TEXAS HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESEARCH/RESOURCES
New Texas task force will tackle human trafficking (Article)
http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/02/23/1991925/new-texas-task-force-will-tackle.html
The Texas Response to Human Trafficking (PDF)
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/pdfs/human_trafficking.pdf
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FEBRUARY 14th – DETAILS
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LOVE AS LAW: BENEFITING THE SOLD PROJECT
I met with several friends last week to talk about Love As Law and what this idea might become. I think we’ve settled on the idea that it will be a conference. Starting a foundation seems daunting (and even unnecessary).
So this year, YEAR ONE!, will be a concert that will benefit The SOLD Project. We’re starting small and simple.
Also, Feb. 14th is approaching quickly. No venue. No artist. Any ideas?
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MOSAIC FAMILY SERVICES
I’m walking out the door to meet with Lorrie Galanter from Mosaic Family Services. Mosaic is one of the very few organizations in Dallas that deals with human trafficking… i think. Regardless, I’m excited. I’m hoping to learn about human trafficking in Dallas.
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FEB 14TH – HEY! THAT’S SAINT VALENTINE’S DAY
And my birthday! Hot. Also, I’ve decided that it is also the night (it’s a Sunday this year) I’m organizing an event for you and you’re loved one (or wannabe loved one).
A LOVE AS LAW event. The first one. Save the date. Details to follow.
Michael. For us all.
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UPDATES & ARTICLES
I’ve been in communication with Mosaic Family Services (located here in Dallas) recently. I’m trying to meet with their Director of Development next week to learn more about their services and the wider culture of human trafficking in Dallas. I’m quite excited to learn more about trafficking in Dallas as well.
Additionally, I’ve been working with the SOLD Project and the 2010 fundraising plan. After a decade of fundraising experience, it’s fun to use this storehouse of knowledge for something that I am personally invested in.
And more reading for ya:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/OPINION/11/25/carr.human.trafficking/
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/12/02/calgary-human-trafficking-charges.html
http://current.com/items/91594222_iraq-women-forced-into-sex-slavery.htm
DALLAS ADVOCATES & ST. LOUIS
The list of people who are willing to help seems to grow and grow. There is movement and undercurrents along this river that keep surprising me. I’m anxious to see where they lead us.
Here is what is on the burners: I will be meeting with some victim advocates who work in the DA’s office within the month and will additionally be calling on and hopefully meeting the small number of NGO’s that work with human trafficking here in Dallas. Additionally, I’ll be joining a small group of individuals from a local church to talk about human trafficking and it’s impact locally and globally. And lastly, some new friends are currently researching for a trafficking documentary to be based here in Dallas. I look forward to helping with that process. So much is unknown.
ALSO, next weekend (the 21st) all are welcome to road trip to St. Louis with me and a few others to watch the film “Playground.” (More details here) If you want to come with us, let me know ASAP, and I’ll buy your ticket. You just help split gas and hotels.
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That’s it for now.
Michael. For us all.
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IT’S OFFICIAL
I officially joined the Board of Directors for The Sold Project! I am so excited I can’t see straight! I went with Sold to Thailand this summer and loved both the mission and the people. Apparently they felt similarly, because they’ve extended an opportunity for me to join the Board. I’d be a fool not to join! And I’d be honored if you took just a brief moment to learn more about them.
My first order of business will be to replace American currency with hotdogs. 20 hot dogs will equal roughly a nickel.
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Michael. For us all.
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PLAYGROUND ROADTRIP
I just purchased 4 tickets to SLIFF to view Playground – a documentary about the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in America. I’M GIVING THREE AWAY! Come with me? eh? eh? First come, first serve.
It all came about because I apparently missed an opportunity here (in Dallas) to view Playground. I read a friend’s tweet and was saddened at my near miss. However, I learned there are two more showings left on this tour, so I’m road tripping to St. Louise to see the film. Here are the details:
PLAYGROUND
Libby Spears, U.S., 2008, 86 min.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 1:30 p.m., Tivoli 3The sexual exploitation of children is a problem Americans associate exclusively with developing countries, but “Playground” makes clear that it’s a huge industry within the United States. The film traces the epidemic’s roots, including the way children are educated about sex, and couches its cultural observations in a mystery story: the search for an American girl lost to the underbelly of childhood sexual exploitation. “Playground,” which debuted at Tribeca, is executive produced by George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh, and features animation by Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara. Describing the film as “thoughtful, sensitive and broader in its indictments than most treatments of the subject,” Variety summarizes: “Tackling a topic you can’t film, victims you don’t want to identify and a subject from which most auds naturally recoil in horror, helmer Libby Spears works certain wonders with ‘Playground,’ a state-of-the-union address on the sexual exploitation of American children.”
So, C’mon C’mon! Let’s roadtrip! One car (maybe two!), one hotel room, one night in St. Louis!
for us all.
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THANKFULGIVING
On the Sunday after Thanksgiving I’ll be attending a dinner to talk about human trafficking here in Dallas. I am excited learn more and be around people who also want to learn more. I also bought LoveAsLaw.org (Hello World!) last week.
Also also, I’m still not sure what I’m doing, by way of a Foundation, but I’m still moving forward with ideas and energy.
For us all.
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