1.

Our task force works to address this problem by identifying opportunities for Rotary, and Partners, to engage and take action

 
Stan Galanski
Committee Chair of the District 5890 Anti Human Trafficking Committee
2.  Visit Our Peace Committee & Other Peace Subcommittee Webpages
Peace Committee - Click here
Subcommittee webpages:
Girls & Women Empowerment Committee - Click here
Positive Mental Health Committee - Click here
Refugee Task Force Committee - Coming Soon!
3.  Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force
 
A group of Rotarians and Subject Matter Experts (SME) have formed a group to recognize opportunities to apply the influence and resources of Rotary in combating Human Trafficking in our Communities, through
  • Raising Public Education of the problem (in schools, churches, community centers, etc., {AWARENESS (Training})
  • Collaborating with established and recognized NGOs who are on the frontlines in the battle against the evil forces perpetuating the sex-trafficking industry, {PREVENTION (Intervention)} and
  • Sponsoring programs focused on the healing process of victims {RECOVERY and RESTORATION (Advocacy)
4.  Human Slavery and Sex Trafficking Perspective
 
 
 
5.  Our Two-Year Project:  Rotary Foundation Global Grant #GG 2579105 - "Reducing Child Sex Trafficking in Metropolitan Houston"
A comprehensive $304,000 Rotary Foundation Global Grant was awarded to the Rotary Clubs of Space Center (D5890) and Ciudad Juarez Ejecutivo (D4130) to address the growing problem of sex-trafficking of youth in Harris and surrounding counties in Texas.This project will focus on three major elements in the battle to save our children:
  • Community-wide Training & Awareness and Youth Prevention Education
  • Early and Proactive Intervention, and
  • Survivor Advocacy Services
♦ FOCUS
Initially, the focus will be on school districts, juvenile detention centers, community centers, churches, etc. in Harris and Ft. Bend County.  If time and funding allows, other counties will be incorporated.
♦ OUR $304,000 ROTARY FOUNDATION GLOBAL GRANT
♦ WAYS ROTARIANS CAN PARTICIPATE
 
Training & Education (in the high schools)
Care Bag Assembly (as a Club Project)
Public Awareness (information distribution)
 
A.  Training & Education in Area High Schools – Our Partner (Unbound Now) has 1.5 hour education curriculum, known as “Keeping Students Safe”* that qualified Rotarians can be trained to deliver.  To be eligible for this exercise, it is preferred that the Rotarian have (in priority order):
                1.  The ability to pass a drug screening test
                2.  Commitment of 8 hours per month (to prepare for, shadow, and deliver the material)
                3.  Previous Social Worker experience
                4.  Previous Teaching experience
                5.  Other speaking engagements/experience
                6.  Other applicable "certifications"
The training process includes 1-on-1 exchanges with an UBN Early Intervention Specialist (EIS), followed by successive “shadowing” of an UBN EIS delivering the PowerPoint presentation, until the Rotarian is ready to deliver the presentation by themselves.
*We are aware of others (similar) curriculums in the NGO Community, and this Task Force is evaluating how best to utilize them in a complimentary fashion.
 
B.  Care Bag Assembly – As vulnerable children and/or victims are identified there often comes a need to provide immediate, trusting assistance to them.  One way this is done is through the delivery of “care bags” to them.  This can either be an Individual or Rotary club community project whereby
                1.  Items for the bags can be collected and held for a bi-annual Care Bag Assembly*, and/or
                2.  Members can participate in the assembly of the Care Bags at the UBN Office.
    *if the items cannot be held until an assembly date, special arrangements can be made to have them delivered or picked up prior to.
 
C.  Public Awareness – Multiple public (civic) or private (Rotary) assemblies occur throughout the year, offering the opportunity for Rotarian Volunteers to man tables or distribute literature about the problems of Child Sex Trafficking or Human Trafficking (in general).
Fee free to reach out to the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee (Stan Galanski) for assistance in how best you and your Rotary Club can participate in these District initiatives.  They are prepared to come and visit your clubs, educate them, and explore up-to-date opportunities to get involved.  We encourage each club to identify a “point person(s)” who is(are) interested in Anti-Human Trafficking, and join this District-focused committee.
6.  Other (Complimentary) Information
Every person has the right to live free of forced labor and exploitation.
 
The video above is from the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGAS) - Visit their website:https://ragas.online/
  1. The video features U.S. attorney Gary Haugen, President and CEO of International Justice MIssion (IJM).
  2. Click to read a Rotary International interview with Gary where he explains how Rotarians can take action against slavery.
7.  ROTARY ACTION GROUP AGAINST SLAVERY IS SUPPORTED IN 65 COUNTRIES
 

The Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGAS)

District 5890 is exchanging ideas and project outcomes with RAGAS, a global, action-driven network of Rotarians dedicated to freedom fighting, justice seeking, problem solving, advocating for basic human rights, and working with like-minded groups to abolish modern slavery.  They are heavily involved in creating awareness with, and encouraging action by, Rotarians and their supporters in the fight against Human Sex Trafficking. 

WHY does the rotary action group against slavery DO?

