A21 Campaign

When confronted with the horrific statistics surrounding human trafficking, it is easy to agree on the fact that "someone should do something." The A21 Campaign was born when the decision was made to raise our hand, and be that "someone." It was a decision of ordinary people who decided to take responsibility regarding the issue of human trafficking. So with little knowledge, and a lot of passion, in 2007 we set out to make a difference.

 

After extensive research, planning, fundraising, more research, relationship building, a lot of learning, and a great leap of faith, we opened our first shelter for victims of human trafficking at the end of 2008.

 

The shelter is located in Greece, a prime destination country in Europe. We are now able to provide trafficked victims with a safe, loving, and comforting environment, access to medical care and psychological assessment, vocational training, assistance in university education, life guidance and counseling, and access to legal assistance. We work closely with police, hospitals and government officials, and are seeing justice enjoyed by new rescued victims each month.

 

While we continue to improve our restoration services in Greece, we are proud to announce that we are in the final preperation stage for our newest transition home in Kiev, Ukraine! We look forward to being able to start helping women who have been rescued from trafficking, and plan to open our doors by the end of 2011.

 

As the Ukraine is a source country for many victims trafficked to Greece, the expansion of work in the Ukraine will increase our ability to strategically help both at-risk persons, and those who have already been trafficked.

 

In addition to our Kiev transition home that will be opening soon, we have already been able to help several trafficked victims, including the provision of much needed medical assistance. We have also begun a school program, educating at-risk students about the dangers of human trafficking and how to identify false job opportunities.

 

We do not claim to be the "experts" and recognize that our fight for justice has only just begun, but The A21 Campaign rings true through the famous words of Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

 

The A21 Campaign stands for abolishing Injustice in the 21st century.

 

Anyone can join. Everyone can make a difference.

 

To find out more information about The A21 Campaign, check out the A21 FAQ page.