Alezandra Russell: Traveling to Thailand
Alezandra works with the Latin American Youth Center in Washington, D.C. Following is her story of first being exposed to child prostitution, and her journey towards action.
It was a November day in 2008 when I was suddenly thrown into the nightmarish and unfamiliar issue of child prostitution. She was fifteen, she had just arrived from Honduras and she had just been SOLD by her mother into the hands of a trafficker from North Carolina. The next few days for me consisted of a crash course in Trafficking 101 and a new found commitment to Re:Action that would eventually lead me to the SOLD Project. Assured by police that this was a typical runaway case, the story would soon unfold to be my first peak into the international outbreak of child trafficking.
As months past and with our "runaway" finally back home safely, but not without her innocence robbed, my crash course in human trafficking would only continue to amplify my interest in this global issue, making my head heavy with questions, concerns, and purpose. I soon became the voice of the victims, I was informing anyone who would listen to me, I spoke to my co-workers, social workers, family, friends and within a few months our entire staff at the Latin American Youth Center was trained in Human Trafficking 101 by Polaris Project. Now, as the Spokesperson/Liaison on Human Trafficking for the organization in which I work, as well as member of the DC Human Trafficking Task Force, I am in a place to help share the stories of the victims so that they are not seen as simple "runaways".
I was magically introduced to the SOLD Project serendipitously by an email I received from the ICE Special Agent who rescued my client back in November. He wrote me to tell me not only was the trafficker sentenced to 24 years in federal state prison, but that I should also check out this "cool" documentary by some organization started by two "chicks". A few months and a lengthy plane ride later, I was witnessing, hearing, and seeing firsthand, the nightmare that is child trafficking-- only this time I was not stateside but oceans away in Thailand with the SOLD Project and one of those awesome "chicks".
In Thailand, I would come to form a steel bond with ten SOLD volunteers, 2 SOLD mentors, a wildly unique mid-western translator and about a dozen timid Thai faces. To my surprise I read that 'Thai' in their polytonal, difficult tongue actually means free. Thailand is therefore the land of the free, however that was hardly an accurate statement I would soon learn as I walked through the Night Bazaar of Chiang Mai. Walk along Tapei Gate Road towards the Night Bazaar and you would never think such a country was named Land of the Free. Here is where girls, boys and child beggars mix among sex tourists, pimps and exploiters who are here only to barter and sell our most valuable resource to the highest bidder. The faces, the bare skin, and the nasty excuses given to me by the sex tourists would lead me to my next journey, a venture like no other I had ever dared to explore.
Reluctant to leave the children, the night bazaar boys and the SOLD staff I decided I would return, and soon. Now, with a plan in tow, donations funneling in, a supportive husband and a resignation letter already in the hands of my employer, my journey back to Thailand (Freeland) will aim at collaborating with SOLD to provide opportunities and a way out of the prison of child prostitution so many of the youth find themselves locked in. Having identified a vulnerable group of youth at high-risk of HIV/AIDS, homelessness, and lack of healthcare, we can only hope that together we will be able to provide new opportunities through new programming, English classes and ample love. This collaboration will provide new opportunities, new hope and new freedom for the people of Tapei Gate Road and beyond the Thai boarders.
Andrew Sullivan: Raising Awareness at Bettendorf High School
I am a part of the student council at Bettendorf High School in Bettendorf, Iowa. We have a relatively active council and every year we put on many different fundraisers and events. A few years ago, I met Rachel at a youth conference in Indiana and heard about the SOLD Project, so when we were looking for a project to raise awareness about a global social justice issue, I immediately thought of SOLD and we decided to run with it. After many weeks of planning and speaking individually with each and every class about what we would be doing and why, we finally arrived at the week of our school-wide project and it couldn't have gone better.
