With Christmas upon us, it is easy to be distracted by the merriments, bright lights and baubles, yet while we are enjoying the festivities every minute a person is trafficked.  Thanks to you, STOP THE TRAFFIK is continually growing in its campaign to change lives; we have 450 members across 40 countries, and offices in 6 of these.  The campaign is not only moving forward locally and nationally, but also globally, below are a number of successes from the past few months!

• We have been acknowledged by the British Parliament
• Offices have been set up in Australia and USA
• Meetings with MTV
• Membership opportunities with numerous multinationals and TV commissions

Each month we would like to take the chance to introduce you to one of our global offices, this month we have chosen Merlyn Dsouza and her team in
India.

Progress Report

1In Banagalore city center, STOP THE TRAFFIK campaigners held a performance named ‘Kamala’ which educated the public about people trafficking and STOP THE TRAFFIK’s campaign.

2St Xaviers’ College in Mumbai held an educational session on people trafficking, beginning with ‘Anamica’ a film focusing on sex trafficking and continued with personal stories and the signing of Declaration Cards.

Future Plans

1To work alongside Street Children’s Projects, to develop a long-term strategy to prevent children ending up on the streets.

2To initiate a central missing child bureau in collaboration with the police.

3To collaborate with NGO’s and Government organisations to conduct people trafficking awareness programs in educational institutions.

Campaigners Events

Tied Up… Kate, Lizzie, Sarah and Vikkie spent 24 hours tied together; to symbolize the bonds of trafficked people and their fight for freedom; simple everyday tasks became very difficult and all four girls were glad to be set free.  Throughout the day, the girls handed out Declaration Cards in a local supermarket and raised approximately £300 for Chab Dai a member organization featured on our website.

Holey Vicar… Rev Ken Reynard, of Belper Baptist Church recently had his ear pierced in aid of STOP THE TRAFFIK, after getting his ear pierced in a local salon, he is now wearing STOP THE TRAFFIK’s Freedom key ring in his left ear.  He will wear the earring until the Freedom Day in March.  He said: "I detest the idea of wearing an earring, but if this makes people aware of the number of people in slavery both in this country and abroad, and leads to action, then it is worth the sacrifice."

Signing in the Rain… An Open-Air Musical Programme staged by Salvation Army Musicians from the UK was held in Tallinn, Estonia on 21st October; this sought to raise awareness on ‘STOP THE TRAFFIK and provided information regarding the situation of trafficking in Estonia.  With thorough consideration and planning, the event appeared to have all areas covered, leaflets, permission, and the stand; however, a deluge of rain came as an unwelcome surprise!  The stand was partially waterproof and volunteers and Band braved the elements and continued to get Declaration Cards signed for the afternoon.   Many passers-by seemed unaware of trafficking in Estonia, and the Salvation Army hope to use these small beginnings to further speak out and educate against human trafficking in this way. 

We want to hear from YOU!

1Would you or someone you know like to represent your area for STOP THE TRAFFIK by becoming a Regional Representative?

2Have you got any planned events relating to STOP THE TRAFFIK?      

3We are working on celebrity endorsement and already have Bob Geldof, Richard Branson and Paul McCartney including others, do you know a famous face?  If so we would love a photo of them endorsing STOP THE TRAFFIK by drawing the Freedom Key on their hand and a short quote to accompany it.  Please send these to info@stopthetraffik.org.

Challenge of the Month:

With less than 4 months until Freedom Day, now is the time to start planning your events and celebrations to ensure your day runs like clockwork.  How you celebrate Freedom Day is entirely up to you and we recommend that you put your personal stamp of creativity and thought on it!  However, three important things to consider are; how to 

1 raise awareness on people trafficking.

2 get as many Declaration Cards as possible signed.

3refer people to www.stopthetraffik.org to get them involved and campaigning beyond your event.

STOP THE TRAFFIK has developed a Freedom Day Organisers Pack to aid you in your quest, to view or download click here.

The pack covers all areas that need thought and consideration before the day, from building a Freedom Wall to filling trucks with people and driving around your town; the pack will give you the know how.  Make the most of this free resource and print off your Freedom Day Organisers Pack today!

Remember

1TO BUY YOUR FREEDOM KEYS NOW click here.

2There is now a DONATE option on our Homepage, we are thankful for any financial support as we have increasing overheads and take no money from Project Donations. 

3VISIT OUR MYSPACE PAGE AND ADD US TO YOUR FRIENDS! www.myspace.com/stopthetraffik

STOP THE TRAFFIK Coordinating Team
Enquiries: info@stopthetraffik.org
1A Kennington Road, London SE1 7QP
+44 (0)20 7261 4650

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