Be the Change: National Make a Difference Day

By Darius Hall | WAR, Int’l Intern

As October begins to dwindle down, many people look forward to festivities at the end of the month while enjoying the last remnants of fall before winter hits. In the middle of all this, an important day has often been overlooked: National Make A Difference Day, celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday of October. In 2019, this falls on October 26.

What Is National Make A Difference Day?

Established in 1992,  this “national day of doing good” promotes the idea of volunteering as a positive and heartwarming event and emphasizes the impact that volunteering can have on one’s own community.  It strives to change the view of volunteering from an obligation to a privilege, helping us become a society that embraces the ideals of volunteerism.

National Make A Difference Day has been deemed one of the largest single days of service both globally and stateside. While it originated in the United States, it is also observed in about 30 other countries. According to the National Make A Difference Day website, the annual net value of the 30-million-plus volunteer hours documented would be worth about $635 million.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering can greatly impact the community and can inspire others to serve. It is an opportunity for individuals of varying racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds to come together to serve, seeking to help others without expecting anything back in return.

The National Make a Difference Day website provides tools and resources for those who want to maximize their volunteer efforts. You can start your own project such as a recycling event, a food drive, or a 5k benefit run, or you may simply gather a group of friends to serve at a local homeless shelter. You may also choose to volunteer at an established project within your community. Search the hashtag #MDDAY on social media to learn about other service projects and spread awareness. As long as you are volunteering, you are fulfilling the goal of National Make A Difference Day.

How Can You Make a Difference through Women At Risk, International?

Women At Risk International (WAR, Int’l) understands the impact of volunteering and offers numerous opportunities for those who want to make a difference.

One of the most effective things you can do with WAR, Int’l is to host a party or event to sell products made by our partnering programs and promote awareness of WAR, Intl’s mission. Just $300 in sales is enough to sustain a woman in an international safehouse for an entire month!

At our West Michigan headquarters, we rely on volunteers for things such as tagging products and preparing mailings. These seemingly small tasks make a big difference, saving us tens of thousands of dollars each year. Some volunteers work in our boutiques or offer creative or professional skills. Whatever your contribution may be, your time and efforts make a difference for at-risk individuals throughout the world.

WAR, Int’l would like to thank those who have wholeheartedly volunteered and dedicated their time to our missions and goals. Every contribution makes a difference. We appreciate the loving support given by our volunteers as we continue to fight for the freedom and safety of those at risk.

Updated October 2019 | Originally posted October 2017

Magical Princess Tea Party

 

America Takes a Stand Against Human Trafficking

By Alexa Narsh, WAR, In’tl Intern

The year is 1847 and slavery is a prevalent force in American society, yet tucked away in Rochester New York one man stands to make a difference. Fredrick Douglass, an ex-slave, publishes the North Star, which will become the most influential anti-slavery paper of the era. Douglass was a warrior of justice, always fighting for freedom from all forms of slavery and inequality.

On July 12, 2017, that same fire and spirit that drove Douglass proved to also be alive in the hearts of American leaders today. In honor of all that Douglass stood for in his battle to end slavery, the House passed the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017, introduced by Representative Chris Smith R-NJ, and Representative Karen Bass D-Calif.

 

This federal Act is a momentous win in the fight against the modern day form of slavery: human trafficking. Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by means of threat or use of force or coercion (such as abduction, deception, abuse, and bribes) for the purpose of exploitation (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime).  It is one of the fastest-growing organized crimes in the world, with an estimated 40 million victims globally (27 million adults and 13 million children), and 80% of human trafficked victims are used for sex (Fact Retriever). Contrary to popular belief, human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, is not a foreign problem happening far away from American borders. In the U.S. alone, between 14,500 and 17,500 people (The Odyssey Online) are trafficked each year across our borders, and that number continues to rise. With such an alarming growth rate, it’s no wonder even world leaders are beginning to take a stand against it.

 

As the bill’s name signifies, it is a reauthorization of the Trafficking Victim Protection Act of 2000, which was one of the country’s most inclusive human trafficking legislation. With the newly added revisions, it has become more thorough and effective than ever before. The new provisions aim to diminish not only domestic trafficking but also international trafficking. One way the new bill addresses international trafficking is by preventing any goods made from forced and child labor from entering the U.S.; another is by monitoring migrant workers crossing our borders to ensure they are not trafficking victims. The Act also states that any country utilizing child soldiers will be penalized by restricting military assistance. With this bill, America will hold its partners and allies to the same standard, and have a zero-tolerance policy toward those who put no effort into preventing human trafficking within their borders.