  • They create awareness by: Telling Rotarians and the wider public that millions of vulnerable people are held captive illegally and exploited to make profit – MANY NEAR WHERE YOU LIVE!
  • They encourage action: By supporting, working with and promoting global anti-slavery bodies and activities through Rotary Clubs, campaigns and projects that help protect the vulnerable from slavery and its consequences.
You can help make that change - visit the RARAG website to learn more about:
  • What is modern day slavery and how you can spot it?
  • What are the Types of Exploitation
  • What is Internal vs External Trafficking
  • How you can help

YOUR CALL-TO-ACTION

Freedom is a basic human right.  We believe that collectively, we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues and because the world should be FREE of Modern Slavery/Human Trafficking.  Without freedom, individuals and communities cannot achieve basic education, economic development, or peace.  RAGAS Members, Clubs and Districts work together to promote education, peace, freedom, and healing in the world.

Click here to join the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery

8.  A CALL-TO-ACTION FOR ROTARIANS:  "COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND PREVENTION EDUCATION (CAPE) PLAN" 
In early June 2024, the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGAS) launched the 43-page "Rotary Youth Human Trafficking Awareness Program"(click here) a collaborative effort between A21 USA and the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery and is available in English and Spanish. 
This program is designed to educate and empower youth to take action against human trafficking in their communities. By providing comprehensive resources and practical tools, we're equipping the next generation to make a difference in the fight against modern-day slavery. To learn more, visit A21.org/Ragas-Youth-Program
 
TAILORED FOR ROTARY YOUTH GROUPS LIKE INTERACT!
The Rotary Youth Human Trafficking Awareness Program is tailored for Rotary Youth groups like Interact Clubs and can be used individually or in a group setting. Whether you're a student, teacher, or community leader, this program provides a valuable opportunity to learn about human trafficking and get involved in the solution.
 
We're grateful for the partnership between A21 and RAGAS, and we can't wait to see the impact this program will have on the lives of young people around the world. Let's work together to protect and empower our youth, and create a safer and more just world for all!
9.  "The Can You See Me? Program"
The A21.org (click here) program Can You See Me? (click here) is to equip the general public to recognize indicators of human trafficking, and report suspected scenarios. An increase in reports will lead to an increase in victim identification.  "Can You See Me?" exists to bring awareness of the millions of men, women, and children who are currently trapped in slavery across the world. By partnering with law enforcement, governments, businesses, and NGOs, our goal is to turn awareness into action. Click the locations above or the scenarios on their webpage (click here) to find out more information and to watch the PSA videos.
 
Slavery Still Exists!  CAN YOU SEE ME?
If you suspect it, REPORT IT!
Links for each country below are in their native language:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is more than a reporting number. It is a confidential, multilingual hotline for victims, survivors, and witnesses of human trafficking. You can reach this hotline by:
📞 Phone: 1-888-373-7888
💻 Email: Help@HumanTraffickingHotline.Org
📱Text: HELP to 233733 (BEFREE)
 
10.  Important local & nation organization contacts.  
 
Unbound Now Houston:  https://unboundnow.org/houston/
 
No Trafficking Zone:  https://www.notraffickingzone.org/
 
Children’s Assessment Center:  https://cachouston.org/
 
 
International Justice Mission:  https://www.ijm.org
Houston Police Department Vice Division:  713.308.8600
FBI - Houston Field Office 713.693.5000 Houston.fbi.gov

11.  Events 

Our 2024 project:  early intervention & referral program FOR VICTIMS OF Trafficking in the greater houston bay area"
12.  RECENT / CURRENT PROJECTS & EVENTS
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Team Project with No Trafficking Zone (NTZ)

Our District 5890 Rotaract and Interact members participated in Anti-Human Sex Trafficking prevention and awareness training in conjunction with the No Trafficking Zone (NTZ) Youth Experience.  These members:
  • Attended NTZ Summit Week in NRG Park; shared experiences; spoke at Press Conference
  • Attended/Presented at NTZ and Texas Education Agency (TEA) Press Conference – focusing on the State of Texas’ NTZ Bill (SB-1831)
  • (Subsequently, and with the help of NTZ) introduced programs into local schools, e.g., creating campaigns and signage for the students
Work is ongoing between NTZ and Rotary youth to prevent/combat HST in schools, e.g., a video of the NTZ Youth Experience, including Rotary Interact participation, is forthcoming.
 
Note:    NTZ is a non-profit partner focused on preventing, combating, and eradicating human trafficking by creating NO TRAFFICKING ZONES throughout the world.
 
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New law fights sex trafficking in texas schools:  no Trafficking Zone Law" Press Conference - Rotary District 5890 District Governor Michelle Bohreer & District 5890 Interact representative & Clements High School Interact club Officer Speak About Taking Action!

Rotary District 5890 is honored to partner with "No Trafficking Zone" (NTZ) an anti-sex/human trafficking initiative plus elected officials, faith communities, civic leaders, and law enforcement officials to take action to end human trafficking! In partnership with NTZ, District 5890 is working with our high school Interact Clubs to empower their phenomenal high school students to create their own campaigns to address this modern day slavery issue in their schools!
CLICK TO WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE (hear District 5890 Rotarians & Interactors at 56:52 minutes)

13.  RECOMMENDED REFERENCE MATERIAL

The following are Public Service Announcements (PSA) from Unbound Houston