Social Action
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, February 9, 2010 – The Legislative Event for Advocacy in Faith. We are eagerly looking forward to a great day for all who will attend the Legislative Event for Advocacy In Faith (LEAF) at First UMC in Topeka on Tuesday February 9, 2010. If your registration is postmarked by January 15, 2010, the fee is $20. The late registration fee is $25. A scholarship is available for youth and young adults ages 15-21. Posted is a LEAF registration form and information on how to apply for the scholarship.
We must stay alert to issues that are particular concern to us. To find your representative or state senator, click on this web site: http://maps.kansasgis.org/demograph/ims/myelect.cfm, and keep zooming on the map until it is your area. Click the radio button at the top that says "Find My Elected Official" and click on your area. It will tell you who represents you or go to www.kslegislature.org. We need to contact our individual representative and also committee leadership. http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-legisportal/redistricting.do, provides access to committee memberships and minutes. Have a look at the new Virtual Committee service – watch or listen to the live proceedings from the House and Senate committee rooms. To reach your Washington lawmakers go to http://www.senate.gov. To reach your representatives from Kansas go to http://www.house.gov. During the legislative session the handy Legislative Hotline number is 1-800-432-3924. You can ask question about legislative matters or leave a brief messages for legislators.
Please take time to read and act. Contact your Senators or on an issue that is important to you because your opinion matters. Stay involved.
Janice Elmore
On August 5-8, 2009, I attended and completed the Women's Division UMW training of trainers, "Hands That Heal: Human Trafficking." This is a human rights issue, social action. I learned that children are sold and rented daily. Commercial sexual exploitation is prostitution of our children. Children under the age of 18 are used for pornography prostitution. 85% prostitution takes place on computer. It is a 12 billion dollar industry. The Nest Foundation, is a link to a video called "Playground," click on film trailer.
The Elements of trafficking:
The Act (what is done -- recruitment, transportation)
The Means (threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control).
The Purpose (for the purpose of exploitation, sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery or similar practices)
The Factors of trafficking are:
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Sex (Who are these girls -- sexually abused as children; incest -- which is the boot camp for prostitution; and poverty - economic resources).
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Labor
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Sales of Organs (kidney, sperms, etc.)
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Drugs
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Migration
Highest Exploitations Areas:
Atlanta,
Georgia
California
Texas
Las Vegas, NV
New York
Florida
What Do We Need To Do:
Get Legislative Reforms
Raise Awareness
Educate our families, community and region
Eliminate DSP (Demand, Supply, Profit)
Build Relationships and identify Resources & Issues
Generate Solutions & Decide What to Do
Create an Action Plan & Budget
Understand Culture and Trauma
