog post for itself.

One of my best friends is getting married! Her and I met through our significant others, as they were good friends who lived together. Our friendship was quick and we got a long so well it’s really no surprise we are good friends to this day. I am looking forward to being in her bridal party and giving a speech on her big day!

Image courtesy of Pinterest

In general I am anticipating the romantic ideals of summer in the city. Café’s where you can sit outside and enjoy the company of those around you, or the friends you have made in the book you are currently invested in. Going for ice cream (which I don’t really do, but want to) and enjoying the warm setting sun on your bare shoulders; brightly coloured lipstick, flowers, and finally running outside again!

There are also two things I am most looking forward to:
The first is seeing my wonderful husband play shows. He is a talented musician and seeing him pursue his passions is the most encouraging. 
The second thing is the encouragement which comes from long bonfire nights with friends and perhaps too many toasted marshmallows. The conversations shared over the fire late into the night are sometimes magical in their aftereffect.

Knowing these days are in the future allow me to cease each current day, searching out it’s own beautiful simplicity to view as momentary extravagance worth celebrating. Each day is handmade to be amazing, and it’s up to us to view and experience it as such. Live your life as the main character being poised for the greatness that occurs when an epic story unfolds and you conquer the challenges that create something special and unique in who you are.

Again, thanks Pinterest.

Challenge: Ethical Valentine's Day

The mystery surrounding who Saint Valentine really was is quite fitting to the often-mysterious image surrounding the idea of love. Most stories peg Saint Valentine as a man who either secretly married Christian couples at a time when Christians were being persecuted and were unable to do so, or, he secretly married couples so the husband wouldn’t have to go off to war. Most of these stories of individuals secretly pledging their undying love end with Saint Valentine landing himself in jail. The only bit of information that seems known is Saint Valentine died on the date we know as Valentine's Day, February 14^th.

The mystery surrounding Saint Valentine and the way we celebrate a holiday with little knowledge of it, bear shocking similarities to how we celebrate the holiday with chocolate, sweets, flowers and cheaply made themed goods. The mystery of how chocolate is harvested and made is a mystery to most of us; how flowers can be fresh and alive year round and available especially at grocery stores at such low prices is a riddle we often cannot answer; and that generic gold heart necklace is made by who? is quite the conundrum. Instead of finding out the truth we often just buy the items in the prettiest package to give to the person we deem valuable enough to bestow the over-the-top love themed goodies to on Valentines Day.

The tricky part about Valentines day is it’s not a holiday you find really necessary to celebrate (like preceding Christmas and approaching Easter), yet so many people are caught up in the adorableness of red and pink hearts, sparkles, and mini-everything including animals with cute sayings on cards that make you just want to go “awweeeheeee!”. People indulge in special menus at restaurants priced higher than normal, establishments who normally don’t cater specifically to couples are suddenly hosting events and every store is encouraging you to spoil that ‘special someone’ with whatever items they happen to be in the market to sell.

We can get caught in the middle of this awkward area not really knowing what to do and often end up grabbing something last minute because we suddenly feel the need to participate. When that happens we are ill prepared to make ethical choices and end up feeling bad for two reasons:

Reason #1:  Did we really just walk into our local grocery store or super centre and pick up a miniature stuffed bear/kitten/puppy/gorilla/sloth/fish that sings “My Heart Will Go On” with a heart shaped box of chocolates strapped to its chest with the sentiment ‘Be My Valentine’ on it?

Reason #2: We have no idea where anything actually came from—is that chocolate good to be eating, both for the waistline and the ethics of the person I bought it for? I just found out a few paragraphs ago that I can’t even trust flowers! Gold and diamonds are that expensive and there is still slavery?

We know the facts...

• There are between 27 and 30 million people in slavery today.
• 78% of victims involved in slavery are in Labor Slavery.*
• One in six children 5 to 14 years old — about 16 percent of all children in this age group — is involved in child labor in developing countries.*
• In the least developed countries, 30 percent of all children are engaged in child labor.*
• Worldwide, 126 million children work in hazardous conditions, often enduring beatings, humiliation and sexual violence by their employers.*
• An estimated 1.2 million children — both boys and girls — are trafficked each year into exploitative work in agriculture, mining, factories, armed conflict or commercial sex work.*
• The highest proportion of child laborers is in sub-Saharan Africa, where 26 percent of children (49 million) are involved in work.
• A million diamond diggers in Africa earn less than a dollar a day.**
• 60% of all flowers sold in the U.S. come from Colombia, the second largest flower exporter in the world. The majority of Colombian flower workers receive around $8 a day, which is not enough to cover the cost of a family's most basic requirements.***
• 66% of these workers experience health problems associated with the chemicals involved in their work.***
• An ILO Survey conducted in 2000 estimates that 20% of Ecuador’s 60,000 flower workers are children. Many of those between the ages of 14 and 18 work in the industry instead of attending school.***

...And we also know that being prepared is the key to success!

