January 2018 - Midland County Human Trafficking Task Force Update

The Zonta Club of Midland supports the Midland Human Trafficking Task Force and provided funding for Andrea Foster to attend a two-day training program on human trafficking. Andrea is a member of the Midland HTTF and provides training on the topic to area schools and organizations. During the January social meeting Andrea and Sandra Eagle, Probation Officer and task force member, provided a synopsis of the group’s activities and the status of human trafficking in Mid-Michigan.

Human trafficking can come in many forms including sexual exploitation, slavery or involuntary servitude. Trafficking statistics are not well known, and often victims do not recognize that they are victims at all. Trafficking can occur anywhere, even in Midland.
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The goal of the Midland HTTF is to create a safe community free of human trafficking through community awareness, education and community protocol. This all volunteer organization works closely with law enforcement, educators, medical professionals and others to raise awareness, educate on signs to look for and establish a response protocol to help victims locally.

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Things We Can Do:

• Parents/Grandparents: Can your children come to you if someone is hurting them or putting them in compromising situations? Do you know your child’s friends?
• Mentor young men and women and serve as role models
• Consider becoming a foster parent
• Monitor your child’s social media
• Check out the Michigan HTTF website – http:/mhttf.org
• Partner with local/county HT Task Forces, as concerned citizens
• Educate yourself – Buy Responsibly – Fair Trade
• Join the Midland County Human Trafficking Task Force

 
Globally many products are grown or produced with slave or child labor. For more information and to find products that are certified as produced in a sustainable and ethical way go to https://www.fairtradecertified.org.

For additional questions on MCHHTF please contact Andrea. The club advocacy committee has funds available for others interested in attending the Michigan training program. Please contact Lisa Hulbert if you would like to get involved.