Want to know something you can do RIGHT now?! 

You don't even have to get off the computer, or stand up.  And something this small could potentially save more girls than you could ever imagine.

Help us shut down the adult services section of backpage.com.

I have heard stories of girls FROM OUR CITY being taken, abused, and swiftly sold for sex on backpage.com.  We need this outlet for pimps and traffickers to be halted...immediately.  

There was a rally, petitions gathered, debates had, and girls are still being bought and sold on the same website someone can go and buy new living room furniture.

We need to stop it.  We need to take away the ability for pimps, traffickers, and buyers to remain out of the limelight.  While girls are being arrested for prostitution the pimps and traffickers are safely at home...exploiting more girls on this website. 

Here is the petition.

Want more information?  Here are a few articles and links to help you understand the gravity of the situation.  

"Minneapolis Tells Backpage owner to stop sex ads."

"Financiers and Backpage.com"

"Rebecca Project for Human Rights"

Remember to contact Be Free for your showing of Sex + Money.

Thanks for stopping by.

Always Trust

Proverbs 56:3

P

Welcome Back to our amazingly brave Be Free team members who spent days performing outreach at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally!

We are glad for your safe return; and thankful for your amazing sacrifice.

Our work is only beginning though...please keep up with the Blog for many more service and outreach opportunities coming up in the future!*

*There is now a 'follow by email' box located right in the corner of this blog.  This is the best way to stay informed with all of Be Free's many events and outreach opportunities coming up!

As always, one of our recommended first steps in spreading awareness is hosting a showing of Sex + Money.

Contact us at Be Free for all the information to get started.  

Here is what you will NOT need to host a showing:

A great big t.v.
Amazing sound system
Hundreds of friends
Large amounts of money for donations.

What you WILL need!

A t.v. (Any size works. Really.)

Any number of friends/co workers/family/church members

An interest in making a difference for many innocent victims of Trafficking. 

Contact us. Today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by.

Always Trust.

Proverbs 56:3

P.

Stay Informed!

Follow us for Events and Outreach Opportunities!

First and foremost THANK YOU to all the runners, walkers, and bikers who braved the rain this past Saturday during our Walk/Run/Ride to end Human Trafficking!!  We were so elated at the response despite the rain; our greatest thanks go to all of you.  

A couple things struck me about the morning as I was registering those more athletic than I...

#1...we could be so much bigger!! Don't get me wrong, we are sooo thankful for all that came out...but after talking about the morning I found out that a large circle of my friends didn't know about the event!  In a city like Sioux Falls, where everyone is connected somehow this shouldn't happen! :) I was amazed to see some of the faces I saw at the past event, actually a lot of the faces...but I wonder what would happen if everyone who participated told a few friends what they did, and what our next events are?!  Because remember, the 

MOST 

IMPORTANT 

way to fight trafficking iS

EDUCATION!!

So do us a favor; follow our blog.  Like our Facebook page. And 

Tell 

Your Friends!!!

#2....we are only skimming the surface on what is happening in OUR CITY AND STATE!!  I had a person approach me the other day about what I do with this blog...her response was "how lucky we are to live in a place that doesn't have this..." 

my.

heart.

sank.

We do. We have for a while. We must face it.

Join Be Free in helping us spread the word that this IS happening to these United States; even South Dakota; even Sioux Falls.  The longer we keep it in the dark, the bigger the problem will get.

What can YOU do?  

I will tell you.

Host a Screening of 

Sex + Money.

Follow our Blog.

Like our Facebook Page.

Educate.

Donate.

Spread the word.

Pray.

Thanks for stopping by.

Always Trust. 

Proverbs 56:3

P

'Women hold up half the sky.."

I had never heard that Chinese Proverb before.

But I am glad I did.  

I just recently finished reading a book called "Half the Sky" where I first learned of this Proverb...and this wasn't the only thing I learned from this gut wrenching, heart breaking, eye opening work by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.

This book gives personal stories mixed with mind boggling statistics that leave the reader bewildered and ready to spring into action.  "Half the Sky" gives detailed ways any one person can help, and urges organizations to band together whenever possible; and rally behind organizations already put into place by women surviving there...and slowly working towards change.

PBS is also airing a Documentary based on the Book on October 1st and 2nd.  Check out their website for more information.

