It sure has been awhile, but, with good reasons. I cannot lie it feels weird to sit down and start to blog again. None the less, I hope all has been well! The blog has been on my mind a lot lately as well as our social media. My awesome under cover friend has been so kind to take time out of her very busy life, and when she can, she keeps up with the social media.
I am not going to take time beating around the bush today. I went from a crazy busy semester of work and classes, to finals, to packing my dorm room to going to Africa on a missions trip, for an extend period of time. Janice, she was out of the country for awhile as well. It is easy enough to say it has been busy, busy, busy.
Now, enough with what has been going on and why we have been so busy! Lets get down to business.
As I have mentioned I was in Africa for awhile. The trip was completely amazing and life changing to say the least. But, I definitely had an eye opening experience while on this beautiful continent. One dark night, the group and I were traveling back to the center where we were staying. As our 30 minute drive, arrived upon main roads, one could see large open areas of people sitting outside. This idea was not an unusual sight for me, we have a place like this by where we are staying. It would be about a 5 minute walk, if I took my time. After all, I could here the music from this place at night on top of the roof.
I looked over at Mama, she was one of our contacts while on the trip, and decided I wanted to know more about trafficking. Mama informed me that there was a lot of trafficking that took place in the country that we were currently in. She also told me that trafficking either happens mostly in the back alley ways or in the open bars that we kept passing.
These open bars, that I mentioned earlier, were generally by a place that sold some beverages. There were nice bars with bright flashing lights and loud music. Others were plastic chairs and tables bunched together in a group. The one by where I was staying had nice chairs and a few television sets to keep the people entertained. On the other side of the road was the other half of the bar. A dark room with loud music and large sofas, next to it was a place to get drinks.
How these places work is the men go and sit at one of these bars and they will wait for the women to come and approach them. I assume you can figure out the rest.
This knowledge to me was shocking and yet at the same time it wasn't. I was shocked at how many of these bars were around the area where we were. Granted this was in a main city, I never stayed over night in a village or went to the bush, so things would be different depending on the development of the area you were in.
I loved my trip to West Africa. It was beautiful, life changing and totally not what I thought it would be. I learned I could be me and I don't have to be perfect. When something bothers me, I don't have to push it to the side and be strong so no one knows what I am going through. It is okay to be human. But, it is different when you have a more hands on experience with a form of trafficking, like prostitution and stuff like that.
I have other stories, but that is for another time, another day.
So, until then,
Nicole
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
Sex, Lies, and Love
Its Valentine's Day! So, first off I hope you are having an amazing day, whether you are single or in a relationship! Make sure to tell the ones you love that you love them and no matter what make sure and enjoy the day!
Enough with the gooey stuff, lets get down to business. Now, while you married couples are off being romantic, and you couples in relationships are spending time with your boo. And all the single people out there are being happy and spending time with your friends (thats what you should be doing, dont be a Debbie downer). Please take the time to remember the people who are being forced against their will into the sex trade.
I am not going to pretend to be ignorant at the fact that there will be people who are going to go to strip clubs, or hire a prostitute or a women from an escort company tonight. With this, it is important to remember that even though on the outside these businesses may look like smiling, willing face, glitter and lust even passion. It is important to remember that THIS IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE.
"Victims of both sex and labor trafficking may be found in hostrss clubs and strip clubs in the United States. In situations of sex trafficking, a victim may be forced to provide commercial sex to the club patrons by a pimp, employer, or other controller, in addition to his or her work as a dancer or hostess" (Polaris Project).
And if you are wanting to read up more on thr matter I definitely recommend that you do. It is crazy the things that you learn when you research. And after checking out the topic, you should spread the news around. Get people aware.
Have a good Valentine's Day,
Nicole
Work cited:
"Hostest/Strip Clubs-Sex Trafficking." Polaris Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2014.
http://www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/sex-trafficking-in-the-us/hostessstrip-clubs
Enough with the gooey stuff, lets get down to business. Now, while you married couples are off being romantic, and you couples in relationships are spending time with your boo. And all the single people out there are being happy and spending time with your friends (thats what you should be doing, dont be a Debbie downer). Please take the time to remember the people who are being forced against their will into the sex trade.
I am not going to pretend to be ignorant at the fact that there will be people who are going to go to strip clubs, or hire a prostitute or a women from an escort company tonight. With this, it is important to remember that even though on the outside these businesses may look like smiling, willing face, glitter and lust even passion. It is important to remember that THIS IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE.
"Victims of both sex and labor trafficking may be found in hostrss clubs and strip clubs in the United States. In situations of sex trafficking, a victim may be forced to provide commercial sex to the club patrons by a pimp, employer, or other controller, in addition to his or her work as a dancer or hostess" (Polaris Project).
And if you are wanting to read up more on thr matter I definitely recommend that you do. It is crazy the things that you learn when you research. And after checking out the topic, you should spread the news around. Get people aware.
Have a good Valentine's Day,
Nicole
Work cited:
"Hostest/Strip Clubs-Sex Trafficking." Polaris Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2014.
http://www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/sex-trafficking-in-the-us/hostessstrip-clubs
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Heads Up, Catch Up
Hello and happy super late New Year! Everyone seems to start the new year off with a few resolutions. I did my little list of resolutions and have already failed miserablely. So, instead of a resolution, my roommate and best friend, is my accountability buddy. At least that is what I am calling it. We will be doing are absolute best, for college students, to keep this blog and our social media up and running! After all we can't afford not to.
I am so excited for what this year holds instore! And with that, there are some cool posts coming up! I don't want to give too much away! But, I have a post coming up about a little domino effect in sticky notes. (if you dont know what sticky noting is, check out the first post Janice and I ever did! Its called "Lets Explain our Mission")
This year is going to be amazing and I am glad this journey and fight, against such a horrible injustice, will be done with you! The sex trade better be ready for a shift, because it is definitely time for a change!
And with that I want to take a side note and say thank you for being so awesome with the changes that are taking place and will be taking place in the next days to come!
