Human Trafficking

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1.888.2737.888

SIA launched the Soroptimists STOP Trafficking Program on January 11, 2008, the first-ever National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness.

We look forward to the Northwest Conference Against Trafficking (NWCAT) happening January 14-16, 2011 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OR.  The NWCAT is made up of many law enforcement agencies, government offices, media, non-profit organizations, United States Departments including the National Human Trafficking Resource Center and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and most importantly, the coalition is represented by many Soroptimist clubs throughout the Region.

Each year an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 women and children are trafficked across international borders for the purposes of sexual exploitation or prostitution. Emerging as the human rights issue of our time, sexual trafficking in women and girls has been called a modern-day slavery. Our I-5 corridor is a haven for transporting young girls to California for trafficking purposes. They are driven right through our communities. Believe it or not, it is happening as we speak. White papers on sexual trafficking.
Each year an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 women and children are trafficked across international borders for the purposes of sexual exploitation or prostitution. Emerging as the human rights issue of our time, sexual trafficking in women and girls has been called a modern-day slavery, and rightly so. They are lured or tricked into another state or country with the promise of a job as a waitress, nanny or even one of marriage. Instead she finds misery. As soon as she arrives, those who have tricked her under the premise of a new life confiscate her passport.  She is thrown into a squalid room with other women. And she is forced to meet a daily sexual quota of men, or be tortured and possibly killed.  As one woman who was traffi  cked asked: “Can people really buy and sell women and get away with it?” The answer to that question is a sad “yes.”

Soroptimist Against Violent Environments (SAVE)

The SAVE vision is "a world without violence," and their mission is to eliminate the gap between need and available services for victims of domestic violence and change the social climate that allows domestic violence to continue in our cmmunity. SAVE provides assistance and support to facilities that give shelter to victims of domestic violence.

Reaching Out One At A Time (ROOT Program)

The ROOT mentoring program was created to mentor and assist high school graduates experiencing difficulties continuing their educational pursuits. Soroptimists work closely with counselors who know the young people and their potential. Team members call the student frequently, asking about progress and problems. Students are invited to club luncheons, or casual lunches on campus. Members sometimes visit students at their job sites, or take them to events. The Soroptimists budget includes expenses for bus passes, school books, lab fees and other expenses the students may incur.

Campships

Each year funds are given to agencies such as the American Cancer Society and the Diabetes Association providing camps for children with challenges.

Library Outreach Service

The LOS program is affiliated with the Multnomah County Library. We participate by delivering books and magazines to shelters for the homeless and those suffering from domestic violence.