5 Ways to Fight Slavery This Holiday Season

Winter is a season of gatherings and gift giving. So why not make it count for something? Spread the joy of giving and receiving, and have a positive impact on the world while doing so.

1. Give a survivor made gift. Visit the Empowerment Store and help support a survivor as she embraces her new life.
2. Throw a holiday fundraising party. This holiday season, celebrate compassion, hope, and life by asking your holiday party guests to bring a donation of your suggested amount which you will donate to the Somaly Mam Foundation. Explain to them what their money will help give the gift of survival and empowerment. 
3. Give the gift of knowledge and awareness. Purchase Somaly Mam's book The Road of Lost Innocence and share it with your friends and loved ones. They will finish the book changed, aware of the horrors aof human trafficking and hopefull inspired to take action.
4. Buy slave free gifts. Check out the Ethical Shopping Guide for slave-free gift ideas.
5. Use fair-trade ingredients in your baking. You know those chocolate chips in your delicious holiday cookies? Sadly, the cocoa beans may have come from a farm that uses child slaves. One of the most in-demand products during the holiday season, chocolate has a not-so-sweet dark side. Child slaves in West Africa work for no money, starving and tortured. Purchase fair-trade chocolate from companies such as Equal Exchange to make sure that satisying your sweet tooth doesn't harm others. 

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out this list of gifts that benefit the Somaly Mam Foundation.

Use this guide to take action against slavery during the holiday season with your friends and families, but don't stop there. Together we can give others a reason to celebrate.

The Best Holiday Deal You Can Get

This Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and for the rest of the holiday season, you can get the most amazing deal by giving the gift of compassion, empowerment, and survival.

Visit the Empowerment Store and with any purchase you will receive the satisfaction of knowing you have donated to help end modern-day slavery and empower victims. Now that is a holiday deal you can't pass up.

Young and taking action

She may only be in high school, but Olivia Dufour is doing her part to fight against trafficking and help victims and survivors in the shelters. Olivia has collected over 350 items for the shelters including; 181 books, 61 dolls, 10 toys, 10 types of art supplies, book bags, and tote bags. She estimates the total of items to be around 365.

Olivia first met Somaly Mam two years ago at a Young Professionals dinner.

"We've been friends ever since and my passion for ending human trafficking has only grown stronger," Olivia said.

After Somaly told Olivia that she needed supplies for survivors living in shelters, Olivia started Dolls for Healing, a program that collects items for shelters and raises awareness and create action. Olivia holds seminars and events to help end the sex trade in the United States and abroad.

Do you have your own volunteer project? Want to start your own? Visit PROJECT FUTURES global and get involved today. The future awaits!

Meet Pheap: A Strong Survivor and Voice for Change

Each year, more than two million women and children are sold into sex slavery. Pheap was one of them, until she was rescued in Cambodia.

Pheap now lives in an AFESIP shelter, where she part of Voices for Change. She uses her experience to raise awareness and create change. Pheaplikes that she can help the other victims because she was once in their position. She knows about the problems that exist and wants to help solve them.

Pheap's favorite foods are dried food and barbecue. She loves romantic music especially songs that involve children and mothers. Pheap loves to read and enjoys studying every subject. She is currently studying Khmer and English and is getting much better at the two. In addition to her work with Voices for Change, Pheap is interning with the AFESIP Outreach/HIV Prevention team.

"When I'm here, I feel warm inside," Pheap said of living in the Voices for Change house.

There are many other women and children like Pheap who need our help. Some are in the shelters, lucky enough to have been rescued but needing a proper education, job skills training and rehabilitation. Others have yet to be rescued and remain enslaved.

To learn how you can help Pheap and others in similar situations, please visit www.somaly.org today.

“I strongly believe that love is the answer and that it can mend even the deepest unseen wounds. Love can heal, love can console, love can strengthen, and yes, love can make change.”- Somaly Mam from her autobiography The Road of Lost Innocence. Purchase it here and read her entire heroic journey and support SMF.

