International Justice Mission is a U.S.-based non-profit human rights organization that operates in countries all over the world to rescue victims of individual human rights abuse. The organization works to combat human trafficking, including the commercial sexual exploitation of children, forced labor slavery, illegal detention, police brutality and illegal land seizure. Yet, another significant component of the group’s mission is to raise awareness of such controversies in the modern world. Though such issues are not broadcasted daily through media networks, they are unfortunately quite prevalent. International Justice Mission and the United Nations report that there are approximately 27 million slaves in the world today, and the total market value of illicit human trafficking is estimated to be in excess of a horrifying $32 billion.These devastating statistics filled Carrie Cabush ’15 with anger and compassion, powerful emotions that inspired her to form an International Justice Mission chapter at Hamilton last semester.
What events has IJM Hamilton thrown so far? IJM Hamilton has co-hosted an Awareness Week with LiNK to support victims of injustice in North Korea. More recently, the organization celebrated Valentine’s Day by making 158 Valentines for women in the Nashville, TN’s Magdalene Shelter, which helps women to escape and re-cooperate from the hard life of prostitution
What events do you have coming up? This week, Hamilton will be one of 531 college campuses recognizing the 27 million slaves in the world today. By participating in the movement, these colleges are encouraged to raise and donate at least $2,700—all of which will support the work of International Justice Mission. In addition to raising money, Cabush and the other members of IJM Hamilton hope to increase student awareness of the widespread, rampant conflict. To pique interest, the organization will hold a bake sale and a screening of the documentary Call + Response, which prominently features Dr. Cornel West, who visited campus this Friday, March 8. In addition, there will be food courteous of Minar and entertainment by campus performers.Â
Why get involved in IJM Hamilton?  According to Carrie, “All movements must start somewhere…We are here to turn concern into action and to shake the idea that just because a contribution is small it is less valued. All movements start somewhere and we hope to be that trigger on this campus, idealistic as it might sound.” While the support of Hamilton may be a minor addition to the fight to end slavery, it certainly is not insignificant.Â
JOIN IJM HAMILTON TODAY, AND HELP THE FIGHT TO END MODERN DAY SLAVERY!