Check Out The National Trafficking Events Calendar

Have you ever sat around on a Saturday afternoon thinking that you'd like to do something to end modern-day slavery? Or maybe you're just bored, and surfing the Internet. Turns out, there is a great new resource to cure you of your boredom and help end human trafficking, all by getting you involved in your community. It's the National Human Trafficking Events Calendar.

Recently launched by End Slavery Now, the National Human Trafficking Events Calendar will help connect you with human trafficking-related events in your area. I have to admit, before looking at the calendar, I had no idea how much cool stuff was out there. Why, in the month of April alone you can attend a farmworkers' rights rally in Florida, eat slave-free chocolate and drink champagne in Los Angeles, and lobby your state legislature in both Ohio and Pennsylvania. There are even events in Europe for the folks across the pond (or lucky enough to be traveling there).

Attending events is a great way to get involved in the anti-trafficking scene in your community. If you're just starting out as an abolitionist, events help you learn more about the issues and meet like-minded people in your area. If you're a committed activist already, going to an event sponsored by a new group can help expand your sphere of influence, inspire new ways for you to take action, and give you an opportunity to educate others. For some people, standing against human trafficking becomes a lifestyle choice, as they choose not to buy products which are tainted by slavery or support companies who take a stand against exploitation. Knowing other people committed to similar life choices in your community can be helpful.

If you don't see any events listed in your area, then make one yourself. Host a film screening, have a fundraiser, invite a speaker — there are a number of ways to get involved. Then, invite your community to stop by, learn more about human trafficking, and take action for themselves. Easy ways to get people involved include asking them to sign a petition or a letter to their representative, make a pledge, donate a small amount of money, distribute informational fliers, or simply talk to their friends and family about the issue. If you or your organization is hosting an event, you can get it added to the National Human Trafficking Events Calendar just by clicking the "Tell us about it" button over the calendar.

Now, you're out of excuses for reasons you're not acting on your desire to help end modern-day slavery. So get out, have fun, and do some good.

Photo credit: Yandle