Let's make this a powerful year,
Nicole
P.S. If you want to email us, feel free! If you have questions we would love to help you find answers! And if you are doing something to stop the sex trade email us and let us know your story! We would love to share your story!!
askmeaboutsextrafficking@gmail.com
I am so excited for what this year holds instore! And with that, there are some cool posts coming up! I don't want to give too much away! But, I have a post coming up about a little domino effect in sticky notes. (if you dont know what sticky noting is, check out the first post Janice and I ever did! Its called "Lets Explain our Mission")
This year is going to be amazing and I am glad this journey and fight, against such a horrible injustice, will be done with you! The sex trade better be ready for a shift, because it is definitely time for a change!
And with that I want to take a side note and say thank you for being so awesome with the changes that are taking place and will be taking place in the next days to come!
Let's make this a powerful year,
Nicole
P.S. If you want to email us, feel free! If you have questions we would love to help you find answers! And if you are doing something to stop the sex trade email us and let us know your story! We would love to share your story!!
askmeaboutsextrafficking@gmail.com
Monday, January 13, 2014
So Long Fairwell
Hey Readers! It has been a long time, at least since I last wrote a post. Unfortunately, this post isn't really super happy, and it does have to do with a goodbye. But it still has to do with sex trafficking, kind of.
I've mentioned before that I was starting school this January, well that time has come, actually the exact day is here! Today, I am off to start my schooling and I am SO pumped. With that being said I really feel like its a smart idea for me to step away from the blog while I'm at school for the first six months.
My schooling consist of 3 months in the States and 2 months out of the country to "study abroad." I put quotation marks because its an outreach type thing where I will be helping people and spreading the love of Christ, but still apart of my studies.
Where does sex trafficking come in, you ask? Well, I will be studying social justice with my main interesting being childhood injustices such as sex trafficking, child soldiering, and so on.
So many of our blog readers are so supportive and amazing! I really am going to miss seeing your responses, differences in opinions, and passions on this blog, but I will be back eventually. I just felt that this was the right decision for me during these next 6 months.
My school is a Christ based one and I really want this time to grow, mature, and learn more about myself and my wonderful Father.
Thank all of you so much for your support these past months of blogging. You are in good hands with Nicole and the people who have so kindly decided to help her out so I can follow my passions and better myself as I feel led to.
You all rock! I look forward to the future when I will be writing to you all again!
Can't wait to tell you stories after this time is done!
Janice
I've mentioned before that I was starting school this January, well that time has come, actually the exact day is here! Today, I am off to start my schooling and I am SO pumped. With that being said I really feel like its a smart idea for me to step away from the blog while I'm at school for the first six months.
My schooling consist of 3 months in the States and 2 months out of the country to "study abroad." I put quotation marks because its an outreach type thing where I will be helping people and spreading the love of Christ, but still apart of my studies.
Where does sex trafficking come in, you ask? Well, I will be studying social justice with my main interesting being childhood injustices such as sex trafficking, child soldiering, and so on.
So many of our blog readers are so supportive and amazing! I really am going to miss seeing your responses, differences in opinions, and passions on this blog, but I will be back eventually. I just felt that this was the right decision for me during these next 6 months.
My school is a Christ based one and I really want this time to grow, mature, and learn more about myself and my wonderful Father.
Thank all of you so much for your support these past months of blogging. You are in good hands with Nicole and the people who have so kindly decided to help her out so I can follow my passions and better myself as I feel led to.
You all rock! I look forward to the future when I will be writing to you all again!
Can't wait to tell you stories after this time is done!
Janice
Friday, November 15, 2013
What Do You Really Know About Sex Trafficking?
When you graduate high school the first question EVERYONE asks you is, "What's next? College? Job? Marriage?" They are unavoidable questions until you are past college age. Because of this question, and my response, sex trafficking is a common subject amongst people I talk with.
My most recent encounter was with this older gentleman. I was getting up-to-date on all my mandatory shots because I'll be out of the country many times while in school. Because of this fact, which apparently was put into my "chart" at the doctor's office, the first question the older gentleman asked me while giving me my Hep A shot was, "What are you going to school for?"
My response was very robotic because I've been asked the same question a billion times. I simply said, "Social Justice. Such as sex trafficking, child soldiering, etc... mainly with the focus on childhood injustices." I figured that would be where the conversation ended. Honestly, I figured this man was just making small talk to make it less awkward between us. He just wanted to get the shots in my arm so he could be done for the day. I was fine with that though, I felt the exact same way!
To my surprise he kept on asking me questions. His next one, "Where are you planning on going?" This is the typical follow-up question once I've expressed what I'm going to school for. So, I wasn't shocked or blown away by this question, I just answered it as I always did when talking to other people, "Germany actually. That's my first planned spot, though I know plans can change. But I really want to move to Germany for a couple of years to work with sex trafficked girls." I was caught off guard when his jaw practically hit the floor at my response.
I just stared at him, awkwardly, because that's what I do. I really wasn't sure why he was so shocked. It was just Germany, not a super dangerous place or anything like that. Finally, after a long awkward pause, he managed to pick his jaw up off the ground and said, "Sex trafficking goes on in GERMANY?!?!?" Okay, now it's my turn to be shocked. I had to then pick up my jaw off the ground, but once I did I managed to calmly reply, "Yes, Sir. Sex trafficking happens everywhere. Even in this beautiful State we so happily call home." After this, all bets were off. I couldn't stop talking about sex trafficking with this guy. He asked questions and couldn't wait to hear about all the things I was planning on doing with my life and through my studies.
After I left, as happy as could be that I informed someone else of the statistics of sex trafficking, I couldn't help but stop and wonder why everyone was SO shocked about the stats I brought to their attention in regards to this subject. The most common response when I'm telling someone about sex trafficking is, "I didn't know it was THAT bad!" It shocks me every time I hear someone say those words. I then must remember that it's not a common "dinner table" conversation topic. People just simply need to be informed. It's really that plain and simple.
