Category: News and Updates
I read a business article in one of those airplane magazines that struck me. It said something to the effect of, “You don’t get what you deserve… you get what you negotiate.” I’ve always been the bull dog type. You lock on to a meaningful project or a particular problem and don’t relent until you finish it or fix it. The other thing is that you do not worry about who notices. For the most part, that wasn’t a bad methodology for me. Even though the magazine article is not my new motto, it did speak to me. I don’t aspire to be known as the negotiator, but advocating for the kids we serve means inspiring people to empathize and engage. It is not so much about negotiating with you but simply getting you to notice the need. I don’t negotiate your volunteer time, your services, or even your funding. I don’t like the phrase, “competing for donors”. We work hard to change kids’ lives and we work equally as hard to tell the real stories of kids who need to be noticed. When you grasp the reality of child exploitation and trafficking, you cannot help but figure out something to do. There is no cause more “deserving” of getting noticed. Our cause is about stopping crimes against children and supporting recovery for survivors. Bad guys deserve jail and vulnerable children deserve to be safe but just because kids deserve our protection and support doesn’t mean we will do it.
What we have learned is that our collaborative methods and programs are working. We have child/teen survivors in the US and Mexico with immediate needs. Right here in our home state of Colorado there are dozens of child victims and they, along with their families/foster families, have almost no support. We are not okay with this and with your help we can respond to their needs. Our collaborative work to engage truckers has led to over 200 tips called in and teens have been rescued. We need to get to the truck shows to keep the momentum going. We have piloted our new programs for teen prevention to over 1000 high school students in Denver and LA. Now we need to finish developing the programs for schools nationwide and in multiple languages.
We need your help…
Thank you to all our collaborators and supporters. We need your help to continue our work and strengthen our impact. Dive into our new website, explore the media, and re-notice our kids. It would be so helpful for you to invite others to notice. Would you share the stories of the kids we serve by pointing people to our website? Thank you for fighting with us to eradicate child exploitation and inspiring culture to empathize and engage. DONATE TODAY
We just returned from Louisville KY where we attended the world’s largest truck show with over 80,000 in attendance. Thousands of US minors are victims of trafficking each year. The FBI has rescued over 1,500 kids through their Innocence Lost initiatives in the last few years alone. They believe they are just scratching the surface. Unfortunately, those numbers are solid indicators that child trafficking and sexual exploitation is an enormous problem in the US. iE’s US intervention project centers around our collaboration with Truckers Against Trafficking. We partner to engage the trucking industry and its 3 million drivers in combatting the child trafficking issue along our nations highways and at truck stops. Our films train drivers, travel plaza employees, and related industry businesses to recognize and respond when they encounter an exploitive situation. At least 230 calls from over 30 states have been made to the national hotline in the last several months since we launched. In addition to the heavy web views and truck shows, this media campaign has been featured by US Homeland Security and over 10,000 dvd’s have been ordered to train drivers.
We have two more Truck Shows this year. Donate today to help us get there!
Watch the Mini Version 4:48
Watch the condensed Truckers Against Trafficking Training Film 12:20
Watch the full Truckers Against Trafficking Training Film 28:11
iE Expedition Team
Left to Right: Mary Wade, Scott Howsare, Brad Watkins, Guido Hajenius, Brad Riley, Mike Smith, Candace Joice, Tim Orrino, and Mark Brende (behind the mighty iphone camera)
Here’s the deal… I have always been surrounded by powerful women: my wife, daughters, mom and sis; resilient women/girls who experience diminishment and survive victimization; and relentless women advocates and leaders. iEmpathize was privileged to participate in Newsweek’s Women in the World Summit which honored some of the world’s most amazing women and leaders. The summit was held in NYC at the Lincoln Center where Newsweek integrated our media into their Mexico and Central America feature. We were joined by our Mexico partner, Congresswoman and soon to be Senator, Rosi Orozco, who told of her fight against trafficking in her country. Also, one of the trafficking survivors who we support in Mexico bravely shared her story along with many other survivors of crimes against women from around the globe. Julie and I enjoyed time with our friend and international advocate for women Beth Klein of Boulder. Also in attendance, were Madeleine Albright, Hillary Clinton, Angelina Jolie, and many more women leaders changing our world.
