2008 Woodie Awards
New organization sheds light on human trafficking
By Lexxie Shiring
Rocket Contributor
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: News
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Rose Iksic, Slippery Rock University's AID chapter president, started the organization in the spring of 2006.
"The main focus of the organization is that we take world issues and try to spread the word to people who are not necessarily aware of what is going on," Iksic said.
Mark Daniels, the chair of the political science department, is the adviser for AID.
"We deal with global issues, and this week we are trying to spread awareness of human trafficking," Daniels said, "And not only is it an international issue but also an issue in the United States."
According to the U.S. Department of State, human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery, where victims are swindled or coerced into being exploited.
AID is working in partnership with The Emancipation Network in order to make their "Sale to Save Slaves Sale" successful.
According to The Emancipation Network, the organization fights human trafficking with economic empowerment. They sell handicraft products made by survivors, in turn offering them a means for self-sufficiency and a chance for a new life.
"The Emancipation Network is a company through which AID is working for this collaboration," Iksic said, "and they buy these products directly from shelters that they know to be legitimate, and that is what we are selling in the quad."
The products for sale included handmade purses, jewelry and journals.
Students were shocked to find out about the number of people in slavery today.
"I am surprised at the amount of human trafficking going on in the United States," Josh Stelbicki, a senior therapeutic recreation major, said, "For a country that supposedly prides itself on human equality, to have something going on so under the radar is ridiculous."
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