October vs Human Trafficking

This has been a good month for the fight against human trafficking and modern day slavery! So much seems to be happening in terms of legislation being stepped up and people standing up to this oppression and fighting for freedom!

- 16th October marked the end of  Freedom Challenge (The A21 Campaign), the 11 day cycle via the major trafficking routes in Europe. 

- 18th October this month was Anti-Slavery Day, which was brilliant! So much awareness was raised by so many individuals and organisation. 

- This month The A21 Campaign also launched their pilot high school curriculum in the USA (contact them via their site for more details).

- New legislation will mean that traffickers can be given life sentences now, rather than a cap of 14 years: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24571971 and http://news.sky.com/story/1156086/slavery-fight-to-stop-traffickers-steps-up

- Spokespeople like Lisa Kristine spoke out again about slavery and the fact that more than 30million people are enslaved today (more than double the amount of those taken in the entire transatlantic slave trade from Africa): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMLoxLUPWhw 

- The A21 Campaign South Africa launched recently and has been hosting incredible events ever since, including their National Anti-Slavery Week.

- My friend posted a #throwbackthursday of the Run3KforFreedom event that we planned earlier this year that raised over £1,200 and it encouraged me to think of what we could do next year with more planning and advertising!

I just wanted to share some of this with you to encourage and inspire you! Please, never give up on fighting for the millions of people who are enslaved, or to forget the one: the mother, sister, daugther, father, son... who has been stripped of their rights and dignity and subjected to abuse every day.

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” {Helen Keller}

"It takes just one thought, one action and one voice to make a difference. What will be your one today?" {Ndaba Mandela, The Mandela Project}

Blessings!

Ronell x

 {photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153380442255089&set=a.10153377959065089.1073741825.143678730088&type=1&relevant_count=1}

Freedom Challenge {A21 Campaign} // 11 Days to Raise Awareness

One of my all time favourite organisations (The A21 Campaign) has a team of 8 cyclists who will start their 11 day journey to raise awareness and funds to combat modern day slavery and human trafficking and see it abolished in the 21st century!

Please show your support by spreading the word and encouraging your friends, family, colleagues (and yourselves) to donate to this incredible cause!

Together we can literally change the world.

Blessings!

Ronell x

From October 6-16, 2013, The A21 Campaign is holding a FREEDOM CHALLENGE where a team of brave and determined cyclists will ride through trafficking routes and mountainous regions from Sofia, Bulgaria, to London, UK. The purpose of this ride is to raise awareness both in countries where many young women and children are taken, as well as to raise $210,000 for The A21 Campaign shelters and victim assistance programs.

Take the FREEDOM CHALLENGE by becoming a sponsor today. Click here to make a donation now, or follow the navigation bar for more information.

Together, we can see the injustice of human trafficking abolished in the 21st Century.

50 Reasons Why... {Christine Caine}

Tonight's instalment is from Christine Caine's website (founder of The A21 Campaign) on 50 reasons why we should be fighting against human trafficking and raising awareness whenever we can!

Blessings!

Ronell x



The 21 days of BeCAUSE has recently come to an end, but I want to encourage you to continue stepping out in faith, taking action to see the injustice of human trafficking abolished. I truly believe that modern day slavery CAN and WILL be ended in our lifetime...and just wanted to share with you the top 50 reasons WHY:

1. BeCAUSE...27 million is not a statistic, but real people with names, faces, hearts, feelings, and destiny.

2. BeCAUSE...God requires us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him.

3. BeCAUSE...we have freedom of speech and will use our voices to be hers. 

4. BeCAUSE...less than 1% of sex slaves are rescued. This is not good enough!

5. BeCAUSE...everyone is valuable.

6. BeCAUSE...the GREATNESS in others cannot be unleashed without the GREATNESS in US being GIVEN!

7. BeCAUSE...whatever it costs to make a difference cannot be greater than that of a life.

8. BeCAUSE...it's TOO dark to sleep.

9. BeCAUSE...we were born for such a time as this.

10. BeCAUSE...human trafficking has affected more PEOPLE than the Holocaust, Rwanda, Korean, Vietnam, WWI, and WWII combined.

