Reflections of an Intern

Author: Rachel, WAR, Int’l Intern

Before coming to intern at Women At Risk, International (WAR), I knew little about WAR, and to be honest, I still feel like I have much to discover because there are so many things that this organization does and I feel like I have only seen a glimpse of all there is. There is no doubt in my mind that this is exactly where God wanted me to be because every other door was completely closed, with a lock, and the door to WAR was flung wide open. Despite all that I have learned, I am still figuring out how this is preparing me and impacting me for what is to come in the future.

I do know that I have been equipped with knowledge, even though there is so much that I still need to learn to educate others about human trafficking, especially in West Michigan & Grand Rapids, as well as advocating for victims of trafficking and other risk areas. Additionally, I want to tell people about WAR, because I feel like there are so many people who have never heard of this organization and the boutique and they are missing out because this place is full of good people.

The emphasis that WAR placed on serving me, instead of what I could do for them, surprised me again and again. The desire to serve me, among other things, has shown me how much I really love people and value relationships. It is crystal clear to me that WAR cares deeply about people, no matter who they are, and while I haven’t been here long enough to really break out of my shell, I still feel confident that I will have a place here because this is an organization centered around providing a safe place for people.

Throughout the three months that I have interned at WAR, I have learned a lot about myself, but mainly about trafficking – about the multitude of people everywhere that it affects, about the myths and stereotypes surrounding trafficking and prostitution as well as the mindset of trafficking victims, and about the wide range of needs that victims have. This has been an incredibly eye-opening experience and my heart has been broken multiple times (it doesn’t require much for me but it hurts just the same). Honestly, it feels quite overwhelming at times because I want to fix it all and have all the skills to help, but I know that I, unfortunately, cannot do it on my own.

I have already been able to share with those closest to me the realities of trafficking in West Michigan and help make them aware of who is at risk and what we can do to help, which is what I want to continue to do. I hope to use my work to advocate for survivors of trafficking and to help make WAR more well known. I don’t have a clear picture of what that looks like yet but I am excited for the potential.

Call To Actions –

Apply for an internship here.
Learn more about WAR’s work here.
Resources for you here.

Hidden In Plain Sight

March 2023

Imagine for a moment, working long hours into the night, your back hurting, your lungs stinging from the spicy dust of a well-known chip the factory you’re employed with is producing. Imagine enduring this while also being a minor, still in high school.

People often forget that human trafficking is more than sex trafficking; it is also labor trafficking, and often exists in plain sight.

West Michigan is currently under the microscope for a local food production factory violating child labor laws.

In late February, the New York Times (The Times) published an article highlighting labor trafficking here in West Michigan. WOOD TV also published an article locally.

This matter was brought to the attention of Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) when Rebecca McDonald, WAR, Int’l founder & president, received an email from a local employment placement firm, detailing their applicant screening practices and policies. Understandably, this firm wanted to disclose that their processes met legal guidelines which would help their clients meet legal guidelines too.

An Illinois-based food manufacturer that has production sites in Grand Rapids, MI hired a local employment agency, who allegedly hired the underage workers. The manufacturer has now hired an agency to conduct an independent review of staffing policies and plant conditions. This review is expected to take 60 days.

What can you do to make a difference? #CircleOfProtection

1) To better understand the risks, learn more here.

2) For additional resources, find them here.

3) To receive training as a Civilian First Responder (CFR), read more here.

Create An Impact

March 8th is celebrated globally as International Women’s Day.

Yes, celebrate the women in your life! However, International Women’s Day is more than what we have done in the past. It is a day to come together and continue making life better for one another.

The history of this day

This sense of solidarity and need for change is what inspired the first Women’s Day. It began in 1908 with suffragettes marching on the streets of New York City protesting for equal rights, and the following year, National Women’s Day was declared in the United States. It gained international recognition in 1910, with women from over seventeen countries agreeing to observe a day to emphasize the fight for equal rights. In 1975, March 8 was officially designated by The United Nations as International Women’s Day.

This year’s theme

Organizers have selected yearly themes since 1996, ranging from ending hunger for rural women to ending violence against women. This year’s theme is about embracing equity in the world. This year’s slogan encourages us to do something in the name of women around the world—especially something we might not usually do.

