Human Trafficking Awareness Month

It is that time of year where we all make our list of goals to accomplish for the new year. We write down all of the things we wished we did last year and make a vow to attempt to cross off that finished goal this year. I am guilty of all this. This is why I will be posting a visual goal list for Blushing Pearl as some sort of reminder of the things I need to accomplish before the year is over :-)

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. One new year's resolution I am intending to keep every year is to donate 1 weeks worth of proceeds from my shop to the Somaly Mam Foundation. I can't recall how I came across this organization. All I know is that ready Somaly's book, The Road of Lost Innocence, has left an impression on me that will last a lifetime. I am re-posting the following...

“Human trafficking is a vicious crime that claims so many innocent victims each year. To see young innocent children forced into a life of sexual slavery is something that is so profoundly sad that one cannot help but want to do everything in their power to put an end to this crime that is so easily ignored. I have been personally inspired by the work of Somaly Mam and I encourage anyone who can devote time and money to help Somaly continue to make a difference in this world. Please give unselfishly to this vital cause and take great pleasure in knowing that there is no more important mission that helping the victims forge a new life.”  - Susan Sarandon

For those that are not familiar with this foundation, it is founded by Somaly Mam, a former victim of the human sex trade, who was able to escape and now helps children and women who are being victimized and sold against their will into modern day prostitution. I took it upon myself to read her autobiography- a rather thin book filled with a life story that will leave a permanent impression. The Road To Lost Innocence does not hold back the realness of what Somaly Mam endured. Sadly, most people are ignorant to modern day slavery. In fact, it is a global tragedy, including the United States. Human trafficking is the second fastest growing crime in the world... next to the drug trade, which it seems, go hand in hand.

The Somaly Mam foundation has partnered with the office of the mayor of New York to launch a citywide campaign against human trafficking. The above posters are ads for the campaign. All are powerful truths to what innocent and helpless people are facing. The campaign will help make people aware and see the signs of a victim being trafficked. The ads "draw attention to the realities of human trafficking while urging New Yorkers to report suspected activity and victims to seek help. The ads, created by Grey Worldwide in partnership with the Somaly Mam Foundation and the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, will appear in subway stations and bus shelters in all five boroughs beginning on May 20." Ever think, especially with the debates about the Arizona Law, the story behind that particular immigrant?

I hope this campaign takes off and creates a revolutionary buzz to help humanity. Foundations like Somaly Mam are slowly gaining recognition. As a grass roots organization, they mainly rely on donations to keep their purpose alive.  If you are a victim of human trafficking, these organizations  are here to help. Call 911 and report. First and foremost, before an "immigrant", you are "human". Every human has rights. If you would like to know more about this grass roots campaign, call 311 or visit  NYC Let's End Human Trafficking.

Spread the word and make the cruelties of the human race known.

{ You can help take action! From 1/24-1/28 all proceeds from my shop will be donated to the Somaly Mam Foundation. Last year, the studio donated over $60 to the organization. This year, we hope to double that amount! }