As the national and local spotlights continue to focus on the problem of human trafficking, a "modern-day abolitionist" will be speaking at the Lake of the Ozarks Stop Human Trafficking Coalition at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 22.
Nanette Ward will speak about her work with the Central Missouri Coalition in Columbia. She was the local coalition's first speaker when the group began meeting three years ago. "[She] has been instrumental to our growth as we forged ahead. Nanette is a fount of wisdom about human trafficking," the group said in an announcement about this week's meeting. If possible, she will be accompanied with a survivor who will share her store.
Most recently, Nanette was chosen to do a "TED Talk" about human trafficking. TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 26 Coalition Meeting - Minda Cox, guest speaker
Minda Cox is an extraordinary young woman born with no arms or legs. Hers is a story of resilience and courage that are amazing - her talk will touch every heart and strengthen everybody's resolve. She will relate her own story which is overwhelming, and discuss the issue of disabled individuals who undergo abuse.
May 24 Coalition Meeting - Mike McDonnell, speaker
Mike McDonnell, co-founder of LOSHTC, will speak about his experience of working with men as they look at their own roles in demeaning women. How does this occur? What role does pornography play? How can this be changed?
June 28 Coalition Meeting - In Plain Sight"
This program will feature a powerful film, "In Plain Sight" with a discussion following. The film features six modern-day female abolitionists fighting against sex trafficking in our nation. Through interviews with numerous victims, a similar pattern of vulnerability and abuse becomes clear. Stories of hope and freedom emerge as survivors share how they were transformed in a special aftercare home. This is an important film for us as we develop plans for LOSHTC's extended-stay safe house.
The Lake of the Ozarks Stop Human Trafficking Coalition is a volunteer organization working collaboratively to increase awareness, identify causes, and support victims of trafficking. It invites the Lake area community to its monthly speaker program featuring survivors that will share their experiences of trafficking and escape, as well as expert speakers in the fields of psychology, legal issues, law enforcement, medical, and more. Programs also focus on the causes of sexual exploitation and labor trafficking in the Lake area. Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month at St. George Episcopal Church, 423 N. Business Rt. 5, Camdenton, MO 65020. For more information, contact Mary Spencer at (573) 873-8714.
