Camarillo, Calif., Oct. 24, 2013 – CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites members of the campus and community to participate in “Stop Modern-Day Slavery, It’s Like a Human Meat Market,” an event intended to raise awareness of the issue of modern-day slavery and human trafficking. The event, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Malibu Hall 100, includes the screening of an internationally acclaimed documentary, an expert panel discussion, free food and refreshments, and the opportunity for participants to create art and explore solutions related to the topic of human slavery.
“Stop Modern-Day Slavery, It’s Like a Human Meat Market,” is part of a week-long, campus-wide focus on social justice in honor of International Celebration Week. The event highlights a troubling growing national and global issue and equips CI students and community members to take a stand for justice. It is sponsored by the World Affairs Council of America in collaboration with CI’s Center for International Affairs, the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies, and CI’s Multicultural Programs.
There are more slaves today than at any time in human history. According to the United Nations, more than 21 million men, women and children are trapped in slavery all over the world. It is the world’s fastest-growing criminal trade activity, generating more than $32 billion in profits a year. The UN reports that 68 percent of victims are exploited for labor, while 22 percent are forced into prostitution. More than half of all victims are women and girls, and one quarter are children. In the United States alone, the Department of Justice says as many as 300,000 children are at risk for sexual exploitation each year.
The hour-long program includes the following:
“Not My Life” Film Screening
This 30-minute, internationally acclaimed documentary sheds light on human slavery in 12 countries, including the U.S. Narrated by Glenn Close, “Not My Life” takes viewers into a world where millions of children are exploited through an astonishing array of practices, including forced labor, domestic servitude, begging, sex tourism, sexual exploitation, and child soldiering. View a clip at http://notmylife.org/.
Expert Panel Discussion
Following the documentary, a panel of guest speakers will answer audience questions. The panelists include:
- Chong Kim – Abducted and sold into sex slavery in the U.S. as a teenager, Chong Kim escaped her captors to become an advocate for human trafficking victims and the inspiration for the 2012 movie “Eden.”
- Rick Phillips – Screenwriter of the film “Eden,” which tells the story of human trafficking victim Chong Kim.
- Shannon Sergey – President of Forever Found, a nonprofit organization working to rescue and restore child victims of human slavery.
- Jade Young – International representative for Life Impact International, Thailand, which conducts prevention programs for at-risk youth, as well as initiatives to rescue and heal child victims of human trafficking.
- Jocelyn White – West Coast Director of Church Mobilization for International Justice Mission. IJM is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression.
Art, Discussion, Expression, and Free Food
Participants will be encouraged to express their feelings and reactions by creating art, engaging in discussions with panelists and other guests, and exploring practical ways to make a difference. Refreshments and appetizers will also be served.
CI’s Center for International Affairs promotes the University’s mission of graduating students with multicultural and international perspectives through study abroad and other programs. For more information, contact Alexis Smith, Study Abroad Advisor with CI’s Center for International Affairs, at 805-437-3107 or alexis.smith360@csuci.edu or visit www.csuci.edu/cia.
Limited parking is available on campus with the purchase of a $6 daily permit; follow signs to the parking permit dispensers. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the CI Vista Bus to the campus; the cash-only fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.
# # #
About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.