This led me to write this post. When you're faced with someone who doesn't know a thing about sex trafficking, but wants to be further informed, it's really nice to have some good stats under your belt so you can answer their questions accordingly and correctly. Here are some that are my favorites, because they inform people on how bad sex trafficking is, and tend to answer the many questions I've been asked in my past "sex trafficking information" conversations:
-There are approximately 27 million boys and girls that are currently victims of sex trafficking all over the world.
-1 in 5 pornographic photographs on the internet are of a child.
-Between 14,500 and 17,500 girls are trafficked into the U.S. Yearly. That's not including the girls that are trafficked within the U.S. itself.
-The average global cost to buy a sex trafficked girl/boy for a "trick" is $90.
-1.2 million people globally fall into sex trafficking, each year.
-The U.S. is a destination country for thousands of people trafficked from East Asia, Mexico, and Central America for sexual/labor exploitation.
-The U.S. is one of the top 3 countries of destination for sex tourism.
-The average victim involved in sex trafficking can be forced to have sex 20-48 times a day.
-More then 50% of sex trafficking victims are under the age of 18.
-In 2011, 94% of sex trafficking victims were females, 6% males. This is from a case study that the Department of Justice did of 389 cases of sex trafficking involving 460 victims.
-It's reported that in the past 30 years 30 million children have lost their childhood through sexual exploitation.
-There are girls as young as 6 and 6, in the U.S., that are forced to do sexual acts for an economic gain, by pimps.
These are just a FEW facts. You can find many more on our twitter (AMAsexTfacts) or by searching the internet. But, I hope the next time you are faced with questions about sex trafficking these statistics help you to be confident in your answers and in the information you wish to share with those around you.
I also love to be informed on new stats that I don't know. So if you know more or you think we forgot any that should definitely be in this post, please comment, email, or somehow contact Nicole and I and we would love to add your new stats to this post to contribute to the information that others, including myself, might use to confidently inform someone on the subject of sex trafficking.
Sincerely,
Janice and Nicole
My most recent encounter was with this older gentleman. I was getting up-to-date on all my mandatory shots because I'll be out of the country many times while in school. Because of this fact, which apparently was put into my "chart" at the doctor's office, the first question the older gentleman asked me while giving me my Hep A shot was, "What are you going to school for?"
My response was very robotic because I've been asked the same question a billion times. I simply said, "Social Justice. Such as sex trafficking, child soldiering, etc... mainly with the focus on childhood injustices." I figured that would be where the conversation ended. Honestly, I figured this man was just making small talk to make it less awkward between us. He just wanted to get the shots in my arm so he could be done for the day. I was fine with that though, I felt the exact same way!
To my surprise he kept on asking me questions. His next one, "Where are you planning on going?" This is the typical follow-up question once I've expressed what I'm going to school for. So, I wasn't shocked or blown away by this question, I just answered it as I always did when talking to other people, "Germany actually. That's my first planned spot, though I know plans can change. But I really want to move to Germany for a couple of years to work with sex trafficked girls." I was caught off guard when his jaw practically hit the floor at my response.
I just stared at him, awkwardly, because that's what I do. I really wasn't sure why he was so shocked. It was just Germany, not a super dangerous place or anything like that. Finally, after a long awkward pause, he managed to pick his jaw up off the ground and said, "Sex trafficking goes on in GERMANY?!?!?" Okay, now it's my turn to be shocked. I had to then pick up my jaw off the ground, but once I did I managed to calmly reply, "Yes, Sir. Sex trafficking happens everywhere. Even in this beautiful State we so happily call home." After this, all bets were off. I couldn't stop talking about sex trafficking with this guy. He asked questions and couldn't wait to hear about all the things I was planning on doing with my life and through my studies.
After I left, as happy as could be that I informed someone else of the statistics of sex trafficking, I couldn't help but stop and wonder why everyone was SO shocked about the stats I brought to their attention in regards to this subject. The most common response when I'm telling someone about sex trafficking is, "I didn't know it was THAT bad!" It shocks me every time I hear someone say those words. I then must remember that it's not a common "dinner table" conversation topic. People just simply need to be informed. It's really that plain and simple.
This led me to write this post. When you're faced with someone who doesn't know a thing about sex trafficking, but wants to be further informed, it's really nice to have some good stats under your belt so you can answer their questions accordingly and correctly. Here are some that are my favorites, because they inform people on how bad sex trafficking is, and tend to answer the many questions I've been asked in my past "sex trafficking information" conversations:
-There are approximately 27 million boys and girls that are currently victims of sex trafficking all over the world.
-1 in 5 pornographic photographs on the internet are of a child.
-Between 14,500 and 17,500 girls are trafficked into the U.S. Yearly. That's not including the girls that are trafficked within the U.S. itself.
-The average global cost to buy a sex trafficked girl/boy for a "trick" is $90.
-1.2 million people globally fall into sex trafficking, each year.
-The U.S. is a destination country for thousands of people trafficked from East Asia, Mexico, and Central America for sexual/labor exploitation.
-The U.S. is one of the top 3 countries of destination for sex tourism.
-The average victim involved in sex trafficking can be forced to have sex 20-48 times a day.
-More then 50% of sex trafficking victims are under the age of 18.
-In 2011, 94% of sex trafficking victims were females, 6% males. This is from a case study that the Department of Justice did of 389 cases of sex trafficking involving 460 victims.
-It's reported that in the past 30 years 30 million children have lost their childhood through sexual exploitation.
-There are girls as young as 6 and 6, in the U.S., that are forced to do sexual acts for an economic gain, by pimps.
These are just a FEW facts. You can find many more on our twitter (AMAsexTfacts) or by searching the internet. But, I hope the next time you are faced with questions about sex trafficking these statistics help you to be confident in your answers and in the information you wish to share with those around you.
