Voters chose not to legalize prostitution in San Francisco

Ensuring Victims of Human Trafficking
are not Overlooked

As an organization Not for Sale, along with the “No On K” Coalition actively worked to defeat this Proposition and on November 4th San Franciscans came out and voiced their opposition to K. Proponents to K attempted to hide the dangerous implications of K by downplaying the significant role human trafficking plays within the industry in San Francisco and characterizing the efforts of Not for Sale and other organizations as “racial profiling”.

Upon first glance Proposition K, a proposition to decriminalize prostitution, might seem like a ballot measure that would increase the rights of individuals working within the sex industry. In reality this proposition, masquerading as a progressive measure, would have greatly undermined the efforts of local law enforcement to prevent and combat human trafficking. This initiative would have essentially tied the hands of San Francisco law enforcement when attempting to combat human trafficking. San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris voiced her opposition for Proposition K stating it “would expressly bar the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking crimes… Many people in the commercial sex trade have been trafficked and forced to participate in commercial sex. This measure would attempt to provide safe harbor to their traffickers.”

The dark secret about Proposition K, discovered by many San Francisco voters, is that Prop K would have created a legal loophole emboldening human traffickers within San Francisco by providing them with virtually free reign. Not for Sale, and many others, worked tirelessly to ensure that victims of human trafficking were not further marginalized by the passage of Proposition K.

Lets continue to work together to ensure the victims of human trafficking have the rights and services they desperately need and deserve.

Proposition K

The purpose of Proposition K when first looked upon seems like an attempt to decriminalize prostitution (take away the criminal penalties for prostitution), but deeper study of it reveals the unsettling truth.

If passed, Prop K will:

* Make it illegal for local law enforcement to gather funds for investigating and prosecuting crimes of trafficking and slavery, thereby making it nearly impossible for them to investigate.

* Take away funds for programs that help victims, women and children, who have been rescued or who have survived from being prostituted or trafficked.

Logistically speaking, if passed, this measure would direct the  San Francisco Police Department and the District Attorney’s office to refuse to enforce California’s prostitution laws. These sections include the laws used to investigate and prosecute traffickers and those involved in exploiting children. If these laws are NOT enforced, it basically gives a hall pass to pimps, traffickers and johns (customers).

According to San Francisco’s DA Kamala Harris, Prop K, “would expressly bar the investigation and prosecution of human  trafficking crimes. Human trafficking is a serious problem in San Francisco. Many people in the commercial sex trade have been trafficked and forced to participate in commercial sex. This
measure would attempt to provide safe harbor to their traffickers.”

Please agree with us in praying for this proposition to not get passed! More info can be found at http://www.noonk.net/ .

Immediate action needed – San Francisco’s Proposition K (decriminalizing prostitution)

Undercover video from suspected place of trafficking in San Francisco. (Not for Sale Campaign) IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED – SF’s PROPOSITION K BACKGROUND: Not For Sale is against all forms of slavery: Anywhere and everywhere in the world. It is for this reason that we are deeply concerned that San Francisco (Full Disclosure: where we are based) is on the verge of passing Proposition K. At first blush Prop K’s language appears to be an attempt to decriminalize prostitution; the terrible truth hidden within Prop K is that it would: (1) severely hinder –if not completely stop- local law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute crimes of trafficking and slavery, by making it illegal for police to garner funds to investigate crimes of trafficking. And (2) de-fund programs that assist survivors, women and children, exiting the sex industry. The measure directs the San Francisco Police Department and the District Attorney’s office to refuse to enforce the State of California’s prostitution laws. These sections include the laws used to investigate and prosecute traffickers and those involved in exploiting children. Non-enforcement of these laws would send an invitation out to pimps, traffickers, and johns. According to San Francisco’s District Attorney Kamala Harris, Prop K, “would expressly bar the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking crimes. Human trafficking is a serious problem in San Francisco. Many people in the commercial sex trade have been trafficked and forced to participate in commercial sex. This measure would attempt to provide safe harbor to their traffickers.” (italics added)

Call + Response Screening Premier!

On May 15th, I met with the producers of a film called “Call & Response – Concert to End Slavery.” It’s part concert, part documentary film that dissects the modern day slave trade. I viewed the film with them and a hand full of friends. After the viewing, it turned into a prayer meeting. We prayed for protection for the director and his wife (who was also there), the producers, and that the film would make a major impact on those who view it.

It was a very inspiring time for me. I applaud them and their efforts. My heart is 100% behind them, believing they have heard the heart beat of heaven and they are trying to do something to stop human trafficking.

Watch the premier of Call + Response, and help Not For Sale build a Health Clinic in Thailand!

Not For Sale has teamed up with Call + Response to make a difference in the lives of exploited kids! At the end of every screening premier, the audience will have an immediate opportunity to RESPOND with a $5 text message donation — ALL of which will go to support Not For Sale’s own Kru Nam and her work at Buddies Along the Roadside in Thailand. Click HERE to learn more about Kru Nam and our exciting goals for the clinic!

You’ll also be one of the FIRST to see Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof, David Batstone and many other prominent political and cultural figures come together on the silver screen as they reveal the realities of human trafficking in our modern world.

Performances from Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Switchfoot, members of Nickel Creek and Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers, and Rocco Deluca respond to the heart-wrenching realities with passionate musical stylings in a concert unlike any you’ve ever seen.

The film opens NATIONALLY on October 10th and will premier the following week throughout US major cities…

ATLANTA, AUSTIN, DALLAS, SAN FRANCISCO, BOSTON, CHICAGO, DENVER, LOS ANGELES, MINNEAPOLIS, NASHVILLE, NEW YORK, ORANGE COUNTY, PORTLAND, REDWOOD CITY, SAN DIEGO, SAN JOSE, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON DC

Be one of the first to join the Call: Purchase your tickets TODAY!

Flying to Poland in 10 hours!

In ten hours my family and I are flying to Wroclaw (Vro-tslav), Poland.  My wife I grew up there and I have lived there for four years.  We will be participating in the 25th anniversary of a Catholic Charismatic fellowship Iwona helped start and lead.  I will also be shooting a documentary there as well as doing research for a future film I would like to produce/direct on the issue of human-trafficking of Eastern European women.

Watch this three-minute video about Wroclaw. It’s a beautiful city!

Make a Call for Justice

TVPA Reauthorization Needs Your Voice Today!

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) became law in 2000. It is the first major comprehensive U.S. legislative effort to combat modern-day slavery.

Not For Sale has been working in coalition with many other anti-slavery groups for the past year to advocate for important tweaks to the TVPA. These modifications include initiatives to increase victim identification, to provide survivors with much needed services, and to prosecute traffickers. We are happy to report that the bill passed in the House of Representatives last December in an overwhelming 405-2 vote.

However, with less than a week left before Congress adjourns for the year, the bill is still awaiting Senate action. It’s important for your Senators to know that human trafficking is an issue you care about, and that you support the proposed changes within the TVPA.

Please make your voice heard by calling your Senators and urging them to cosponsor the reauthorization of the TVPA in the Senate, with important amendments:
1. Find your Senator’s contact information.

2. Download talking points for your call.

Advocacy Days – October 8th & 9th in Washington DC

It’s not too late to join Not For Sale for Advocacy Days. Learn more and sign-up here.

Have a group from your school or church that wants to go? No problem.

Any specific questions? Contact Kilian Moote

Human Trafficking Report 2008 – US Department of State

On this trip, I’ve had sex with a 14-year-old girl in Mexico and a 15-year-old in Colombia. I’m helping them financially. If they don’t have sex with me, they may not have enough food. If someone has a problem with me doing this, let UNICEF feed them.

Retired U.S. Schoolteacher

click on the picture to go to Trafficking in Person Report 2008 by US Department of State

MUSIC to raise your awareness

This Summer, Not For Sale hits the MUSIC scene!

Whether you’re an inspired listener or an aspiring artist, Not For Sale offers you even more ways to synthesize your passion with the fight to end modern-day slavery!

Join Not For Sale at SOULFEST July 30 – August 2

Soulfest is New England’s premier Multi-day Music Festival and Family Retreat. Soulfest has 5 stages featuring over 100 world renown Christian artists and speakers. SoulFest is four days and nights of inspiring music, activites, and fellowship, all in a safe and beautiful setting. Whether camping on site or locally, or staying in one of the many motels, condos, and hotels, or attending for the day, SoulFest offers a unique and inspiring experience for families, church and youth groups, as well as individuals.

Since its inception, SoulFest has evolved to become champions of smaller New England based charities as well as continuing an effort to raise awareness and inspire responses to the plight of Africans, the results of extreme poverty in the US and abroad, modern slavery, and other critical issues. Jesus wasn’t giving advice when He said to Love our neighbor and look out after the least of these. Matthew 25: 1-46 is printed in every issue of the festival program.

This year, Not For Sale has partnered with Soulfest to bring awareness about modern-day slavery. Come out to support NFS and hang out with David Batstone and Kique Bazan after they speak from main stage! Go HERE to learn more and purchase your tickets!

Message from a lead singer, with a heart to contribute….

“Hello! My name is Felicity (Flee), and I’m lead singer for a band called The Sum in Athens, G. Ever since the first time I heard about human trafficking (more specifically, young girls in Cambodia being sold into brothels) 3 years ago my heart has ached to be a part of raising efforts to help in any way I could.

I’ve been looking for ways to help through music and the band. Today, through what I believe to be divine intervention, I arrived at your website.

My desire is to have a part of our concerts be exposing the audience to the reality of modern-day slavery, and to provide them with the knowledge they need to make a difference themselves, in more mays than just monetarily.”

Felicity has since joined OURSTAGE to advocate on behalf of Not For Sale. You too can join today!

Calling all bands & musicians!

NFS has connected with OURSTAGE, an online music promoter, to raise awareness about human trafficking….. through your music and fans!

How it works:

• You (or your band) join OurStage and declare that you are committed to fighting human trafficking and to support Not For Sale Campaign by adding the OurStage banner to your website.
• Just by registering, you have already raised $10 that will be donated immediately by OurStage directly to Not For Sale.
• Also, every time you get one of your fans to click on the banner and sign up for OurStage, $3 will be donated to Not For Sale.
• You can also encourage your fans to make contributions beyond the OurStage donations. The funds you have raised for the campaign will be displayed on your OurStage profile and your website.

Click HERE to join OURSTAGE!

REPORTING FROM THE FIELD: The Ripple Effect of Music on the Streets of Lima

Generacíon hoped that giving the children music lessons and instruments would provide them a tool for subsistence. But teaching a handful of children to make music caused a ripple effect that the organization never imagined…

Read more HERE!

21 children rescued from child sex trafficking in America

News from today: FBI arrested 389 people involved in human trafficking and prostitution, after raids in 16 cities across the country. According to CNN, those involved in child trafficking are facing federal charges, which might end up in life sentences.

Innocence Lost National Initiative, till today rescued more than 400 kids and led to persecution of 308 persons. Last week they held the largest operation since 2005.

Finally someone is being serious about it. I wonder how many of the victims were from abroad.

click on the photo to go to the TRADE web site

If you want to see a recent movie about the subject, watch “Trade” Movie (free online). The story evolves around Eastern European and Mexican girls, human trafficked from Mexico to USA, humiliated, abused and treated like slaves.

Paying off a debt with a daughter

Poppy cultivation is banned but the ban is difficult to enforce

The ban on poppy farming in Afghanistan may hamper the heroin trade but it also leaves farmers in poverty.

Kate Clark meets one who has had to negotiate the betrothal of his six-year-old daughter to pay a debt.

Jalalabad, near the junction of the Kabul and Kunar rivers, is a green city, shaded by citrus and pine trees. Farmers who live nearby on the well-watered land are weathering the government ban on opium poppy. Further away in the mountainous, outlying districts, the ban is hitting home hard.

Growing poverty

Three times since 2000, a ban on poppy growing has been enforced in Nangarhar province. Cultivation has always bounced back. But each time, the poorest farmers were left poorer and less able to cope. One man, Juma Khan [not his real name] has come down from his village in the mountains on the Pakistan border. Turbaned, with a white beard and a deeply lined face, he looks old enough to be a grandfather.

Selling his daughter

But he has just agreed to hand over his six-year-old daughter to pay off a debt. She is now engaged to the creditor’s son.

In a country without banks, opium is the standard way to get a loan. You borrow opium and pay back with opium.

While Juma Khan was growing poppies, he could pay off the interest on the debt, although never the capital. The ban means he is having to grow low-value wheat. This year, he will not even be able to feed his family. And because he is landless, his only asset is his female children.

He has already exchanged two daughters for debt and now the youngest has wiped off a further $2,000 worth, a huge amount of money in rural Afghanistan.

A father here gets paid by the family of the groom, so payment of money is normal at a marriage.

Heroin trade

The shame for Juma Khan is that he has been forced to marry off his daughter. Weaning Afghanistan off poppy cultivation must be good, you would think. Afghan opium, processed into heroin, causes the deaths of tens of thousands of people around the world each year. It is funding the Taleban insurgency and feeding government corruption. Afghans usually recognise that it is a haram crop, forbidden in Islam, but if your family is facing hunger, they say, even haram crops become acceptable.

Low risk crop

And here, the poppy has always been regarded as wonderful. In a high risk environment, it is a low risk crop. It suits the dry climate. And even when there is war, there is always a market for opium.

And if you grow poppies, you can always get credit. The farmers range from big landowners to subsistence peasants. The really big profits, though, go to the traffickers, the corrupt officials, and in the south, to the Taleban who take a religious tax on the harvest.

‘Better than aid’

Even so, there is a real trickle down of cash. Poppy is a labour intensive crop, so even landless labourers get some small share of the profits.

It is more effective than aid at reaching the poor, one development worker told me. This year in Nangarhar, growing poppies is not an option. In Juma Khan’s district, farmers have been arrested for breaking the ban. It has become very tough for many families.

Tribal threats

Some men spoke about joining the Taleban to make money, they pay their fighters $140 a month, or the Afghan National Army who pay rather less.

Many farmers literally do not know how they are going to feed their families. They are feeling angry and betrayed. They said the government had promised aid to help them through the ban, but they have received nothing. Some threatened to break the ban next year.

“Our tribe is the Khogiani,” said one farmer, “and we’re brave like lions, a big tribe, living on the border with Pakistan.” “The government should look after poor families,” he said. And they should watch out. Afghan kings have been brought down by the tribes of Nangarhar.

Poppy growing is labour intensive providing work for the poor

But the man whose small daughter is now engaged, looks exhausted. His fighting days are long gone. He went into debt during the jihad against the invading Soviet army, 30 years ago. Since then, he has never managed to pay back the capital.

No shame

Did he not feel any shame, I asked, about marrying off his six-year-old? No, he said, the real shame would have been to have his creditors knocking at his door, embarrassing him in front of the village.

Your daughter, I persisted, how does she feel? “Oh, she’s happy to be solving her father’s problems,” he said.

From: BBC News