Two blokes cycle against slavery

Inspired by the work of Somaly Mam and the Somaly Mam Foundation to eradicate modern-day slavery, two young men named Adam and Ben have embarked on a journey to raise awareness and funds to fight this great evil. They first about sexual slavery during a two month visit to South East Asia. They were horrified by the soaring number of victims and decided to take action and do something about it.

Adam and Ben are cycling 1600 kilometers through Vietnam — from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Along they way they will be documenting the ride through blogging, taking photos, and shooting video. You can follow them on their blog, or contribute to their journey here.

Voices for Change and Shay Mitchell: Slavery is Real, I Know It

Actress Shay Mitchell introduces Voices For Change, strong and empowered survivors of sexual slavery from Cambodia. These women have seen firsthand the horrors of human trafficking, and now they work every day to eradicate this evil.

Voices For Change is a platform for survivors to use their voice, tell their story, and raise awareness of sex slavery. Their voices are heard in courts of law, public service announcements, and events. These women are survivors - they are not weak, nor are they helpless. They are helping themselves by helping others and bringing awareness to this horrific truth. Slavery is real.

Taking Pimps Off the Street to Reduce Sex Trafficking

Prostitution is illegal in 49 of the 50 states in the U.S. When law enforcement officials find individuals selling sex, they often see that as the primary crime, arrest those people, and carry on. However, not every situation is as it seems. Women in prostitution are not all willing  participants - some may be victims of human trafficking, working at the orders of pimps and unscrupulous criminals. Due in part to increased awareness of human trafficking and the roles of pimps in commercial sex, police officers are now focusing on those who aid and abet the crime of prostitution.

The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force in California was featured in a recent CNN article for changing their focus when targeting crimes of this nature. According to Seargent Craig Friesen, head of the Anaheim Vice unit, the old procedures involved arresting the girls and johns to the outcome of minimal charges and quick release. But this did not get to the root of the problem. The team determined that by focusing on arresting and eventually jailing the pimps, victims would have a better chance of escaping and seeking help. In California, pimping carries a mandatory 3-year sentence, which would keep these individuals off the streets for extended periods of time, widening the window of opportunity for survivors to seek help.

Pimps prey on vulnerable young women, promising a better life and love and affection. Through coercion, deception, force, and abusive treatment, pimps are able to gain control of their victims and eventually enslave them, selling their bodies for sex and drugs. With these kinds of people off the streets, more women will be safe from this manipulation.

To target pimps, the OCHTT has been going undercover, finding suspects by answering online adult services ads to catch pimps. While the original goal was to make one pimping arrest in the first year, thirteen have been made in the last nine months.

Read the CNN article here. Become aware, take action.

Donate Your Birthday to End Slavery

Do you have a birthday coming up? Looking for a way to support a good cause?

What if you donated your birthday?

Join our Birthday Campaign and in lieu of gifts, ask your friends and family to donate to end sexual slavery and support the victims as a birthday present to you. We are so lucky to be able to celebrate our birthdays with gifts, laughter, and love, but not everyone is as fortunate. By donating your birthday to end slavery, you will remind yourself and all of your loved ones of how lucky we are. A donation to the Somaly Mam Foundation can have a profound impact on the life of a survivor and on the eradication of slavery. This is an amazing gift that will have a lasting effect on many people across the globe.

New Video to Raise Awareness of Trafficking

Richard Simko, a supporter of the Somaly Mam Foundation and PROJECT FUTURES global created a video to raise awareness of modern day slavery. He hopes that this video will create movement and we do to. Please take a moment to watch, learn, and turn your awareness into action.

Help fighting sex slavery V2 from Richard Simko on Vimeo.

LA Launch: Huge Success!

AnnaLynne McCord and Somaly Mam

Hearts were filled with giving, heads filled with ideas for action at the Los Angeles Launch of PROJECT FUTURES global, the activist platform of the Somaly Mam Foundation. The funky and hip SLS Hotel Beverly Hills served as the perfect location to raise funds for the project, welcome West Coast volunteers, and encourage others to take action and give back.