I also love to be informed on new stats that I don't know. So if you know more or you think we forgot any that should definitely be in this post, please comment, email, or somehow contact Nicole and I and we would love to add your new stats to this post to contribute to the information that others, including myself, might use to confidently inform someone on the subject of sex trafficking.
Sincerely,
Janice and Nicole
Friday, November 1, 2013
Your Answer: Yes or No
A fast heads up about this post. It has similar ideas to a post that was done when this blog first started. The post is called "Hookers Matter Too." If you have read it please keep that in mind and if you haven't read the post, after reading this one, go and check it out! Now, to start!
Hello wonderful people! I hope that you are all doing good and that you are excited for the weekend. My week was very busy. Part of it is because of a research paper I am doing, yes it is about sex trafficking. But, part of my research has brought me to a question. This question is something I have thought about a lot in the past. And the question is really starting to pop up every where in my research.
Is prostitution a form of sex trafficking?
Now, what is your answer? Lately, as I have been really going into this question I have found that some people say yes, and some say no. I have not asked enough people to truly know the full, well rounded, average answer, but as I am sitting here typing, I think it would be awesome to go around and pull enough people to truly get the idea of what people say for their answer.
Anyway, this topic is something that Janice and I have talked on before and that we both believe is true. Prostitution is a form of sex trafficking.
Do you agree with our statement? Do you disagree with our statement? Or do you agree with our statement but you don't really know how it is a part of sex trafficking? Well, now, don't worry. Janice and I are going to shed some light on the situation and the next time you are asked this question you have more of an informed opinion.
By definition sex trafficking is, "the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by improper means (such as force, abduction, fraud, or coercion) for an improper purpose...Sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to preform such act has not attained 18 years of age. The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery."
Now, in that definition there are several very important terms I would like to draw from. One being peonage, which by Webster's dictionary means, "the use of laborers bound by servitude." I may have slightly added this one in because I didn't know what it meant. And the next word I want to bring in is debt bondage, which in this case means the working of a person to repay a debt owed to another.
So, some of you may see where I am going with this and if you don't, keep reading anyway. You will find out soon enough.
Okay, so, here is what's up. Prostitution is a hot topic, and here is part of the reason why. Many people believe that a prostitute is someone who chose openly and willingly to start with the sale of his or her body. And, in some cases this is true, I agree with that. But, here is where the definition of sex trafficking makes an appearance. Many girls who enter into prostitution cannot get out, once in. Too often they become the property of a pimp who would rather force her to continue to go out and make him or her money then to let her leave the age old business.
This is where the whole slavery, forced prostitution, peonage and debt bondage come in. The want of money because more of a, "I helped make you who you are in this and I want my money back. And you are going to get me that money." The fear of the pimp is put into the girls and they generally cannot leave.
Now, this is not always the case but it is the case more often then not. But, here is the next part of the issue. A lot of girls who are prostitutes, by definition, are forced from start to finish. And with that, that falls into the definition of sex trafficking.
I have a little analogy for you guys, one that I am pretty proud of, if I do say so myself.
We are going to view sex trafficking as the whole higher education system.
I go to a Christian University. But that is not the only type of universities there are. There are a lot. Then add the fact that there are Christian Colleges as well. Then there is your amazing high up Colleges and Schools, like Harvard, Yale and Oxford. You catch my drift. But don't forget about your normal run of the mill community colleges that will almost always accept any application (please know I am not bashing any form of higher education, I am trying to prove a point rather extravagantly).
Now, look at sex trafficking. We are going to consider prostitution as community colleges. Community colleges are still considered a form of higher education. Though it may not take a lot to get in, their price to attend is not extravagant and they are found almost everywhere. We still consider them a form of higher education.
This is how we also view prostitution as a form of sex trafficking. Though, there are a lot of views on the matter and the fact that there are so many different factors with prostitution, it is still a form of sex trafficking. You wouldn't say that community colleges weren't a higher education source because you cant live on its campus. So, why would you say that prostitution isn't sex trafficking because you are only forming the answer on personal opinion or because there are different factors that play into prostitution?
To stop sex trafficking we cant ignore part of the issue. It would be like trying to cure a person with brain and liver cancer but only attacking the cancer around the liver. The cancer on the brain would cause issues no matter what and not go away on its own.
Lets make sure to attack every form of this cancer called sex trafficking,
Nicole and Janice
Email: askmeaboutsextrafficking@gmail.com
Instagram: askmeaboutsextrafficking
Twitter: @AMASexTFacts
Like Us On Facebook: What Do You Know About Sex
Hello wonderful people! I hope that you are all doing good and that you are excited for the weekend. My week was very busy. Part of it is because of a research paper I am doing, yes it is about sex trafficking. But, part of my research has brought me to a question. This question is something I have thought about a lot in the past. And the question is really starting to pop up every where in my research.
Is prostitution a form of sex trafficking?
Now, what is your answer? Lately, as I have been really going into this question I have found that some people say yes, and some say no. I have not asked enough people to truly know the full, well rounded, average answer, but as I am sitting here typing, I think it would be awesome to go around and pull enough people to truly get the idea of what people say for their answer.
Anyway, this topic is something that Janice and I have talked on before and that we both believe is true. Prostitution is a form of sex trafficking.
Do you agree with our statement? Do you disagree with our statement? Or do you agree with our statement but you don't really know how it is a part of sex trafficking? Well, now, don't worry. Janice and I are going to shed some light on the situation and the next time you are asked this question you have more of an informed opinion.
By definition sex trafficking is, "the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by improper means (such as force, abduction, fraud, or coercion) for an improper purpose...Sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to preform such act has not attained 18 years of age. The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery."
Now, in that definition there are several very important terms I would like to draw from. One being peonage, which by Webster's dictionary means, "the use of laborers bound by servitude." I may have slightly added this one in because I didn't know what it meant. And the next word I want to bring in is debt bondage, which in this case means the working of a person to repay a debt owed to another.
So, some of you may see where I am going with this and if you don't, keep reading anyway. You will find out soon enough.