We named the project "STOP//TRAFFICK" and sold Tshirts and wristbands with the logo plastered across them at colorful booths around the building. Many of our startup costs were written off by donors and family members so almost everything we sold was entirely profit for the project. We hosted a Vision Luncheon for the staff at BHS, which was catered by Exotic Thai and during which we showed a short clip from the documentary. Later in the week, we offered a showing of the documentary to the student body, and it was really well-attended and followed by an interesting discussion session.
Finally, we hosted a STOP//TRAFFICK Rave after a major basketball game and made over $2000 from that alone. All in all, we are excited about the funds we raised (enough to sponsor 5 children for 1 year), but we are even more excited about the awareness and passion seen among the student body. Evil thrives in darkness. It brings us great hope to see this atrocity brought into the light.
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Christina Louie: Campus Demonstration
Christina Louie, a freshman at UC Davis, hosted The SOLD Project: Thailand on January 29th. Watch this video to find out how she creatively spread the word on campus about SOLD and the issue of child prostitution.
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Zachary Ortega: Poetry
Zachary Ortega wrote the following poem in response to the film 'SOLD:Cat'
i wonder if these children would have wanted to be born
had they known their destiny included the theft of all innocence
they are miraculous beings, the entire city at night suspended in their hands
eyes placed towards heaven as a stranger enters from the east.
their hopeful future reduced to a glimmer in these very eyes
invisible, yet suggested by shadows and doubt.
every day they must carve out rooms in their hearts
big enough to hold the love they are forced to sell to men
shrouded by air thick with anonymity and unearthly desires.
the roots of fire and blood are present in their demeanor
the pain is clearly evident in their existence, the shame a friend
of their resistance. the convulsive magma of hope still present but
trapped beneath scar tissue made of hidden emotions and false promises.
i can only hope of releasing them from these tenuous flames, bluing into
oblivion and leading to future tears, delicate as wings, planted in the soul.
a word, an offereing of salvation and gentle praise would come from out of
the fire and bless them with, if not forgetting, then at least with a peace unknown
to these children who might not have wanted to be born.
© zachary ortega
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Sarah Montoya: Art Awareness Event
I work with an organization in San Francisco called ReIMAGINE. At ReIMAGINE we seek to invite people into The Way of Jesus. As a community of people our heart breaks for those living in slavery, and to raise awareness we hosted an event called ABOLITION in response to the twenty-seven million people estimated to be enslaved today.
ABOLITION was a project we did together to respond to this injustice and participate in change. We closed out the project with an art event to represent what we had learned together and to invite others to join us in seeking change. We also saw this a great opportunity to join with others who were doing work along side of victims. The SOLD Project does amazing work and it is encouraging to know that we were able to participate in some way.
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Suzy Hunt: Musician
Last year, I got some musician friends together, and we played a concert in a small dark attic-like space on the lower east side of Manhattan. But this concert was special, and different for all of us. We weren't playing for money or recognition or to promote a new album, we were playing for The Sold Project and for the millions of victims of child sex trafficking around the world.
We raised a few bucks and spread the word, and we did it because it was just the right thing to do. The Sold Project is progressive and it's inspiring and hopeful, not to mention run by the most informed and compassionate people that I know. Support The Sold Project, because it's just the right thing to do..
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Kaolhi Ly: Fundraiser
I was introduced to the topic of human trafficking through a professor of mine. The issue grabbed my attention and I knew that I couldn't look away. After endless hours of talking to him about it, I decided to do my own research on the topic.
Following weeks of exposing myself to this horrible crime, I ended up disturbed and heartbroken, knowing that I wanted to do something about it. I couldn't run away from it. I couldn't avoid it. I couldn't live without knowing that I am doing something to help stop this fight. I was introduced to The SOLD Project through a friend of mine 2 months later. After weeks of e-mailing and phone conversations with the Rachel's, I decided to dedicate my time to help with the project to make a difference and spread the message of the existence of child prostitution. I'm reminded of the importance for us to continue to educate one another and to raise awareness on this issue to others who have no idea it even exists.
