February 1: Free From Slavery Day in Sacramento

Tue, February 1, 9am – 12pm

In recognition of Pres. Obama's declaration of January 2011 being National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and declaring February 1st California’s Free From Slavery Day, Assemblyman Tim Donnelly is hosting an informational event at the State Capitol for legislators, legislative staff, and the public to learn more about how to get involved. Please email: info@californiaagainstslavery.org, for updates and details.http://californiaagainstslavery.org/events/

Lost in the system: When the sexually abused are not believed or supported Continue reading on Examiner.com: Lost in the system: When the sexually ab

What would you do if a child told you that he or she had been sexually abused?

For many children who dare to tell of sexual violations against them, the result is disbelief, especially if the accused abuser is a family member or a "respectable" adult within the family circle. Sometimes, the telling in itself has dire consequences for the child with punishment from the confidante to shunning by other family members to serious physical harm from the abuser. Many children will never divulge these incidences because they have been threatened by the assaulter with danger to themselves or others if they ever say anything.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Lost in the system: When the sexually abused are not believed or supported - National sex trafficking | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/sex-trafficking-in-national/lost-the-system-when-the-sexually-abused-are-not-believed-or-supported#ixzz1Bablmp9x

Lingering thoughts

I presented tonight at the Urban Teacher Leadership Program at Cal State East Bay's Oakland campus. (Thanks, Chris, for inviting me!) It was a small and intimate group and I am glad I joined them in their exploration of trauma and what educators can do about it. Some questions still lingering for me that I want to share...

- What is the impact of masses of people walking around in the world with shame?

- How have we come to hold so many secrets about our lives and our selves?

- Why do we live in so much fear?

- What role can an adult outside of a child's birth family play in their overall development?

- Should the role of educator be strictly defined? Should educators see themselves as responsible for the youth the serve? To what level of responsibility?

- I stated that we can't compare trauma and yet I called a car accident a "smaller" trauma than child abuse. How do we put trauma on a continuum without comparing or dichotomizing?

Human Trafficking Bill in TX

Read about a Human Trafficking Bill introduced to the Texas legislature last November. IT increases penalties for trafficking children:

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=SB98

National Global Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Indie on Air, Planet LA Records and bands coast to coast present "The Abolitionist Tour: Road to Austin 2011" to raise awareness for the Not For Sale campaign's global efforts to combat human trafficking, slave, indentured and child labor. Bands AnnAMercury, Big Kettledrum, David Martinez Band...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNU98pTqXds

Concerts to raise money and awareness for human trafficking

Support Global Aid Concerts: http://globalaidconcert2012.com/

"Our mission is to partner with human trafficking organisations throughout the world to plan, promote and realise at least five major global concerts in 2012 to fight human trafficking.

We draw on the goodwill, dedication, and efforts of volunteers worldwide.

We welcome all who wish to be a part of our team. For us, there is but one agenda,
the freedom for all victims of human trafficking."

Tuesday 1/11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Tuesday, January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. I urge everyone to consider what ONE action you can take today to support survivors of human trafficking.

Here are some ideas:

1. Visit http://humantrafficking.change.org/ to find out about current campaigns and issues around the Nation.

2. Find a volunteer opportunity in your area to support survivors.

3. Talk to a friend or family member about human trafficking.

4. Donate to an organization. Here are some of my favorites:

- Bay Area Women Against Rape: www.bawar.org

- Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network: www.rainn.org

- Polaris Project: www.polarisproject.org

- California Against Slavery: www.californiaagainstslavery.org

5. Contact your congressperson and ask them to support policies that increase services for victims/survivors of human trafficking: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml