January 11, 2020 was a banner day for raising awareness and educating the North County community about commercial sexual exploitation – sex trafficking – modern day slavery. Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland, and Soroptimist International of Oceanside/Carlsbad hosted the 14th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Walk in Vista. Mayor Judy Ritter spoke to the audience before the walk about the Soroptimist Leadership role regarding Human Trafficking. This year was the largest attendance ever. Approximately 250 people gathered at the Vista Library and began a round trip walk to the intersection of Vista Village Drive, Main Street and back.
The signs they carried received lots of attention,’HONK TO STOP TRAFFICKING’
When the group returned to the library we listened to four informative presentations. Don Stump, CEO North County Lifeline, shared the work of Project Life. Their 24 hour response team is available to assist in recognizing the needs of women and girls since 2011, Kathleen Thomas, their Education Specialist, shared how the resilience model helps to maintain stability.
Jaimee Johnson, Survivor and Experience Lived Expert, shared two impactful poems that express her empathy and understanding of the many sides to this issue. She spoke about her own story, and encouraged us to continue to learn and keep an open mind and heart for all the people involved.
Michelle Walsh is the Coordinator of Student Support Services for the Vista Unified School District. She emphasized the growing number of young people involved, adding that it only takes 48 hours for a homeless/runaway/throwaway child to be approached by a trafficker. She spoke to the need for parental education and faculty involvement. Her office is planning a three District Parent Night on information regarding Human Trafficking. The date is April 16, 2020 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Vista High School, 1 Panther Way, Vista. More information will follow.
Information booths included: North County Lifeline; Alabaster Jar Project; Operation Hope; YMCA, and Author, Pat Spencer, and her book, ‘Story of a Stolen Girl’.
http://www.soroptimistvista.org/
ABOUT US
Soroptimist International is an international women’s organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Almost 95,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community–based and international projects that benefit women and girls.
Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland was founded in March 1953 and is one of 42 clubs in the Desert Coast Region. DCR is one of 28 regions in Soroptimist International of the Americas, and SIA is one of four federations in Soroptimist International. Most of our members live in Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, Fallbrook and Bonsall.
A Soroptimist is a leader in her community. She believes that by joining with other women and engaging in awareness, advocacy and action in the service of her community and society, she can make the world a better place for humankind.
Soroptimist’s major project is the Live Your Dream Awards, which help women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects.
