Orange County, CA Human Trafficking Relay

I’m proud to say that I was able to be part of history last Saturday. VietAct hosted the first ever human trafficking relay in Orange County at Little Siagon in Garden Grove, CA. The sight of hundreds of students rallying together early (and I mean early) on a Saturday morning to tell the world and their community they will not tolerate human trafficking brings tears to my eyes. The walk was broken up into stations with different activites. I think my favorite was making a sign and commiting to do what I can to abolish human trafficking and getting my picture taken for a visual protest statement. We even walked through the little mall and held a mini rally on the center stage. I took over 200 pictures and can’t wait to post them. I’ve been on this fight for almost 2 years now and although things aren’t even near perfect I’m so excited about the progress being made. I’m proud of the friendships/networks I’ve made in this fight and thank the stars that their are like minded people.

Human trafficking- a modern-day form of slavery has come along ways in regards to awareness. I’m so happy to be part of an event like that…. I know that one day human trafficking will not be the most profitable illegal business and that one day almost every single person will know what it is. Everyday people like you and I need to know what human trafficking is and what to do if we come accross it. Almost all cases are brought to light when an ordinary citizen notices that something just isn’t right in a particular situation. So keep you eyes open and your hearts pumping.

I’m also thankful that I get to be part of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force- the task force needs people from all walks of life. It’s the differences in agencies and people that make the unity strong. It’s working together with nonprofits, government, and faith-based orgs thats going to help combat this problem. Raising awareness in the community about what human trafficking is the first step in ending this modern-day slavery. There are over 29 million people enslaved in the world today- and not just “overthere overseas” but here in My Orange County.

~~RO~~