I HIGHLY recommend this book.  You can buy it here, now.  Getting the conversation started is half the battle...

so let's get going.

*A social justice book club/discussion group is in the works by myself and Susan, Director of Be Free Ministries...please stay tuned for details.*

While you are waiting for your book check out these events happening...or consider hosting a screening of the Sex + Money film for a group of people you know.  No group too small or too big; please contact Be Free Ministries for more information!!

Check out Be Free Ministries Facebook page for more details on this amazing event benefiting Be Free Ministries and Bethany International Ministries!

Host a screening.  Let's get ourselves and our communities educated.

Sex + Money Film.

As always. Thanks for stopping by.

Always Trust.

Proverbs 56:3

P.

Thank you to....

EVERYONE who came out to support Be Free Ministries and Tapestry International at the Screaming in the Silence event this past Tuesday.  

A big Thank You as well to Coffea Roasterie for providing exceptional, and remarkably fast, service during the event; donating all the proceeds from the beverages purchased to the cause!!

Thank you as well to ALL the artists, photographers, jewelry designers, cosmetologists, and many, many, many, more for not only giving your time to these amazing causes; but an incredible gift of time, talent, and love displayed in each of your pieces.  

Each guest who attended deserves a warm thank you as well.  Every one of you is a vital piece in both of these causes and getting our communities educated.  Take what you learned and tell your friends, co-workers, family members, and anyone who will listen!! We can not even begin to fix these issues in our community without first, acknowledging that there is indeed a problem.  




For more information on the evening there click HERE to see a short video and read what The Argus Leader had to say about the event!

DIDN'T MAKE IT TO THE SCREAMING IN THE SILENCE EVENT?

Check out the events below and make sure you check out Be Free Ministries Facebook Page for more upcoming events!!

Get your bike.
Get your tennis shoes.
Get your family.
Get your friends.
Get ready.

You will not want to miss this event!!  Something for everyone Saturday July 28th!!!

CAN'T MAKE IT TO ONE OF THE EVENTS...CREATE YOUR OWN EVENT!

Host a showing of the documentary Sex + Money.  Watch the trailer just above.  Get a huge group, or just a small gathering of friends.  Education is KEY when it comes to starting our fight with Sex Trafficking in our communities....contact Be Free Ministries for a FREE showing today.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Always Trust. Psalm 56:3

P.

FBI: Nationwide child prostitution sweep leads to 104 arrests, 79 children rescued

What do social media and prostitution have in common?  ALMOST EVERYTHING!  

Social medial outlets like Facebook, Craigslist, Backpage, and more allow pimps access to more young girls than ever before.  They know what to look for in a child, and they know the children that can be easily groomed.  These children are lured in by the promise of everything from a warm meal, to love and attention that they feel they aren't receiving elsewhere.  For more information on keeping your child safe on the internet click here.

Though 79 children were rescued, many are expected to return to the harsh world of prostitution and trafficking largely in part to the grooming process.  They have been convinced this is what love feels like, and they know no other lifestyle.  Rehabilitation and numerous outlets to heal will be necessary for these victims to overcome the tragedy they have endured.

For the full article please click the link below:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/25/us/child-prostitution/index.html

If you think you know a victim of trafficking, or have been trafficked/sold without your permission please contact Be Free right away.  We are here for you always.

Want to help?  

Here are a few ways:

You can attend one of these events and raise funds and awareness for organizations working to help the victims of these situations.

                                                     

You can also get some people together and host a screening of Sex + Money.  A documentary geared towards spreading the word regarding trafficking, prostitution, and the horrible combination of sex and the people willing to buy it.

http://sexandmoneyfilm.com/

Thanks for stopping by.

Polly

Get your tennis shoes, your bike, and get moving....for Be Free!

There is another event coming up for Be Free Ministries!

Be Free is partnering with Bethany International to host a 

Walk. Run. Bike. Against Human Trafficking.

The start/end location is to be determined and will be announced shortly.

The event starts on Saturday, July 28th at 8:00 a.m.

To register to ride/run/walk or to sign up to help email

ride_run_BeFree58@ymail.com

Keep following Be Free's Facebook page for all the event information!

See you there!

Always Trusting.

Polly

Be Free Ministries has a new Facebook page!!

As opposed to the Group setting Be Free was utilizing before, they now have a page option that one can just 'like' and then follow all the important updates, events, and opportunities to serve.