I really believe that underneath all of this there is beauty, and that we are able to help. Over the last couple of months I've been able to use my fundraising and networking skills to raise money for SOLD in order to make a difference in someone else's life. People have been generous in allowing me to share with them and inspire them to realize that they can do something about this simply by donating… as little as $1 makes such a big difference. This is just the beginning of my part in helping SOLD, which I believe will make a huge difference in the lives of children affected by exploitation.
Keith Brown : Film
When I first heard of the issue of Human Trafficking my heart felt like it was being stuck with a million needles, piercing through every ounce of love I have ever had. From that moment on I knew to much to not do anything. My life will forever be dedicated in the change.
It was about three years ago I was introduced to the most horrific lifestyle I have heard. Men buying children for sex, for pleasures, for fun. I was sickened by the thought. What can I do? What is there to be done? These questions have been in my thoughts ever since. I had done research and learned even more than I wanted to at the time. Kids even at the age of 2 and 3 being sold! I had learned to much to not do anything, I now know to much to not do anything. It was a few months back that I found The Sold Project and was introduced to the Rachels. From the time I met them I knew this was a place where I needed to get connected. I moved to L.A. for other reasons but soon knew I must do something to bring awareness of Human Trafficking. I started talking to people and letting them know about the issue. So many didn't want to hear it, many told me I just ruined their day. I kept fighting to spread the word. I found a group of guys and we decided we were going to get together with the Sold Project crew and film each of their hearts and hear their stories. I feel that this short film can help spread their vision and let outsiders hear their hearts. We are now in the process of finishing up this short and hope to share it with all who will listen. I thank The Sold Project and the Rachels for letting me be apart of their dreams, and helping make mine come true. If we all work together, and fight this issue, something can and will be done.
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Alana Downey - Hairstylist
My name is Alana Downey and I’m a hairstylist in Danville, CA and I heard about Sold from my dear friend Rachel Goble-Carey. I had heard about other hairdressers and salons doing fundraisers called “Cut-A-Thon’s” so I thought ‘why not, I could do that’. I had been searching for ways to use my skill to support organizations that I believe in: organizations that are making a difference in the world, and the idea of a cut-a-thon was perfect. I would be able to do what I was good at, donate the money to SOLD, and at the same time educate my clients about the issue of child prostitution and create awareness for The SOLD Project.
I had been searching for ways to use my skill to support organizations that I believe in: organizations that are making a difference in the world, and the idea of a cut-a-thon was perfect.
On the day of the cut-a-thon we set up my kiosk to represent information about SOLD. I brought my computer and showed on repeat the Sold teaser and $14 for 14 Days video while people got their hair cut. People are genuinely interested in helping and now I think I’ve gotten a little momentum to do it again and possibly with another coworker!
There are so many ways that people can help even if it’s something small like a cut-a-thon. The opportunities are endless if I let go and let God. Thank you for letting me be a part! Love…always love.
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Justin Dial - Filmmaker
I still remember my first day of real paid documentary film work. My friend Nate was editing a documentary for a production company in Pasadena called Chronicle Project. Nate had hours and hours of interviews that he needed transcribed and he came to me for help. What happened next changed my life. I began to watch an interview of a young Indian girl forced into prostitution. In her interview she explained how she had been coerced by a boyfriend to move and work in a brothel. She went into great detail about her emotional sickness and told of the beatings she faced if she didn't hand over all of the money she earned to her boyfriend, now turned pimp. I realized the importance of her story, but I managed to convince myself that I couldn't really help this girl.
This time I didn't pick the issue: it picked me. Everyone involved in SOLD, including myself, wants more than just a finished film. We want the world to connect with the stories of trafficking. I can't outrun this issue any longer and I hope others can't either.
