5 answers
Kaylee
Student
Grand Forks, North Dakota
1
Question
Asked
350 views
How can I bring the Children and Women home?
Not many people talk about it, but I wanna stop it. Sex trafficking both angers and disgusts me to the core and I'd like to start taking classes so I can find out how to stop it. I'm currently in 10th grade and can take any online classes I want starting next semester. I've already had a semester in Psychology which I've heard helps. But I want to know all courses I can take in high school, then ones I can take in college. Then find the job to help put it to end. I need to do something to help them, but I don't know how.
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5 answers
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
119
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Kaylee, yes! Trafficking is indeed a terrible problem that can be somewhat invisible to those unaware. I think the other responders did a great job of reviewing all the different ways you might help- if not now, at some point in the future. I can say that as a therapist I sought out specific training. In your part of the country, I found two organizations you might check out- the North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force and Youthworks human trafficking program. Exploring the positions for staff may give you an idea about potential career or volunteer routes. You may be limited in volunteering due to being in 10th grade- likely not working directly with survivors as extensive trauma support or therapy training may be required. However, there might be other opportunities such as fundraising, administrative work, or special events assistance. Being an ally can take many forms; even talking about trafficking with others is incredibly helpful as it opens people's eyes. Perhaps as a student you can focus papers or projects on the topic, write an article for your school paper, or raise money to go towards a local nonprofit. Anything you do- big or small can make an impact! There are factors that increase a person's vulnerability to being groomed; understanding this better and sharing this information may save a life. If your school has a clinical counselor or psychologist, you could see about their interest in partnering to start a peer support group to improve student mental health, wellbeing, and safety. Wishing you the best!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
610
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Kaylee,
Wow! Your passion for combating sex trafficking and helping vulnerable individuals is incredibly admirable and impactful. To pursue this goal, you can build a foundation during high school, strengthen your knowledge and skills in college, and align yourself with careers and organizations actively working to end trafficking. Here's a roadmap tailored to your current stage and aspirations:
High School Path
1. Online and Elective Courses:
- Criminal Justice Basics: Look for introductory courses in law or criminology. These will help you understand the legal systems involved in prosecuting traffickers.
- Advanced Psychology: Dive deeper into topics like trauma, human behavior, and victimology.
- Social Studies: Focus on sociology, cultural studies, or classes that explore human rights and global issues.
- Public Speaking or Debate: Develop communication skills to advocate for victims and raise awareness.
2. Extracurricular Activities:
- Volunteer with Anti-Trafficking Organizations: Many nonprofits accept high school volunteers. Look for local or online opportunities to raise awareness or assist with campaigns.
- Start or Join a Human Rights Club: Lead or participate in activities focused on human rights, women’s issues, or child welfare.
3. Self-Study:
- Research sex trafficking on platforms like Polaris Project or United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
- Read books like "Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn or "Disposable People" by Kevin Bales.
College Path
Majors:
- Criminal Justice or Criminology: Learn the ins and outs of the justice system and how to combat crime effectively.
- Psychology or Social Work: Focus on trauma recovery, counseling, and victim support.
- Human Rights or International Relations: Study laws, policies, and global solutions to combat trafficking.
- Sociology: Gain insights into societal factors that contribute to trafficking.
Minors:
- Public Policy
- Forensic Psychology
- Gender Studies
- Nonprofit Management
Courses:
- Human Trafficking Studies: Many universities now offer specialized courses on trafficking.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Learn how to support survivors effectively.
- Ethics and Law Enforcement: Understand the ethical challenges and policies in trafficking cases.
- Grant Writing or Fundraising: Help nonprofits secure funding to fight trafficking.
Internships and Volunteering:
- Work with local shelters, advocacy organizations, or law enforcement agencies.
- Intern with international groups like UNICEF or the International Justice Mission (IJM).
Potential Careers to Combat Trafficking
1. Law Enforcement:
- Join specialized units focused on trafficking or victim advocacy.
- Work as a forensic psychologist or criminal investigator.
2. Legal Field:
- Become a human rights lawyer focusing on trafficking cases.
- Advocate for policy changes to protect vulnerable populations.
3. Social Work:
- Support survivors in recovery centers or shelters.
- Work with child protection agencies.
4. Nonprofit Sector:
- Manage anti-trafficking campaigns.
- Serve as an outreach coordinator to educate at-risk communities.
5. Global Organizations:
- Join NGOs like Polaris, IJM, or Save the Children.
- Work internationally to address the root causes of trafficking.
6. Policy and Advocacy:
- Shape public policy to prevent trafficking and support survivors.
- Research and report on trafficking trends to inform action.
What You Can Do Now
1. Online Resources:
- Take free courses on Coursera, edX, or platforms offering criminology and human rights studies.
- Check out Polaris Project’s resources on how to combat trafficking.
2. Advocacy:
- Raise awareness in your school or community.
- Start a fundraiser for local anti-trafficking organizations.
3. Mentorship:
- Connect with professionals in criminal justice, social work, or advocacy through LinkedIn or career programs.
You’re taking the first step toward becoming a force for change. Your determination to make a difference is inspiring.
Best wishes!
