How You Can Make a Difference: Building a Movement & Driving Systemic Change Against Human Trafficking

Trigger Warning: The following article contains descriptions and statistics related to human trafficking, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and abuse. Some content may be distressing to readers. Please proceed with caution.

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This is the third blog in the 3-part series of The Myosotis Project’s collaboration with YouthxYouth. This blog series uses the YouthxYouth pedagogy of What Is, What If, and What Now, combined with The Myosotis Project’s mission of raising awareness and combating human trafficking. In this third blog, The Myosotis Project looks at practical steps for involvement, from raising awareness and educating oneself, to becoming a responsible consumer and advocating for anti-trafficking policies.

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“Defeating human trafficking is a great moral calling of our time.” — Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State. (Rice, 2024) 

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In 2021, over 50 million people were living in modern slavery, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO, 2022). The scale of this issue is staggering; to put it into perspective, that number is equivalent to the combined populations of Sweden, Portugal, Greece, the Czech Republic, and Hungary—all victims of human trafficking (World Bank, 2023). This growing crisis affects millions worldwide, causing unimaginable suffering. When I first learned about human trafficking, I was researching major social issues. While many issues are addressed, human trafficking often seems to be overlooked, despite affecting so many people.

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As individuals, driving change may feel daunting. You might wonder, “How can I change the world?” Remember, however, that one person can make a difference. Personal actions, driven by individual choices, can have a significant impact. 

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In this blog, we’ll explore how you can contribute to building a movement and driving systemic change against human trafficking. Whether through personal or collective efforts, your actions matter and can help create a world free from modern-day slavery.

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Collective Action

In the fight against human trafficking, collective action is crucial. While individual efforts are important, working together can make a significant impact.

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Collective action has been pivotal in driving social change. The Civil Rights Movement of the late 1950s and early 1960s serves as a prime example. Figures like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Ralph Abernathy inspired millions to unite against racial injustice. The 1963 March on Washington, attended by over 200,000 people from diverse backgrounds, demonstrated the power of collective action in effecting legislative change and promoting equality (National Park Service, n.d.). This exemplifies how shared beliefs can evolve into a potent force, motivating individuals to fight for the rights of others, even when they are not directly affected.

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Similarly, in the fight against human trafficking, collective action can unite individuals, organizations, and governments to raise awareness, influence policy, and support victims. By working together, we can create a powerful movement to drive systemic change and help eradicate modern-day slavery. Working together with a group of people, like us at the Myotosis Project, initiates collective action. It feels empowering to collaborate with individuals who are passionate about the same issues.

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What you can do:

1. Awareness

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The first step to making a difference is spreading awareness, and it starts with you. By reading this blog, you are already taking a crucial step towards driving change. Here are some actionable steps to increase awareness:

• One effective way to spread awareness is by using social media and community platforms to share facts and statistics about human trafficking. The more people know, the harder it becomes for traffickers to operate unnoticed.
• Additionally, educating yourself and others about the indicators of trafficking—such as poor living conditions, an inability to speak alone, and visible signs of physical abuse – can make a significant difference.
• If you suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, it’s essential to know how to report it safely. Contact local authorities or hotlines, ensuring that you do not put yourself or the victim in danger.

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Awareness can also be daunting. The information can be overwhelming, and reading about traumatic events can be difficult. Don’t overextend yourself; do what you can while acknowledging the horrors survivors have endured. Remember, you can drive change without knowing everything. Appreciate survivors and understand that while you can’t speak for them, you can work alongside them. By taking these steps, you can help create a more informed and vigilant community. Remember, awareness is the first step toward change.

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2.  Education

Educating yourself about human trafficking is crucial in this fight. Here are steps to deepen your understanding:

• Start by understanding the different forms of human trafficking, including labor and sex trafficking. Recognizing the various ways traffickers exploit victims will equip you to combat these practices.
• Additionally, study how trafficking intersects with local and global economies, recognizing how it affects different industries and the economic factors contributing to trafficking. (ILO, 2022) 
• Keep up with the latest research, news, and reports on human trafficking. Follow reputable organizations to stay updated on developments. Being informed enhances your effectiveness as an advocate

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In school, we often don’t learn about issues like this, even though they are so important. Sometimes, you have to take the initiative to educate yourself. Your commitment to learning can help drive systemic change, as education is a powerful tool in the fight against human trafficking.

