National Human Trafficking Day

[MeLisa Turcott Strongheart]

As Modern Martial Artists, community warriors, this issue as much as any issue is related to our practice.  We teach that our community, or village, is our responsibility to take leadership, and action to protect, and grow.  And, that village must include the most vulnerable, and victimized.   At the very least we can become aware, and educated.  So many people have the belief that this kind of slavery is taking place only in places far away, and certainly not in our cities.  It is unfortunate, but so true, that it is also present in the US, in our region, and perhaps even in our own communities.  

Let us today, in the spirit of the day, take a moment to learn a little more about human trafficking, and how it works.   I will put links at the end of this blog post for further research.  

“As we work to dismantle trafficking networks and help survivors rebuild their lives, we must also address the underlying forces that push so many into bondage. We must develop economies that create legitimate jobs, build a global sense of justice that says no child should ever be exploited, and empower our daughters and sons with the same chances to pursue their dreams. This month, I call on every nation, every community, and every individual to fight human trafficking wherever it exists. Let us declare as one that slavery has no place in our world, and let us finally restore to all people the most basic rights of freedom, dignity, and justice.” --http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/12/31/presidential...

HOW TO OBSERVED

Use #HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay to post on social media.

HISTORY

The United States Senate designated January 11 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in 2007.

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/resources

About the Author:

MeLisa Turcott Strongheart is a Master Instructor and owner at Mercer Island Martial Arts.  She is in the process of testing for her 7th Dan, and also holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology, Mental Health Counseling.   She brings these two areas of specialization to her work with families, children, teens, and in designing curriculum.   

Master Strongheart emphasizes and has taught thousands of students the value and power of respect.   Respect for oneself, other, and the community.   

 (MIMA), located on Mercer Island between Bellevue and Seattle in Washington is celebrating 20 years on the island in 2017.  MIMA's curriculum is intentionally designed to build fitness, flexibility, self-defense, as well as to create a milieu which engenders physiological growth, respect, courage, and community activism and leadership. 

  

MIMA has programs for families to practice side by side, as well as adult, teen, and children's classes.  Also offers before and after school, and summer camp programs for kids.

 

You can contact through email:  [e-mail]; calling 206 230-9050.

 

The school is located at:

2630 77th Ave SE #106-108 Mercer Island, WA 98040 

Parking free under the building.