Wow! Your passion for combating sex trafficking and helping vulnerable individuals is incredibly admirable and impactful. To pursue this goal, you can build a foundation during high school, strengthen your knowledge and skills in college, and align yourself with careers and organizations actively working to end trafficking. Here's a roadmap tailored to your current stage and aspirations:
High School Path
1. Online and Elective Courses:
- Criminal Justice Basics: Look for introductory courses in law or criminology. These will help you understand the legal systems involved in prosecuting traffickers.
- Advanced Psychology: Dive deeper into topics like trauma, human behavior, and victimology.
- Social Studies: Focus on sociology, cultural studies, or classes that explore human rights and global issues.
- Public Speaking or Debate: Develop communication skills to advocate for victims and raise awareness.
2. Extracurricular Activities:
- Volunteer with Anti-Trafficking Organizations: Many nonprofits accept high school volunteers. Look for local or online opportunities to raise awareness or assist with campaigns.
- Start or Join a Human Rights Club: Lead or participate in activities focused on human rights, women’s issues, or child welfare.
3. Self-Study:
- Research sex trafficking on platforms like Polaris Project or United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
- Read books like "Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn or "Disposable People" by Kevin Bales.
College Path
Majors:
- Criminal Justice or Criminology: Learn the ins and outs of the justice system and how to combat crime effectively.
- Psychology or Social Work: Focus on trauma recovery, counseling, and victim support.
- Human Rights or International Relations: Study laws, policies, and global solutions to combat trafficking.
- Sociology: Gain insights into societal factors that contribute to trafficking.
Minors:
- Public Policy
- Forensic Psychology
- Gender Studies
- Nonprofit Management
Courses:
- Human Trafficking Studies: Many universities now offer specialized courses on trafficking.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Learn how to support survivors effectively.
- Ethics and Law Enforcement: Understand the ethical challenges and policies in trafficking cases.
- Grant Writing or Fundraising: Help nonprofits secure funding to fight trafficking.
Internships and Volunteering:
- Work with local shelters, advocacy organizations, or law enforcement agencies.
- Intern with international groups like UNICEF or the International Justice Mission (IJM).
Potential Careers to Combat Trafficking
1. Law Enforcement:
- Join specialized units focused on trafficking or victim advocacy.
- Work as a forensic psychologist or criminal investigator.
2. Legal Field:
- Become a human rights lawyer focusing on trafficking cases.
- Advocate for policy changes to protect vulnerable populations.
3. Social Work:
- Support survivors in recovery centers or shelters.
- Work with child protection agencies.
4. Nonprofit Sector:
- Manage anti-trafficking campaigns.
- Serve as an outreach coordinator to educate at-risk communities.
5. Global Organizations:
- Join NGOs like Polaris, IJM, or Save the Children.
- Work internationally to address the root causes of trafficking.
6. Policy and Advocacy:
- Shape public policy to prevent trafficking and support survivors.
- Research and report on trafficking trends to inform action.
What You Can Do Now
1. Online Resources:
- Take free courses on Coursera, edX, or platforms offering criminology and human rights studies.
- Check out Polaris Project’s resources on how to combat trafficking.
2. Advocacy:
- Raise awareness in your school or community.
- Start a fundraiser for local anti-trafficking organizations.
3. Mentorship:
- Connect with professionals in criminal justice, social work, or advocacy through LinkedIn or career programs.
You’re taking the first step toward becoming a force for change. Your determination to make a difference is inspiring.
Best wishes!
Alexandra Grashkina-Hristov
International Tax Professional
155
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Kaylee,
You may consider volunteering or interning at an organization (government or private non profit) that fights trafficking. I would encourage you to look at their websites and see if they need volunteers or have programs for the community to participate in their programs:
https://www.justice.gov/humantrafficking/special-initiatives
https://polarisproject.org/
https://freedomnetworkusa.org/
https://ourrescue.org/
Good luck!
You may consider volunteering or interning at an organization (government or private non profit) that fights trafficking. I would encourage you to look at their websites and see if they need volunteers or have programs for the community to participate in their programs:
https://www.justice.gov/humantrafficking/special-initiatives
https://polarisproject.org/
https://freedomnetworkusa.org/
https://ourrescue.org/
Good luck!
Griselda Hall
Executive Director
11
Answers
Olympia, Washington
Updated
Griselda’s Answer
Sounds like law enforcement and homeland security would be a career choice to consider.
Tori Morrison
User Experience Research
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Tori’s Answer
Hi Kaylee,
I admire your determination and empathy towards this issue. A psychology course is a great place to start.
In high school, psychology, sociology, economics, government or other social sciences will be helpful foundations for your college career.
In college, you might consider a social work or non-profit management focus. You could also consider a legal career as many survivors of human trafficking need legal support.
My biggest piece of advice is to try out different areas of focus and see what best fits your strengths and interests. Volunteering at an organization focused on addressing human trafficking can help you to get a sense of what it might be like to have a career in that field.
I admire your determination and empathy towards this issue. A psychology course is a great place to start.
In high school, psychology, sociology, economics, government or other social sciences will be helpful foundations for your college career.
In college, you might consider a social work or non-profit management focus. You could also consider a legal career as many survivors of human trafficking need legal support.
My biggest piece of advice is to try out different areas of focus and see what best fits your strengths and interests. Volunteering at an organization focused on addressing human trafficking can help you to get a sense of what it might be like to have a career in that field.