Girls in the Know and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Host Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar

St. Louis-based Girls in the Know (GITK) and the Omicron Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority have announced that it will host a free, interactive seminar on human trafficking awareness and prevention. Open to girls ages 9-13 and their trusted adults, the four-hour event in June is being sponsored by Ameren Missouri. Program participants will hear from female officers with the St. Louis Metropolitan and County Police Departments and participate in open discussions not only on the issue of human trafficking but on safety in a variety of situations.

When: Saturday, June 10, 10:30AM – 2:30PM

Where: MICDS, Brauer Hall, 101 N. Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63124

What: Free educational seminar on Human Trafficking Awareness and Safety

“Child sex trafficking is happening right here in St. Louis and should concern all of us,” says LaKricia Cox, Executive Director of Girls in the Know. “But there are ways we can protect our girls, including talking to them about the risks and how they can be vigilant about their safety. The earlier we start these conversations the better.”

Keeping the lines of communication open between adolescent girls and their trusted adults is the motivation behind GITK programming. “We also believe knowledge is power,” says Cox, “so we work to arm girls with fact-based information for their safe and healthy growth and development.” The cornerstone program of GITK is a four-part Empowerment Workshop Series, led by women who are subject matter experts, addressing the tough issues for girls of this age, such as body image, puberty, peer pressure and online safety. Many of the practical tips covered in the Safety session of the workshop series – code phrases, online protection tools and more – will be shared at the June event.

“We are excited to collaborate with the Omicron Theta Omega Chapter of AKA and Ameren Missouri to bring this important education to the community,” says Cox. “Today's world is very different than the one most of us navigated during our preteen and teenage years, and it's up to parents and trusted adults to make safety a priority, not to create fear but awareness of what could put them at risk.”

About Girls in the Know

Founded in 2009, the mission of Girls in the Know (GITK) (www.girlsintheknow.org) is to empower girls to embrace a strong sense of self. Partnering with school districts and community organizations, we provide girls with educational programs and resources, open dialogue, mentorship and continued support during their preteen and teenage years.   Follow GITK on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About Omicron Theta Omega Chapter

The chapter began in 1984 as the third Alpha Kappa Alpha Graduate Chapter on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River. ​Since its inception, the chapter has continued to flourish and has demonstrated total commitment to the programs developed by the national office and developed numerous local programs that are noteworthy because of their impact on the community. These include, but are not limited to, the Metropolitan Health Fair, the Teen Youth Summit, and Pink Pizzazz, an annual affair sponsored by the chapter for the sole purpose of generating funds for scholarships and programs.