The Top 10 Recommendations From Our Last 15 Blog Posts
When I started the DVM For Hope Blog, my goal was not only to educate people about injustices in the world, but also to give them ways to get involved in the fight against those injustices. Since I’ve now written 25 posts, I thought it would be a good time for another top 10 list. So, here are the top 10 ways to get involved from my last 15 blog posts (with some bonus content):
Human Trafficking
• Know who to call if you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking. Program the following numbers into your phone:
1. The National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1(888)373-7888
2. The National Center For Missing And Exploited Children 24-Hour Hotline: 1(800)843-5678
3. Out Of Darkness Hotline (Georgia): 1(844)8GA-DMST
Also, don’t forget to download the Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) iPhone App!
• If you want to get an idea of how your purchasing habits impact the global slave trade, check out Slavery Footprint, where you can find out “how many slaves work for you.”
• Hold others accountable for their language, especially our leaders and members of the press. For example, when a news story refers to a child as a “prostitute,” contact the reporter and let her know that Language Matters.
Remember, there is no such thing as a “child prostitute.”
• If you are a man, join Shared Hope International’s Defenders, and take the pledge to stand against the commercial sex industry. Then, encourage other men to join.
• Volunteer with an organization, such as Out Of Darkness, that fights against exploitation. See the important links page of this site to find a list of organizations, many of which need volunteers.
If you’re not in metro Atlanta, End Slavery Now has lists of anti-trafficking organizations all over the U.S.
• Know what your kids are doing online, and with whom they are communicating on social media. Street Grace has a pdf with information about internet safety for kids.
• Give financial support to organizations that do rescue and recovery. In metro-Atlanta, Out Of Darkness, the subject of a DVM For Hope blog post, does rescue and recovery, and Wellspring Living offers residential programs for trafficking survivors.
• Attend an Out Of Darkness training event. These are held several times a year and prepare volunteers for ministries such as Rescue, Jail Ministry, and Outreach. You can also elect to join teams that provide information about human trafficking to medical personnel and community groups.
If you live in metro Atlanta, attend an Out Of Darkness Princess Night and reach out to women who are trapped in “the life.” Also, see outofdarknessglobalcampus.org to learn more ways to help.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• Get educated about FGM. Read Cut by Hibo Wardere, Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and maybe even Female Genital Mutilation by Rosemarie Skaine. The latter is much more descriptive and graphic, suitable for a healthcare provider.
See The AHA Foundation for more about FGM.
Girls’ Health And Education
• Support an organization that educates girls about menstrual health and provides hygiene products that allow girls to stay in school. International Rescue Committee and ZanaAfrica both do work in these areas.
The stigma around menstruation as well as lack of female hygiene products that exist in some countries are factors that limit girls’ access to education.
Remember, even if your actions improve the life of only one person, they were worth it!
M.