Once it passes the Senate, the changes that take place in our borders will be more than noticeable. We can now expect our children to become more educated on the subject by having age-appropriate programs in schools that will show what traffickers look for, and how to avoid becoming a victim. Certain employees can also expect changes within the work place.

Medical personnel, social workers, those in the hospitality industry, and even domestic airline workers will now be required to learn how to identify a victim of trafficking, as well as the correct procedures to follow when reporting a suspicious situation to the appropriate authorities. Our law enforcement officers will also be receiving more extensive training on the matter, which is something many states previously lacked.

These are only a few of the many revisions made to this bill in an effort to seriously fight back against human trafficking, both domestically and internationally. This bill passed the House with no resistance, which means our leaders are recognizing a problem that thrives on being under the radar. These leaders are determined to shed as much light on this evil as possible. This step forward means we can no longer be ignorant of the issue, and we now fully recognize this as a domestic immorality that needs to be extinguished. These alterations are going to make America a leader in abolishing modern-day slavery as we set the example for countries all over the world. With the emphasis on trafficking awareness, and an intentionality of stopping the demand thanks to the new bill, future generations of Americans will be prevented from being victims.

Congress has also recently passed dozens of anti-trafficking laws such as The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act (Rep Tim Walberg R-Michigan), and the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act (Rep Vicky Hartzler R-Mo. As the days go on, the passion that drove Frederick Douglass and continues to drive our leaders will continue to thrive in America. The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017 is proof of that.

Let us continue to rally together, pushing for better laws, for justice, and for healing from human trafficking and modern-day slavery. One very effective way to combat trafficking is to support programs that shelter and employ trafficking survivors and those at risk for trafficking. An easy way to do this is to host a party or event with WAR, Int’l, selling product made by rescued and at-risk women in these programs. Another is to help raise trafficking awareness in your own community by hosting or attending an anti-trafficking training event, inviting a WAR, Int’l ambassador to speak at your school, or having a representative from WAR, Int’l come and speak to your church or organization. For other ways to get involved with Women At Risk, International and aid in the fight against this injustice, see our Take Action page!

 

Two Hurricanes, One Disaster

Reports from our partners in Texas, Florida, and the Caribbean

By: Darius Hall, Intern
and Bethany Winkel, Senior Staff Writer

With several partners in areas affected by the recent hurricanes, Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) is keeping a close watch on the news. Hurricane Maria, which began pounding the Caribbean as we prepared this article for press, has narrowly bypassed our partners in that region. In the meantime, we have been gathering information from several of our partners who have weathered through Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.

Hurricane Harvey

Considered a Category 4 hurricane, Harvey decimated southeast Texas with winds topping out at around 100 miles per hour. Unforeseen record-breaking flood waters topping out at almost seven feet were witnessed throughout southern Texas. Advised by officials not to evacuate, much of the southeastern Texas population suffered through possibly the worst hurricane the area has faced since Hurricane Carla in the 1960s.

Though located directly in the path of Harvey’s havoc, our safehouse partner in Texas fared relatively well, despite the rest of their region being significantly dismantled.  The staff, residents, and animals were all reported safe, and the staff and occupants worked tirelessly to calm and assist others in the community. However, two women in the safehouse’s outreach program have lost everything in the flooding, and many other families the safehouse assists have also been affected by Harvey. WAR, Int’l is helping to raise funds for them, and they wish for our continued prayers as they attempt to adjust to this tragedy.

Hurricane Irma

Harvey had barely dissipated when Hurricane Irma made landfall. With wind gusts covering over 70,000 square miles, a diameter of almost 300 miles, and speeds peaking at about 185 miles per hour, Hurricane Irma wreaked devastation in the Caribbean as well as the southern part of the United States. Impacted states include Florida, Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas, and even Tennessee. Millions went for days without power, homes have been completely destroyed, and flood waters defile the streets, making transportation and adequate living nearly impossible.

In light of the damage and destruction Irma left behind, WAR, Int’l was concerned for several partners, both stateside and abroad, who are located within the path of the hurricane.

A Report from Our Florida Partner

While Irma itself was projected to become a Category 4 hurricane by the time it touched down in Florida, our outreach partner fared relatively well, noting that by the time Irma had reached them, it had diminished to a Category 2 hurricane. The organization was well prepared and took early precautions, which included boarding up their windows, securely fastening down outside amenities, and turning a garage into a makeshift stable for their animals. While Hurricane Irma seemed to significantly demolish much of coastal Florida, our outreach partner reported that they had no property damage and that all the occupants and animals were unharmed.

