AAUW has always been about education, so a decision was made to develop a basic informational brochure in Spanish and English for distribution throughout the state by and through our members. We did this because generally, people in Iowa do not think human trafficking is an issue in their area, especially smaller communities. Many people are not even aware of human trafficking. One needs only to listen to the media to realize that it exists in our own backyards. Human trafficking particularly affects Iowa given our proximity to major metro areas and the intersection of Interstates 35 and 80.
The brochure was designed for junior high through adult readership and was intended to be very basic and easily readable. The front panel draws attention to the “hand signal” to indicate help and was provided by the Canadian Women’s Federation. A picture and summary were included of an Iowa survivor’s experience to humanize this issue. It begs the question “Why Should I Care?” and states that human trafficking is second only to drug trafficking as the most profitable form of transnational crime.
The brochure includes the following sections (1) defines human trafficking, (2) state through international victim numbers (3) likely victim signs, (4) how the victim is trafficked, (5) what is being done in the Iowa Office to Combat Human Trafficking, and (6) a list of ideas and strategies for how we can help. It includes hotline numbers, websites to share information and age-appropriate resources.
Our branches and members share information in a variety of ways (over 50) within their community based on specific interests and needs. Each legislator in Iowa received information about this project. Members were asked to contact their legislators to introduce themselves and the information, encourage them to share any ideas, and support needed legislation. This is a non-partisan, non -controversial issue which all legislators supported. With the elections on the horizon, many events are taking place by both parties with opportunities to share this information and gain new ideas.
This is a particularly critical issue and a great AAUW Iowa outreach opportunity to create change and benefit the people of Iowa. Together we can do this!
For information, brochures, and questions contact Mary Ann Ahrens, Project Chair, 501 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50265, 319-240-5904 (cell), maahrens@mchsi.com or Maxine Lampe, Project Vice Chair, 943 Leona Circle, Storm Lake, IA 50588, 712-732-1058 (cell) lampe.maxine@gmail.com.