Smells of paella by Jose Andres flew through the air, bright colored orchids donated by Gira caught our eyes, the sound of people chatting and creating plans of action filled our heads, hearts, and ears. With music from LA Cambodian pop band Dengue Fever, the event satisfied every sense for those in attendance.
The night began with VIP guests walking the red carpet lined with paparazzi and journalist interviewing guests. Supporters included Ashley Rickards, Guy Sebastian, Angel McCord, Ron Livingston, and Rosemarie DeWitt, among others. Shay Mitchell discussed her visit to Cambodia and her love for the survivors, and AnnaLynne McCord glowed in a skirt that was hand-woven by a survivor.

Somaly Mam

An hour into the event, the PROJECT FUTURES global PSA was shown to give attendees a little more information on how they can join the fight against modern slavery. PROJECT FUTURES global Program Director Amy Merrill and MTV Awkward actress Ashley Rickards addressed the crowd, as did Shay Mitchell and AnnaLynne McCord. Both actresses shared heart-felt stories of their involvement with SMF, and guests had tears in their eyes as AnnaLynne spoke of holding in her arms a 4 year old who had been rescued from a brothel. The speeches were capped off with Angel McCord introducing the guest of honor, Somaly Mam, who shared her sincere gratitude to guests and volunteers.

Shay Mitchell and Angel McCord

In the wake of a very dark global crises, light was shone on the SLS Hotel as guests, supporters, volunteers, and staff became aware of modern slavery and learned how they can help. They left empowered to have an impact in the lives of survivors. They learned you do not need to know the survivors to support and love them. In the words of Somaly Mam, "I may not know you, but I love you."

To learn more about PROJECT FUTURES global and how you can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery, please visit http://www.projectfutures.somaly.org.

All photos credit: Beverly Lindo

Postcards with Messages of Solidarity for Sex Trafficking Survivors

14 year old SMF supporter, Megan, used our postcard campaign to share her love, show her support, and become a sister to the survivors.

Megan included photos of her and her friends to give the girls a glimpse into her life, as they have given Megan that same opportunity through SMF and PROJECT FUTURES global. She also included a necklace and in the letter wrote, "Always remember you are loved. I really want to be your friend so I put in a necklace for you."

Please join Megan in sending a postcard to a survivor and share your love with a survivor.

Cartoonist Illustrates Shocking Slavery Statistic

Somaly Mam recently tweeted, "For each of @JustinBieber's Twitter followers, there are at least two more people enslaved across the globe #endslavery."

The comparison is stark but powerful. Supporter John Weeks shared this cartoon about putting things into perspective. Thanks for the great illustration!

Twilight Musician Bobby Long Fights Trafficking

British singer-songwriter Bobby Long, featured on the Twilight sountrack, placed his guitar up for auction on eBay, with all proceeds going to the Somaly Mam Foundation. The auction closed this morning, with the guitar selling for $2,125.

Thank you so much to Bobby for his generosity, and thank you to the auction winner for placing a bid to end human trafficking!

To learn more about Bobby's involvement with PROJECT FUTURES global and the Somaly Mam Foundation, and the collective work of Artists Against Traffik, click here.   

Powerful Statistic about Trafficking

"Sexual exploitation is by far the commonly identified form of human trafficking at 79% followed by forced labor at 18%."

UNODC, Global Report on Trafficking in Persons

LexisNexis Employee Takes Action Against Sex Trafficking

Christina Ritchie, a LexisNexis employee from St. Louis, Missouri, recently turned her awareness of human trafficking and passion to end modern slavery into action, raising over $800 for the Somaly Mam Foundation through her "Summer Shape Up for a Cause" workout series.

Ritchie, who is also a fitness instructor, put together a four-week, seven class series. Instead of charging a fee for the class, Ritchie asked for a donation of the participant's choice. Those who attended the series got in a great workout while learning about how the Foundation works globally to end modern day slavery. The event was a great way to engage a diverse group in action and fundraising to help combat slavery around the world.

