Archive for October 21st, 2008
further freedom
If you visited Pendrops last week, you may have read a post about modern-day slavery and the movie Call + Response. In my first week as an abolitionist, I have learned that ending slavery is an unsexy exercise in endurance and sacrifice rather than a fiery-hot flash of zeal. Those who have been fighting for justice know this – they have been fighting for years.
As I’ve begun to understand this race of perseverance, I’ve discovered some practical, long-term things I can do to further freedom. If you’re interested in walking out this path, I want to let you in on a few steps you can take on the journey.
1. Contact your representatives. And contact your senators. They need to know you care about ending slavery, especially since it’s happening right here on American soil.
2. Get educated by reading news reports and signing up for e-newsletters at sources sensitive to human trafficking. Sources like International Justice Mission, Free the Slaves, Not For Sale and IRIN Humanitarian News. These sources will give you the stories mainstream media skips and you’ll be in the know about important news.
3. We all buy stuff and it’s not unusual for us to be oblivious about where our t-shirt was made or who picked the coffee beans we grind each morning or under what conditions our earrings were crafted. But when you spend a few dollars extra and shop at stores like the ones below, you can be sure you’re cultivating liberty.
Equal Exchange Delectable chocolates and teas that support coffee and cocoa growers.
Land of 1000 Hills Coffee A delicious alternative to the burnt ‘bucks blends. Plus it helps coffee growers maintain sustainable farming practices and, more importantly, their dignity.
Your Local Farmers Market Shopping at your local farmers market is a great way to support growers in your neighborhood, show pride in your community, and find fresh seasonal fare grown slave-free. There’s just something about personally knowing the farmers who grow the food you eat.
Made by Survivors & Global Girlfriend The items at these sites allow workers to gain economic freedom, are created in fair conditions, treat the environment gently, and provide education and opportunity, identity and hope to those in poverty-stricken nations. By buying clothes, jewelry, and gifts from stores like this, you can avoid purchasing products that may have been made by slaves.
These are just a few steps and, like any journey worth taking, it requires effort, thought, time, and sacrifice. But it is an on-going journey, a continuous conversation, a progressive awareness. A journey well worth the climb as we persevere in freedom, one step at a time.
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