“iEmpathize’s impactful and moving media was incorporated into the Women in the World Summit’s video introduction for a segment on the perils facing women and girls in Mexico and Central America. The brilliant and original footage informed, engaged and inspired our audience. We are so grateful for the partnership with iEmpathize and hope we can work together on women’s issues in the future.” Alyse Walsh Producer, Newsweek/Daily Beast
As a man, I am proud to be a part of the movement. Yep, I might be a sap.
Brad
Our new prevention program goes further than protecting girls. It is also about addressing demand and pimp culture among male teens. Nine weeks ago four alleged ring leaders and 10 others were arrested on trafficking charges. They are accused of running an underage prostitution network that transported five girls around Colorado including the cities of Denver, Boulder, Glenwood Springs, and even Grand Junction. Some of the men are barely out of high school with ages ranging from 18 to early 20’s. Most of them attended Denver metro schools as did their victims. The indictment listed 70 charges against the 14 suspects (Denver Post). Our response was to aggressively finish our new prevention project for schools and outreaches to at-risk teens. This resulted in our first high school assembly co-hosted by Adams City High School and the Friends First mentoring program. Over 300 teens from all over the Denver metro were bussed in. The mixed media program teaches students and educators how to recognize and respond to teen trafficking. The assembly proved to have a strong impact on the kids, teachers, and volunteers. Our next assembly is Tuesday near Grand Junction.
Learn more about the pilot program, how to host us at your school, and how to support the outreach.
Thousands of US minors are victims of trafficking each year. The FBI has rescued over 1,500 kids through their Innocence Lost initiatives in the last few years alone. They believe they are just scratching the surface. Unfortunately, those numbers are solid indicators that child trafficking and sexual exploitation is an enormous problem in the US.
University of Arizona students participate in our anti-trafficking demonstrations. The University of Arizona Student Union Gallery brought iEmpathize in to educate and engage their student body in the fight against child trafficking and sexual exploitation. Empathy Week is our outreach to universities. Events include our mixed media exhibit, an academic forum, a mattress vigil, and flash mob. The students raise awareness and funds for survivors and our field projects. Several hundred students went through the gallery exhibit and many more engaged through the publicity events. Contact us at info@iempathize.org to schedule iEmpathize at your university.
2011 was an incredible adventure. I want to thank so many of you for empathizing and engaging with us this year. Through thoughtful volunteerism and generous contributions to iEmpathize we have collectively strengthened our impact in the lives of the children we serve. We are grateful to have doubled our budget from last year! Victims have been rescued from abusive situations and hope and healing is being given to child survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation. Additionally, our influence with governments, the marketplace, and major media/press has significantly grown. Highlights have included a session with the President of Mexico concerning all forms of trafficking, major players in the trucking industry becoming interventionists, and collaborating with the CNN Freedom Project. The work of iEmpathize would not be possible without you. In 2012, we are adding some highly anticipated prevention programs directly impacting at-risk child populations in the US, Mexico, and Russia. I invite you to join with us for 2012. Please invite others to jump in as well! Thank you for being an empathizer and participating in changing the lives of children in the U.S. and around the world!
Many thanks… Brad
3 year old *Pearlea’s eyes sparkled as I spotted her in the busy mall. Her tiny hands were clinging to a department store bag. As soon as the coveted hugs and kisses were given, she was allowed to open the bag, pull out and slip on the princess dress she had chosen for herself. This was the selection she and all of the other little girls under the age of 5 from the safe home had made. They had also chosen ballet outfits for their dance classes, and had found shoes, dresses and hair accessories. All their own. Just for them.
We caught up with the older girls who were giggling and running back and forth from the dressing rooms with their “shopping buddies”, exchanging sizes and perfecting their individuality through that one outfit that would be their final purchase. They had each been given a gift card to spend, and budgeting was an essential part of this day.
Lunch was at least 22 happy meals. Maybe more. Then the girls went ahead of us on a secret mission we were not to question. We arrived across the street a little while later and were ushered into an auditorium and told to sit on the first 2 rows as guests of honor.