You can also share this page with your friends (which would be great if you would!)

To do this:

There is a little drop down menu next to the actual "Like" button, and "message" button.  

On this drop down menu there is an option to 'SHARE'.

You can post on your wall, on a friend's wall, or even private message.

Here is the link!

https://www.facebook.com/BeFreeSiouxFalls

On there you will also see information on the Screaming In the Silence event I blogged about eariler.  This is going to be a fantastic event benefiting Be Free Ministries and Tapestry International.  What more could you ask for in an evening? Coffee from Coffea Roasterie, local artwork, and making a difference all in one place. Be there!!!!

Hello Be Free Followers!

There a multitude of events coming up, all working to raise awareness of Human Trafficking right here in Sioux Falls.

On July 10th Coffea Roasterie  will be partnering with Be Free Ministries and Tapestry International to host a Silent Auction of local artists to raise money for these ministries.  Proceeds from the coffee drinks bought during this event will also be donated to Be Free Ministries and Tapestry International.

Come drink some great coffee, browse some local artwork, and learn how you can help these ministries combat these crimes against humanity.

This event will be Tuesday, July 10th from 6:30 to 8:30! Be There!!

See you Soon.

Polly D.

Dr. Phil goes "Behind The Lens"

Recently Dr. Phil aired an episode entitled "Behind the Lens: Child Pornography".  There were horrific tales of mental, physical, and sexual abuse against children of all ages.  Children were tortured, sold, beat, raped, starved, videotaped and completely robbed of any innocence and normality in their young life.  The worst part of every situation?  The images/videos/sales of all these children were grabbed up at an ASTONISHING rate. Thousands upon thousands of people logged on to these websites regularly to illegally view this disturbing footage.

The show also tackled the act of 'grooming'; which has been mentioned on a few posts before, and what I think is a GIANT step in eradicating these heartbreaking stories.  These monsters pose as caring, gentle, kind influences in a child's life in order to earn their trust...when really they have only one goal...and that is complete manipulation and control.  When they work their way into a child's heart; there is no telling the damage that can be done.

Below are a few links (including links to Dr. Phil's website) that were highlighted on the show.  There are a number of organizations doing what Be Free is doing and we all need to stand strong together to eradicate these horrendous crimes against humanity.

http://www.notonemorechild.org/  'Not One More Child' was founded by Elizabeth Smart and Alicia Kozakiewicz both victims of abduction.  Both women are working tirelessly to educate the public on Internet Safety, rescue and rehabilitation for victims of tragedies like their own.

http://protect.org/component/content/article/1576  Protect.org is an amazing resource to get all information regarding laws, bills, and amendments pertaining to Sex Trafficking, Child Sex Trafficking, Child Pornography and many more.  There are sections stating what YOU specifically can do where you live, or around the world.  Whether it be writing a letter, or showing support for a petition or grant.

Trust.  


It is how I sign every one of my blogs.  Trust.  Always Trust.  It is something as humans that we consciously decide to give to someone.  Whether it be God, your significant other, a friend, or...a stranger.  When I sign my blog; it is more of a constant reminder to myself to Always Trust God. 

 In today's blog I am pondering a different kind of trust...

Last night I watched the movie "Trust" starring Clive Owen and directed by David Schwimmer.  (You may recognize him from a little show that was somewhat popular a while back called 'Friends')  In "Trust", Schwimmer tackles the heavy issues of grooming, and how this tactic is utilized by online predators.

The movie delves into the heart wrenching emotions one family goes through when their 14 year old daughter is groomed, and assaulted, by an older man she met online.  According to Highlights of the Youth Internet Safety Survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice “one in five children (10 to 17 years old) receive unwanted sexual solicitations online.”  

Just another reason to study up on Internet safety, and monitor where your child goes on the internet.  I will attach again the Internet Safety 101 information.  The predators who do this are VERY good at what they do.  They know how to get to these kids and make them not want to tell anyone what happened.  Very informational; though hard to watch at some points.  I recommend watching without young kids in the room.






All for now. Thanks for stopping by.




Always Trust.
Polly D.