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3. Responsible Consumerism

Your purchasing decisions can significantly impact the fight against human trafficking. Here’s how to ensure your consumer habits support ethical practices:

• Before making a purchase, investigate the labor practices of companies, including how they source materials and treat workers. Websites like Good On You and the Ethical Consumer can guide you to brands that prioritize ethical labor practices.
• Choose to buy from companies with transparent, fair labor policies and certifications, such as Fair Trade and B Corp, which indicate a commitment to ethical standards.
• Boycott products from companies known to exploit labor or use trafficking victims. Resources like the Department of Labor’s List of Goods produced by child labor or forced labor can help identify and avoid such products.

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By being a responsible consumer, you can reduce the demand for products made through exploitative practices and support companies committed to ethical labor standards.

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4. Advocacy

Advocacy is a powerful means to drive systemic change and support the fight against human trafficking. Here’s how to become an effective advocate:

• Advocate for anti-trafficking policies at local, national, and international levels by staying informed and using your voice to support initiatives that combat trafficking and protect victims.
• Participate in awareness events, rallies, and fundraisers to raise awareness and show solidarity with victims and survivors. Your presence can amplify the message and encourage others to join the cause. 
• Encourage legislation that protects victims and targets traffickers. Contact your local representatives to express support for anti-trafficking laws and use social media to promote legislative efforts and mobilize others. 

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Your advocacy can help create a legal and social environment that is hostile to traffickers and supportive of victims, contributing to meaningful changes in policy.

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5. Community Engagement

Engaging your community is crucial in the fight against human trafficking. Here are ways to foster awareness and vigilance:

• Host workshops or community meetings to educate others about human trafficking, providing information on the signs of trafficking and how to support victims.
• Use storytelling to highlight survivor experiences and the impact of trafficking. Sharing real-life stories humanizes the issue and inspires action.
• Foster a supportive community environment where people are vigilant, encouraging awareness of trafficking signs and the reporting of any suspicions to authorities.

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By engaging your community, you can create a culture of awareness and support that helps prevent human trafficking.

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In the fight against human trafficking, every action counts. Whether you choose to educate yourself, advocate for change, engage your community, or make responsible consumer choices, your efforts can help create a world free from modern-day slavery. Together, we can amplify our impact and drive systemic change. Driving change alone can be scary; I have been there as well. Starting to take action can be intimidating, but today is the day to begin. Take that first step, no matter how small, and know that you are part of a larger movement. Remember, everyone is on a learning journey, and your courage to start is what truly matters.

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Join the movement today. Start by sharing this blog, educating others, or participating in local initiatives against human trafficking. Your voice matters!

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Works Cited

1. Allen, D. (n.d.). Collective action: Improve your working conditions. Daniel Allen. https://journals.rcni.com/nursing-standard/analysis/collective-action-improve-your-working-conditions-ns.37.10.35.s15/abs 

2. Fair Trade USA. "What is Fair Trade?" Fair Trade Certified. https://www.fairtradecertified.org. 

3. International Labour Organization. "50 Million People Worldwide in Modern Slavery." ILO News, 12 Sept. 2022, https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/50-million-people-worldwide-modern-slavery-0. 

4. International Labour Organization. Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage. Geneva, ILO, 2022. https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/forced-labour/lang--en/index.htm. 

5. National Park Service. (n.d.). March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.nps.gov/articles/march-on-washington.htm. 

6. Rice, Condoleezza. "Defeating human trafficking is a great moral calling of our time." 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report Release, statement referenced by Secretary Antony J. Blinken, U.S. Department of State, 2024. https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-the-release-of-the-2024-trafficking-in-persons-report/#:~:text=As%20Condoleezza%20Rice%20said%2C%20defeating,communities%20can%20take%20proactive%20measures 

7. World Bank. World Development Indicators: Population. Data accessed 2023, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.

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The views and content in this blog series are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of YouthxYouth.