Irma’s Impact in the Caribbean

With the brunt of Irma’s force hitting the Caribbean Islands, WAR, Int’l was particularly concerned for the neighboring nations of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where we have several partners.

Haiti was impacted less significantly than many other areas. However, the hurricane has brought many other issues upon this nation. Our partners in Haiti indicated that the flooding and mudslides were a very real threat that could damage the infrastructure of their already frail and weak nation. The flooding caused by Irma within Haiti has the potential of overtaking roadways, which will make travel and rescue efforts very difficult. Mudslides as well are a very serious concern for Haiti, since much of its agriculture has been decimated over the years due to the many major natural disasters that Haiti has endured.

In addition to dealing with the fallout from Hurricane Irma, there is also much civil unrest going on within the nation. Protests have turned into violent riots where vehicles are being set on fire, local businesses and shops are being plundered, and authorities are using tear gas as a means to subdue the violent protestors.

The Dominican Republic was one of the countries receiving the fullest extent of Irma’s wrath within the Caribbean. Our partners reported rather severe damage now plaguing the area, including flooding that is about 3 feet high. This, in turn, is making travel on the streets an almost impossible task. In areas where the raging waters have subdued, debris and refuse litter the streets, leaving a terrible reminder of the wrath of perhaps the most detrimental storm to ever come out of the Atlantic coastal region.

Updates from Our Caribbean Partners

The good news is that, as far as we know, our partners in these areas were spared any loss or injury. Our partnering safehouse in Haiti suffered only minimal damage from the initial wind gusts. They reported that all of their staff, women, and families were safe and all facilities were fully intact. Our Haitian microenterprise partner likewise reported no loss. In the Dominican Republic, our education partners were prepared with supplies and a plan for providing refuge to affected families. However, Irma moved to the north, sparing them from damage. We have not received updates from our partnering Dominican safehouses, but we trust that no news is good news. Meanwhile, our Caribbean partners have been spared the wrath of Hurricane Maria, and for that, we are very grateful.

How You Can Help

In spite of all the turmoil and tumultuous times facing those abroad and stateside, there are many ways to be proactive and assist those who need help. Here at WAR, Int’l, we make it a priority to lend a helping hand for those who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances and situations. Because of this, we have set up an emergency “Rescue 911 Fund” so that, even on short notice, we can come to the aid of our partners and those they serve. This includes assistance with disaster relief and efforts. Keeping these people in prayer is also a helpful way to show caring and hope (Philippians 2:3-4).  It is important that we come together in difficult times to support each other in the best way possible.

A Part of Something Bigger

Trading Staff Sweat for Camper Sponsorships

By Bethany Winkel, WAR, Int’l Staff Writer
July 24, 2017

Colorful charts in the staff break room. Employees walking on their lunch breaks. Personal exercise challenges set and met. What was going on this past spring at Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) headquarters? It was some sort of exercise challenge—that much was clear. But who or what had inspired such a challenge?

Last month, we told you about a project near and dear to the hearts of WAR, Int’l staff: a one-week trafficking prevention camp for at-risk teens, taking place next month in a poverty-stricken Eastern European country. WAR, Int’l had the joy and privilege of helping to sponsor a number of girls for last year’s camp, and our staff was determined to sponsor even more girls this year. But the camp wasn’t the only project drawing the attention of WAR, Int’l staff; with a 5K/10K/half-marathon fundraiser coming up at the end of April, exercise and fitness were also on everyone’s minds. Seeing an opportunity to tie the two together, WAR, Int’l’s board threw down a sponsorship/exercise challenge to staff.

The proposal was this: In addition to WAR, Int’l’s initial sponsorship commitment, board members would sponsor up to five additional campers out of their own pockets. The catch? Staff had to earn these sponsorships for the girls by exercising. For each half-hour of physical activity logged, board members would ante up a dollar toward sponsorship. Staff accepted, and the challenge was on.

Five large paper thermometers went up in the break room at headquarters, each sporting horizontal spaces for logging exercise. Colorful markers were kept nearby. The ink on the first thermometer rose daily as staff traipsed in to record their exercise time, whether done on lunch break, at home, at the gym, or elsewhere. One thermometer was quickly filled—one camper sponsored—then a second.

The break room grew more colorful by the day, with the bright spaces on the thermometer reflecting a variety of exercise experiences as diverse and vibrant as the lines themselves. Staff members ran, walked, hiked, biked, or did aerobics. They exercised before work, after work, on lunch breaks, on weekends, and even while on vacation. For some, the challenge provided an opportunity to develop new exercise habits; for others it simply added an element of fun and teamwork to established routines. Many found great reward in stretching themselves, meeting goals, and shattering their own expectations.

