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Partners:
Governor Abbott has officially proclaimed January 2022 to be Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the state of Texas. We wanted to take a moment to spotlight opportunities to raise awareness and take action throughout this month. We are committed to addressing human trafficking during all 12 months of the year, but we hope you'll join us in reaffirming that resolve as we enter 2022.
Happy New Year!
CSTT
Monday, January 10 - Sunday, January 16
Every January, GRACE (Governor’s Response Against Child Exploitation) hosts a Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking. Faith communities across Texas are encouraged to unite in prayer, become better educated about human trafficking, and discern opportunities to take action.
The 2022 Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking is focused on preventing trafficking and exploitation and will run from Monday, January 10 through Sunday, January 16. GRACE will launch the week of prayer through a virtual interfaith event on January 10th at 6pm on Facebook. Texans can use the hashtag #TXPraysToEndHT on social media to share their support for the Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking.
During this Week of Prayer, Texans of all faiths and religious backgrounds are encouraged to pray about the issue of human trafficking in whatever manner they choose. In a spirit of solidarity and interfaith collaboration, GRACE members humbly offer daily intentions for those Texans wishing to focus their prayers. Beginning Tuesday, January 11th, a new video featuring different faith leaders will be posted on the Office of the Governor's Facebook page to guide viewers through the day's intention.
Daily Prayer Intentions for the Week of Prayer include:
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Monday, January 10: Pray for all those currently being exploited to find safety and healing.
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Tuesday, January 11: Pray for all those who are vulnerable to receive the help, love, and support necessary to meet their needs and not fall victim to human trafficking.
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Wednesday, January 12: Pray for an end to demand and societal factors that normalize exploitation.
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Thursday, January 13: Pray for protection from online dangers and for caregivers to be equipped to keep their children safe.
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Friday, January 14: Pray for Texans to have the courage and skills to speak up and intervene when they see behavior that puts others at risk.
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Saturday, January 15: Pray for every child to have access to safe, supportive mentors and role models.
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Sunday, January 16: Pray for discernment on the actions you can personally take to prevent human trafficking.
Additional information and resources to support faith communities are available on the GRACE webpage.
Events Hosted by GRACE Members:
Fighting for Freedom: Understanding Sex Trafficking
January 11, 2022, 6:00 PM
Dallas and Livestreamed
Project Moses, a mission of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal in Dallas, has assembled an outstanding panel of human trafficking experts to help understand the current view of this issue in our country, state, and community. Featuring Rebecca Bender, Vanessa Bouche, Victor Boutros, and Chris Kleinart, and facilitated by Dr. Brendan Miniter, the panel will discuss the cause of human trafficking, the trafficker’s perspective, the long road of healing for survivors, and corporate responsibility. Register to attend the event in Dallas or join virtually via the livestream.
Illuminate!: A City-Wide Night of Worship & Prayer Over Human Trafficking
January 11, 2022, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Houston and Livestreamed
Freedom Church Alliance is hosting a city-wide evening of prayer on January 11, 2022 at Bayou City Fellowship from 7:00 - 8:30 PM. This is a significant day because not only is it National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, but it is also the Governor’s Week of Prayer for Human Trafficking. Register to attend the event in Houston or join virtually via the livestream on the Freedom Church Alliance Facebook page.
We Are Called: Awareness Conference
January 29, 2022, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Laredo
We Are Called is hosting an Awareness Conference at Grace Bible Church in Laredo to address child sex trafficking. This conference will equip community members with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize the risks of child sex trafficking and to respond effectively.
Week of Prayer
Participate in the 2022 Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking. Share First Lady Cecilia Abbott's invitation to join the week of prayer. Share and join the virtual interfaith launch event on Monday, January 10 at 6pm. Join faith leaders to pray for daily intentions and use the hashtag #TXPraysToEndHT to show your support.
#WearBlueDay - January 11
Tuesday, January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Blue is the international color of human trafficking awareness and all Texans are invited to wear blue on this day. Share pictures on social media with the hashtag #WearBlueDay.
Texas Blue Sand Project
The Office of the Attorney General is leading the Texas Blue Sand Project. Community members are invited to take blue sand (available in craft stores), spread it around to fill cracks on the sidewalk or other surfaces, and post a photo to social media. Be sure to use the hashtag #TXBlueSandProject. The project is meant to prevent trafficking victims from falling through the cracks by raising awareness and educating the public.
High School Human Trafficking Awareness Art and Writing Contest
The Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force is launching an art and writing contest for high school students to raise awareness about the realities of human trafficking. The contest runs from January 1 – January 31, 2022, with all applications due no later than January 31, 2022. Winners as well as their schools will be announced and recognized in April during Crime Victim’s week. All high school students in Texas are encouraged to participate. Use this flyer to help us spread the word!
Every Friday in January at 12pm, the Department of Family & Protective Services will host webinars with subject matter experts to speak about various human trafficking topics. Bring your lunch and learn with us:
Friday, January 7
Sex Trafficking of Men and Boys
Nathan Earl
Register
Friday, January 14
Intersections of Sex and Labor Trafficking
Kaylen Runyen and Marisa Calder
Register
Friday, January 21
An Examination of Intersectionality and Resilience Factors for Trafficked Minority Youth
Dr. Leilani Hinton
Register
Friday, January 28
Compassionate Communication: Connecting with Trafficked Youth
Sophia A. Strother
Register
Check out this Participation Guide from DFPS for more resources to get involved during Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Human Trafficking Panel Discussion
January 7, 2022, 10:30 - 11:45 AM
This webinar is part of a webinar series hosted by the Texas Education Agency and its Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Workgroup. This panel discussion will feature participation from a long-term service provider, a Children's Advocacy Center, and a survivor.
The NeuroPsychology of Trafficking Trauma
January 13, 2022, 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Toni McKinley, survivor leader and director of programming for Magdalena House, will discuss the neuropsychology of the trauma response to trafficking. Participants will be able to describe a child's biological response to sex trafficking and explain how using a trauma-informed lens will help youth trafficking survivors. Participants can also receive an attendance certificate to use towards continuing education units or continuing legal education credits.
Human Trafficking Awareness Webinar for College Students and Campus Law Enforcement
January 27, 2022, 1:00 - 2:00 PM
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators are hosting a live virtual event for college students and campus law enforcement to learn about collaborative strategies to combat human trafficking.
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