What can you do?

Maybe some of you have gone to see Call and Response and you're wondering what you can do. One of my biggest frustrations about learning about any particular cause or crisis is feeling paralyzed over my lack of control and ability to act. I think all we can do is do what's within our control and influence.

First, you can go to their website to get more information and ideas. The main problem with trying to take action is that most websites just suggest donating to their organization. Again, I've found that frustrating because sometimes I want to do more than just give money! However, I've come to that not everyone can quit their job and get a job fighting human trafficking. Also, I've realized that the money organizations raise is directly related to how many victims they can rescue and provide after care for. For example, when Hagar International lost some of their government funding that meant they could care for less women. I point that out to say that your donations really do help!

Next, you can raise awareness! Stop the Traffik is organizing the world's largest chocolate fondue party. Interesting concept. As I've mentioned several times on my blog, much of the cocoa used in in the chocolate we eat is made by trafficked workers on the Ivory Coast. Eating fair trade* chocolate ensures that your chocolate is slave free. By organizing a party you can eat chocolate, have fun (who doesn't like fun and chocolate?), raise awareness about trafficking and raise money for organizations who fight it. Bonus.

*Regardless about what you think about the economics of fair trade, in this case buying fair trade chocolate is like buying slave free sugar back in the days of the African slave trade. It might not be water-tight economics but in some cases we need to think about more than economics!