CARE

Raise Money for Operation Underground Railroad

As horrible as it is, trafficked victims are only SUPPLIED because there is a DEMAND for what they provide. By living these simple AWARENESS principles, we increase individual character in ourselves and the people we know, and reduce the demand for trafficked victims by not becoming perpetrators. We make a difference for people we don’t know by supporting Operation Underground Railroad and disrupting the supply of victims.

THE ACTION PLAN

Parents, Students, Teachers and Administrators

Step 1: Together, parents and their students, take and discuss O.U.R. – Know the Signs of Human Trafficking – Online Training, and receive certificates of completion.

Step 2: Together, parents and their students, budget and donate what they can – ideally small amounts monthly to O.U.R. – AWARE & CARE Campaign.  

Step 3: Volunteer at other O.U.R. events. click here

If every family in the school donates at least $5 a month to the campaign, we continuously help children who are being trafficked and we constantly remind ourselves of our principles, vision and mission. The reason to introduce small, yet regular donations is to create continuous conversations between parents and their children. Everyone’s awareness is sustainable over time as they counsel together and regularly evaluate their efforts and participation. Any donations make a difference and are appreciated. Donations are voluntary and should be wisely considered within each family’s budget.

Students should not expect parents just to pay. Students contribute by being continually helpful at home; doing chores, being resourceful – efficiently using family funds to minimize waste and costs, and being kind so family energies can be used in productive ways. Students will know their efforts protect themselves and contribute to rescuing other children. This provides opportunities for parents and children to talk about hard subjects, which create stronger bonds and capable individuals. When parents and their students educate themselves and regularly have these conversations, the chances of abuse are essentially eliminated.

Parents are happy to give. When students intentionally do just a little bit extra, they make their parents’ lives simpler. When parents’ lives are simpler, they make their students’ lives simpler and are happy to give more themselves. Parents eliminate nagging and saying things out of frustration like: “How many times have I told you to do . . . ?” or “What is wrong with you? Can’t you even do . . . ?” Students really don’t want to hear that, and parents really shouldn’t say it. Instead, imagine parents genuinely saying: “Thank you for being so helpful and making a difference. I’m proud of you. I’m so glad you are my son and my daughter. I love you.” Imagine students feeling and saying the same to their parents. Both parents and students grow in confidence because they are working together for a common purpose, and they protect each other from ever going down the road of the abused or the abuser.

Students can earn money in additional ways. Example: Contact an elderly neighbor, explain the need to earn money to rescue other children from slavery. Offer to do needed chores for an agreed upon dollar amount. After a short time, enough is earned to make a monthly contribution. Doing a good job, and doing what is promised and expected, students are likely asked back, now earning some money for themselves. In the process students have become entrepreneurs, and have befriended and helped a neighbor. Skills and confidence that have been acquired will last a lifetime.

Community Sponsors

Knowing the students are personally engaged and contributing, community sponsors appreciate the efforts and are more willing to give their own support. They know their own hard-earned dollars and efforts are not wasted but respected and appreciated by the students.

Step 1: Match school contributions within their own capabilities and budgets. The contributed dollar amount is secondary to the participation and synergy created within the community.

Step 2: Encourage their employees and stakeholders to take and discuss O.U.R. – Know the Signs of Human Trafficking – Online Training with their own families. Asking them to donate personally within their individual family circumstances. Donate Here to O.U.R – AWARE & CARE Campaign.

Step 3: Volunteer at other O.U.R. events. click here

Step 4: Arrange to have an executive speak to the students to share their own experience and counsel at a mutually agreeable time.

Step 5: Market their involvement with Operation Underground Railroad and rescuing children within the community, to generate business for themselves, and inspire additional resident participation in training and donating.

Example:

500 families X $5/month= $2500/month

Community matching =$2500/month

=$5000/month divide by $2000 to rescue 1 child = 2.25 children rescued per month by our school.

Perhaps one day, our schools will be a safe refuge and a new life for a child we save.