NEW ORLEANS (press release) – In collaboration with expert partners, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) ABOLISH Human Trafficking Committee is hosting two free virtual events to raise awareness for the issue of human trafficking. Registration is open to the public for a virtual screening and panel discussion of film, “Stopping Traffic,” taking place on Wednedsay, Dec. 15, as well as a panel discussion featuring survivor stories on Tuesday, Jan. 25.
JLNO is proud to support the ABOLISH project for the third year, with continued sponsorship from the United Way of Southeast Louisiana and partnership with Covenant House, the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force and Truckers Against Trafficing.
“Human trafficking is one of the worst human rights violations of our time,” says Susan Dold, Systems Administrator for Truckers Against Trafficking. “The traffickers are counting on our ignorance and our apathy to victimize our children. We can no longer be silent. We need good men and women who are willing to stand up and make a difference for someone who is trapped in a life of sex slavery.”
“In 2017, there was an estimate of more than 900 trafficked people in the Greater New Orleans Area,” says Jennifer Ray, Coordinator of the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force. “The Junior League of New Orleans’ ABOLISH Human Trafficking Committee is highlighting the important role that the community can play in brining awareness to human trafficking. Public awareness has been effective at increasing support and resources needed for helping victims of trafficking, many of who are minors and women.”
JLNO and partners look forward to continue engaging our membership and the general public on this critical community issue through the following virtual events:
“Stopping Traffic” Community Discussion
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 6 – 7 p.m.
The community is invited to join Junior League of New Orleans in watching and discussing, “Stopping Traffic,” an inspiring documentary featuring heroes of the anti-sex-trafficking movement and bringing light to their efforts to raise awareness and provide solutions. Registrants should watch the film for free through Pluto TV or another online streaming service prior to the panel discussion on Dec. 15. Panelists include:
- Sadhvi Siddhali Shree, Director of “Stopping Traffic”
- Kara Van de Carr, Founder and Executive Director of Eden House
- Susan Dold, Systems Administrator for Truckers Against Trafficking
Survivor Stories Panel Discussion
Tuesday, Jan. 25, 6 – 7 p.m.
Held in conjuction with Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Junior League of New Orleans will host the virtual event, “Survior Stories,” on Tuesday, January 25 at 6 p.m. This online event will feature stories of human trafficking victims and will be moderated by Jennifer Ray, Coordinator for the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force. Learn about the realities of trafficking, resources available to victims, and ways the community can support anti-trafficking efforts. Panelists to be announced.
Additional event information, including speaker bios and registration can be found at www.jlno.org/abolish. Advanced registration is required for both events which are free and open to the public.
