In the United States and around the world, human trafficking is a major issue. It affects men, women, boys, and girls of all ages. In the fight against human trafficking, there are many dedicated people working around the clock to bring victims justice and to help make sure there will never be another victim again. Although every nonprofit in the fight is a major contributor, there are some making bigger waves and having a serious impact on the fight.
The Polaris Project
In 2002, the Polaris Project was launched with an objective of tracking and ending human trafficking. One of their major objectives is to provide support for victims inside the United States through the National Human Trafficking Hotline. They also work beyond the United States by partnering with the Consejo Ciudadano organization to begin work in Mexico and Latin America. This partnership in 2016 allowed both projects to merge their hotlines to find victims being smuggled to the United to Mexico and vice versa with 508 victims finding support after being trafficked.
3Strands Global
One of the biggest defenders against human trafficking is education. The more the public and officials no about this horrifying issue, the great chance we stand to end it forever. 3Strands Global is a leading nonprofit organization that fights against human trafficking through prevention education, various engagement actions, and giving survivors and those at risk employment opportunities. Their vision is a world free of sex trafficking and through their great efforts, they have saved lives and helped survivors live on.
Free The Girls
Who knew a simple piece of clothing could make such an impact? Through selling new or gently used bras, Free the Girls has made it their mission to reintegrate victims of trafficking and gives them economic opportunities. Through this nonprofit, people are able to donate bras or money in or to give survivors the help they need to start their own businesses selling bras in their local second-hand clothing markets. Free the Girls helps women who were once victims and once slaves to human trafficking live free, strong, and victoriously.
Not For Sale
With over 136,000 individuals positively impacted since 2007 and over 13,000,000 dollars raised, Not For Sale is a major force in the fight against human trafficking. Unlike traditional charities, they have a methodology for creating economic opportunities in vulnerable communities. Through donations, they build viable and successful companies by helping them source goods, manufacture the products, then help them sell it to profit back to the community. This prevents exploitation and forced labor. Not For Sale also provides victims of exploitation around the world with shelter, education, healthcare, legal services, and job training.