Over the past several years, our National Philoptochos has worked extensively to educate and develop awareness of the multi-faceted problem of human trafficking and to encourage action by assisting and forming partnerships with national and local agencies that assist victims of human trafficking. Beyond our National Philoptochos Conventions in which inspiring presentations have been made, many of the Metropolises and Chapters have also taken on this important cause. They have presented speakers, panels, and films in the past few years in an effort to bring awareness and educate our members and our communities regarding all aspects of this critical issue, in addition to assisting local agencies that aid victims of human trafficking, who are very appreciative of their efforts!

Now with the efforts of our Human Trafficking Awareness and Action Committee, we are happy to announce that beginning in January 2020, we have discussed ways of working with Covenant House International to assist agencies across the United States in numerous ways to combat this crisis.

How can our Philoptochos Chapters take action and help in this endeavor? Our recommendation is that Chapters contact the local Covenant House in their area to determine the various ways a Chapter or Members can be of help. Lists of Covenant House Agencies throughout the country will be provided to each Metropolis Philoptochos President for their distribution.

HOW TO WORK WITH COVENANT HOUSE TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING:

1. Create a fundraiser that supports one of these initiatives: Mental Health / Counseling services for trafficking victims; Public Transportation- Passes so that Covenant Houses can help victims get to medical, counseling, legal appointments; Assist victims with covering legal costs; Keep Covenant House doors open to ensure trafficking victims have a safe place to stay
2. Have your local Covenant House representative come to your Chapter or Metropolis Meeting to talk about Human Trafficking and answer questions.
3. Support a local Covenant House by doing a collection drive for needed items at that location.
4. Consider joining the national movement by participating in SLEEP OUT: WOMEN UNITE which is an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for Covenant House while simultaneously banding with other women to make your voices heard.