The littlest ones had all changed into their matching ballet outfits and began to dance for us. They had been practicing their performance for weeks. They were so sweet.
Then the older girls took their places on the stage. The song started and it was nearly impossible not to let their personal stories roll through your mind.
Orphaned. Abandoned. Exploited. Abused. Suffering.
But as each girl began to share their gratitude and thanks through the one medium they all felt they could express themselves adequately through, their joy became more and more apparent. The song they had chosen was a message of believing. Of leaving the past behind and throwing themselves into the hope and the future they know belongs to them. And the result brought the kinds of tears that I hope everyone gets to experience at some point in his or her life. Tears of wonder and appreciation and hope. The kind of empathy that not only walks in the shoes of suffering, but as a result, gets to share in the joys.
Pearlea is the daughter of a teen survivor of forced prostitution
This is the work you graciously support… you are empathizers.
*Perlita’s mother, a victim of forced prostitution and trafficking, abandoned her and her older sister. They live at the safe home full time, where they receive an education, quality care, love and understanding without measure. Names are changed for protection.
Written by Julie Riley
“They made us go from truck to truck… and then I had to have sex with another guy that I didn’t even know.” Sheri, age 15. Most of us drive down the road and pass by houses, buildings, alleys and rest areas, but all we ever see is the wood, brick, steel, and pavement. However, when you live in a neighborhood or are part of a community, you notice homes instead of houses and livelihoods instead of businesses. I’ve spent years living and working in some of the roughest cities and neighborhoods in the US. Over time and through relationships, I began to know who lived where and what types of activities went down in certain houses and alleys. With over 2.5 million US truck drivers on the road, no one knows what happens on our nation’s highways better than they do. There is no better example of this than a driver named Willie. When en route from Minnesota to Detroit, Willie took the time to notice that something wasn’t right as he watched a very young girl “working” the lot. What he didn’t know was that she was 15, and along with her 14 year old cousin, had been kidnapped from Toledo and forced into child prostitution. They were US child trafficking victims. The FBI estimates that well over 100,000 children and young women are trafficked in America today. They range in age from 9 to 19, with the average age being 11. The FBI has rescued close to 2000 sexually exploited kids in the past 3 years. This past year we have produced a film that tells this story. At the time, we didn’t even know which trucker made the anonymous 911 call that led to the rescue of the Toledo teens. At a recent screening of the film, we were amazed when someone recognized the caller’s voice. Just 15 seconds of a garbled 911 call and the viewer says, “I know that voice!” Within moments he confirmed that it was his friend Willie. Willie’s simple phone call not only rescued these two teens but broke open a 13 state trafficking ring that rescued seven other minors and led to the arrest of 39 victimizers. In the film, Sheri’s mom says, “If it weren’t for that trucker, that trucker who made the call, I don’t know what we would have done. If he ever sees this… thank you, thank you, thank you!” For over five years, Willie had no knowledge that his call saved so many lives. Willie did “see this” and has been in contact with the family. I had the privilege of meeting Willie and he told me that he has watched the film more times than he can count and it is one of the proudest moments of his life. Wille, his lovely wife Jan and their two Chihuahuas, joined us recently at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas where over 40,000 industry professionals were in attendance. iEmpathize has a collaborative partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). Our goal for the truck shows is to engage the trucking industry in the fight against child trafficking in the US. Drivers, trucking companies, travel plazas/truck stops, and a myriad of industry related businesses are enthusiastically coming on board. This translates to literally thousands of individuals seeing our training films and being equipped through TAT’s programs to safely intervene in child trafficking scenarios. Over 100 truckers have made calls from over 30 states with reports of victims being assisted. Stay tuned for updates and thank you for supporting us by connecting us to your relationships in the travel industry, and through volunteerism and donations!