Ritchie has challenged her co-workers at LexisNexis across the country to get involved, suggesting they hold a walk or run and donate the proceeds. If you want to meet this challenge, find out how with PROJECT FUTURES global.

Thank you, Christina, for raising awareness and support, and for encouraging others to do the same!

Hearts Aligned: Anusara Yoga with Kenny Graham

Hearts Aligned poster

The Hearts Aligned yoga event on July 10 in San Jose was a huge success! 50 activists gathered to focus their energy and brightness into bringing change to the world.

The workshop held at Downtown Yoga Shala. Thank you very much to Anusara™ teacher Kenny Graham and the Downtown Yoga Shala’s Noell Clark who generously led practice for the morning and spoke so kindly about Somaly Mam and the Foundation.

Thank you also to Prajna Vieira and Ben Leinbach for providing live music and kirtan for the workshop, a perfect accompaniment to such moving practice.

Most importantly, thank you to all those who attended the event, for bring all of your incredible energy and fullness of heart.

Interested in creating your own yoga event? Or maybe youhave another idea on how to get others engaged in the fight against trafficking? Visit PROJECT FUTURES global online and get started today. The future awaits!

Your Voices Heard: Activists Reaching Senators

A young constituent in Florida wrote to Senator Marco Rubio, asking him to pay attention to the issue of human trafficking, particularly the sexual exploitation of children. Watch Sen. Rubio read the letter, and hear his encouraging response.

You too can be a voice for the enslaved and exploited. For advocacy tips and templates for letter-writing, visit PROJECT FUTURES global. Speaking up works - people listen.

Fight Human Trafficking with PROJECT FUTURES global and Somaly Mam

Looking for a way to help in the fight of human trafficking, but don't know where to start? Do you have lots of energy and ideas to put into play? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of millions?

Join PROJECT FUTURES global as we empower a generation to take action against the great evil of modern slavery. Join the fight and end slavery.

Send a Postcard to a Survivor of Sex Trafficking

"Human presence and moral support is as important as ... financial aid to the girls, who need to be recognized as full fellow human beings." - Somaly Mam, The Road of Lost Innocence

Show your solidarity with survivors of sex trafficking and send messages of love and encouragement. Join PROJECT FUTURES global's postcard campaign to touch the lives of a survivor in the shelter, sending a positive message of support and strength.

If you're in the New York area, check out the campaign launch tonight (July 7) at DDC Lab for a volunteer mixer and to make a postcard. (427 West 14th Street, New York, NY; 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.) This is an excellent opportunity to show your support for survivors and to tell them about your dedication to ending slavery.

Not in New York or can't make it to the event? Send your postcards to the PROJECT FUTURES team before July 31st. We'll send them to survivors living in shelters in South East Asia so that they can hear your beautiful words.

Send Postcards to:
PROJECT FUTURES Postcard Campaign
c/o Somaly Mam Foundation
PO Box 4569
New York, NY 10163

Postcard Guidelines - Be sure to include:
"Dear sister"
Your name, age, and hometown
Something about you and your favorite things
Words of strength and encouragement
(Helpful hint: Think about what you would tell a survivor to inspire her and empower her for the future)

Tell Hotels to Help End Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking is not limited to street corners and underground brothels. It happens everywhere, even in hotels, and even in the United States.

Members of a gang in Virginia were recently indicted for allegedly trafficking girls for sex into homes and hotels in the Washington, D.C. area. A Dallas man forced two teenage victims to see clients in seedy motels. And recently, hotels have been busted for operating a sex trafficking ring with underage girls in a Wyndham hotel in California.

These incidents are not isolated. Hotels and motels can serve as convenient locales for illicit meetings, and survivors of sex trafficking have often reported seeing clients in such establishments. In this particular case in California, the hotel staff was allegedly aware of the problem and took no action to intervene, with some even lending help to the traffickers.

