|
We Are Viral. Hope You Catch It!
In recent months, we have seen the dynamic of activism that we've been working toward all year. Where once there was just the State Director handling most of the speaking and  leading events, projects and services (in addition to an able volunteer club leader), we now have several capable leaders taking the cause "viral."
This month, several of our activists really stood out. Karen Karpinski made her debut as a community educator by speaking about human trafficking on a global and local level to a packed room of Belmont University students. I heard rave reviews about what a terrific job Karen did and she came away fired up and ready for more opportunities to speak publicly about human trafficking.
 Beth Wright went to Belmont the following day, where over a hundred students watched the movie "Taken." Beth, and NFSTN intern Nicole White, led the group in a lively discussion about the realities of modern day slavery. Along with more great feedback, I got follow-up e-mails from students appalled at what they'd learned and ready to take ACTION!
This viral activism leads to exponential effectiveness!
 Special thanks must also go to Nicole White who put in many hours of hard work making all the arrangements, creating a special brochure, and getting the word out by successfully promoting both events. It's been a delight to watch her grow into an effective spokesperson on the subject of human trafficking and the work of the Not For Sale Campaign.
|
|
 Johnny Sounds
A Note of Surprise
Allison thought she and Johnny were merely working on his senior music recital supporting Not For Sale. The UT-Knoxville event doubled as a forum to raise awareness and $141 for the movement to end slavery. What could be better? Here's what. Johnny then sounded a note of surprise to Allison. See the photo for a clue to what Johnny said (or should we say "what he proposed"). Hint: She said "YES!"
|
Presents with a Purpose
Rebecca Moody and Kathryn Horn recently hosted the first Tennessee Freedom Party, where guests enjoyed light refreshments and an evening of guilt-free shopping.
Products made by rescued slaves were accompanied by stories about the women and children who made the items. Freedom Parties support the businesses of survivors and enable them to earn a living wage and heal from the trauma they've endured.
 The parties have been popular beyond our expectations, keeping Kathryn and Rebecca busy, but this dynamic duo is rising to the challenge.
|
High Schoolers Make a Difference!
Mary Schreuder, a teacher at Davidson Academy, held the first monthly Not For Sale club at her school. Sixty- two students attended, and after whittling the group down to a more manageable 35, Mary had the students discuss why they joined.
"The student's answers were awesome-- they were there for the right reasons," she said. 
"I talked with them about the cases happening in Nashville. They were visibly shocked by the high school case from Robertson county. I think it started to become real for them. I then had them write letters of encouragement to the rescued woman (Derri is in contact with.) At the end of the club we prayed. It was a great meeting. These kids are really special, and they want to do something to help. I am proud of them."
After receiving the students' letters, the survivor wrote saying, "Thank you so much. I got the letters in the mail. Just seeing that so many people want to see me better myself made me want to do it even more." Later she said that she often pulls them out to look at when she is having a rough day. |
|
Make Christmas Special for a Survivor
The rescued victim mentioned above just endured a grueling court case in which she had to testify about the horrors she endured. The perpetrators were found guilty on all counts, which is excellent news. Having testified, she must, for her own safety, live far from home, friends and family. She struggles to get by on the salary from a low paying job and food stamps, while she goes to college to improve her job possibilities.
Let's bless this survivor with Christmas gifts! The nearest grocery store is a Wal-mart Super-Center, so Wal-mart cards would help her buy food. She doesn't have money for anything past the basics, so gifts of "girlie" things would be lovely, too. Think accessories (gloves, scarf, hat, jewelry, purse etc.) or the things any college student would enjoy like a nice rolling backpack for her books, an ipod, perfume, pens, highlighters, or gift card for a movie or fast food.
Please write to derri@notforsalecampaign.org for suggested ways to get these items delivered to me. The deadline is Dec. 11th for anything but gift cards. |
|
Honor Friends with a Holiday Gift
 Skip the money wasting gifting this year and honor your loved ones with a gift to Not For Sale that fights human trafficking. Give a gift here. We will send you a certificate honoring your friend(s) and/or family that you sign and present to them.
|
|
 Sneak Peek
Next month, learn about musician and abolitionist Brian Terry's song and music video, and the team of activists who helped make it!
|
