Every country outlawed the Atlantic slave trade in the 19th century, but today there are around 27 million people held in slavery. Now defined as human trafficking, modern day slavery is the fastest growing illegal business, generating between 7 and 19 billion US dollars per year. Women and children are exploited for sexual and labor purposes, bought and sold as chattel, and even traded for organs.


Although the global system of slavery is overwhelming and daunting, you as students can help end it. The Emancipation Network, TEN, works to fight modern day slavery by empowering trafficking survivors and those at high risk of being trafficked. We partner with service organizations and shelters in several countries that work with women and children who have been rescued from slavery. The shelters implement craft programs for the survivors, which has therapeutic value and also serves as vocational skills. TEN buys the hand-made products to sell in the United States, thus educating each new customer about the issue and providing an economic opportunity for the survivors.


As part of the TEN Student Program, we offer discounted prices of the product line, because we understand the financial constraints of most students. We also offer the student groups a 25% commission for each product sold. So if you sell $1,000 worth of items, your student group will receive $250 to spend as you see fit! This can help fund other human-trafficking events, pay for travel expenses to attend related conferences, or you can donate the money directly back to the survivors.


In the TEN start-up kit, you will receive $500 worth of the beautiful hand-made products, including jewelry, handbags, and stationary. You will also receive documentary films to show at your events, at group-meetings, or even in your classes. Finally, you will be given a list of guest speakers who are willing to come to your school to raise more awareness about the issue. Of course, the regional TEN Ambassador and myself will attend any event and help promote it to the community.


This is a wonderful opportunity for you to fight human trafficking by educating your peers and by empowering survivors, while at the same time raising money for your student group. Abraham Lincoln once said, “I want you to finish what I started.” This is your opportunity to answer his call to action. I look forward to working with you in the future to bring the end to the slave trade for the second time in human history.


Sincerely,

Becky Bavinger 
Student Programs Director

What’s New at T.E.N.?

Dreams of Freedom Conferences

On April 19th, high school students in Oregon will host Dreams of Freedom at their Eugene charter school. The event will feature "Survivor Stories," a dramatic performance based on true trafficking scenarios. Contact Barbara for more info.

On April 20th, join TEN at Crobar in NYC to celebrate Dreams of Freedom!

Event will start with FREE drinks and appetizers, an art exhibit, followed by music performances and a presentation about human trafficking and slavery.

To buy tickets and for more information, click here.

Race for Rights

On April 21st, students from Boston College will participate in a marathon to raise awareness and support for victims and survivors of human trafficking. Visit the website or contact Mai for more information.

Student Project at Babson College

A team of five seniors at Babson College are dedicating their entrepreneur class to developing the TEN student program. They will research product design, conduct focus groups, and make a final report to TEN by early May. For more information, or to send your thoughts, contact Candace Geers.

India Trip Report

TEN recently led a team of 25 volunteers to Kolkata, India. We led art therapy workshops at two of our partners, Apne Aap and Sanlaap. Most of the volunteers are rock musicians, and also designed products with the survivors to sell at their concerts. Click here to read the Trip Report.