11. BeCAUSE...she isn't just a victim, she is our sister.

12. BeCAUSE...now that we have seen, we are responsible. Faith without deeds is dead.

13. BeCAUSE...WE might just hold the key to their freedom.

14. BeCAUSE...we can dream about tomorrow, but she can't.

15. BeCAUSE...she has a name just like you and me.

16. BeCAUSE...life is but a vapor, and we only have today to make a difference.

17. Just BeCAUSE.

18. BeCAUSE...everything we need to fight human trafficking is sitting in our Church pews.

19. BeCAUSE...our purpose for being on earth is much greater than ourselves.

20. BeCAUSE...the fight against slavery is not a spectator sport.

21. BeCAUSE...He came to set the captives free and we are His body and called to do greater works.

22. BeCAUSE...all that it takes for evil to triumph is for the good man to sit back and do nothing.

23. BeCAUSE...we have a voice, and we will use it to make a difference.

24. BeCAUSE...ONE person can't do everything, but we ALL can do something!

25. BeCAUSE...our heart breaks for her broken heart.

26. BeCAUSE...He died so that we could be FREE, and we should stand up and speak out until that FREEDOM is a reality for EVERYONE.

27. Difficult-Yes; Impossible-NO! We must join together and fight BECAUSE everyONE has the right to freedom.

28. BeCAUSE...together, we ARE making a difference.

29. BeCAUSE...we will not let what we cannot do interfere with what we can do.

30. BeCAUSE...you and I have a voice - awareness is 80% of the solution.

31. BeCAUSE...we cannot possibly see this and pretend we didn't. We cannot ignore; we must respond!

32. BeCAUSE...we can dream about our tomorrow while all she sees is a nightmare.

33. BeCAUSE...as long as there is ONE victim of human trafficking, she is all the motivation we need.

34. BeCAUSE...God has anointed us to preach good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, and liberty to all who are oppressed.

35. BeCAUSE...REAL men DON'T treat women like objects! REAL men DON'T buy girls.

36. BeCAUSE...if she was my daughter, I would want someone to care.

37. BeCAUSE...everyone deserves a childhood.

38. BeCAUSE...people are not a commodity.

39. BeCAUSE...they need us to give them a voice and find answers to their horrific problems.

40. BeCAUSE...saving just ONE girl is worth it all.

41. BeCAUSE...this is our generation who are enslaved.

42. BeCAUSE...even if we pretend slavery isn't happening...it is.

43. BeCAUSE...there is more slavery today than at the PEAK of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.

44. BeCAUSE...if I do something small, and you do something small, then together our 'smalls' can make a HUGE difference!

45. BeCAUSE...everyONE of these girls were created in the image of God.

46. BeCAUSE...they won't know their true worth if no one values them.

47. BeCAUSE...we are writing our legacy with our lives. What will our generation be remembered for?

48. BeCAUSE...I was RESCUED and have a responsibility to help rescue others.

49. BeCAUSE...people should not have a price tag; humanity is invaluable.

50. We must continue to spread the word...BeCAUSE this isn't a phase or a trend, but a long-term commitment to seeing JUSTICE established. 

It is true that one person cannot do everything, but we can ALL do our something. Join The A21 Campaign and be a part of the solution. Together, we will see the injustice of human trafficking abolished.

Click here to view pictures from the 21 days of BeCAUSE.

CRC // Exerciseathon // ENDIT

I'm going to register for this event tomorrow! The CRC London exerciseathon on 14th September 2013 http://crclondon.com/exerciseathon Are you in? It's to raise money for The A21 Campaign as part of the ENDIT movement which fights against human trafficking and modern day slavery. I would LOVE IT if you could do it with me! The poster below is for more than one event (including their prayerathon happening from 8th September), but I'm going for the exerciseathon on 14th September. It is for men, women and children over 12 and should be really good! We need to register asap and then start getting people to sponsor us/donate to the cause. 