Regardless of her experience, each participant enjoyed knowing her efforts went beyond self-care and were benefitting others as well. Several gladly shared their thoughts and stories with us:

Tricia, who does fundraising and consultant care, was among several participants training for the Gazelle Girl women’s race in downtown Grand Rapids, raising funds for WAR, Int’l through monetary donations. An avid walker and occasional runner, Tricia was gearing up to run her first 10K. She did most of her training at the gym, sometimes running on the treadmill for an hour at a time. “It was totally worth it,” she notes, adding that it was “awesome that I could support girls going to a summer camp as well!”

Also training for Gazelle Girl was Shelby, from our call center. In addition to evening runs around her neighborhood, she also ran on the treadmill during “naptime” while working her other job as a nanny. “It felt so good not only to challenge myself and meet my personal goals, but also to come into work and fill in the thermometer and know that I was a part of something bigger just by going out and running!”

A few staff members, taking advantage of WAR, Int’l’s location next to the beautiful Kent Trails, got in their exercise time during lunch breaks. Bethany, a staff writer preparing to walk the Gazelle Girl 5K, decided lunchtime walks would be a good way to get midday fresh-air brain breaks while also developing an exercise habit. Knowing accountability would help her stay disciplined, she sought a walking buddy via a staff email. Becky, from shipping and receiving, began joining her on the trail several times a week, and they have continued to walk together even with the challenge finished. “It’s been great getting to know each other this way,” Bethany notes, adding, “It’s also amazing how quickly the time and distance pass when you are yakking while walking!”

Tammy, from the cashiering department, also enjoyed walking the trail at lunch but clocked much of her time hiking, biking, and kayaking with her husband. “I’ve always been active,” she says, noting that taking part in the staff effort was a “no-brainer.” Yet despite her active lifestyle and good nutritional habits, Tammy’s main challenge has been maintaining a healthy weight.  At the same time the exercise project began, she was beginning to take off pounds and drop cholesterol points with a whole-food, plant-based diet. “It’s fun to have the weight loss to go along with all of the exercise for a change,” she says, “and being able to come in and add my time on the chart was just a really fun thing to see visually.” She especially enjoyed the idea of teaming up with coworkers to make healthy choices and help girls go to camp. “Win, win, win!”

Jen, from the programming department, also reaped unexpected benefits from the challenge, but unlike Tammy, she was starting from scratch. “Knowing my limits, I didn’t think I could exercise continuously for a long period of time,” she says, “so I started my own ‘ten out of ten’ goal.”  For ten days she would exercise thirty minutes a day, and at the end of the ten days, she would celebrate her success—whether it was eight days out of ten or, as was usually the case, a perfect ten of ten! With the employee challenge now in the books, Jen has kept up her personal challenge throughout the summer and recently began her eleventh rotation. “If I had started out at one hundred days straight I never would have made it, but short goals over and over have made for an amazing long-term goal!”

The heart of the challenge was perhaps best summed up by our retail manager, Kelly, a walker and yoga aficionado who welcomed the opportunity to take something she enjoys and use it for a greater good. Echoing the thoughts of many, she stated, “[It] was fun for me to feel like I was doing something for others and not just myself.”

Thanks to the passion and commitment of these employees and many others, by the end of the two-month challenge, all five thermometers were filled. True to their word, board members dug deep into their pockets and came up with enough to send five

 

more girls to camp. Instead of sending our partner funds for the fifteen girls WAR, Int’l had already pledged to sponsor, we were able to surprise her with funds for twenty. Those twenty girls will now be able to enjoy a week of fun activities, learning opportunities, ample food, tender nurturing—and potentially life-saving information. If just one young woman is saved from a future of slavery, that alone is worth all of our staff sweat and effort.

Having conquered our challenge and bettered ourselves along the way, we at WAR, Int’l now issue a challenge to you. What can YOU do to challenge yourself while helping someone else? You may not have a board offering to donate money for your toil and sweat, but what resources DO you have? How can you use them to make a difference in the lives of others? Join us in being “a part of something bigger!”

The twenty girls attending camp next month on a scholarship from WAR, Int’l are there not just because of our staff and board, but also because of generous donations from our supporters. We could not do what we do without you. Please take time to read about the camp, and consider partnering with us so that we may continue to offer opportunities like this one to at-risk children and teens around the world.