Schools take on human trafficking

Human trafficking - defined as illegally transporting people from one country or area to another for the purposes of forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation - operates under the radar of most of society.

Sisters School District hopes to raise awareness of the scourge of human trafficking with a presentation by Nita Belles on Wednesday, May 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Sisters High School Auditorium. Belles is an author and speaker who has presented to community groups, government and faith-based groups nationwide. She details the nature of human trafficking, while inspiring others to find ways to help fight against it. From many years experience in anti-domestic-violence work, she brings a deep understanding of both victims and perpetrators.

She is the founder of the advocacy group In Our Back Yard and is the author of a book by the same title.

"Human trafficking has become a huge business and is incredibly prevalent across our state," said Mark Stewart, director of special programs and student services for SSD. "The Sisters community can be sheltered at times and not realize what is going on around it. This is great if Sisters is the only place you are going to live, but understanding that there are people out there that do not have your best interests in mind is important, especially for young girls, who are typically the target for trafficking."

Belles will discuss the nature of human trafficking; how traffickers operate; the victims' mind-set; links between pornography and sex-trafficking and more, along with discussing how individuals can help combat trafficking.

For more information visit www.inourbackyard.org or contact the Sisters School District at 541-549-8521.