Tomorrow is “End It Day”, when people all over the world get their red sharpies out and put a red X on their hands, take a selfie, post it on social media, and pledge to do their part to end human trafficking. It’s a good day in that it is encouraging to see SO MANY people utilizing social media together to make such a great statement. I see far too many times where social media is used to bully or vent or negatively impact someone in some way. I’m behind anyone attempting to use social media for something so positive.
Here’s the thing though….too often we get caught up in the virtual collaboration and we forget that we actually CAN do something in real life. I’ve seen the smallest act make the biggest difference. So nothing is a wasted effort when done genuinely and wholeheartedly.
If you’re not sure where to start in doing your part to end human trafficking, Transforming Hope Ministries (http://www.transforminghopeministries.org) has created a PLEDGE with a list of about 15 other ways (besides signing the pledge) to get involved and really do your part to end human trafficking. PLUS, you don’t even have to be local to do some of the things listed. Check it out the pledge here!
If you do participate in End it Day, please don’t simply let this be a day to post a selfie and move on. Do your research. Understand how prevalent human trafficking is in America, in areas where you’d least expect it to happen and to people you’d least expect it to happen to. Look a little closer at situations that may seem just not right and report them to the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-3737-888). You can do it anonymously and if nothing was wrong, it’s okay. Better to be safe than sorry and allow exploitation to continue.
I hope you’ll join us tomorrow on social media with your red X and selfie. Be sure to use the hashtag #EndItMovement. You can also use the hashtags #TheHopeEffect, #BeTheEffect, and #TransformingHope to show your local support. More importantly, I hope you’ll join me during the rest of the year as well! If you’re participating in the red X and selfie posts, please post them in the comments below too! I’d love to see who participates!
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