Several months later, after I had transcribed my life away, I found myself in the Chronicle Project office. This time I wasn't there to transcribe, I was there to create short documentary content on social issues. The approach for these documentaries was to show practical ways that people could get involved in social issues. For some reason I flashed back to the interview with the Indian girl and I thought, "Sex trafficking is a crazy thing, but what can I do to stop it." I went on to create a short piece highlighting groups and organizations fighting to stop sex trafficking. What ended up happening was once I finished the piece, I let my newfound passion fizzle away with the busyness of everyday life.
For some reason I flashed back to the interview with the Indian girl and I thought, “Sex trafficking is a crazy thing, but what can I do to stop it?"
Cut to about a month ago. I was back in the Chronicle Project office editing for the guys when some people walked into the office and identified themselves as The SOLD Project. They were looking to finish their film about child sex trafficking and I was out of work. Before I knew it I had an offer from The SOLD Project to come on and edit the film. It seemed very odd that once again the issue was presenting itself and this time I couldn't say no. In two weeks I leave for Thailand to help with shooting and when I return I begin editing the film.
I guess "us" filmmakers like to think that we have a lot of control over what issues are going to move us and how then our filmmaking abilities are going to reach out to audiences. This time I didn't pick the issue: it picked me. Everyone involved in SOLD, including myself, wants more than just a finished film. We want the world to connect with the stories of trafficking. I can't outrun this issue any longer and I hope others can't either.
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Good for Art - Artists for SOLD
Artists Shannon and Erik Newby share with SOLD their passion for the visual arts and how they are using their art to fight for justice…
I used to cry sometimes at night when I was a kid, just from watching the news. I would lie in bed and pray that God would make the newscasters tell only good stories, and that God would take all the “bad guys” away. Over the years, I’ve changed those prayers. Now I ask God to show me the ugly stories, and to show me how I can be a part of turning them into beautiful ones.
These prayers have led me to step into full time Christian mission work, where I am using my paintbrush as my megaphone. As an artist, I believe in the power of images, the power of media, and the power of art. After all, it was vivid imagery through a television that brought me to my knees as a child. What power a film or a painting can have also!
Visit The SOLD Project’s Etsy Store to purchase art from artists wanting to make a difference… all proceeds go to benefit The SOLD Project.
My husband and I just recently moved to Atlanta, and were quick to discover that sadly, Atlanta is the no. 1 city in the US for sex trafficking, largely due to our international airport. We began to ask God how we could use our skills as a painter and a photographer/ graphic designer to fight this social injustice. We have talked to friends, family, and church groups. We have begun an artists group (www.goodforart.etsy.com), and are constantly infusing the good, the bad and the ugly into our art to communicate to the world around us that sex trafficking has to stop.
I’m excited to endorse a group that’s willing to fight to make a difference. I believe in the Sold Project Film and the message of hope: that we can be part of the solution.
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Coffee By The Books: tips as donations
In the early-2000's Coffee By The Books baristas made a unanimous decision to give whatever money was made in tips away to a charity decided upon by the staff. For some in our community, this decision seemed asinine. However, it was the feeling of the staff that we are all blessed beyond measure and thus we wanted to put our belief that those who are in need are worthy of our sacrifice above any desire for some extra weekly pocket change. Oddly enough, once the idea took off, the community really got behind it. We have multiple people who send us literature on charities every month and when people see that our tips go to charity they often donate more. There is also the added perk that when someone appreciates our customer service they throw down a couple extra bucks and the charity we are featuring benefits. I think this also drives many of us to take better care of our customers because the ethos of customer service extends beyond ourselves and benefits others.
Over the course of roughly five months, we were able to raise exactly $1323.54 for The SOLD Project.
Earlier this year we chose to raise money for The SOLD Project. Over the course of roughly five months, we were able to raise exactly $1323.54. All of this money came from people dropping a dollar here and 25 cents there in our little counter tip jar. It's pretty amazing when you think that pocket change gathered over half a year can generate that kind of profit. It has been a privilege for Coffee by the Books to be a part of raising funds for so many amazing Not-For-Profit organizations and we highly recommend other Cafes to get behind the idea because while it's nice to make an extra $15 a month in tips, it is much more rewarding to know that those extra dollars are making a difference for someone else.
