The Rotary End Human Trafficking Committee was formed as a direct result of a common thread that clubs were hosting programs on this topic.
We all know the issues of slave trafficking in India, Bangladesh, Viet Nam and other far off lands but many people are not aware slavery is on the streets of Portland and other cities in our country.
Coming together has given us the opportunity to raise awareness and educate the public and offer ways they too can become involved. Our Soap Project (May 20-24), MAX Event (June 1), Walk to End Trafficking (June 8) and our fundraiser at two Pastini locations (June 17-18). We were pleased with the responses and support shown.
Through our involvement with Multco's CSEC Committee (Commercially Sexually Exploited Children) we began the Soap Project. This project was started by a survivor in Detroit. The only time she was alone was when she was in the shower. We offer soap bars labeled with "You are not alone. Do you want to talk? Call 888-3737-888 or text BeFREE" to local hotels to place in their rooms. This second year has been particularly rewarding since owners and managers of hotels are aware of our project and one had the previous year's poster.
The Soap Project began last year with 6,000 bars and we delivered 10,000 this year. We focused on Rose Festival since it is an event that draws more men to the Portland area. Pimps move victims around to meet the demand in any given city/state, whether it is a national convention, car race or sporting event.
We have been fortunate enough to have had radio stations call for interviews, KOIN taped soap deliveries both years and Oregonian articles.
Our committee has partnered with the Portland Police Bureau's Prostitution Coordination Team for the Soap Project . We are really excited about our new effort to place ads on the tail of Tri Met buses in the SE Portland area.
Shared Hope International, headquartered in Vancouver, WA. has donated copies of their book "Renting Lacy" to clubs in our Rotary District. We are partnering our efforts with each other when appropriate.
We have also partnered with the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Assn. (FBICAAA) to support each other's projects and events.