DONATE TODAY
Each year, Newsweek hosts the Women in the World Summit at Lincoln Center in NYC. They are featuring our Mexico media and one of our key collaborators, Congresswoman Rosi Orozco, at the event. In November, we filmed a project in Mexico for CNN that should be airing soon. We will keep you posted. This will bring great exposure to our initiatives in Mexico and the safe-home. Our partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking which engages the trucking industry in the fight against child trafficking is gaining momentum. Thousands of our training DVD’s have been ordered by the industry. News programs have reported on TAT and Dateline NBC is developing a feature. We are grateful that the voices of the kids we serve are being heard.
There were three rooms decorated in Disney motifs and next to each bed was a stash of condoms, lubricant, and lingerie. A call to the new anti-trafficking hotline in Chiapas had given authorities a lead on three possible child trafficking victims. It was reported that the girls were being forced to work as waitresses in a brothel bar and prostituted at the attached motel. Tipped off brothel owners hid the girls in the jungle. By the time we arrived all we found were empty rooms and a pair of panties accompanied by cast off stilettos at the jungle’s edge. Five days later 4 pimps were arrested and the girls were rescued. After Chiapas, we moved north to Toluca, the capital of the state of Mexico where the cartel is deeply entrenched. The trafficking and exploitation of women and children is most often connected to organized crime in this area.
We invite you to explore the screen shots we have selected from our filming and gain insight on the reality of raids and rescues in Mexico. This recent media expedition began at the southern border of Mexico in the state of Chiapas where human trafficking from Central American is a daily dilemma.
Leading up to the raids, a small group of us sat with Chief of Intelligence Alejandro Poire (recently appointed Secretary of Interior) and President Calderon and heard their perspective on the trafficking issues in Mexico and between the US. The week following we were asked by congress member Rosi Orozco, Deputy of the anti-trafficking commission, to document some upcoming efforts that the Mexican government was taking to combat human trafficking. The footage will add to our advocacy media in Mexico and is meant to be used for a December airing of CNN’s Freedom Project featuring Mexico’s growing anti-trafficking movement. If the feature airs it will certainly strengthen our work and that of our partners.
In our work, we encounter the reality of child trafficking face to face. This compels us to relentlessly fight against this crime and for the countless kids it impacts. In Mexico, we collaborate on growing and sustaining a safe home movement. Over 100 child survivors have been provided with short or long term care. We also provide media for the Mexican Congress’ Commission to End Human Trafficking. Our media has educated, inspired, and influenced people at the US Embassy, Congress, and other strategic venues. Our media educates Attorney General departments and employees who are now taking on anti-trafficking portfolios in light of recently passed human trafficking legislation. At the end of this story you can learn about our new projects for 2012 and how you can be a part.
Our media gives child survivors a voice with three audiences: vulnerable kids, influencers, and the public. Throughout 2010 and 2011, we developed media that engages diverse influencers like policy makers and segments of the marketplace that intersect with at-risk and exploited children. We have integrated the media into events that inspire the public to empathize and engage. In 2012, we are editing our media to be viewed by at-risk populations of kids in the US, Russia, and Mexico. Kids get to help kids. All of this media is connected to hotlines that are in place and proven effective, just like in the Chiapas story and with Truckers Against Trafficking. We have open doors in schools and existing outreaches to at-risk kids in all the countries we work in.
DONATE TODAY
Screen shots captured from film footage by Christopher Kueh
Our goal for 2011-12 is to establish a permanent presence in LA and look to NYC in 2013. Guido Hajenius joined the iEmpathize team to make that a reality. Based out of Santa Monica, Guido is working to build relationships with local partitioners and bring our programs to the area. The launch event was a big success and many people were inspired to join our cause. Look for more events in the area and help us bring our at-risk youth and trucker project to Southern California and Baja Mexico.
iEmpathize, in partnership with Room 214 and sponsored by Kroenke Sports Charities and The Altitude Channel, will be launching our new TV/Web commercial and Facebook website produced by Room 214 and iEmpathize. The commercial will run this Fall on the Altitude Channel. We will share about our work in the US, Mexico, Cambodia, and Russia. The free luncheon is at the Pepsi Center from 11:45-1PM and will include hot panini sandwiches and beverages. Register in the Grand Atrium at 11:45 and you and your party will be escorted to our suite.
