Start Freedom project completed at Broughton High School.

June 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Raleigh, NC, May 30, 2011 Soroptimist International of Raleigh, NC , along with a grant from The Woman's club of Raleigh, and IBM, launched  an initiative that enables our Raleigh youth to combat human trafficking.  Start Freedom is a youth-led education focused campaign that seeks to engage minds and create action against human trafficking is a four day program designed by STOP THE TRAFFIK (www.stopthetraffik.com).   Raleigh's Broughton High School hosted the first 4 day pilot training in North Carolina. Participants in the program were 27 juniors and seniors at the school. The lessons explained human trafficking issues, drawing attention to particular vulnerability of women and girls, as well as to the use of trafficked persons in product manufacturing.  The last lesson of the series was devoted to the subject “how do I get engaged?” The juniors will begin in the Fall a project to bring awareness locally that human trafficking can happen anywhere and to anyone.  Mr. Michael Joseph, Broughton High School's faculty for the leadership class, was the Start Freedom program leader. When thanked for being a pioneer for this curriculum, he responded, "I was happy to try it.  It is a very important topic for the students."

This important program was made available by Soroptimist International of Raleigh, NC using grants from The Woman's club of Raleigh and IBM. Start Freedom is part of Raleigh Soroptimists’ larger effort to raise awareness, promote advocacy, and foster action within the community in regards to Human Trafficking. When asked what was the greatest impact from the program the students said "It could happen to anybody, anywhere."

The plan for the Start Freedom pilot is to expand to other Wake County Public schools and youth advocacy organizations in the community. The pilot workbook would be available as a tool for them to use to initiate the additional Start Freedom campaigns.  The Woman’s Club of Raleigh and Soroptimist International of Raleigh, NC could serve as facilitators to engage the volunteers and organizations serving youth in order to initiate the campaigns.

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Soroptimist International of Raleigh, NC
Founded in 1921, Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization of business and professional women. The name, Soroptimist, means "Best for Women." The mission of Soroptimist is to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Soroptimist International of Raleigh, NC, chartered in 1987, is a 501(c)(3) organization solely run and operated by volunteers. Locally, Soroptimist is focused on helping women achieve economic independence, ending domestic violence against women and girls, and their Triangle Women of Distinction Awards. For more information on ways to help, how to donate or how to come a volunteer, and/or become a member, visit www.soroptimistraleigh.org.