By Jesse Eaves, Senior Policy Advisor for Child Protection, World Vision
 
Please pardon our delay in getting this update out.  There were so many organizations and individuals involved that it took some time to gather all the information to bring you up to speed.  
 
When it comes to the power of advocacy and the influence of voices speaking in unison, I never ceased to be amazed. I speak for my World Vision colleagues as well as partners from the other organizations that took part in the National Call-In Day when I say “Thank you!”
 
The effort to get the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) over the finish line in the Senate was never going to be easy.  However, if we do succeed in getting the Senate TVPRA passed in September, it will be entirely because of voices like yours.
 
On September 4, despite being the day after a holiday, with students returning to school and people coming back from vacation, we displayed an overwhelming show of force.  Senate phone lines were filled with calls from concerned citizens asking their leaders to put aside partisan politics for the sake of enslaved people across the globe and here in the United States.
 
Advocates from every state except North Dakota and Wyoming called their senators.  That really says it all.  Thousands of you called in and this is just the beginning.  The Senate is only going to be in session for a small period of time in September.  This is the small window we have to make something happen.  We need to continue to put on the pressure between now and the end of the month.  The timing couldn’t be better.
 
How To “Recognize and Maintain” Freedom- Putting Words Into Action
On September 22, we honor the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.  At the time, President Lincoln’s decree was simply words on paper.  What gave those words true power was the promise that the U.S. government would “recognize and maintain the freedom of [freed] persons.”
 
“Recognize and maintain.”  Many people have questioned why we need the TVPRA if slaves were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation and slavery is outlawed by the 13th amendment.  A law is just words on paper unless you have real people taking action “to recognize and maintain the freedom” of those who are enslaved.  That is as true today as it was in 1862.
 
The TVPRA allows the U.S. government to combat modern day slavery.  Slavery still exists.  From now until the end of September, if you believe it is wrong to enslave another human being, make it a point to continue to call your senators and make sure your friends and family know how important and easy it is for them to do the same.
 
You can still visit www.passTVPRAnow.org to download resources for you and your friends.  Keep calling.  Keep fighting.  Let your actions bring the power of the TVPRA to life.