Desert view from a morning walk outside the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
I was asked a few months ago if I’d like to join the Board of Directors of the women’s group I belong to. The focus of the group is to raise funds for a residential facility for women who have been sex trafficked. We also clean out our closets, donate our clothes and purchase any items they need like deodorant and new underwear. I’ve written about the Dream Center HERE and HERE. The center provides medical care, eye care, clothing, psychologists, education and religious services if wanted.
The sad thing about my group of women is the club used to have 250 members. Now we’re at about 35. There’s not a whole lot of money raised by 35 people. What happened? COVID shutdowns plus an aging membership. I’m one of the new and young members — in my 60s!
In the end, I said yes and a neighbor friend also agreed to be on the board. Our first meeting was last month and I immediately knew what I would do. I agreed to be in charge of communication. My first project was to create a new brochure. Now I’m working on a sponsorship packet. After that it will be press releases. Back to my old career in the PR Biz.
I could see that communication was an area that could be improved. I’m glad I have experience and who knows? Maybe we can grow our organization back to where it will have a greater impact on the human trafficked teens and young women.
Then I saw this article:
42 arrested in Scottsdale human trafficking operation
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – A human trafficking operation in Scottsdale led to the arrest of dozens of suspects, police said.
Scottsdale Police say they conducted an operation on July 12-13 “to arrest sex buyers, child predators, and individuals involved with the sex trade and trafficking.” https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/42-arrested-in-scottsdale-human-trafficking-operation/ar-BB1qdslq
Forty-two arrested? In two days?
What type of volunteering are you doing now or have done in the past?
Oh my goodness, very sobering and horrible news EA! But it just shows how important the work is and how much they need your expertise. You’re going to do a great job! Funny seeing how you’re already thinking about content. Great ideas!!!! Best of luck, can’t wait to hear how things go. 😎😎😎
Thanks. I feel like I’m back to work again at a full time job. But if I can help the problem of human trafficking, I’ll feel good.
Congrats EA! You are the perfect person for this job and I hope your input really raises awareness and also brings more people into the cause 🙂
Thank you! I’m hoping to grow our membership and make a difference.
I work with Gods Love We Deliver, which brings meals to people unable to cook for themselves. I was in pta for a long time. I’ve also been a reading tutor.
That’s great! I was involved with my kids’ school and swim team. I think I’ve always volunteered. It helps me be in touch with my community.
I try to, but sometimes I hate the people and bureaucracy …
There’s some organizations that I’ve quit because of that.
It gets ridiculous
No kidding! The worst was when I got involved with a political group.
Ugh
👍🏼
You are in the right place at the right time to have a positive impact, sharing your talents and amplifying the urgent need. 💕
Thank you! I was hesitant at first, but now I’m happy I said yes.
They need you…the organization…and those that are suffering…or may suffer in the future. Sharing facts and information about the threats, ways to help is essential – and you’re perfect for the job! 💕
Thanks! There are real live victims and we can help to change their lives.
I think that you are going to make a positive difference in this organization, especially now when things aren’t looking good.
Thank you. I certainly hope so. At least I’ll give it a try.
You’re welcome. I’m sure you’ll make a great difference my friend
Thank you!
💕🙏🏼💕
Why did the organization lose so many members?
They lost many during the COVID shutdowns because they didn’t meet for several years. Then, many became too old to participate or died.
Hum, people were meeting on Zoom. Maybe they didn’t know how to set that up. Anyhow, glad that you joined. This is a big issue.
I’m pretty sure because of the age of the members they didn’t know how to use zoom.
Wow, I hadn’t heard about the recent arrests. Yikes! The organization is so lucky to have you, and I know that strong PR can help draw new membership. Fingers crossed!
I’m not currently volunteering, but in the past I’ve worked with the Scottsdale Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. With DAR, I polished headstones at the cemetery, volunteered at local parades and veteran celebrations, and raised money for school supplies.
CERT and DAR sound like good places to volunteer to help the community. Isn’t that crazy to have 42 arrests over two days?
Yes, it’s crazy and pretty disturbing. I mean, gosh, who are these poor women? Immigrants, young women from broken homes, kidnapped? I wish would could find and help them before they get into trouble.
What I’ve learned is that they are mostly residents of our area, not immigrants and they are groomed online. They use attractive men who give the girls attention, gifts, and make them feel special. Then they get separated from their families and get sex trafficked. It’s really sad. Somehow the groomers know who is vulnerable.
Awful and so heartbreaking
Yes, it is. It’s a strong reason to keep track of smart phones and screen time.
What a great fit for your incredible skills, Elizabeth.
Thanks! There’s so much to do. The last time they had a brochure and sponsorship package was 2016.
You have some good talents in this area! I need to ask you how to market my novel! I am sure they appreciate your talent.
Thanks, but unfortunately, marketing a book is something I don’t know how to do. I haven’t even gotten mine published!
I know. I recognize the challenge of publishing, even more so selling and marketing the novel.
Cheryl said that about selling and marketing her book, too.
Publishing is one thing but selling and marketing is another. I think there is definitely room for self publishing as you have more control. I hope you will publish your novel, one day!
I haven’t looked into self publishing, but I may someday.
That news story really does highlight the need for your organization. Good for you, willing to serve and do the necessary communications work. I’ve served on quite a few non-profit boards. Aside from my summer bird banding gig, I’m not currently volunteering. However, I met a retired emergency room physician who wants to start a mobile clinic to serve the homeless to help get them in a place where they can move forward. I offered to serve on her board when she gets to that point. I’ll be the treasurer.
Good for you to help out the mobile clinic. I’m sure there is a need for homeless to get medical care. I’m shocked to learn how our country is number one in the world in human trafficking.
I’m sure you’ll add value to this organization and obviously it’s for a good cause. Kind of sad how the group has dwindled when there is an obvious need to get the reality out there.
The women’s group has been around for 30 years. Unfortunately, the membership is 30 years older than when they started. It would be nice to reach out to younger people to get involved.