Did you know?
There are 27 million slaves in the world, with over 200,000 in the U.S.
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Ashley's Art Benefit...and You!
Let's talk for a moment about something very important to us at NFSTN - getting involved in the fight against human trafficking right where you are. Let's turn the lights on Ashley Wehmeyer, Belmont University Student and artist. The first time I met Ashley, she told me that she had been praying for the place God wanted her to serve and that she had found her answer at Not For Sale TN.
Ashley immediately dove in with her considerable enthusiasm and energy. After attending our first meeting for volunteers, she decided to organize an art benefit to raise money for our cause. Six weeks later, the event was held on the Belmont Campus, raising $1000. Ashley and other artists donated art, friends in a band played live music, other friends created handmade T-shirts with anti-slavery motifs, and Ashley put together an awareness video which people watched before entering the exhibit. Even her grandmother contributed by providing food! It was a creative, well organized and enjoyable event that also opened doors of opportunity at the university, turning people who had no idea about modern slavery, into activists.
I imagine that you have a talent or network that you could lend to our campaign. Freeing slaves is not a science - it's an art that requires the input of everyone in the community to keep our friends just uncomfortable enough that they don't look past the issue, to keep our legislators getting mail and having visits from constituents holding them accountable, and to keep law enforcement in the loop when we see something out of the ordinary. Ashley used her artistic and event management talents to raise awareness and money for Not For Sale TN. Could this be your moment? This is the day you can mark on your calendar as having made the decision to get involved. What resources and talents do you already have that you can give? Contact us and let us know how you want to be plugged into the fight!
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What is distinctive about the Not For Sale campaign?
What makes our organization different? Part of it is our ethos; the values and goals that define what we do.
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We are solutions based. We want to engage people in solutions, not just make them aware.
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We have a clear criteria for the projects we undertake: (1) Is it innovative? (2) Is it effective? (3) Is it transferable, meaning can it be replicated in other places?
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We want to be the smartest movement in the world.
That sounds egotistical, and we don't mean to imply that other organizations are dumb. We just want to be smart about everything we do, and we want to promote Smart Activism. Not just all show and sounds - things that directly and effectively end slavery.
We want to connect your passions and gifts to the movement.
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Derri Smith, State Director, speaking to over 100 very tired Belmont University students on finals week. Plans are in the works to come back in the fall and take action! |
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Special thanks to Marna Jane who works faster than a speeding bullet on updating contacts, our blog and Facebook Cause, to Angela who runs Power Point and video for me when I speak, to Beth for her generosity and ideas, to Jenny for assembling the newsletters and Michelle for creating the template, to Simone for her editing, writing and "going the second mile" initiative, to Pax for his thoughtful leadership of the NFS Group, and to the group attendees who truly form the backbone of our cause. Ever spreading awareness, learning, taking action, ready to help as needs arise, supporting effective and innovative national and international initiatives, with or without recognition -you are vitally important!
Also a big thank you to Mary-Celeste and Michael Schreuder, shown here in their NFSTN t-shirts, worn during the Music City Marathon |
Not For Sale Tennessee (NFSTN) offers 3 Internships for Fall 2009
NFSTN is currently looking for three graduate or undergraduate students to participate in our internship program. Interns will:
- Develop and implement a prevention program designed for at-risk youth
- Compare and analyze state human trafficking laws, develop informational packets for lawyers, locate pro bono services for victims
- Assist in NFSTN awareness and advocacy events
For more information and qualification, please write to:
Not for Sale Fall Internship
P.O. Box 191
Joelton, TN 37080
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Cool Chain of Events
I recently heard from Ben Jobe, a speech professor at Volunteer State Community College. Professor Jobe wanted us to know that a student had presented a speech about modern day slavery to his class after watching our interview on Open Line. "The entire class was stunned at the information presented to us", he said. Mr. Jobe teaches at three local community colleges and wants to use his classes as a forum for teaching students about modern slavery. This amazing chain of events started with someone watching a TV show and will end with hundreds of people becoming aware of Not For Sale TN and asking how they can get involved. Inspiring! |
 Fun Fundraising by Simone Lavellee
Not For Sale TN Yard Sale
When times are tough, people look for ways to save and make money. As a result Yard Sales are very popular in the summer months.Get a group of friends and Not For Sale TN activists to host a group yard sale. Sellers bring items from home they'd like to sell, whether it's the clothes and toys their kids have outgrown, household items they don't need anymore, or even books, CDs, and movies.
Decide whose yard you can use - the bigger the better - and set up your sale early on a Friday or Saturday morning. Be sure to have some coins and dollar bills for giving change. You can even have concessions with cold soda and water on sale for thirsty shoppers. Be sure to have a stand with information about NFS TN so that everyone who drops by has an opportunity to learn about us. At the end of the day, you have raised money, awareness and hopefully de-cluttered your attic. Everyone wins!
Note: We welcome YOUR creative ideas for combining good times with friends and fund raising. We'd also love to hear about events you've hosted. Send a picture and a brief write up, and we'll include it in our newsletter and/or blog! |
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Last month, many of you wrote to the women and girls at Angela's House. Some of you also inspired your coworkers and friends to write as well. Way to go! These women have been so misused, and knowing that strangers care about them can be profoundly healing and encouraging - your letters make a real impact on their journey to recovery.
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Not For Sale Tennessee works to mobilize smart activists- activists whose work is effective - to deploy innovative solutions for ending modern day slavery. We'd love to help you find your niche!
All the best-
Derri Smith
State Director
Not For Sale Tennessee
derri@notforsalecampaign.org
615-692-1987 | |
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