Take Action
In the Fight to End Modern Slavery
In the face of a monumental issue like modern slavery, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or powerless. However, individual actions, when combined, have the power to catalyze monumental change.
Here’s how you can play a pivotal role in eradicating modern slavery.
1. Visit Our Modern Slavery Resource Center
Our Resource Center is a treasure trove of information. Here you’ll find a variety of materials ranging from introductory guides to in-depth articles that break down the complexities of modern slavery.
2. Read Our Published Research
Visit our Research Page to access academically rigorous studies and reports that delve into the intricacies of the modern slavery issue. Our research offers a well-rounded understanding of the topic, from victim identification to intervention strategies.
3. Dive Into A Book
Our Books Page offers a curated list of essential reads that provide a deep dive into the history, current state, and future of anti-slavery efforts.
4. Watch and Learn
If you’re a visual learner, our YouTube Channel is for you. Watch documentaries, interviews, and talks from experts and survivors to get a firsthand account of the issue. Our channel aims to offer a multidimensional view of modern slavery, enabling you to see the issue from various perspectives.
1. Share Our Website
Our website serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the issue and what can be done about it. Send the link to friends, family, and colleagues to educate them about modern slavery and the steps they can take to help combat it.
2. Pass on Educational Videos
Visual stories can often make a greater impact. Share videos from our YouTube Channel that provide compelling narratives, expert opinions, and survivor testimonials. Social media is a powerful medium for this; a single share can reach hundreds, if not thousands.
4. Run a Peer to Peer Fundraising Campaign for Free The Slaves
Why Your Engagement Matters:
When you engage with our posts on social media—whether by liking, commenting, or sharing—you’re helping to teach the platform algorithms that our content is important. This simple act amplifies our message, as the algorithms are more likely to show it to a broader audience. Even a single click can make a significant impact in how far our message reaches.
In the digital age, staying informed and connected is key to fostering collective action. Being a part of our online community means you’re not just a passive observer but an active participant in the fight against modern slavery. By subscribing to our Newsletter, you get the chance to deep dive into the global efforts against modern slavery, hear testimonials, and respond to urgent calls to action.
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Click on the country below to learn more
U.S. Residents
Specifically, consider contacting your U.S. Senators and your representative in the House. Urge them to support bills and initiatives that promote anti-trafficking measures. Use GovTrack to find your representatives and to keep an eye on relevant legislation.
U.K. Residents
Engage with your local MP and other representatives. Use platforms like TheyWorkForYou to track their voting records and stance on modern slavery issues.
Canadian Residents
Contact your Member of Parliament (MP) and provincial representatives. Use the Parliament’s website to find out who represents you and how to contact them.
Australian Residents
Reach out to your local MP and Senators. You can use platforms like APH to find your representatives and see their stances on anti-slavery measures.
The Importance of Advocacy: Lasting Change Through Legislation
Advocacy at the governmental level is indispensable in the fight against modern slavery. While grassroots movements and individual contributions are vital, lasting change is most effectively achieved through systemic shifts. This often requires legislation that both strengthens anti-slavery measures and addresses the root causes of slavery, such as poverty and lack of access to education.
By engaging with your elected representatives, you help to prioritize this issue on the political agenda. Our collaborations with key international and domestic organizations—like Alliance 8.7, the Organization of American States, and the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking—serve as a testament to the power of collective political action. Your voice adds to this chorus, influencing policy changes that have both national and global repercussions.
So when you write that letter or make that call to your elected official, know that you are contributing to a broader, collective effort to institutionalize the fight against modern slavery.
Your shopping choices have power. By consciously selecting where to spend your money, you can support companies committed to ethical labor practices. The following list includes well-known names that stand for labor rights, helping to make your consumer experience a step toward a slavery-free world.
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- DoneGood: DoneGood is the shopping site where every purchase you make does good for people and the planet.
- Ten Thousand Villages: Specializing in handmade goods, this retailer is one of the pioneers in fair-trade.
- Thistle Farms: Empowering survivors of sex trafficking, this company offers a range of bath and body products.
- Patagonia: Known for its outdoor clothing. Check out their Statement on Modern Slavery.
- Dr. Bronner’s: A go-to for organic, fair trade soaps.
- Eileen Fisher: A fashion brand committed to ethical practices, including fair labor. See their statement on Trafficking and Slavery.
- Made Trade: An online platform offering ethical, fair trade, and sustainably made goods, from clothing to home decor.
- Local Shopping! Shopping locally at your farmers’ market or other direct-to-consumer platforms is another excellent way to ensure ethical practices. By buying local, you’re supporting your community and reducing the supply chain, which often decreases the chance of forced labor involvement.
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Be Informed
Click the fist to be directed to one of these valuable resources.
