As we transition into the month of February, we transition away from Human Trafficking Awareness Month and into other things. The drumbeats of the anti-trafficking organizations who work hard to spread awareness, share thoughtful insights, and mobilize support during this important month begin to fade into the background. Our social media feeds begin to supply different images, different quotes, different conversations.
But the daily realities of women (and men) living in exploitation or situations of trafficking do not fade as the calendar rolls forward. They wake to another day of vulnerability, another day of abuse, another day of danger to themselves or others, another day of feeling utterly trapped.
If we dare to pause and allow ourselves to feel the weight of what these men and women must feel on a daily basis—these mothers and daughters, these fathers and sons, these brothers and sisters—we might be tempted to feel overwhelmed and turn our attention away again. This problem is too big for us, we think. What can we possibly do to make a difference? I am not a rescuer. I don’t have the time. I have no idea where to start.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the issue. It’s easy to think we’re not qualified to participate in the solution. It takes a special skill set, we think, or a special kind of life. It requires a time commitment that we just can’t make, or money that we just don’t have. It’s a problem that needs to be addressed by governments, perhaps. Or experts. Or people who are willing to give their whole lives to the cause. It’s too big for someone like me. Or too dark. Or too hard.
But can we let you in on a little secret?
None of those things are true.
The call to carry light into the darkness of trafficking and exploitation is a call that anyone can participate in.
It’s a call that no single person or organization or movement can accomplish alone. Instead, it’s an incredible opportunity that we have the joy of joining in together. And as we pool our resources (big or small), pool our gifts (as varied as the people who steward them), pool our small and seemingly insignificant efforts, light begins to shine so brightly in the darkness. Hope dawns for those in the shadows as practical opportunities for exit emerge.
Freedom unfolds as multiple individuals playing multiple roles begin to come alongside victims—seeing them, engaging with them, supporting them in tangible, practical ways. Healing rushes in as lived experiences change from abusive and exploitative encounters to encounters that bestow dignity and care. Rescue happens. Restoration happens. Lives and families and communities are changed.
NightLight’s founder and CEO, Annie Dieselberg, recently shared an apt illustration of the process of rescue and restoration for victims of trafficking and exploitation. She compared the process to a relay race—a passing of the baton of dignity, compassion, and value—from person to person to person.
This race is not for you to run alone. But perhaps you have a lap to take. Maybe your lap is to learn more about trafficking and share what you’re learning with others. Maybe you find yourself with financial resources you can marshal to financially support those doing the boots-on-the-ground work of rescue and restoration. Maybe you have time or talent that you can offer to an organization doing anti-trafficking work. Or maybe your role is to do whatever job you do with excellence and attention to the person in front of you—communicating dignity and care in every interaction.
Whatever our resources and opportunities, may we each be challenged to consider that the realities of trafficking and exploitation continue far beyond Human Trafficking Awareness Month. And may we be captured by the power of working together to carry light into dark places every month of the year: in January, in February, in August, in December. As we run together, what incredible stories of hope, healing, and joy we get to write!
Looking for practical suggestions for how you can help multiply stories of rescue and restoration throughout the year? Here are just a few ideas (but we can think of lots more!):
Sign up for NightLight email updates to stay informed on real-time opportunities/needs (http://nightlightinternational.com).
Become a monthly financial partner. Whether it’s $10/mo or $1000/mo, monthly partners enable us to strategically and effectively work on the ground in both Bangkok and Missouri.
Check out various opportunities to volunteer with NightLight. From occasional opportunities to regular commitments, there are specific ways you can give of your time and talent.
Consider hosting a NightLight Collection Pop-Up. Gather friends and have some fun.
Learn about trafficking and what it looks like in your context. Looking for recommendations? Email us!