Okay, so, here is what's up. Prostitution is a hot topic, and here is part of the reason why. Many people believe that a prostitute is someone who chose openly and willingly to start with the sale of his or her body. And, in some cases this is true, I agree with that. But, here is where the definition of sex trafficking makes an appearance. Many girls who enter into prostitution cannot get out, once in. Too often they become the property of a pimp who would rather force her to continue to go out and make him or her money then to let her leave the age old business.
This is where the whole slavery, forced prostitution, peonage and debt bondage come in. The want of money because more of a, "I helped make you who you are in this and I want my money back. And you are going to get me that money." The fear of the pimp is put into the girls and they generally cannot leave.
Now, this is not always the case but it is the case more often then not. But, here is the next part of the issue. A lot of girls who are prostitutes, by definition, are forced from start to finish. And with that, that falls into the definition of sex trafficking.
I have a little analogy for you guys, one that I am pretty proud of, if I do say so myself.
We are going to view sex trafficking as the whole higher education system.
I go to a Christian University. But that is not the only type of universities there are. There are a lot. Then add the fact that there are Christian Colleges as well. Then there is your amazing high up Colleges and Schools, like Harvard, Yale and Oxford. You catch my drift. But don't forget about your normal run of the mill community colleges that will almost always accept any application (please know I am not bashing any form of higher education, I am trying to prove a point rather extravagantly).
Now, look at sex trafficking. We are going to consider prostitution as community colleges. Community colleges are still considered a form of higher education. Though it may not take a lot to get in, their price to attend is not extravagant and they are found almost everywhere. We still consider them a form of higher education.
This is how we also view prostitution as a form of sex trafficking. Though, there are a lot of views on the matter and the fact that there are so many different factors with prostitution, it is still a form of sex trafficking. You wouldn't say that community colleges weren't a higher education source because you cant live on its campus. So, why would you say that prostitution isn't sex trafficking because you are only forming the answer on personal opinion or because there are different factors that play into prostitution?
To stop sex trafficking we cant ignore part of the issue. It would be like trying to cure a person with brain and liver cancer but only attacking the cancer around the liver. The cancer on the brain would cause issues no matter what and not go away on its own.
Lets make sure to attack every form of this cancer called sex trafficking,
Nicole and Janice
Email: askmeaboutsextrafficking@gmail.com
Instagram: askmeaboutsextrafficking
Twitter: @AMASexTFacts
Like Us On Facebook: What Do You Know About Sex
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Mission: Adventure
Picture this with me for a moment.
There was once these two girls who were always together. They were college roommates, friends given the nickname Twins, and they were never apart. These two girls were always together and one fall break they both went home together. After all, staying on campus would be too dull and adventure was a must have. The road trip home was full of loud music, laughter and caffeine. It was perfection.
Once home, the girls were able to eat food that was cooked in a wonderful kitchen, by a loving mother. The thought of nasty school food was no where in mind. The first few days went by with not too much going on. And the thought of adventure was creeping into the minds of the two girls.
One morning they woke up and they wondered into a store. This specific office supply store is known for having paper out for you to write with pens and sharpies, to test them out. The two girls decided that it was time. Time to go to work and stop the sex trade. So, writing in cool colored sharpies the girls got to work and started making people aware!
Here is the story of one of the Twins. So, be inspired and go and do something to get people aware of the sex trade! Take a picture of what you do and send it to us with a story at askmeaboutsextrafficking@gmail.com. We would love to share about what you are doing to get people informed on the sex trade and what you are doing to stop the sex trade!
Now, with out any more pause and talk here is Twin with her story!
Hey guys!
So, I am here to share my story about how my roommate and I went into ninja combat last summer in Tokyo, Japan!
Oh wait, this is the office supply store story? Oh, that one is just as good.
I guess this all started when I found out about this blog. You see, this matter wasn't something foreign to me. I knew a little about sex trafficking and human trafficking. But, I never thought I could be someone who could spark a fire of passion in the life of someone else. Many people think because they have "no time," they cannot stop the injustice of a rapidly growing trade of human sex slaves. When, in fact, this is totally not the case.
If it's one thing that I've learned in my short score of years of living on earth, it's this; there is a time and place for everything. That means there is time! So, where am I going with this before I start my very short and seemingly insignificant story? That my very ordinary life can be extraordinarily powerful in any advancement of any giving pressing matter.
So, allow me to get off my soap box for a moment and share the story with you that I was supposed to share in the first place.
I believe it was a chilly Friday and my twin and I were around town running errands. She was looking for paper while I was playing with the computers (DUH, they are so much fun to mess with) and while I looked for her after a while I saw it. Those sharpie stations with all those pretty colors and stinky smells, were the perfect window of opportunity to share what I've been reading about on this blog from time to time. And, so, with a little help from my twin we scribbled and scribed our way into a blowout of epic proportions, like setting fire to gasoline on a car and walking away from an explosion. We left that station accomplished, knowing that every (and any) eye that can read, could read a fact and allow the spark to flicker into another mind. By doing this,
This passionate fire of awareness
Grows and grows
Until the whole world knows
By those who care.
And for those who care,
Receive and run.
I mean this by saying, that I mean for you to make the change you want to see in the world. Because, that is ALL it takes to make a difference.
Wasn't that a great post by Twin!
Thank you so much and we hope to be hearing from you again soon!
You heard it from here. Its no longer us just telling you.
Now, go out and do something about the sex trade,
Nicole and Janice
There was once these two girls who were always together. They were college roommates, friends given the nickname Twins, and they were never apart. These two girls were always together and one fall break they both went home together. After all, staying on campus would be too dull and adventure was a must have. The road trip home was full of loud music, laughter and caffeine. It was perfection.
Once home, the girls were able to eat food that was cooked in a wonderful kitchen, by a loving mother. The thought of nasty school food was no where in mind. The first few days went by with not too much going on. And the thought of adventure was creeping into the minds of the two girls.