And yes, even though Valentines Day is right around the corner *cough-afewdaysaway-cough* you can still take a smidge of time right now to be prepared!

Tip #1: Research.

When researching for these Ethical Challenge posts I find I often come across the same information. However, this year a new website popped up and I couldn’t help but be pleased to see it! World Vision’s No Child For Sale campaign has a site called GoodChocolateGuide.ca. On this site they list brands of chocolate that are fair trade or have other certifications that make it ethical. Finding this website is like striking gold. So often people have no idea what to buy or where to buy it. This website does both! Upon investigating the chocolate options they present, I’ve found a few that I am 100% sold on and am looking forward to tasting (or tasting again… like Giddy Yo-Yo).

I also found an awesome article titled 'Valentine's Day Gifts That Aren't Evil'. This short and sweet piece provides background information on the forms of slavery found in Diamonds, Flowers and Chocolate, and provides ethical alternatives! 

Tip #2: Wait… do you really want to buy your significant other chocolate?
Take a brief moment and decide if you want your significant other to receive chocolate from you as a gift? Chocolate may be the generic ‘go-to’ gift but if your lady or man of choice is say, trying to stay off sugar after the holiday season or is trying to get in shape before your upcoming getaway in the sunshine, perhaps sugar isn’t the best option…. Just sayin'...

Tip #3: Love Local
After you complete your research on companies you want to support, and have an idea of what your love may want, find a local place to get it. Also take a moment to research if any local companies are featuring enchanting options for your sweetheart! Shoot out some emails to Bakeries or Chocolatiers in your area—what kind of cocoa do they use and are they offering anything special? I work at a bakery that provides chocolate goodies that are hand-crafted with organic, fair-trade ingredients! To top off their awesomeness, they even partnered with two other local businesses to offer Valentines packages!

Tip #4: Send with Love!
You have an ethically sourced gift of perhaps chocolate and flowers and kisses and teddy bears and generic all-out, full-fledged love! Now be a dear and send it with love! Add a cute card, draw a heart on a piece of paper and write I love you, or add a bow you found in a non-frequented corner of your current place of residence left-over from Christmas.

As the debate to celebrate or not celebrate Valentine's day continues, remember, you shouldn't wait for an occasion to tell that special someone how much they mean to you. The kind words you share only during special moments should be spoken often. Love that has sparked in you a fire of passion, commitment, and daily gratitude of being with an individual who always attempts to understand you, continually enjoys spending time with you, and is blessed enough to share with you the joy of life's adventures deserves to be celebrated every day.

Image found on Pinterest.

* Information from Compassion 

** Information from Brilliant Earth

*** Information from Free2Work 

Collaboration

When writing goals for 2014 I decided spending more time collaborating with others was going to be at the forefront of what I do with the majority of my free time. There is something so magical about collaborating with people—the way inspiration and creativity feed off the ideas being formed in your head and let loose into the world without inhibition, the way a simple sketch can be envisioned as the grandiose image already in your head and the involved parties not only understand, but are anxious to see it brought to life, and how bonding during the process is viewed to be just as valuable as the end result.

This, my friends, is magic. This is like glitter raining down on a sunshiny day where a warm breeze tousles your hair and someone catches the moment on film… no filter required.

I haven’t participated in much collaboration in the past—one absolutely lovely session with Lani Elias Fine Art Photography and Bloom Petals& Gifts (check it out here) was all I needed to know I wanted to do it again…. It was like eating a slice of the most amazing pie and knowing you just had to have another slice…or two… (or in my case, the recipe).

In Winkler I had friends who were doing things. Lani is one of my closest friends and Meg from Bloom is our go-to florist who is just as awesome as her floral arrangements. It was a simple collaboration—it worked well, was easy to arrange, and went beautifully.

Enter the move to Hamilton.

I arrived in Hamilton and realized I didn’t really know anyone—no local florist to visit, no hidden gems of creative talent I could tap into for easy experimental fun. Little did I know the lovely lady we ended up living with is a photographer who wants to, get this, get into food photography! *Insert harps and hallelujah choir here.*

As an individual who is pretty much down to be involved in anything creative I jumped at the chance to help her brainstorm and execute ideas for a course she was taking and, since then, have taken almost any opportunity to make something delicious and then get pictures of it.

Aside from a recent mini-shoot of Birthday Crepes, the most recent shoot consisted of process shots and a few final shots of cupcakes Meag hired me to make for a baby shower. It’s fun to live with someone who enjoys sharing the magic during the process.

As the year is only beginning, I am looking forward to the collaborations that will arise and where they will take me. It’s always humbling and inspiring to work with individuals who have talent and are willing to share it with you for a collaborative vision. I look forward to those photographers, florists, stylists and all other creative beings I will be honoured to work with this year. Know that I am grateful for the opportunity, educated through the experience, and inspired for the future by the simple act of collaboration.

 

Process shots by Meagan Tutti.
Final shots by me.

Human Trafficking Prevention

Image found on Pinterest

I’ve heard January be referred to as Human Trafficking Awareness month.

