Blog

The “Perfect Victim” and Other Myths

When we know better we do better. When we perpetuate myths about human trafficking we harm victims.   This post is the first in a 3 part series that seeks to dispel some common myths about human trafficking that are frequently stated but always wrong. Myth #1: Human Trafficking = Sex Trafficking Truth: The phrases […]

We Have the Power to Break the Chain

THE STORY BREAK THE CHAIN  is a feature-length documentary film that addresses the often “hidden-in-plain-sight” issue of Human Trafficking within Michigan communities and the United States.  The film chronicles two survivors of Human Trafficking within Michigan communities – providing a detailed look at how trafficking goes unnoticed within our backyards.  Kwami, a child survivor of […]

Child Labor, Forced Labor and Chocolate

As the Promoter of Justice for the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, I am charged with organizing my efforts and those of our Sisters, Associates, and friends around several justice issues including immigration, care of earth, human trafficking and others, while keeping in mind the root causes of racism, poverty, and violence.  As I write […]

What is $1.25 Worth? Women Prisoners in the Fight against Trafficking

We all know that awareness of human trafficking is increasing. It’s about time. Let’s talk about a population that has long known what Human Trafficking is all about:  inmates at a women’s prison. I began my career as a corrections officer for the Michigan Department of Corrections in 1989. I worked at Huron Valley Men’s […]

Learning to Follow rather than Lead: What happens when we let youth take charge?

I’m a professor.  I’m used to standing at the front of a classroom full of students and guiding them through the material that I want them to master.  I decide what is important for students to learn, what they will read and how to run the classroom – whether to lecture or have class discussion.  […]