One morning they woke up and they wondered into a store. This specific office supply store is known for having paper out for you to write with pens and sharpies, to test them out. The two girls decided that it was time. Time to go to work and stop the sex trade. So, writing in cool colored sharpies the girls got to work and started making people aware!
Here is the story of one of the Twins. So, be inspired and go and do something to get people aware of the sex trade! Take a picture of what you do and send it to us with a story at askmeaboutsextrafficking@gmail.com. We would love to share about what you are doing to get people informed on the sex trade and what you are doing to stop the sex trade!
Now, with out any more pause and talk here is Twin with her story!
Hey guys!
So, I am here to share my story about how my roommate and I went into ninja combat last summer in Tokyo, Japan!
Oh wait, this is the office supply store story? Oh, that one is just as good.
I guess this all started when I found out about this blog. You see, this matter wasn't something foreign to me. I knew a little about sex trafficking and human trafficking. But, I never thought I could be someone who could spark a fire of passion in the life of someone else. Many people think because they have "no time," they cannot stop the injustice of a rapidly growing trade of human sex slaves. When, in fact, this is totally not the case.
If it's one thing that I've learned in my short score of years of living on earth, it's this; there is a time and place for everything. That means there is time! So, where am I going with this before I start my very short and seemingly insignificant story? That my very ordinary life can be extraordinarily powerful in any advancement of any giving pressing matter.
So, allow me to get off my soap box for a moment and share the story with you that I was supposed to share in the first place.
I believe it was a chilly Friday and my twin and I were around town running errands. She was looking for paper while I was playing with the computers (DUH, they are so much fun to mess with) and while I looked for her after a while I saw it. Those sharpie stations with all those pretty colors and stinky smells, were the perfect window of opportunity to share what I've been reading about on this blog from time to time. And, so, with a little help from my twin we scribbled and scribed our way into a blowout of epic proportions, like setting fire to gasoline on a car and walking away from an explosion. We left that station accomplished, knowing that every (and any) eye that can read, could read a fact and allow the spark to flicker into another mind. By doing this,
This passionate fire of awareness
Grows and grows
Until the whole world knows
By those who care.
And for those who care,
Receive and run.
I mean this by saying, that I mean for you to make the change you want to see in the world. Because, that is ALL it takes to make a difference.
Wasn't that a great post by Twin!
Thank you so much and we hope to be hearing from you again soon!
You heard it from here. Its no longer us just telling you.
Now, go out and do something about the sex trade,
Nicole and Janice
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
It's Personal
Hello! Long time! And not going to lie, it has been too long, Janice and I will try not to let it happen again! It was wonderful to reunite with my partner in changing the world. Though, it was not for long it was awesome! Now, she is out spending time with her family and I am left here with my roomie and best college bud, hittin up the home front. I cannot lie, I am enjoying my fall break.
I am currently sitting in this cute little coffee shop, writing this post. I showed up about 30 minutes early to a meeting so I could have some time on the blog. Boy, can I just say that it was needed! Anyway, I was having a really hard time coming up with a post to do over sex trafficking.
I look at my roommate and I start to complain, "I need a post on sex trafficking. Sex trafficking. I can't just do some random old blog post like everyone else. This blog isn't about that. It's about sex trafficking. It isn't personal! Sex trafficking isn't personal?!"
And just like that I put my boot wearing, size 9 1/2 foot right in my mouth... How could I be so blind?! So stupid!? So misguided!? Had I, since coming back to Colorado, been living under a mind washing rock?! The answer is no, but here is why I had such an adverse reaction to my, very misguided, question.
SEX TRAFFICKING IS PERSONAL!!!!
Yup, you heard me right. Sex trafficking is personal. So, here is the part where most would back away shaking your head, maybe even scratching it. If this is you, hold on! I realize what I am saying may seem a little...off kilter perhaps.
I know some of you are currently saying, "Nicole, what are you talking about?" Other ones may be totally on key and just cheering on the statement. But for those of you who are questioning what I have just stated, let me take a moment and enlighten you.
Let's just take a moment and look at the facts, shall we? For some, these facts may already be known, but in my experience, this is generally not the case. The U.S. is the 3rd top destination country for sex trafficking. Getting around 15,500-17,500 people yearly, that's about an average of 43 people trafficked into the U.S. on a daily bases.
Now, next fact, Sex trafficking has been reported in all 50 states and at some point in time, every country in the world.
Not totally convinced about sex trafficking being personal yet?
Did you know in the U.S. 12 is the average age for a girl to be trafficked into porn and prostitution. Yup, 12, horrid isn't it?
Did you know that sex trafficking includes girls, boy, women and men. Yup. You better believe it.
Whether it is something that is installed into our minds right off, or not, sex trafficking is personal. It affects the world we live in, if we are conscious of it or not. So, be aware. Don't be blinded by what you want to pay attention to rather then what you should be paying attention to.
Keep your eyes open, injustices are taking place everywhere and either you pay attention an know that the issues are personal or you ignore the issues and keep quite on issues you need to have a voice about.
Remember to spread the word,
Nicole and Janice
P.S. If you ever want to email us our email is askmeaboutsextrafficking@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you.
Like us on facebook! What Do You Know About Sex
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Twitter! @AMASexTFacts
Like us on facebook! What Do You Know About Sex
Istagram! Whatdoyouknowaboutsex
Twitter! @AMASexTFacts
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Say What
Good day friends! We hope that you are having a good day and keep having good days to come! A little too cheesy? Not for me! Another busy week has come and gone and I get to see my partner in stopping the sex trade, Janice, for the first time since starting college! Needless to say we are both pumped!!!! Reunited so soon, and if feels so good!
For today I want to ask you all a question, actually more of a favor. But first, I need to tell you a story. Don't let the past few sentences make your mind wander and all together stop reading. We aren't asking for money, that is NOT what the favor is!
Now, for the story. To keep too much information from being shared, the guy I am talking about in this story, we will call him Henry.