As the beginning of research generally starts, I opened up Google and typed in ‘Human Trafficking Awareness Month.’ Upon skimming through the top few headlines one link in particular caught my eye. Posted by the White House, it was a letter that President Obama wrote announcing January 2014 to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Every part of me was filled with excitement.

This is exactly what we need.

Awareness is one thing, and a good thing, but prevention is where we should be focused after awareness has been reached. Once you are aware, there needs to be another step involved-- something practical and tangible and that, my friends, is Prevention.

I know, I know. You might be thinking ‘How can I prevent slavery?’

You may not be actively involved in the sex trade, which is where most of the attention on human trafficking tends to go, so you don’t think you are involved and actively growing the 2^nd largest criminal industry in the world. Think about it, if human trafficking and modern-day slavery were only about sex, would it be the fastest growing criminal industry in the world? While some may answer yes, I would guess probably not.

Human Trafficking and Slavery exists in every area of our lives—from the clothes we wear, to the food we eat, to the electronics we use. What we use for entertainment and enjoyment, someone is paying the ultimate price with their life for its creation—and often we don’t think about it.

If you read my blog, you’re probably already aware. I’ve written numerous posts regarding human trafficking and modern day slavery; I documented my time in Thailand working in a Children’s Home with those who have been either exploited or at risk for exploitation, I’ve written about my life changing experience with Not For Sale, I’ve challenged you to end slavery in your life by participating in ethical holidays and being a conscious consumer. Awareness is all around us—from activists to slacktivists, organizations like IJM, Not For Sale, Love 146 and World Vision and even campaigns like MTV Exit and the A21 Campaign.

Time for prevention.

As I was reading Mr. Obama’s letter, I fell in love with this paragraph that is a call to both action and duty.

“As we work to dismantle trafficking networks and help survivors rebuild their lives, we must also address the underlying forces that push so many into bondage. We must develop economies that create legitimate jobs, build a global sense of justice that says no child should ever be exploited, and empower our daughters and sons with the same chances to pursue their dreams. This month, I call on every nation, every community, and every individual to fight human trafficking wherever it exists. Let us declare as one that slavery has no place in our world, and let us finally restore to all people the most basic rights of freedom, dignity, and justice.”

That is prevention—changing the way we have lived our lives up until this point. Ethical business practices, a sense of world community, knowing the basic rights of freedom, dignity and justice are the foundation for a world that can thrive.

Below are what I think of when I contemplate prevention and steps we can take, as every day individuals who understand the value of the human life, to no longer see any more innocent victims to something that is preventable.

1 – Make sure you know the facts

Awareness is the first step to prevention. Do you know what human trafficking is? When someone asks do you find yourself stumbling upon what the exact definition is? Spreading basic awareness is as simple as knowing the definition and having some examples of what it is.

Image taken from Not For Sale

2 – Educate yourself on your personal contribution to the continuation of modern-day slavery.

Take just one hour out of your day and search out information on the companies of the clothing you happen to be wearing. Free2Work is a great place to learn about companies. Think of what you are planning on eating for dinner—research what kind of slavery exists in the growing, harvesting and production of what you are planning to eat. Did you know people work in factories peeling shrimp? There are documented cases of exploitation (unfair wages and working conditions to name two of the issues) to those workers peeling shrimp. Are you using a laptop to do your research? Labor issues around Apple have been documented and are easy to find upon doing a google search. And check out Slavery Footprint to see a rough estimate of how many slaves are working for you.  This isn’t meant to make you feel bad—but to make you aware of your personal contribution.

Screen Shot from the Slavery Footprint Questionnaire

There are 30 slaves working for me-- my personal Slavery Footprint results!

3 – Research alternatives to your current lifestyle contributions.

Instead of shopping at Forever 21, shop at H&M. Buy second hand clothing where the money goes to a charity instead of the company who originally made the garment. Instead of buying chocolate from Hershey or Nestle, buy from Divine or AlterEco. Try to buy locally made products (even if they are a little more pricey). While it may be impossible to cut out slavery from your entire life, your purchasing power says a lot and changing a few basic parts of your shopping habits can make a difference in the long run. Check out Free2Work.org for company ratings to see how your favourite brands compare to others.

4 – Be the change.

Ethical leaders are needed for real change to happen. Planning on starting a business? Do it right from the start. Be a person who is committed, in whatever they set out to do, to do it in such a way that doesn’t allow the exploitation of some for the your own personal gain. Find out you’re surprisingly passionate about the cause? Start a blog, share your story of justice-seeking, speak to others. Combine your current passions with a goal to end slavery.

David Batstone, founder of Not For Sale, posted a quote on his Twitter feed that was retweeted by MTV Exit where I happened to stumble upon it. It goes like this:

I encourage you, not only during Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month but also throughout the year, to do just that-- change your view of slavery where your current life finds you and design creative ways to come against it. Be pro-love  and be the change that is needed to end modern-day slavery.

What are some creative ways you have found to raise awareness or prevent human trafficking?