The International Women’s Day website suggests actions such as calling out instances when women are excluded, reinforcing and supporting women’s triumphs, and encouraging women to further their education.

At Women At Risk, International

We are working to support and empower women every day of the year. Our partnering safehouses, both international and here in the United States, rescue and restore at-risk and wounded women by giving them a safe place to heal while providing counseling, education, skills training, and more.

Our vocational training and microenterprise partners give at-risk women the opportunity to earn an income with dignity, empowering them to safely support themselves and avoid exploitation. Educational and outreach programs in the United States and abroad offer women who desire to better their situation the power to do so.

Create An Impact

As you consider what you can do to help women around the world, here are three ways:

1. Link arms with your friends to co-host a WAR Chest Pop Up Boutique!

Learn more here or simply email party@warinternational.org today.

2. Volunteer at our headquarters or at events!

Sign up here or simply email volunteer@warinternational.org today.

3. Donate to our 911 Rescue Fund to help facillitate rescues!

Read stories of rescue here.

We wish all women around the world a very happy International Women’s Day!

Filled With Love

February has much to offer!

February 2023

Happy February, WARriors!

Love is in the air, mingled with flowers and candies and boxes of chocolates.

As you are no doubt aware, we love sharing how the strength of survivors is fueled through the encouragement and love of their spouses. We love seeing transformations because of love from friends, family, and WAR’s staff and partners.

Remember that a kind word can heal, transform, and empower!

Another thing we love sharing is the latest news and events, please keep scrolling!

Presidential Travel: March
This March, Becky McDonald, founder and president of WAR, Int’l, is headed to Germany to train U.S. Military in anti-trafficking. She will also be speaking to a group of women, possibly the Dept. of Defense school, and more. Because of the presentation she did for the men’s retreat in December, she may speak to chaplains who handle the many suicides in barracks. Please pray for wisdom as she seeks to be a blessing.

Follow Becky on Facebook!

Fresh USTC Designs
Straight from our U.S. Training Center, we are incredibly excited about these fresh designs from the Encompassed Creations!

They are in time for your Valentine’s Day purchase. As well as beyond as love is always in style.

Shop the Collection here!

Resource Page
With last month being Human Trafficking Awareness Month, our goal is to go from awareness to action! We encourage you to take a moment to discover what actions you can take to rise up against this injustice of our time.

As you are ready to take the next step, here are Resources For You.

Light Up Your World Monthly Zooms
Please join us on February 27th to hear from the heart of another courageous survivor. Our special guest speaker Pearl and WAR, Int’l Founder and President Rebecca McDonald will discuss trauma and healing.

As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and trafficking, Pearl will share with us her healing journey and provide an honest picture of the road to recovery. You will be inspired by her faith and perseverance in finding her voice so she can speak up not only for herself but also on behalf of all those who are struggling with the impact of trauma in their lives.

Visit our upcoming events page for additional details.

Galentine’s Extravaganza
Gather your girlfriends for some fun and set aside some time for yourself to take a deep breath, share some laughs with your girlfriends, and simply enjoy hanging out with us.

As part of the festivities, we will have door prizes, gifts, giveaways, and more!

Learn more here!

First-Ever Lunch ‘N’ Learn
Join us on February 21st from 11am-2pm at our U.S. Training Center for our first-ever Lunch ‘N’ Learn.

Rebecca McDonald, founder and president of WAR, Int’l, will be sharing her own personal journey of deepening her walk with God.

Learn More Here.

Resources For You

– A presidential message and real rescues, read here.

– Join us on the 4th Monday of the month for our Light Up Your World Zooms to hear directly from survivors as well as experts in the field. Learn more here.

– Shop our Remembrance line which include the names and ages of human trafficking victims. #ShopToRemember here.

– Read Understand The Risks.

– Get trained, attend a Civial First Responder (CFR) Training Conference, or purchase our Digital CFR here.

– Homeland Security Interviews | Part 1 and Part 2.

Call To Action: Time, Talent, Treasure

TIME
– Host a Party or Event!
– Volunteer at Events or WAR HQ

TALENT
– Share your Creative Skills
– Become a Circle of Protection

TREASURE
– Give Through Your Purchases
– Give your sweat, space, or fundraising solutions

A Song for the Silenced

Tools in Crisis Workshop