Law & Order Tonight - Human Trafficking Episode

This is an email I sent out today to just about everyone in my address book. Rather than re-invent the wheel, I just copied it here.

Good morning, everyone. I wanted to send this quick email to give you the information regarding Law & Order tonight. Most of you know how I feel about the issue of human trafficking. I have not seen this episode but if you choose to watch it - have tissues handy and be prepared to feel numb at the end. Even in its most benign form in any TV show, I end up in tears. It is hard enough to imagine - it is even harder to watch, even if it is just being acted out and isn't "real." The real stuff is impossible to watch for more than a few seconds.

If you do watch the episode and have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. And - if you decide you want to know more about getting involved, our next Coalition meeting is Monday, January 19th. I'd be more than happy to have you attend that with me.

Thanks for reading & I hope you are able & choose to watch tonight.

Blessings!

--- On Tue, 1/6/09, Peggy Callahan Free the Slaves wrote:
From: Peggy Callahan Free the Slaves Subject: Free the Slaves: Child Slavery on Law & Order tomorrow night 10 PM/ 9c NBC

Law & Order tells a compelling story of child slavery in New York on Wednesday night on NBC at 10 PM/9 central.

Two detectives on the show are investigating a double murder when they uncover and a child slave trade ring between Haiti and New York. “This is one of those rare episodes that touched everyone who worked on it,” says Executive Producer Rene Balcer about what he calls probably the most powerful episode of the season. Rene told Free the Slaves, “Even our crusty thick-skinned editors were moved to tears by the ending. It also opened a lot of eyes to the present-day, modern-world reality of slavery and indentured servitude. I would urge everyone who, as a result of this e-blast, watches the episode to call NBC thanking them for allowing the writers and producers of Law & Order to shine a spotlight on this issue.” [NBC Viewer Services at 212-664-5740]


Getting slavery into the mainstream is a core goal of FTS. We’re thrilled that one of the most popular TV shows in history is highlighting slavery. The producers of the show were inspired to write the episode, “Chattel”, after reading ‘A Crime So Monstrous’ by Ben Skinner. Ben traveled around the world researching slavery and visiting FTS’ partners including in Haiti. The show illustrates some of the psychological complexity of working with the victims of slavery who have spent years living with deprivation and fear. Keep in mind, the episode is not a documentary so when you hear Sam Waterson say there are no anti-trafficking statutes in New York – thankfully that is no longer true. In fact, New York recently passed an anti-trafficking law and is one of 40 states that have criminal anti-trafficking statutes on the books. But only half of those states have victim protection laws to help the survivors of slavery. You can find out more about child domestic slavery in Haiti [the restavek system] and what FTS is doing with partners to combat it here: http://www.freetheslaves.net/LimyeLavi

And…FTS is featured on the Law & Order website: http://www.nbc.com/Law_and_Order/


Please forward this to everyone you know in the universe.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Coalition Meeting

An early reminder ~

The next Coalition meeting for the

Western Washington Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking

Will be held on Monday, January 19, 2009.

Prayer begins at 6:30 PM and the meeting will begin at 7PM.

We will be meeting at Mill Creek Foursquare.

Hope you can join us.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Domestic "Help"

A friend of mine sent an article tonight via email. This email deals specifically with children trafficked from Africa into the United States but it is a problem that happens everywhere. It is hard enough to read and imagine what this young girl went through but the close of the article made me physically ill. Her captors think absolutely nothing of what they have done and so continue.

Child Maid Trafficking Spreads from Africa to U.S.

This is a problem of culture, poverty and violence. It is an evil undescribable and people need to continue to arm themselves with knowledge. How many people saw this little girl in the kitchen window and "had no idea" ?

Proverbs 31:8-9

Blessed Christmas

For today in the city of David there has been born

for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

~Luke 2:11

May you and yours be blessed this Christmas

May those who are far from family and friends be doubly-comforted by the presence of the One who came to give His life so we all may have life.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Just in Time for the Holidays

It never ceases to amaze me the creativity of the human mind. When it is used for good, it is often with incredibe results. When it is used for evil...well...it can sometimes feel like the good don't have a chance. A few articles I read this morning in:

The Jamaica Observer

Market Watch - Weekend Edition

AsiaOne News

Philly.com (Philadelphia, PA news)

Newsday.com

And these are just a few of the articles a quick search on 'human trafficking' in Google netted me.



Proverbs 31:8-9

The SOLD Project

Another idea for your gift giving this season. I received this information in an email today from The SOLD Project. If you're still wondering what to give to someone, check out their site. If you want to have something physical in your hand to give someone, check out their online store for items made by rescued slaves.

This Holiday Season, give a gift in your friend or loved ones name! Gift giving this year is seeming to take a turn towards justice - people are simplifying, and asking 'what really matters?'. Consumers are demanding fair trade, and wanting to give gifts with stories. The SOLD Project recently launched our scholarship program in the northern villages of Thailand, which gives scholarships to children at-risk of exploitation.And so we ask you: This Christmas, what story will your gift tell?

$365 sponsors a child for a year of education

$110 provides school uniforms for a child

$50 buys a child their set of schoolbooks

$35 provides a years tuition to a child

$10 buys shoes for a student


When you donate online at www.thesoldproject.com/donate, The SOLD Project will mail a custom postcard to the person receiving your gift, alerting them to your generous donation. Minimum gift donation is $5.


And don't forget to check out our store for crafts made by street children in Chiang Mai as part of their art therapy program! Online Store


This year, you are giving more than a gift. You are giving a story, and changing the lives of children.With love, appreciation, and hope,The SOLD Project [for more gift ideas, you can also browse art donated to The SOLD Project by visiting our etsy store. all proceeds go to benefit the project]


Etsy Store

Holiday Shopping

A friend of mine sent me an email today, reminding me about The Emancipation Network's site and store.

As an idea for Christmas shopping this year, check out the various websites and stores available. There are so many extraordinary and beautiful items for sale, made by men, women and children rescued from trafficking. Your purchase of these items goes directly to supporting those who were without hope and are now free. You help them earn a decent living, provide for themselves and their families, an independence they never thought possible.

So - when you are shopping this year, consider checking out TEN's site (Free The Slaves has partnered with TEN so their store has some of the same merchandise in it). They have some wonderful, handmade ideas for your gift giving.

You can also check out the International Justice Mission's Holiday Gift Giving Catalog. They're another option if you're looking for an unusual gift, a unique item that also helps those trapped in the slave trade.

Blessings!

Proverbs 31:8-9