Freedom for the Weekend: Somaly Mam Foundation

by Amanda Kloer · 2009-12-11 12:00:00 UTC
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Well, it's Friday afternoon, and that means the weekend is almost here! W00t! Perhaps you're reading this blog because you're bored at work or school and you're thinking about what you want to do this weekend. How about spending part of your weekend fighting slavery? Each week I'll profile a different anti-trafficking nonprofit who you can connect with to help free slaves and prevent slavery around the world. So, spend a couple hours this weekend getting to know this nonprofit through their website, and then get involved!

This Week's Profile: Somaly Mam Foundation

The Bottom Line: Somaly Mam Foundation gives victims and survivors of human trafficking a voice in their lives and works to liberate victims, end slavery, and empower survivors as they create and sustain lives of dignity. Founded by human trafficking survivor, and now author, Somaly Mam, it operates primarily in Cambodia.

What They Do: They have a number of programs for at-risk and trafficked women and girls in Cambodia, including rescue and recovery, education and rehabilitation services, and awareness and advocacy programs. They also have a Voices of Change program which promotes survivors of human trafficking into leadership roles.

What Can I Do?: They have lots of ways to get involved, from hosting a fundraiser to starting your own local chapter. You can also shop for goods made by survivors in their programs at their store or donate to support their work online.

Why They Rock: Somaly Mam has become an eloquent spokeswoman for human trafficking, and has been interviewed prolifically about her experiences as a survivor of trafficking and a leader of an anti-trafficking NGO. You can check out some of her interviews here.

So now that you've got some basic information on Somaly Mam Foundation, visit their website this weekend and get involved.  And on Monday morning when everyone else is talking about sleeping in and watching tv over the weekend, you can say, "What did I do this weekend?  Oh, just the usual -- abolition of slavery."

Do you have a favorite nonprofit you'd like to see featured here?  If so, let me know!

Amanda Kloer is a Change.org Editor and has been a full-time abolitionist in several capacities for seven years. Follow her on Twitter @endhumantraffic
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