If you don't fancy taking part, you could always sponsor me/donate online to The A21 Campaign Check out The A21 Campaign here: http://www.thea21campaign.org/ and ENDIT here: http://www.enditmovement.com/
Blessings!

Ronell x


{photo credit: http://crclondon.com/exerciseathon}

Hope for Justice

Hope for Justice is an anti-human trafficking organisation working to uncover and abolish the hidden crime of modern-day slavery. As a non-governmental organisation (NGO) they gather intelligence and assist in the process of removing victims from exploitation within the UK. Human trafficking is not someone else’s problem, it’s happening in our communities, in our neighbourhoods, in our country. 

Too often women and young girls fall victim to sex slavery after being deceived by partners or members of their families. 

Hope for Justice was created to be the practical solution to human trafficking with four areas of operation:

• Investigate & Rescue

  Their team responds to intelligence received from NGOs and community groups they’ve trained to recognise the indicators of trafficking. This work enables them to assist in the rescue of victims from situations of exploitation and transfer them to aftercare providers. Intelligence is submitted to the police and can form part of the picture where a larger organised crime culture exists. With so many victims arriving from countries with disreputable policing, and so many others wilfully instilled with a terror of UK police, the need for a third party is distinct and urgent. Hope for Justice builds bridges of trust between police and victim, and acts as a conduit for intelligence that would otherwise simply never see the light of day.

• Assist Aftercare

  Whilst not providing aftercare themselves, they work closely with those who do, to assist in the protection and rehabilitation of victims. Their Aftercare Coordinator may suggest the most appropriate facility based on the victim’s needs and facilitate transport there. Follow-up phone calls and visits are made and the team tracks each individual’s progress. This relates closely to their third aim; prosecution. 78.13% of the victims they rescue request their assistance in terms of advocating for them through investigation and prosecution.

• Perpetrator Accountability

  They believe that perpetrators should be held responsible for their crimes via prosecution. They work to ensure that victims are properly recognised as such through referral into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and they forward intelligence to the police to assist in bringing perpetrators to justice. Their Legal Team supports the victim through the reporting and investigative process should they wish to report the matter to the police and ensure that they receive appropriate basic legal advice on all aspects of their case including any potential civil actions. This means perpetrators are held to account financially as well as through the criminal justice process.

• Campaign

  They campaign at a local, national and international level to ensure the laws on human trafficking work effectively to combat the problem. As they develop relationships in Whitehall their advocacy and legislative agenda is growing with over 100 ACTFORJUSTICE community groups joining our call for action and awareness. They are an established part of the anti-trafficking NGO community and a member of the Human Trafficking Foundation, an umbrella forum chaired by Anthony Steen.

WATCH this animated video to see how we can all help break the cycle, and help end modern slavery forever.http://bit.ly/19RxW8H

Today, another organisation called The A21 Campaign held an event in London to raise awareness of human trafficking and to rally support. Find out more about #27for27 on facebook, instagram and twitter to be inspired in how you can help to fight for justice, hope and a future of freedom for the victims of modern day slavery!

Blessings!

Ronell x

{photo credit: http://hopeforjustice.org.uk/what-we-do}

The A21 Campaign // Hombreros

Hombreros is more than a group of guys that are selling caps. They are a brotherhood that is dedicated to honor, respect, and justice.

This brotherhood began as a group of young men who recognized the injustice in the world and knew that they needed to do something about it.

Injustice in the world can be overwhelming, paralyzing, and discouraging. This did not stop them from doing something. 

As said by Andreas, Hombreros founder, “Even though we know that we can’t do everything, we can do something and every kind act we do will inspire others around us to do the same”.

They set out to design a baseball cap that would be appealing to men around the world who wanted to fight for justice as well. Hombreros is now selling these caps and contributing all profits to The A21 Campaign.

More than simply raising money, Hombreros is trying to create awareness among men about the reality of human trafficking all around the world. Their desire is to inspire other to start their own journey towards bringing freedom and justice.

