Voz de Niños to hold Red Sand Project for human trafficking awareness – Laredo Morning Times
To mark the National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the local Voz de Niños-CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will be holding the Red Sand Project for the first time in Laredo as a way to raise awareness.
The Red Sand Project is a national initiative created by Molly Gochman to bring awareness to human trafficking by pouring red sand into the cracks of sidewalks, parking lots and driveways–raising awareness of survivors who often “fall through the cracks.”
Emmajo Robledo, a volunteer coordinator at Voz de Niños, said that it is the first time this project will be carried out in Laredo.
“We do hope to build momentum through digital awareness about the project this year so that we can continue to grow it next year,” she said.
To mark the National Human Trafficking Awareness Month the local Voz de Niños-C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocates)will be holding the Red Sand Project event for the first time in Laredo as a way to raise awareness about human trafficking.
Robledo spoke about the importance of raising awareness on this issue that affects children and adults around the world, but especially in Laredo since it is a border city.
“Human Trafficking Awareness is important in every community,” Robledo said. “In Laredo, being that we are a border city, it is even more crucial to bring awareness to the many methods in which children are subjected to trafficking because of the increased chances of them being taken into another country and lost forever.”
She added that children and youth in foster care are at an increased risk of trafficking.
“CASA ACT (Anti-Child Trafficking) is a call to action for the CASA network to do more than ‘see something, say something,' and to ACT,” Robledo said. “From identifying children and youth who are at risk, to advocacy, CASA programs and volunteers can ACT. The Red Sand Project is an opportunity for local programs to bring human trafficking awareness to their communities through activism.”
Voz de Niños will host selfie challenges as a way to participate in the Red Sand Project.
“During this month we are hosting a digital photo challenge that has been posted on our social media platforms asking community members to submit a selfie wearing red and other selfie challenges,” Robledo said. “The submissions for the ACT Photo Challenge will be developed into a video compilation that will showcase all the awareness spread across the community leading up to the Red Sand Project installation that will be created at the Fernando Salinas Community Center by some of their long time participants.”
Leading up to the installation, Voz de Niños will hold a virtual training opportunity to identify the red flags of trafficking.
“Mr. Efrain Villarreal from The Coalition Combating Human Trafficking will be providing community members a Trafficking 101 presentation that will give more information on identifying the red flags of trafficking, who to call and the misconceptions of human trafficking,” Robledo said. “This presentation is to take place via Zoom on Jan. 30, 2023 from 6-7 p.m.”
If individuals would like to register, they can contact Voz de Niños via email at [email protected].
Robledo invited everyone to engage in building a community that advocates for the children of Webb County.
“The Voz de Niños mission is to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system through the training and support of community volunteers,” Robledo said. “As we know, children are the foundation to our future, and we as a community must engage in advocating for a better tomorrow. Every month we hold opportunities to learn about Voz de Niños and the CASA program. You can reach out to us to learn more about the different volunteer opportunities we have at 956-727-8691.”
This “Eyes on Trafficking” story is reprinted from its original online location.
ABOUT PBJ LEARNING
PBJ Learning is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on awareness and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials online course is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.
More stories like this can be found in your PBJ Learning Knowledge Vault.
EYES ON TRAFFICKING
This “Eyes on Trafficking” story is reprinted from its original online location.
ABOUT PBJ LEARNING
PBJ Learning is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on awareness and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials online course is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.
More stories like this can be found in your PBJ Learning Knowledge Vault.