When The Light Came On: Lunch & Learn
My heart became burdened about modern-day slavery at the
Passion Conference of 2013. We heard a talk from Gary Haugen (the president of
International Justice Mission), testimonies of trafficked victims, and a panel
conversation about how to integrate fighting slavery into daily life. For the
first time, I really became troubled by human trafficking, and compelled to
take action against it.
It’s to the Passion Conference that my mind returns now,
because it’s where the light came on for me. Recently, I watched the light come
on for several other people.
Nomi Network hosted a “Lunch & Learn” two Thursdays ago
that I was privileged to attend. A “Lunch & Learn,” in essence, is an event
Nomi Network hosts where representatives from Nomi speak about the problem of
human trafficking, how Nomi sustainably fights trafficking, and the history and
uniqueness of our organization. Attendees listen for half an hour or so as our
representatives share, and then they have the opportunity to ask any questions
they have.
Maria, our Operations & Special Projects Manager, led us
in discussing statistics about trafficking, covering definitions of what
trafficking is, and revealing the pervasiveness of the problem, even in the US.
The attendees were attentive and curious, and asked a lot of questions even at
the beginning. Next (as we enjoyed pizza), we heard Jessica Hirsch, our Sales
& PR representative, describe the ins and outs of Nomi Network, including
its mission, its history, and the success Nomi has had in both India and
Cambodia. I myself learned new information from listening to Jessica, and was
reminded afresh of the powerful ways that Nomi is shifting the attitudes
towards trafficking on a cultural level in India and Cambodia. We ended with a
time for questions, and finally wrapped up the official discussion as people
mingled, bought products, asked final questions, and went back to their work
days.
Watching people come to a fuller understanding of the
pervasiveness of human trafficking, and then respond accordingly, reminded me
of a few things:
1. Many people may not be aware of the devastating realities of human
trafficking and modern-day slavery in general.
It’s easy for me to forget about
the days before human trafficking truly became an issue to me; right now, I’m
steeped in learning about it as an intern for Nomi. I learn more every day, and
I’ve got a lot of learning yet to do! Wherever you are on the scale of
awareness, I think we can always learn more, and I invite you to do a little
research (End It and Polaris are a couple great sources). Pick
three friends and share what you learned with them!
2. Many people have an innate impulse to stand up against injustice,
but may not know how.
I gave money and participated in
Passion’s “End It” movement, but didn’t know what to do next. If you identify with
this, start off small! Pick and stick with an organization (I’m a little
biased, but Nomi’s a great one!), and get involved. Could you donate money?
Raise awareness by promoting them through your social media networks? I think
the best way to fight injustice is to get behind organizations with the vision
that you really identify with.
3. Many people have connections and outlets they could leverage to help
fight injustice.
I’m definitely still working on
this one. Think of people and organizations in your life that you could get
involved in the fight against injustice. Could you create a campaign to raise
money through your club or your church? Do you have favorite stores that might
be willing to sell products made by survivors of human trafficking? Use your
creativity!
I was reminded of these things, and felt a new appreciation
for Nomi Network as an organization that meets people at all stages of
awareness and involvement, communicating a call to action and providing a
corresponding outlet for action. Jessica dubbed the attendees Nomi Network ambassadors following our
Lunch & Learn, and rightly so; many people bought Nomi products for
themselves or friends, remarked that they were interested in supporting Nomi in
the future, and considered the contacts they had who might be able to help Nomi
Network. Being a part of expanding Nomi’s network was rewarding and exciting!
How can you be a Nomi Network ambassador today? When did the
lights come on for you about modern-day slavery and human trafficking?
Photo credit: Carmen Leung
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