Coffee By The Books is located on Fuller Seminary’s campus in Pasadena, CA. Check out their web-site/blog to learn more. http://cbbcoffee.wordpress.com
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Joshua Morey : Conversation Starter
When I moved to Los Angeles in 2007, little did I know that the simple act of apartment hunting would change my life forever. My roommates and I found a great (and cheap) place in Korea town that had just hit the market. Wood floors, fresh carpets, new counters, you name it! It never occurred to me why the place was so cheap. Little did I know the impact that this new apartment would have on my life.
The first week was an adventure. The LA Department of Water and Power refused to turn on our utilities over the phone, saying I needed to come downtown in person and sign the paper work. Making my way out of the apartment, two Hispanic men walked up to my doorstep. Confused at seeing me come to the door, they looked at each other, apologized, and walked away. "What the heck was that about?" I was scared and confused at the same time. I shook it off and continued downtown. When I arrived at the DWP told me that in most circumstances I would have been able to do this over the phone, and to contact my landlord for why the power and been completely shut off.
On my way home I called our landlord, and he proceeded to tell me that the week before we moved in, our apartment had been raided by the FBI, and that the men taken away were part of the largest human trafficking bust in LA history.
On my way home I called our landlord, and he proceeded to tell me that the week before we moved in, our apartment had been raided by the FBI, and that the men taken away were part of the largest human trafficking bust in LA history. "Thanks for telling me now!" Frustrated that he hadn't told before, I hung up the phone and raced home. That night I scoured the Internet for information regarding human trafficking in LA. It had never occurred to me that women and children were being trafficking from foreign countries into LA for sex and labor. I didn’t sleep much that night as each article continued to fuel the fire burning within me.
I found myself getting sick to the stomach as I pictured the helpless women and children who had been in my apartment even just the week before.
I found myself getting sick to the stomach as I pictured the helpless women and children who had been in my apartment even just the week before. It made me cry and want to punch holes in the wall at the same time. The next few months I would continue to wrestle with this and the more I learned the more I knew I needed to do something. Yet, this was the beginning of my journey.
Since then I've sought every opportunity possible to shed light on the issue, even meeting with the head of the human trafficking unit of the LAPD. I sometimes wonder why I had to move into an apartment that was previously used to sell women and children, but I'm beginning to realize that in order to conquer the darkness, you must expose it to light. My job is to illuminate the dark where humans are being bought and sold.
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Will Roman : roman apparel
My first introduction to The SOLD Project came with a 1 am cross-country phone call to a friend-of-a-friend, Rachel Sparks-Graeser, who shared her incredible heart break and selfless motivation for the child victims of the sex trade in South Asia. This fire inside Rachel was so strong that it immediately ignited within myself a similar desire for radical change. I desperately wanted to lend my support in some way, but wanted to do more than simply donating. Others must know about the crimes that are being ignored abroad, they need to be told about the people who are fighting to stop these abuses, and they need to be inspired to get involved. Thus unfolded the idea for the SOLD t-shirt.
Capturing the essence of The SOLD Project in a t-shirt design proved an exciting and challenging task, and the result is a beautiful watercolor design. All profit from the t-shirts go to the education fund of The SOLD Project, enabling rescued children to learn the tools necessary to keep themselves above the dark world they’ve known for so long. It is truly a blessing to be able to contribute through an artistic medium and I hope that the t-shirts can be a starting point for sharing with others about the cause.
The SOLD Project is cultivating a movement that crosses borders and changes children’s lives, but behind the huge accomplishments there are smaller, yet equally important ones: ordinary people are able to use their resources to make a difference as well.
The t-shirts are made from sweatshop-free organic cotton and are printed through environmental friendly processes. They can be purchased by visiting http://romanapparel.net/
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