Know The Chain
Utilize this resource to discern which industries and companies are actively working to eliminate slavery from their supply chain.
IDH
An international organization that convenes, finances and manages large programs to accelerate transitions toward sustainability together with multinational and smaller companies, governments and civil society. Download their free ebook
FLOCERT
The independent Fairtrade certification body, offering Fairtrade certification services to customers in more than 120 countries. Use their search function to find products and companies and their certification status.
FairTrade International
Fairtrade is the most recognized and trusted sustainability label in the world. They are a global organization that is co-owned by more than 1.8 million farmers and workers who earn fairer prices, build stronger communities, and have control over their futures.
Good On You
Before making a purchase, check this website or use their app to rate fashion brands based on their ethical and environmental footprint.
Uyghur Forced Labor Database
The most extensive database that shows more than 2,000 national and international companies and their reported links to Uyghur forced labor.
Your shopping habits have a ripple effect. By making informed decisions, you not only support ethical companies but also encourage other brands to follow suit. Your choices could be the tipping point for a company considering the switch to more ethical operations.
For Business Owners and Procurement Teams
In today’s interconnected world, corporate responsibility extends far beyond your company’s immediate operations. It’s increasingly important to scrutinize every link in your supply chain for ethical compliance, particularly concerning modern slavery. By implementing rigorous supplier audits, you’re not just adhering to laws and regulations; you’re also leading by example, reinforcing your brand’s commitment to ethical practices.
Here’s how you can ensure that your company’s supply chain remains untainted by modern slavery:
Educational Resources
Begin by watching our comprehensive guide, “Becoming A Slavery-Free Business.” This video is designed to offer actionable insights on how to ensure that your supply chain is devoid of modern slavery practices.
Supplier Audits
Conduct regular audits of your suppliers and subcontractors to ascertain their compliance with ethical labor practices. Use third-party audits for unbiased assessments.
Transparency
Publish an annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report that explicitly outlines your anti-slavery measures. Being transparent not only builds trust with your customers but also puts pressure on other businesses to follow suit.
Code of Conduct
Public Commitment
Publicly commit to being a slavery-free business. Whether it’s through press releases, public pledges, or social media announcements, make your stand known.
Certifications
Follow guidance such as ISO 26000 (Social Responsibility) or get certifications like SA 8000 (Social Accountability) that affirm your company’s commitment to ethical business practices.
Employee Training
Industry Collaboration
Legislation Support
Advocate for stronger legislation against forced labor and human trafficking. Your voice as a business leader carries weight.
Leverage Your Business Network
Encourage your business partners, vendors, and even competitors to take a stand against modern slavery. Offer to share resources and collaborate on best practices. Together, you can be the change-makers that set new industry standards.
How to Spot the Signs
Awareness is the first line of defense against modern slavery. Whether in your local community or during your travels, it’s crucial to be aware of the indicators and red flags. These may include signs of physical abuse, restricted freedom of movement, or evidence of wage withholding. Look for suspicious behavior such as someone who is unable to speak freely, always accompanied by a controlling person, or lacks personal identification. Other signs might include poor living conditions or individuals being transported in and out of premises at odd hours. Educating yourself on these signs can make a significant impact on identifying and helping victims.
How to Report Suspicious Activity
If you suspect you have encountered a situation involving modern slavery or human trafficking, it’s crucial to report it. Your action can make a difference and could potentially save lives. However, do not attempt to confront suspected traffickers or rescue suspected victims yourself as it could worsen the situation. Instead, contact local authorities or specialized organizations equipped to handle these cases.
In the United States, you can report suspicions to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. For those in the UK, the Modern Slavery Helpline is 08000 121 700. Australia has the Australian Federal Police at 131 AFP (131 237).
Most countries have dedicated hotlines or organizations for this, and many allow you to report suspicions safely and anonymously. Always prioritize the safety of the victim and yourself when taking steps to report.
Join the Movement Against Modern Slavery
Every action, no matter how small, counts in our collective endeavor to end modern slavery. By educating yourself, shopping responsibly, promoting ethical business practices, and knowing how to report potential cases of exploitation, you’re already playing a pivotal role in this global movement.
Free the Slaves stands at the forefront of this fight, working hand-in-hand with partners globally to eradicate the conditions that allow slavery to persist. Our multi-faceted approach focuses on the grassroots, anti-modern slavey movement, and policy levels. We empower communities to claim their rights and invest in strengthening the anti-modern slavery movement while simultaneously advocating for stronger government policies that deter and punish perpetrators.
Your role in this movement is paramount. Whether through donations, volunteering, or merely spreading the word about our mission, your support accelerates our path toward a world where freedom and dignity are inalienable rights for all. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and herald a future free from the shackles of modern-day slavery.