Sign The Petition to Stop Trafficking on Backpage.com

A disturbing trend is surfacing on a well known website www.backpage.com.  4 people in Denver arrested, one in Georgia, and many more not caught yet. (According to www.Change.org)  

Pimps utilize the internet to exploit girls; young girls as well, to buyers all over the country while maintaining a dangerous secrecy when it comes to their identity.

We need to, as a society, put a lid on organizations that make it easier for buyers and pimps to force others into any form of exploitation.  We have a moral obligation to each other to do our part.  Here is one simple thing that you can do right now.

Head over to Change.org with the link below:

http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-village-voice-media-to-stop-child-sex-trafficking-on-backpage-com

Curious what websites like Craigslist and Backpage have to do with an issue like trafficking?  Read this article, "Teen Girls' Stories of Sex Trafficking in the U.S." published way back in February of 2006 detailing 2 different young girls' stories and how both were sold and exploited using the internet.  Think of all the advances to our social networking since 2006 and what these changes have possibly done to make the trafficking industry flourish.  Just another reason to check out Enough is Enough, to educate yourself on Internet Safety.

As always, Thanks for reading and staying informed. Any questions/comments/concerns can be directed to myself or Be Free directly.  Interested in helping?  Come up with an action plan and contact us.  Want to host a screening of the film 'Sex + Money'?  Good idea.  Contact any of us for more details.

Always Trust.

Polly D.

Educate.

RESOURCES:

You may be wondering about now where you can start.  Like I said in my first entry; education and awareness is key.  Below is a valuable resource hand picked by the staff at Be Free to help everyone from parents to teachers navigate their way through the tough issues of human trafficking, sex slavery, prostitution, and exploitation.  

An organization Enough is Enough has an incredible website going over all the internet and gaming safety anyone and everyone on the internet needs.

http://www.internetsafety101.org/

This website alone is a great place to start.  Watch the videos, read the articles, and pass it on to everyone you know.

Stay tuned to this blog for more resources, information, and ways to get involved.

If you are interested in hosting a screening of the Documentary 'Sex + Money' please contact Be Free right away and begin the process of awareness with those around you.


Always Trust.
Polly D.

Introducing Be Free Ministries.


We are Be Free Ministries.  Be Free ministries was co-founded by Susan Omanson and Ashley Statema right here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Their office is located in the heart of downtown at the Sioux Falls Ministry Center.  Be Free ministries is committed to ending human slavery, trafficking, and exploitation. They are working locally and globally to combat this issue by means of education and raising awareness, along with providing invaluable resources to the victims of this new form of human slavery.


My name is Polly Dean, I am a local columnist and writer.  Using the medium most suited to my abilities; I have agreed to update you, the public, and also the only ones capable of putting this tragedy to a grinding halt.  I am merely someone who's heart is breaking at all of the sexual brokenness right here in our own city and around the world.  I have offered my voice to help spread the word for those who no longer have their own voice.  


Crucial to all movements and direct change in our world first requires education.  I am not talking 4 year degrees vs. doctorates here...in this instance I am talking about awareness.  Human Trafficking into sex slavery is happening right here; in Sioux Falls, SD.  This statement is in NO WAY meant to scare or upset anyone.  It is merely a call to action that certain problems do not just go away on their own.  We alone are responsible for how our city/state/country handles crimes of this calibur.  We alone are responsible for our willingness to stand up and say "Not here, not now, not ever."


We will begin with a tutorial on what human trafficking is.

Trafficking:an act of recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring or receiving a person through a use of force, coercion or other means, for the purpose of exploiting them. (according to The United Nations Office on Drug and Crime)

Exploitation: use or utilization, especially for profit; the combined, often varied, use of public-relations andadvertising techniques to promote a person, movie, product,etc.

Prostitution: the act or practice of engaging in sexual intercourse for money.

Women who get involved in Sex Trafficking Schemes feel that they have no other choice.  They may have no one else to turn to.  They may be runaways and jump at the thought of someone taking care of them; or what they think is someone taking care of them.  Human Trafficking is so much more that what we once thought. 

For more information stay tuned to this Blog; and Contact Be Free Ministries to schedule of a showing of Sex + Money at your church, school, small group, book club, social club, etc.  No group is too small or too big.  Sex + Money is a documentary taking a good hard look at the issue; and how we can do our part to stop it.  The first step is always EDUCATION.  Let's get started.

I look forward to this journey with all of you.

Trust.

Polly Dean.