There are 27 million people that are trafficked and enslaved all over the world today. While it is a noble act to join the fight to abolish modern-day slavery, it might seem overwhelming because of the numbers, as one is bound to feel insignificant and powerless to make a difference. But the truth of the matter is that one person CAN make a difference. Most of the large movements to make a difference start with just one person, who gets a calling and a vision, as well as a passion to transform.
There is a process to making a difference. First, something happens and suddenly, your eyes are opened to the injustices that have been going around you. Then come irrational feelings of grief and anger, which turn into practical desire to change what is happening. At this point, the best thing to do is to educate yourself as much as possible on the issue, on what is being currently done in the area of that particular issue, and maybe, even get involved with a sound non-profit organization that has similar vision and mission. Some of us can participate by raising support and awareness on the issue right where we are. Some of us can join the groundwork.
It is helpful to work together with an organization that has similar vision and agenda – they already have a system set up. Often, they can assist in focusing your desire to help and direct your efforts. They can provide training, help with resources, and put you in the company of like-minded, passionate, and eager people. Once on the ground, it is important to partner with other organizations that are already there. This is how the strength in numbers comes in – everyone is there for the purpose to make a difference, and we all can learn form each other through partnerships and collaborative work, which make our efforts so much more effective. It is also important to put faces on those who you are trying to help, to hear they stories, to understand their pain. The “27 million” become four women that are trying to raise families without husbands, 30 school children that you talk to and explain what human trafficking is and how to avoid it. It took you, just one person, to make a difference for those 34 people. And it was just in two weeks… Imagine the possibilities.
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