Tawney Bevacqua is Free the Slaves’ outreach coordinator. She is also the face of the ‘Artists Against Slavery’ blog—a sub-section of the FTSblog—in which she explores how artists and creative professionals are using their talents to help end slavery.

Thousands of people are brought into the U.S. every year to be used as slaves. Thousands more U.S. citizens are enslaved within our borders. Even though it’s all around us and we are connected to it through the products we use every day, modern-day slavery is a hidden crime, and we can sometimes feel helpless against it. But there are actions you can take now to help eradicate slavery. Raising awareness is an important step you can take. It’s still not universally recognized that real slavery exists today. Experience tells us that when people find out about slavery, they are inspired to work to eradicate it. Raising funds to help reputable anti-slavery organizations like Free the Slaves is also an important action. Donations help us continue our work.

Here is a list of three concrete things you can do to help bring an end to modern-day slavery:

SPREAD THE WORD:

Tag Free the Slaves in a facebook status asking your friends to join in on the fights against modern day slavery.

SIGN THIS PETITION:

The landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 is perhaps the most important piece of U.S. legislation to combat modern-day slavery. The TVPA is up for renewal this year, and we need your help to ensure this important legislation is continued. In partnership with Change.org, ATEST has started a petition urging President Obama, Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Harry Reid to make the eradication of slavery a priority—and renew the TVPA. Sign the petition urging the U.S. government to continue the TVPRA

STAY INFORMED:

We started a blog so it would be easy for you to get the latest on slavery in the news, events around the world, and ways for you to help. Make the Free the Slaves blog your homepage!

If you have creative ways to help end slavery share them on our facebook wall or email me at Tawney@freetheslaves.net