Hombreros is not for any specific style or type of guy, but for all men who desire to make a difference. Men all around are fighting for freedom as they wear these hats with respect and honor. 

Want to buy a cap? Click here. 

share on facebookshare on twitter

A21 // 11 days to raise awareness!

In 2008, Nick and Christine Caine founded The A21 Campaign, an anti-human-trafficking organization that is dedicated to abolishing slavery in the 21st century. A21 has a global presence around the world with offices in Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, United Kingdom, Australia, USA and South Africa. The A21 Campaign’s comprehensive approach includes raising awareness, preventing future trafficking, taking legal action and providing rehabilitation services for survivors.

Check out The A21 Campaign's mission and the facts and figures about human trafficking here: http://www.thea21campaign.org/cycle/content/the-mission/gjsa48

The A21 Campaign's 'Freedom Challenge' is 11 days to raise awareness of human trafficking!

The course for FREEDOM CHALLENGE covers 10 countries in Eastern Europe, including 1250km of difficult terrain and steep climbs. This is a unique opportunity to raise awareness in some of the highest rated human trafficking source countries in the world.

The race starts in Sofia, Bulgaria, on October 6, 2013, with their core team of determined cyclists, and will finish Wednesday, October 16, in London, UK.

10 countries 
11 days 
1250 km
8 riders
1 goal ‪#‎A21FreedomChallenge‬ 

Check out their route here: http://www.thea21campaign.org/cycle/content/the-route/gjsd7c

Support these cyclists in raising awareness and fighting for freedom in one (or more!) of the ways below:

1. Give

This event is big, and it’s tough. We can’t do it alone.Our goal is to raise $210,000 to help pay for the event and raise global awareness of the dangers of human trafficking. Whatever gift you can give is a tremendous help.

2. Raise Awareness

Raise awareness about the Freedom Challenge through social media. Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. Invite your friends to participate as well.

3. Attend the Event

If you can, please make every effort to attend one of the ride’s events at the host cities. Let our riders know how important abolishing modern-day slavery is by cheering them on in their efforts. You can find out when the riders will be near you in our news section and route page.

4. Join the Conversation

Speak out and let your voice be heard. Participate in our blog and let us know what you’re doing to raise awareness for the Freedom Challenge.

Blessings!

Ronell x

Morden vicar set to cycle across Europe for anti-slavery charity

Did you know that human trafficking is the second-fastest growing criminal industry in the world? Now is the time to abolish slavery, in all its many forms, once and for all. (US TIP Report)

The A21 Campaign promoted the following article today:

A vicar will cycle across Europe in a bid to raise thousands for an anti-slavery charity.

Rev Gav Murray, minister of Morden Baptist Church, in Crown Lane, Morden, will be pedalling 2,500km across mainland Europe for the Zoe Challenge.

The challenge is named after one of the first girls rescued by British anti-human trafficking charity Hope for Justice.

Zoe was trafficked into the UK for sexual exploitation, suffering from violence at the hands of her controllers.

Mr Murray will be joined by CEO of the charity Ben Cooley and former Emmerdale star Tom Lister.

The team will cross six countries, taking on a gruelling trip from Riga, Latvia to the Dutch port of Rotterdam.

Church members Tim Pollen, Andrew Sadler and Sam Young will join in the ride from Hull to Southampton, arriving in June 1 for an end party.

Mr Murray said: "Hearing Zoe’s shocking story and realising this goes on in the UK inspired me to help Hope for Justice rescue victims of human trafficking. 

"That’s why I’m going through the pain barrier for three weeks to raise £15,000."

To make a donation visit justgiving.com/Gavin-Murray2

I was really challenged again by this story that it really is not simply in sympathy, but through action that we can actually change the world! I am helping my friend Sharmila with her Run3KForFreedom event on 6th July in support of The A21 Campaign- support this online by donating here or get involved! Research local events in your area and get involved with fundraising and raising awareness today!

Blessings!

Ronell x


"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." {Margaret Mead}