Lets get real

Over the past few weeks here in Bellingham the issue of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children has gotten very real. Not that we weren't acutely aware of this subculture but it has surfaced in a new way, finally catching the media's attention. Two weeks ago, a man was arrested in a hotel for "promoting prostitution" and there's an ongoing investigation of his further involvement. The young lady was released into protective custody in order to get her the appropriate care.

After a year of work in educating the community on the reality of this in their own back yard it take the Bellingham Herald writing a 100 word press release to really let it settle in. The arrest is a huge success as well as the official statement from Law Enforcement being that this young lady is a "victim who needs rescuing' rather than a criminal who needs punishment. Thank God for progress.

The other side of the issue is that this media coverage leads to an important question being asked of all involved and that is; "What's the point of awareness and education?" What result to we wish for and what will most effectively change the current reality and help these kids? I do not believe that rallying an angry mob to shout and point fingures at already overworked and underfunded state agencies and private service providers will be too effective. However, we cannot just sit apathetically and let the kids continue to slip through the cracks. The cracks must be repaired. This repair work takes strategic and unified efforts of all involved not a blunt mallet to the problem.

At an awareness event, this is the approach we take.

Imagine concentric circles decreasing in size. For each group of people in that room, decreasing in numbers, involvement in the work against DMST/CSEC will vary according to skills, experience, interest, commitment level, etc. Each circle must be educated and invited in relation to where they are at. This is the strength opposing this social injustice as a whole community. We will each play and unique and essential role in ending DMST/CSEC in Whatcom County. We are all necessary.

So these are just a few of the things that mill around my mind while doing this work. It's real stuff. It's too easy to watch a film, or read an article, or even host trainings, and create a separation from the truth. This happens here. Every day. Every night. This new realization must inspire action otherwise it easy becomes debilitating anger or sorrow. It inspires the work to continue.

As I mentioned previously, the Bridges Anti Trafficking Coalition has now united with Access Freedom. It is an extremely exciting move for both of us and we are so looking forward to continuing to work together. There is much to do, and unity is key.

Access Freedom has developed a campaign which we are titling ONE VOICE. Calling anyone and everyone to work together collaboratively against DMST/CSEC. It explains our purpose and priorities and reminds us each that we have an individual responsibility to the whole and do to that well, we must know the goal of the whole.

Now, on a less convoluted note. There are some upcoming events I would like you all to know about.

February 23rd & 24th
JUSTICE CONFERENCE, Portland Oregon
Cameron and I will be supporting our friends at Engedi Refugee Ministries in promoting their future safe house in Whatcom County

February 27th
SEX + MONEY Film Screening at Western Washington University.
Hosted by WWU Students Against Slavery
6:30-9:30 with a Question & Answer Panel to follow

March
Inservice trianings at multiple service providers in Whatcom County to educate and invite into the work

April 16th
Policy Maker's Summit; Location TBD
Hosted by Northwest Child and Youth Justice
In partnership with Skagit Against Slavery

BENEFIT CONCERT @ Woods Coffee
TIME AND DATE TBD.
STAY TUNED!!!!!!!!!


As always thank you all for your continued support of this work that we are a part of. It is very hard, but very worthwhile especially when there are regular successes that keep us motivated. Please feel free to start following this blog, I will keepit up and running as a more personal account of the work although the official Access Freedom website is the one to pass on to your friends and family and anyone who asks (or doesn't).

http://www.accessfreedom.org/Access_Freedom/Home.html

Any donations can also be sent to them and it will directly support the work Cameron and I are doing.

Thank you and God bless your heart for justice and most importantly those who have experienced this tragic exploitation. We pray that they will meet a Just a Loving God who sees them as whole and precious.

Amen.