Did you know January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month? President Obama has declared it so and this year I wanted to do something so I’ve started a t-shirt sale fundraiser that will go through the end of the month.

“Our Nation wrestled with the issue of slavery in a way that nearly tore us apart — its fundamental notion in direct contradiction with our founding premise that we are all created equal. The courageous individuals who rejected such cruelty helped us overcome one of the most painful chapters in our history as we worked to realize the promise of equality and justice for all. But today, in too many places around the world — including right here in the United States — the injustice of modern slavery and human trafficking still tears at our social fabric. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we resolve to shine a light on every dark corner where human trafficking still threatens the basic rights and freedoms of others.

From factories and brothels to farms and mines, millions of men, women, and children in the United States and around the world are exploited for their bodies and their labor. Whether through violence, deceit, or the promises of a better life, some of the most vulnerable populations among us — including migrants and refugees fleeing conflict or disaster, homeless LGBT youth, Alaska Native and American Indian women and girls, and children in poverty — are preyed upon by human traffickers. In order to rid the world of modern slavery we must do everything in our power to combat these violations of human decency.

…

As leaders in the global undertaking to end the exploitation of human beings for profit, we must always remember that our freedom is bound to the freedom of others. This month, let us find inspiration in America’s progress toward justice, opportunity, and prosperity for all and reaffirm our pledge to continue fighting for human rights around the world.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2017 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, culminating in the annual celebration of National Freedom Day on February 1.”

–Barack Obama

There are many great organizations that fight for this cause. I decided to raise funds for Polaris. They have several initiatives that attack human trafficking from different sides.

One thing I love is that they have a national hotline that is available 24/7 to help victims of human trafficking.

“The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a national, toll-free hotline, available to answer calls from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in more than 200 languages. The Hotline’s mission is to connect human trafficking victims and survivors to critical support and services to get help and stay safe, and to equip the anti-trafficking community with the tools to effectively combat all forms of human trafficking. The Hotline offers round-the-clock access to a safe space to report tips, seek services, and ask for help.

Learn more at www.humantraffickinghotline.org.”

There is also a textline available.

Text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE): To get help for victims and survivors of human trafficking or to connect with local service

Hours of operation: 3:00pm -11:00pm EST

Polaris has resources for victims to restart their lives. It’s not easy to start a new life with nothing. Here’s a breakdown for some of the ways donations are used:

• $25 supports operation of the national hotline for 2 hours
• $50 provides food for a survivor and her children for 1 week
• $120 or $10/month purchases basic supplies for a survivor receiving crisis services
• $240 or $20/month houses, clothes and feeds a survivor for 1 week
• $600 or $50/month provides one month of transitional housing for one victim
• $1,200 or $100/month supports on-the-ground advocacy efforts to improve legislation in one state for six months

The more shirts that sell the higher the percentage of sales that go to Polaris from each item will be. Check them out here and please feel free to share this fundraiser.

If t-shirts aren’t your thing you can donate directly to Polaris right here.

If there is a demand for it I can also order kid’s shirts and onesies through another site. Let me know if you’d be interested in any.