As I have said before I am currently in college. Now in one of the classes that I have taken, it was time for us to do a research/argumentative paper. When the time came to decide the topic I knew at once what I wanted to do my paper on. I wanted to do it on sex trafficking! I was pumped!
After the class was done I was talking to my friend Henry and he told me that I should do my paper on child sex trafficking, because he had heard that there was such a thing as child trafficking.
If my whole body language at that moment didn't change, I would be totally shocked. Not that his suggestion was a bad one it was just that he had not heard about sex trafficking until recently and that he didn't know much about the issue, so I was shocked. Yet another annoyance with sex trafficking being kept quiet. After the initial shock was over, and I had picked my jaw up off the ground. We continued talking. Needless to say I did not do my paper on child sex trafficking, I did it on sex trafficking and the church, let me just say, wow! But that is a post for another day.
The key point to my story is Henry's suggestion on what my paper should be over. To me that is totally unacceptable! But before we all hunt down Henry and shout every known fact about child sex trafficking in his face, lets take a moment and think about this, shall we?
I was totally stunned about what Henry had suggested, but looking at it now, he is not totally to blame. The fact that he didn't know the extent of child sex trafficking gave me a huge array of feelings. The main one might have been punching a wall. But then I realized how many people are in the same, clueless boat Henry is in.
I feel like, and this may be somewhat wrong, after all, I am in college and currently without a t.v. and a news station. But, it seems that when a huge news report comes on about sex trafficking, and they don't come on often, its all a huge shock to the public. But, then there is nothing after that. I mean it is normally about a bust after all, totally giving off the idea that sex trafficking is getting better.
No research is done after that and everything is just left at that. See if we were to look into it, we would see that yes there is some good happening with the sex trade, but there is a lot left to be done. It's an ever growing crime that expands every second of every day. So in reality, though something is being done which is good, it's only a slight dent in this HUGE organization. And having people like Henry, believe that there is child sex trafficking, because he has heard of it, once. Isn't a good thing.
So, here is my favor to ask of you guys. Start sharing what you know about sex trafficking with the people around you. No matter who it is. After all if you plant the seed, it may take time to grow, but at least you planted it. And from there it is their choice to do with what you told them however they want. But for them to do nothing, after finding out about the sex trade would be irresponsible. Plus there is always something to do, even if the first step really is just getting people aware! That's a great place to start!
So, this weekend while you are at the cash register checking out, talk to the clerk about sex trafficking, you may be informing the next big activist for a cause! You never know!
Be aware and get others aware,
Nicole and Janice
P.S. Have you put up stick any notes lately? Want to share an experience or even some facts? Maybe just a story of your life and how sex trafficking affected it in any way? Email us at askmeaboutsextrafficking@gmail.com
Like us on Facebook: Ask Me About Sex Trafficking
Follow us on Twitter: @AMASexTFacts
For today I want to ask you all a question, actually more of a favor. But first, I need to tell you a story. Don't let the past few sentences make your mind wander and all together stop reading. We aren't asking for money, that is NOT what the favor is!
Now, for the story. To keep too much information from being shared, the guy I am talking about in this story, we will call him Henry.
As I have said before I am currently in college. Now in one of the classes that I have taken, it was time for us to do a research/argumentative paper. When the time came to decide the topic I knew at once what I wanted to do my paper on. I wanted to do it on sex trafficking! I was pumped!
After the class was done I was talking to my friend Henry and he told me that I should do my paper on child sex trafficking, because he had heard that there was such a thing as child trafficking.
If my whole body language at that moment didn't change, I would be totally shocked. Not that his suggestion was a bad one it was just that he had not heard about sex trafficking until recently and that he didn't know much about the issue, so I was shocked. Yet another annoyance with sex trafficking being kept quiet. After the initial shock was over, and I had picked my jaw up off the ground. We continued talking. Needless to say I did not do my paper on child sex trafficking, I did it on sex trafficking and the church, let me just say, wow! But that is a post for another day.
The key point to my story is Henry's suggestion on what my paper should be over. To me that is totally unacceptable! But before we all hunt down Henry and shout every known fact about child sex trafficking in his face, lets take a moment and think about this, shall we?
I was totally stunned about what Henry had suggested, but looking at it now, he is not totally to blame. The fact that he didn't know the extent of child sex trafficking gave me a huge array of feelings. The main one might have been punching a wall. But then I realized how many people are in the same, clueless boat Henry is in.
I feel like, and this may be somewhat wrong, after all, I am in college and currently without a t.v. and a news station. But, it seems that when a huge news report comes on about sex trafficking, and they don't come on often, its all a huge shock to the public. But, then there is nothing after that. I mean it is normally about a bust after all, totally giving off the idea that sex trafficking is getting better.
No research is done after that and everything is just left at that. See if we were to look into it, we would see that yes there is some good happening with the sex trade, but there is a lot left to be done. It's an ever growing crime that expands every second of every day. So in reality, though something is being done which is good, it's only a slight dent in this HUGE organization. And having people like Henry, believe that there is child sex trafficking, because he has heard of it, once. Isn't a good thing.
So, here is my favor to ask of you guys. Start sharing what you know about sex trafficking with the people around you. No matter who it is. After all if you plant the seed, it may take time to grow, but at least you planted it. And from there it is their choice to do with what you told them however they want. But for them to do nothing, after finding out about the sex trade would be irresponsible. Plus there is always something to do, even if the first step really is just getting people aware! That's a great place to start!
So, this weekend while you are at the cash register checking out, talk to the clerk about sex trafficking, you may be informing the next big activist for a cause! You never know!
