Out of the Shadows is an effort to educate about the dangers and realities of human trafficking and provide a means of hope and possibly escape for men, women and children.

Why is it important? It is simple: Human trafficking is the practice of people being tricked, lured, coerced or otherwise removed from their home or country, and then compelled to work with no or low payment or on terms which are highly exploitative. The practice is considered to be trade or commerce in people, which has many features of slavery, and which is illegal in most countries. The victims of human trafficking can be used in a variety of situations, including prostitution, forced labor (including bonded labor or debt bondage) and other forms of involuntary servitude. Human Trafficking destroys lives.

The Out of the Shadows Program will: 1. Partner with like-minded organizations who will collaborate on the education pieces that will be distributed via print, radio and television media. 2. Launch a national education campaign with our partners that will include press releases, a website launch that will include all of the organizations logos who are participating in the campaign, and speaking engagements globally. Each partner will accept speaking engagements in their "area" -- which will be decided upon once we know who the participating partners are on this project. 3. Mobilize a grassroots fundraising campaign through our organization that will fund the Out of the Shadows project and our participating partners. The proceeds will allow us to establish a fund to directly assist victims of human trafficking. 4. Out of the Shadows will include a multi-media presentation that can be given to civic groups, churches, and other organizations that would like to learn more about the realities of human trafficking and how they can help combat this problem. I know that the best way to get out a global message is to collaborate. I am already doing this on a national level for families with missing adults and I am passionate about applying this knowledge and skill to the area of human trafficking -- along with partner organizations like across the globe. Education and Collaboration will stop Human Trafficking.

Others can volunteer, participate in a committee, donate, or help spread the word.