Former Nuggets player Ervin Johnson will be sharing. Ervin, born December 21, 1967 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a retired NBA basketball player and currently a Community Ambassador for the Denver Nuggets. A 6’11″, 245-pound center, Johnson attended the University of New Orleans where he was named a third team All-American and Sun Belt Player of the Year. He finished college fifth in the nation in rebounding and is the school’s all-time leader in rebounds, blocks and field goal shooting. Johnson was selected 23rd overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1993 NBA Draft. During his 13 year NBA career, he played for the Sonics, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks.
Historically, media of the day has been a voice of movements fighting injustice and has moved people to action. Our media experiences bring the reality of child trafficking to the people who can do something about it. According to Kevin Bales, most of the mechanisms that are needed to end modern slavery are in place. Public outrage and a global movement of empathizers could truly be the tipping point.
“Political will (in most countries) is directly proportional to public awareness and concern. Until slavery reaches the public agenda slaves will continue to suffer.” Kevin Bales
In addition to empowering grassroots solutions, public awareness is a very big aspect of what iEmpathize does. In developing nations, it is often difficult to develop sustainable paths that solve justice issues indigenously. This places a dependency on outside resources. With Mexico having the 11th largest economy, we create media tools for local abolitionist efforts to combat the heinous crime of child trafficking. We are now advocating and fundraising for Mexico’s vulnerable and victimized children in both the US and in Mexico. We are amplifying the voice of survivors and letting them speak to those who need to hear them.
We recently premiered a media campaign featured at a new technology summit providing web and media tools for Mexico to address the issue of human trafficking (https://www.unidoshacemosladiferencia.org). The media is in both Spanish and English.
Mexico
iE’s Research - Mexico is on virtually every top ten list for countries with human trafficking violations. The country has had little legislation and very few organized efforts to address the problem but all that is changing. There is an emerging group of Mexican abolitionists that are poised to lead the grassroots anti-trafficking movement. We met with, Congresswoman Rosi Orozco, the key influencer of the abolitionist movement and head of the governments anti-trafficking task force. We attended the Mexican congressional hearings on anti-trafficking legislation. We strategized and cast vision. We visited an org with 20+ years of experience protecting the vulnerable children of Mexico City. We visited one of the few child trafficking safe homes in Mexico, met with Mexican practitioners, an attorney for the child victims, and safe home directors and caregivers. We witnessed current victims, and met the child survivors.
iE’s Response – We entered into an official partnership with Camino a Casa; a safe home in Mexico providing holistic care for survivors of child sexual exploitation and trafficking (50+ girls have been sheltered). This safe home serves as a model for other safe homes to be established. We are committed to monthly support and funding specific projects. We are partnered with Casa Alianza, a 110 bed shelter and outreach center for abandoned street children. The children in this area are at high risk and many are victims of trafficking. Media experiences for Mexico have been developed to benefit grassroots efforts in Mexico and raise funds/awareness in the US. The media is in English and Spanish and features real stories of child trafficking survivors as told through film, photography, and actual artifacts. Additionally, we have mobile Mexican street exhibits that tour Mexico at strategic locations and gatherings (congress, law enforcement agencies, concerts, universities, etc.). We are also providing images for Congresswoman Rosi Orozco’s book on child trafficking in Mexico that will raise funds for child survivors. Media for the US public is integrated into our events and rallies support for our field partners.
There is a Spanish version of the film. The billboard/canvas graphics say, “Sympathy is feeling badly for the suffering of others.” and “Empathy is walking in another’s shoes.”
The Mexico Experience Premiere & Benefit
For the Vulnerable Children of Mexico City
Film I Photography I Artifacts I Music
An immersive media and music storytelling experience celebrating the rescue and resilience of the child survivors of human trafficking in Mexico. With special guest, Mexico’s Anti-Trafficking Task Force Leader and Congresswoman, Rosi Orozco. Over $11,000 went to our child protection, intervention, restoration, and prosecution efforts in Mexico City.
“Should you choose to attend an iEmpathize Event be warned: You will never be the same.” Event Patron”
With live score by Jonny Rodgers www.jonnyrodgers.com
