Unity responds to human trafficking

You've heard this recommendation for living your best life, and will likely hear it again: "Be part of the solution." To be part of the solution, one must be aware of, recognize and understand the problem. It may be that you are experiencing the problem yourself, or it has rooted itself within your family, or you have given your time to learn about "the problem" at depth.

Although this problem may not be affecting you directly, it is the second largest criminal industry in the world, and sadly, is on the rise. It yields the criminals in this illicit, highly organized industry approximately $32 billion to $150 billion per year. Almost every country around the world is affected by human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a serious crime, it is an injustice and it is a violation of human rights. It is modern-day slavery, and involves the use of fraud, force or coercion. Often the news, highlighting crime and violence, can have a negative effect on us. We may feel deeply saddened, bringing along with it feelings of helplessness. What can be done to alleviate feelings of helplessness and return us to capability? This is a global problem that hurts many, specifically women and children.

Come listen, ask questions, learn, get ideas and act, to become part of the solution to end human trafficking. Human trafficking is the topic at Unity Responds on Thursday, May 11, 7 p.m., at Unity Spiritual Center of Westlake. This informative program will be the first of three scheduled Unity Responds programs. Body Positivity on Aug. 10 and Gender Equality on Oct. 11 are next on the agenda of this new seminar series.

Joan Clark, chair of West Shore Allies Against Human Trafficking, and Lois Krebs of Cleveland Swedenborg Chapel, will present statistics on the frequency of human trafficking, male versus female victimization, and talk about organizations in various geographic locations working on solutions. Ms. Krebs will present a documentary focusing on the exploitation of Latino immigrants, and a Q & A will round out the evening. 

The program is free and open to the public. Love offerings are accepted, and all proceeds will be shared with The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. For more information, go to unityspiritualcenter.com or call 440-835-0400. Unity of Westlake is located at 23855 Detroit Road.

Sharon Fedor

 I enjoy writing about USC's events. Everyone is welcome at Sunday services, or at our numerous classes, and worshops!

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Volume 9, Issue 9, Posted 9:30 AM, 05.02.2017