Be aware and get others aware,
Nicole and Janice
P.S. Have you put up stick any notes lately? Want to share an experience or even some facts? Maybe just a story of your life and how sex trafficking affected it in any way? Email us at askmeaboutsextrafficking@gmail.com
Like us on Facebook: Ask Me About Sex Trafficking
Follow us on Twitter: @AMASexTFacts
Friday, October 4, 2013
Me, Myself and I
Hello! First off as I start this post Janice and I would like to apologize for the decrease in posts this past week to about a week and a half. We have both been extremely busy. Janice with work and preparations for an awesome schooling experience that she will soon be embarking on! For me, I have been super busy with school and with work! Life is busy and yet so much fun! Janice and I always joke about how we can sleep when we are dead...though I am not sure that really will work, but hey! Jokes are fun when they don't hurt!...Right?
Well, off of that little tangent and on to the meat of the post, after all we aren't intending to be a cookies and milk blog. We ain't no bakers, we be butchers! Well, sort of...we are choppin up the sex trade! No more sex slaves! Freedom!
The other day I was in my Humanities class when my professor got on the topic of how my generation is known as the "I" generation. (mid to late teens and early twenties. So, Janice and I.) I started to really think about that for awhile.
Now, the last post that Janice and I did was regarding our generation as well. Don't get ahead of me right now, stuff will be said in this post that will pertain to everyone, so don't check out just yet. In the last post we talked about how our generation has had its voice taken away from it and we are not as able to be freely us. This all came from a guest speaker in chapel I attended.
Then in humanities, as I previously said, the professor started talking about my generation. I have heard other people call my generation the "I" generation. The way it was explained to me was, my generation is so centered on ourselves that we don't care about others.
This at first made me gasp and be like, "No! Have you ever met me?! This cannot be!" Then I realized not everyone is me, and my generation really is the "I" generation. I feel like, because, for so long we were kept from being "us" my generation totally rebelled. Now, not everyone has rebelled and turned in to the "what about me's," but you get my point. You don't have to agree with me on this matter but hang in there please.
Because of everything that has happened my generation totally has a bad reputation. Sad but true. I went to the store once, and saw an elderly women trying to make her way to the car in the snow and offer to help her. My offer is totally refused with a look of some horror. But, as I walk a way a women in her 60's (approximately) walks up to her, helps her to her car and then makes her way back into the store.
My generation is feared. My generation is hippies. My generation is hipsters. My generation is composed of people who are shy and of people who act out so much, and only care for themselves.
And it seems like there is definitely a lack of faith in my generations, and in the younger generations. But then I have met my generation and I can see where this all comes from.
But now here is the thing, I want my generation to no longer be the "I" generation, but the "you" generation. I want my generation to be so passionate for others that it spills over into the other generations. Then as the domino affect starts and passions spread, change can happen, like the end of the sex trade!
Ding!! Don't worry, we are a blog about sex trafficking, I cant not mention it!
Granted, this is a HUGE dream, and some of you probably think I am a little crazy for it, but hey I am a dreamer. I dream that there will be an end to the sex trade, most people hear that and already think I am a little crazy. So, go really BIG or go home! Actually, don't go home, don't be thinking only of yourself, think of others. Cause you can make a change no matter who you are or where you are from.
Think of others don't just think of yourself.
You can be apart of the "you" generation,
Nicole and Janice
P.S. ever want to get in touch with us. Email us at askmeaboutsextrafficking@gmail.com
Like our facebook page!
Find us on twitter: @AMASexTFacts
Instagram: whatdoyouknowaboutsex
Well, off of that little tangent and on to the meat of the post, after all we aren't intending to be a cookies and milk blog. We ain't no bakers, we be butchers! Well, sort of...we are choppin up the sex trade! No more sex slaves! Freedom!
The other day I was in my Humanities class when my professor got on the topic of how my generation is known as the "I" generation. (mid to late teens and early twenties. So, Janice and I.) I started to really think about that for awhile.
Now, the last post that Janice and I did was regarding our generation as well. Don't get ahead of me right now, stuff will be said in this post that will pertain to everyone, so don't check out just yet. In the last post we talked about how our generation has had its voice taken away from it and we are not as able to be freely us. This all came from a guest speaker in chapel I attended.
Then in humanities, as I previously said, the professor started talking about my generation. I have heard other people call my generation the "I" generation. The way it was explained to me was, my generation is so centered on ourselves that we don't care about others.
This at first made me gasp and be like, "No! Have you ever met me?! This cannot be!" Then I realized not everyone is me, and my generation really is the "I" generation. I feel like, because, for so long we were kept from being "us" my generation totally rebelled. Now, not everyone has rebelled and turned in to the "what about me's," but you get my point. You don't have to agree with me on this matter but hang in there please.
Because of everything that has happened my generation totally has a bad reputation. Sad but true. I went to the store once, and saw an elderly women trying to make her way to the car in the snow and offer to help her. My offer is totally refused with a look of some horror. But, as I walk a way a women in her 60's (approximately) walks up to her, helps her to her car and then makes her way back into the store.
My generation is feared. My generation is hippies. My generation is hipsters. My generation is composed of people who are shy and of people who act out so much, and only care for themselves.
And it seems like there is definitely a lack of faith in my generations, and in the younger generations. But then I have met my generation and I can see where this all comes from.
But now here is the thing, I want my generation to no longer be the "I" generation, but the "you" generation. I want my generation to be so passionate for others that it spills over into the other generations. Then as the domino affect starts and passions spread, change can happen, like the end of the sex trade!
Ding!! Don't worry, we are a blog about sex trafficking, I cant not mention it!
Granted, this is a HUGE dream, and some of you probably think I am a little crazy for it, but hey I am a dreamer. I dream that there will be an end to the sex trade, most people hear that and already think I am a little crazy. So, go really BIG or go home! Actually, don't go home, don't be thinking only of yourself, think of others. Cause you can make a change no matter who you are or where you are from.
Think of others don't just think of yourself.
You can be apart of the "you" generation,
Nicole and Janice
P.S. ever want to get in touch with us. Email us at askmeaboutsextrafficking@gmail.com
Like our facebook page!
Find us on twitter: @AMASexTFacts
Instagram: whatdoyouknowaboutsex
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