In 2010, the President proclaimed that the month of January would be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Since this declaration, there have been multiple anti-trafficking policy achievements such as the 2016 first convening of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking and the 2017 State Department’s Program to End Modern Slavery.

For nonprofits, it can be difficult to determine how to participate in policy work while remaining nonpartisan. For Junior League Members, this is a normal part of life. Whether it is individual Members, individual Leagues, SPACs, or the Collective, our work against human trafficking is ongoing.

One way you can help to combat human trafficking is by making sure that decision-makers at your local school district are aware of the free, industry-specific materials that Busing on the Lookout (BOTL) has available for school transportation. School bus drivers are uniquely positioned to recognize signs of exploitation and/or grooming in the children they transport each day, which is why BOTL created its School Transportation Training Video and companion materials.

Check out BOTL’s new video highlighting the importance of school transportation in combating human trafficking and their step-by-step guide on how you can introduce BOTL to your local schools. By sharing their training materials with the appropriate school contacts in your area, you are helping BOTL expand its reach and mission, and taking action against human trafficking!

To get started, watch this short video on Human Trafficking from Busing on the Lookout (BOTL):

Then, check out the Busing on the Lookout (BOTL) School Outreach Kit.

Another way to help is to wear blue. On January 11, join the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign, as well as other organizations and individuals across the country, in wearing blue to encourage public awareness about human trafficking. Post a photo of yourself or with others on social media wearing blue with the hashtag #WearBlueDay. Tag @DHSBlueCampaign on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to share how you’re participating.

For more ways to help during National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, visit https://polarisproject.org/how-to-help/ and keep an eye on our social media accounts for updates from Polaris throughout the month of January.