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31:8 Project Educates About Human Trafficking
- Sophia Fafard
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves
The 31:8 Project is a non-profit organization based in Bismarck, N.D. The organization was launched in 2015 with the mission to raise awareness surrounding the topic of human trafficking. Stacy Schaffer is the Executive Director and Founder of the 31:8 Project. She presented at this year’s NDPIO conference to educate communicators on the topic of human trafficking.
Apart from the conference, the 31:8 Project offers dynamic workshops, regional summits, and customized presentations. The 31:8 Project also sees involvement with colleges across North Dakota. Colleges may partner and host educational events or assist with the project’s “Bravery Backpack” program by organizing drives to obtain the items for the backpacks.
Schaffer shared that college students can be affected by human trafficking too, whether it be directly or indirectly through people you know.
“I think a lot of us believe human trafficking could never happen to us or someone that we love. What I want people to be aware of is to be mindful of who you are connecting with on social media,” Schaffer said. “If somebody gives you a bad feeling, it’s okay to block them or delete them, or if it goes so far that they’re threatening you, it’s also okay to report that.
“I just want to encourage people, to not blame yourself when these situations happen, because a lot of times in our trafficking cases, people put a lot of blame on themselves, and instead we want to encourage you. There’s resources like us as well as other agencies out there that want to help you navigate this.”
Schaffer explained that students can get involved in raising awareness regarding human trafficking. Volunteering for a local non-profit is one way to help. She also said that, since January is human trafficking awareness month, it could be an opportunity to raise awareness within the campus and show support for survivors of human trafficking.
Schaffer added that students can be a support system for survivors.
“A lot of the time survivors feel like they are alone, or isolated,” Schaffer said. “And even if you are not sure but you suspect someone may potentially be a victim, just let them know ‘hey, I am here for you. If you need help or you need someone trusted to help you, I’ll help you find it.’”
Human trafficking is not unknown to campuses, as some of the 31:8 Project’s clients have come from colleges in North Dakota on both the sex and labor trafficking side.
“It’s definitely prevalent, it’s something that we see, so it’s very important to us that students are mindful of the fact that these things are occurring throughout the state,” Schaffer said.
Although human trafficking can be a heavy topic, people need to stay informed and continue educating themselves about it.
“I just want to encourage people that by educating yourself and getting informed, you are helping us to do something, and you are becoming that voice,” Schaffer said. “Don’t let the topic scare you; instead, educate yourself and have these thoughtful conversations because it will make a difference.”
~ Page 3 of Mystician 87.2 ~
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