While this case is extreme, hotels still serve as a setting for exploitation and they are in a position to help with its eradication. Encourage hotels to sign the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism.  asking Wyndham hotels to sign the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism. Sign the petition here and learn more about The Code so you can support hotels that work to protect children from sexual exploitation.

SMF Celebrates Gay Pride!

This past Sunday, just a few days after New York passed the Same Sex Marriage Bill, the streets were filled with the celebration of Gay Pride. Over two million people marched from 36th and 5th to Christopher and Greenwich Streets in a colorful parade. The Somaly Mam Foundation and PROJECT FUTURES global joined the LGBT community, human rights groups, and other supporters to celebrate equality and justice for all.

We walked in celebration with our dear friends Michael Angelo and Scott MacDougall, who were brought together by their passion for ending the child sex trade in Cambodia.

During one of their trips to the Cambodian shelters, a few girls asked if they had wives back home. They told them that they had chosen each other and were in love and to that the girls asked if they were married. When they replied no, the girls exclaimed, "You love each other. You have to be married." We are so happy to have been able to support them and the rest of the LGBT community.





Team FUTURES at the NYC Pride Parade



50G- For Our Sisters

Team 50G

Some people set astronomical goals, resigned to never achieve anything. But when Gesche Haas, Jaclyn Mitleider, and Margot Weber decided that they wanted to raise $50,000 for the Somaly Mam Foundation, they decided that they were not to be stopped. Having raised over $30,000 to date, the 50G girls have shown remarkable dedication and passion in the fight to end modern slavery.

The idea first came into being after Gesche read Somaly Mam’s  autobiography, The Road of Lost Innocence. The story had such a profound impact on her that she shared it with her roommates.

"We naturally felt that Somaly’s fate could have been ours had we just been born into less fortunate circumstances," they explained. "We felt that the book gave us perspective – issues that we viewed as 'problems' in our lives seemed so laughable compared to what these girls had to endure."

Though they were previously unaware of how widespread sexual slavery is in the world, the book helped the trio gain awareness and knowledge. Their passion for justice and close personal bonds made their idea become reality.

"Our philosophy is to do good, yet to never let it become a chore but rather an enjoyable process that allows us to bond with friends and that is also compatible with us working full time. Charity is so important - it should be a natural, integral part of our lives," they said.

Though all three women visited Cambodia, it was before they had learned of Somaly Mam and the fight against humn trafficking. They hope to visit in the near future to see firsthand where their impact has been made.

"We have seen quite a few photo and video footage of the shelters," they said, "But being able to see these things with our own eyes, being captivated by the strength of all the girls and perhaps seeing the results of our fundraising efforts would truly be a dream come true."

To learn more about the 50G project or to donate to their efforts, visit their site here.

LA Launch Happening Soon!

Los Angeles area supporters: Get your tickets today for the Los Angeles launch of PROJECT FUTURES global, hosted by Ashley Rickards, AnnaLynne McCord, Shay Mitchell, and other stars!Share this invite with your friends, and family, too! We look forward to seeing you all there!

Faces of Slavery

Meet Somana, a member of Somaly Mam Foundation's Voices for Change. Hear her story, learn about trafficking, and make a diffefence. Join Somaly today.

Success Success: Reunited and Reintegrated

Earlier I mentioned that Charlotte is currently visiting with the Voices for Change leaders. While visiting, Charlotte witnessed the most inspirational event.

Two sisters who were raised separately and both were trafficked then rescued by AFESIP. They were reunited at one of the centers. One of the girls has gone through the programs and has been successfully reintegrated. She now has a loving husband, an adorable daughter, and a successful grocery and sewing business. She also makes sugar cane for the dry season.

The Somaly Mam Foundation gave clothes to the child and the Voices for Change leaders shared their love as they are all old friends. Everyone involved in SMF and Project Futures, Somaly, employees, volunteers and supporters have helped towards this amazing event. It is success stories like this that we hope continue to happen as more girls get reintegrated. Charlotte said it has been an "inspirational reintegration visit!"

