CatholicMom.com Columnist Susan Handle Terbay

Modern Day Slavery
Conclusion - Human Trafficking

Writing is not just jotting down ideas. Often we say: "I don't know what to write. I have no thoughts worth writing down." Henri Nouwen

After attending the conference on human trafficking I wanted to do something and felt so over-whelmed about what could I do? I thought, okay, I can write and spread the word the only way I know how. So thus the reason for the article and also by rereading and writing it becomes more real to me. It is a world as I had mentioned earlier that I want to know nothing about but have to accept that it does exist and how can any of us make it stop existing.

The whole concept of humans using and abusing humans is just inconceivable to me as it is to many people and that is why to read, hear, see and accept such actions of others is so difficult and personally I would rather close my eyes and cover my ears and ignore the whole concept – but I cannot and I don’t thing I should – or ‘we’ should.

There are practical actions to learn and share within your own community whether it is church, work or any organization in which we belong to spread the news and information. Some basic ideas includes showing a film followed by discussions; inviting a speaker, include weekly facts in a newsletter as well as resources. There is also letter writing to congress about supporting the issues that involve tougher crack down on human trafficking; talking to local businesses about their hiring practices or even working with lobbying groups. If a person is inclined to do more there are services such as volunteering with local agencies who work with trafficked populations or donate money to organizations working to end human trafficking. And always we can stand in solidarity through prayer for the lives involved; look into what our buying power supports and look into Fair Trade and other interconnected issues. And finally – spread the world Slavery exists in the USA and the world!

I’m such a strong believer in education as a way to conquer a lot of problems within our world and educating ourselves and others on such social justice issues is a real necessity in our world. It is as simple as reading about the subject, talking with experts and those directly affected by the issue. Spreading the word about an issue and the root cause of the issue is also an option. We can become involved in community organizing or just working on legislation. It may be helpful to find out if one’s city/town are aware of human trafficking and if there is a program in place to deal with such matters. Oftentimes even law enforcement has no idea that such things are happening within the city limits or that there is a difference between trafficking and smuggling. We need to educate both law enforcement and have laws on the books that differentiate between criminals and victims. So often all that is shown is that there are prostitution rings and not realizing that the prostitutes could be victims.

In order to learn about human trafficking it is important to also understand the root causes of it. Unless we can identify and name it – we cannot do anything about it. One of the papers handed out at the conference indicated some of the root causes. As I had mentioned earlier in this article traffickers zero in on the vulnerable. Many of the victims are drawn into the control of such criminals because of their desire to seek a better life elsewhere. The reason could be economic hardship, conflict, natural disasters, crime and social violence where they live, lack of opportunities, low wages, low status, orphaned by AIDS, lack of schooling and legal options for migration restricted. Other facts that help trafficking include porous borders, corrupt governments, international organized crime groups/networks, limited ability to look for victims and lack of adequate legislation and political will and commitment to enforce existing legislation or mandates. Ultimately the lack of respect for women (sex industry), consumerism, labor demand, reducing costs and making money (greed), drugs, etc. feeds the root cause of all the above.

There are many media materials to help educate oneself on human trafficking. Some of the few that I will list are as follows:

Websites:

U.S. Department of State - usinfo.state.gow/gi/globalissues/human_trafficking.html
Human Rights Watch; Women’s Human Rights; Trafficking - www.hrw.org/women/trafficking.html

Films:

Children for Sale
Promised Land
Sisters and Daughters Betrayed

Books:

A long Road Home, Memoirs of a Boy Soldier (Ishmael Beah
Not For Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade and How We Can Fight It. (David Batstone)

These are just a few of the many informational materials – there is much, much more – just ‘google’ human trafficking to find more information. If anyone believes someone is in threat of imminent danger, call 911. In other case, if anyone thinks there may be trafficking involvement going on, call the Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline toll free at 1-888-3737.888.

I attended a conference at a Catholic University so there was also information and guidelines from the Bishops’ Conference on Human Trafficking and Catholic Social Teachings regarding human trafficking. Churches of other denominations are very much aware of the situation and can find out more as well.

This is an issue that will not go away if ignored. We can make a difference and if one child, one woman, one person is made free then we have made such a difference to that child, woman person. It is like the story of the little boy who while walking the beach continued to try and save the star fishes stranded on the sand by throwing them back into the sea. An old man came up to him and asked what he was doing and the little boy told him. The old man commented that he cannot possibly save all the star fish so what difference does it make and the little boy said, it makes a difference to the ones I throw back into the ocean.

Why should we try and do anything – because it will make a difference to those who are saved.

Part I - Human Trafficking
Part II - Human Trafficking

By Susan Handle Terbay

05/19/07

Click on titles for additional information

Susan Handle Terbay is co-author of Gifts: Two Hospice Professionals
Reveal Messages From Those Passing On. She is the mother of six and also a grandmother. Susan serves as administrative assistant to the deputy superintendent of the Catholic Schools Office for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Amazing Grace for Mothers features a story by Susan about the death of her own mother. She shares, "There is a sisterhood among women who lose their mothers as a child. It is a pivotal moment that leaves a hole in your heart that never gets filled; an emptiness and longing. The title of my story is In Search of my Mother. All my life I have searched for her in other women. That moment in my life changed me forever and has created the path I now journey. Through my work with children's grief groups I was able to reach out and understand their pain and tried to give them hope to continue their paths."

A Mother's Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul
by Holly Pierlot
Read More about this Book Club Selection

Vilya Design Studios - Creators of art that you can wear. We hand make a variety of jewelry, such wire sculpted pendants, gemstone watches, necklaces, bracelets, rosaries. Our artisans also create beautiful crocheted doll dresses and custom order christening gowns. (Features the creative artistry of Susan's daughters Jennifer and Jocelyn - I love their work, and know you will too! Lisa)

Susan shares the following about her writing:

As I look back over my life I have come to some profound conclusions. The most valuable gift both given and received is love. Throughout my life I have been blest with the wisdom of children, the wisdom of the elderly and especially the wisdom of the dying. Not one person on their death bed wished they had made more money or worked more hours. They all wished they would have spent more time with their loved ones, enjoyed the beauty of this world and taken a chance to love someone. I learned so much in my life and have faced some difficult challenges. I hope that maybe something I write touches another and reminds someone they are never alone in this world - someone understands, someone has been down the same path and always God is within each of us. Of all the experiences in my life the greatest gifts I have ever received were six precious lives who came into my life and forever changed me. . From the moment each were placed in my arms at their birth, my children have taught me about life and love. Now the gifts continue with my beautiful grandchildren as I await to listen to their stories yet to be told, and their wisdom yet to be learned. Motherhood is a gift - something to be treasured - always.

Susan Handle Terbay