Tag: Human Trafficking

Thought Leader

A few weeks ago, a friend shared I was a Thought Leader. A what I asked? I had heard the term in passing, but really had no idea what it meant. Now someone was referring to me as a Thought Leader. Was this even a good thing to be called? So what is a Thought Leader and how did I become one? If I really am.

Thought Leader-One whose views on a subject(s) are taken to be authoritative and influential. 

Wait. What? How was I being referred to as a Thought Leader? So I asked my friend what made me or anyone else a Thought Leader?

My friend shared that my knowledge on the issues of Human Trafficking, Social Justice and Patient Advocacy, had really made them think about those issues. My social media post had helped them start having conversations about these topics. This friend shared my passion for each of these issues came through in my post. Who knew? I just write about things that I am passionate about. I never thought about how my words and post would influence anyone. That got me thinking about this term Thought Leader. Here are a few thoughts that came to mind.

Influence. If you have a social media account or blog, you are influencing someone. When you post something that is positive, negative or indifferent you are influencing someone or some group. What influence is your life having on others?

Responsibility. I believe we are accountable for what we say, post, invest in and write. Our words and choices matter. When I write about issues I am passionate about, I better do my research before posting on my social media pages or blog. I better be ready to take ownership for what I post. To be ready to apologize if my facts are not correct. Did you get that? If my facts are wrong. Not if you don’t agree with the facts or my opinion on an issue.

Keep Learning. I have been referred to as an expert on some subjects. I have never liked being called an expert on any subject or issue. To me, being called an expert means I know everything about that subject or issue. That I no longer need to be a student. But I a student. I am constantly learning new things about Human Trafficking, Social Issues and Patient Advocacy. I believe life is about learning and growing as a person. If someone reading this an expert in some area, this is not an attack on you. I am just sharing my opinion.

So am I a Thought Leader? I believe that’s debatable. But I like the name Though Leader. So I will try to embrace it. For now. ~OC

 

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What Are Fair Trade Products?

October is Fair Trade Month. But what is Fair Trade?

The goal of Fair Trade is to help producers in developing countries to get a fair price for their products so as to reduce poverty, provide for the ethical treatment of workers and farmers, and promote environmentally sustainable practices.

So how can you know what your buying is fair trade and not made by slaves? Here are a list of organizations that can help you make better choices when shopping.

http://www.fairtradecertified.org

http://www.fairtradeamerica.org

http://www.fairtradefederation.org

http://www.endslaverynow.org

http://www.slavefreechocolate.org

http://www.groundsforchange.com

http://www.slavefreetrade.org

http://www.goodshoppingguide.com

Of course there are more organizations and I would encourage you to check them out. If we just take a few minutes to research the products we buy, we can help change the world. ~OC

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You and I

As we turn on the news, scroll through social media or just walk down the street, we see so many heartbreaking things happening around us. We see and read about homelessness, gun violence, human trafficking and substance abuse. The list could go on and on. We pray about these issues and we ask God to bring help. Not only do we pray, but we demand that our elected officials do something about these and other issues our communities are facing. We cry out to God to please bring someone to help those that are suffering. Oh Dear God, why are you not answering our prayers? Has anyone else but me had these thoughts and prayed these prayers?

Guess what? Sometimes you and I are the answer to the those prayers. Wait, what? That’s right, God wants you and I to help the homeless. God wants you and I to help end gun violence. God wants you and I to help end human trafficking. God wants you and I to help end the substance issues in our communities. God wants you and I to help change our communities. Mind blowing isn’t it? Not really.

God has always used His people to help make the world a better place. A lot of times we are just not listening. Or we cannot believe God could use us to make a difference. But God is looking for us to be His hands and feet. We just have to be willing to stand up and answer the call. Because sometimes God will use you and I to answer our prayers. ~OC

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The American Nightmare

I have seen a lot of post and comments about New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft being arrested for soliciting prostitution. What disturbs me, are the post and comments that condone his behavior. The old “Boys Will Be Boys Attitude.” What Mr. Kraft and the other men did is a crime. There are no excuses for his or the other men’s behavior.

I have spent the last 12 years of my life fighting human trafficking. A lot of Massage Parlors are fronts for human trafficking. Most of the women working at these places did not choose this career path. They were promised legitimate jobs when they came to America. They were hoping to make a better life for themselves and their families. Instead their passports were stolen from them and they are forced to service multiple men a day. Some may call it prostitution. I call it rape. The American Dream became the American Nightmare for these victims. So before you decide to make excuses for Mr. Kraft and the other men, think about the stolen dreams of each of the victims. ~OC

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