Visiting Voices for Change

Charlotte, SMF's Director of Anti-Trafficking Programs, is currently visiting with members of Voices for Change. These empowered survivors share their stories and have their voices heard in courts of law and public perception and have influence and impact on effecting positive change in Cambodian society. They are helping themselves by helping others. To learn more about the program and other SMF initiative, visit their website here.

Volunteer Profile: Jacquelene Adam

This volunteer story was shared by Jacquelene Adam, a volunteer with PROJECT FUTURES global. To share your story or to highlight a volunteer project in your area, contact futures@somaly.org.

"The ancient city of Angkor, smiling faces and kind conversations are what made me fall in love with Cambodia. The extreme poverty and human trafficking industry in the country are what made me decide I wanted to do something to help these people and this beautiful country.

My trip to Cambodia happened by accident, I was traveling through Thailand for over a month with the hopes of continuing my travels in that country. After I crossed the Malaysian border and was stamped back into Thailand with only a 15 day visa, I decided to travel to Cambodia with the remaining time I had left until flying back to the states, 25 days later. Little did I know, that this country and these people would change my life.

I rode around with my travel companion and our tuk tuk driver who became our dear friend, through the streets of Siem Reap, visiting the temples of Angkor and the floating villages. We spent nights chatting with our new Cambodian friends and navigating our way through the night markets. I educated myself on the countries history, watching videos and visiting museums and my heart was broken. I visited the killing fields and prison in Phnom Phen and cried at the base of a memorial. After dinner, on our walks back to our hotel, we passed young girls, outside buildings wearing make up and luring in visitors. At that time, I was completely unaware that I was probably passing a brothel, that these girls were sex slaves. I just walked by, ignoring them.

Upon my return I began reaching out to different organizations that worked in Cambodia and helped with education, poverty and health care. While searching, I stumbled upon the Somaly Mam Foundation. I watched the videos on the page. I read about the programs and the girls living at AFESIP. It took me only two days to read Somaly's book, The Road of Lost Innocence. I became aware.

Since then, I have been volunteering with the organization, working on this blog and helping at the events. I was excited to be part of the New York launch of Project Futures global and will be traveling to Los Angeles for the launch with the floral company I work with, Gira, who kindly donated floral arrangements for both events.

I continue to be moved by everything Somaly Mam, the foundation, and Project Futures does for these girls and I am thankful to be a part of it. Join me in the fight and become aware."

This volunteer story was shared by Jacqueline Adam, a volunteer with PROJECT FUTURES global. To share your story or to highlight a volunteer project in your area, contact futures@somaly.org. 

Shay Mitchell: Slavery Exists

Actress Shay Mitchell, star of ABC Family's hit television series Pretty Little Liars has joined the Somaly Mam Foundation in the fight to end slavery. Check out the PSA she recorded on a visit to the shelters in Cambodia.

Meet The Team: Charlotte, Director of Anti-Trafficking Programs

Meet Charlotte, Director of Anti-Trafficking Programs at the Somaly Mam Foundation. Charlotte is currently in the field to check in with partner shelters and their directors. Charlotte first visited with the partner shelters in Vietnam and is now in Cambodia with the Voices for Change leaders. Charlotte is sure to have stories to tell when she returns so check back to see how her trip went! 

 

PROJECT FUTURES Global: Los Angeles Launch, July 23

Los Angeles is joining in and launching PROJECT FUTURES global on July 23rd at the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills. If you are in the area and would like to attend the event, check out the invite. Donated product for the auction and gift bags is still needed and we appreciate the support. Volunteers are also still needed and we would love for you to join the Los Angeles team and help with this sure to be amazing event!

PROJECT FUTURES global Launch

The Project Futures global New York launch event was an absolute success! Thank you to everyone who made it happen and attended the event. We raised nearly $20,000 and received hundreds of new commitments to joing the PROJECT FUTURES team.
Read some press coverage of the event in PAPERMAG, Vogue and WSJ.

New York Committee

Couldn't make the New York party? Join us as PROJECT FUTURES global launches in Los Angeles on July 23rd!