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Everyday Abolitionist is a recurring feature on the blog where we’ll hear firsthand from someone using their skills, talents, and opportunities to fight trafficking. This time around we have Stacie Donaldson. She shared the first part of her story last week. She works with Wonderfully Made and is an activist for exploited people in her city, Wichita, Kansas. She’s going to share her story in two parts. Here’s STF’s collection of Wonderfully Made Jewelry (more to come when our new site launches!).

Mandy told stories of sex trafficking in Thailand and Eastern Europe, but also in places closer to home, like Virginia (where she lives), or in San Diego—near friends of mine. And, over dinner in a crowded restaurant, Mandy told my husband and me that it was likely happening in our hometown of Wichita, Kansas, too. I nodded and said I believed her, but I knew she could tell I was skeptical. She gave me a look that said, “You’ll see.”

In September 2010, (three months after Mandy’s visit), police raided a massage parlor in Wichita and told reporters that at least some of the women there (who were mostly Chinese nationals) “appeared to be living in the spas or parlors where their services were offered.” I have a friend whose beautiful, upscale home is only a few feet from the wall separating her neighborhood from the massage parlor shopping center. She, like I, had only recently even heard of human trafficking, and she was heartbroken to realize that it had been happening very nearly in her own backyard. A few weeks later, similar arrests were made in the same area. I was beginning to think Mandy knew what she was talking about.

Then one Sunday morning this past March, the story of two local men charged with the sale and purchase of a 13 year-old girl splashed across the front page of the Wichita Eagle. “The girl is one of hundreds across the city and perhaps among 2 million around the United States exploited through commercial sex,” the article stated.

And just a few weeks ago, two more area men were arrested on nearly identical charges, this time involving a 15 year-old.

“I first thought that I had to find a way to go to on a mission trip overseas to fight trafficking,” a fellow volunteer named Carole told me recently, “but now I realize that there’s plenty to do right here, too.”

In May, I attended a Not For Sale conference, where I was challenged to find a way to use my writing and teaching experience to help spread the word about what I now knew was happening in our city.

Not long after, I had lunch with Jennifer White, another local woman who, after reading the newspaper articles, organized a donation drive for a local street outreach team, raising money and several truckloads of needed items. The publicity she created has now grown into a team of volunteers who meet regularly—and are working with law enforcement and the local children’s home to staff and fund a community drop-in center this fall for homeless and at-risk youth.

And, through some of Jennifer’s contacts, I’ve recently joined a local trafficking task force. I’m currently doing my homework, as I will be assisting in presenting trafficking workshops to church groups, civic groups, schools, businesses, and anyone who’s interested!

But recently, I asked my husband if we could just drive through the part of town Jennifer had mentioned—the area where most of the exploited young women and at-risk youth hang out. I didn’t want to gawk—I just needed to know that it was there. I felt ashamed that as long as I’d lived here, I’d never been down this particular street, never known all these bars, clubs, and cheap motels even existed, never really cared. Who knew I could walk around with my eyes closed for 14 years?

It’s there … just like Mandy said. And I’d be willing to bet it’s in your city, too. Please don’t close your eyes!

What can you do?

• Do buy jewelry or clothing made by survivors. This not only supports victims financially, but wearing these items also creates awareness and provides opportunities for conversation.
• Stop purchasing chocolate, coffee, and other products from companies who refuse to make the commitment to slave-free labor practices.
• Read books. Attend conferences. Talk about trafficking. Blog or tweet about it. Spread the word!

Those things are just the beginning! The next steps require real action:

• Contact local law enforcement or social service agencies to find out what’s being done in your community, and how you can help.
• Organize a donation drive or fundraiser for an organization that fights trafficking.
• Help raise awareness in your community by coordinating efforts with law enforcement and social services, and offering education opportunities for the public.
• Be aware of relevant legislation, and let your senators and representatives know you’re counting on them to prosecute those that prey on these vulnerable girls (and guys).

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