Web iAbolish

Volunteer Action Guide

If you’re interested in helping with the global mission of eradicating slavery, there are a number of ways you can get involved. While donating is one option, you can also be integral in the fight against human bondage if you can’t give a monetary contribution. We have put together a list of just a few of the things you can do to help out. You can always come up with your own ideas, too!

Advocacy - Activism - Awareness - Aid

Advocacy

  • Support Representative Chris Smith's Eradication of Slavery in Sudan Act of 2006 (HR 5911). Simply fill in the emboldened and italicized information on our letter, add on, or write your own to educate your congressman and show your support.
    • Full Text [PDF] of proposed legislation.
    • Sample Letter [DOC]
    • Sign the Petition! 200 years ago the Atlantic Slave Trade was abolished due in part to the efforts of abolitionist William Wilberforce. He was able to collect 390,000 signatures for that landmark decision, and so we too hope to match that number. Sign the petition, forward it to friends, and print it out and pass it around at work or school.

  • Tell the government you want them to do something about modern-day slavery! Write your local representatives. Go to www.house.gov and www.senate.gov to find out the name of your representatives. Simply fill in the emboldened and italicized information on our letter, add on, or write your own.

  • Call the White House, at 202-456-1414 or send them a fax at 202-456-2461, and tell them that you want the United States to do more to fight slavery.

  • Divest – boycott companies that promote slavery. One such successful boycott is being run against Fidelity. Check out Fidelity Out of Sudan!.

Activism

  • Sign up for our Freedom Action Network (FAN) to get email updates about what is going on in the world and what you can do to help.

  • Put up or pass out informational fliers.

  • Host an event!
    • Plan an event such as a dinner party at your home or even a larger event, such as a festival, where you give out information about modern-day slavery. Check out our Fundraising and Outreach Guide for more information on how to host an event.
    • Have a speaker from the Speakers' Bureau attend an event. Click here to book a speaker.
    • Tell us about an event in your area. The best way to do this is with our volunteer form.
    • Represent us at an event. Although we would like to be able to attend every event, we cannot. You could help out a great deal by tabling at an event and passing out information. We will send you all the materials and information you need. Fill out the volunteer form to let us know you're interested.

  • Attend or become involved with petitions, picket, or hold rallies.

  • Get together with others who are interested in the same topic you are and discuss possible options for action.

  • Have a fundraiser (car wash, penny drive, read-a-thon, walk, etc.). Check out our Fundraising and Outreach Guide for more great ideas.

  • Call your local radio station and ask them to talk about modern-day slavery, whether they have an interview or simply broach the topic.

  • Email your local news, The New York Times, the BBC, and anyone else you can think of and have them write about modern-day slavery.

  • Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper. Simply fill in the bold and italicized information in our letter, add on, or write your own. Your letter is more likely to get published if you relate it to local and current events. Check our blog to find stories of slavery in the US, particularly in your state.

  • Become an intern, get a job, or volunteer at an organization that works to fight slavery.

  • Demand that your local store carry "slave-free" and "fair-trade" goods and buy such goods. Information about and a list of fair-trade goods can be found at Global Exchange. A good example of a responsible buying in regards to anti-slavery products is The Chocolate Campaign run by Stop the Traffik based in the UK.

  • Write articles about slavery for a newspaper or publication (whether it be local, major, or at school).

  • Write to a school paper, school or otherwise, on slavery. Ask what they know, or what they're doing to stop it. Tell you teachers what you know and that you want to learn more about modern-day slavery.

Awareness

  • Visit iAbolish.org for information about modern-day slavery. For current news, check out the iAbolish Blog. You can also visit our MySpace and Facebook groups for more information.

  • Get more informed by reading up on modern-day slavery. There are many books on the topic including Enslaved: True Stories of Modern Slavery. Check out our Further Reading and Essays on Modern Day Slavery to become an informed abolitionist.

  • Help people become aware that modern-day slavery still exists by talking about it to whomever possible. Even simply bringing up the topic of slavery in everyday conversation can help educate someone.

  • Hire a speaker for an event, so that others can know the stories and faces of slavery.

  • If you are a member of an organization or school, try to get others more aware by having an event or "Awareness Day."

  • Simply TALK about it!

  • If you are a teacher, help put our educational curricula in your school.

  • If you are a student, tell your teacher you would like to learn more about modern-day slavery.

  • Read a book such as Enslaved: True Stories of Modern Slavery with a book club. A discussion guide is available to facilitate discussion.

  • Watch movies or documentaries about slavery. We even have some short films up on YouTube.com and on our MySpace.

  • Be aware of your surroundings. 17,500 people are trafficked into the US each year - look out for signs). Report suspected instances for free at the US Department of Health and Human Services Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline: (888) 373-7888, or at the US Department of Justice Trafficking in Persons Complaint Line: (888) 428-7581. Remember, this person may be in danger, so act quickly but with discretion and the help of a professional. This pamphlet, by Free the Slaves, educates on how to recognize slavery and what to do once you find it.

  • "Fashion speaks louder than words!" Wear anti-slavery clothing. You can shop online at the iAbolish Store.

Aid

  • Donate. You have the power to free slaves and give humanitarian relief with just a few dollars.

  • Buy from the iAbolish Store. Over 85% of all proceeds go directly to freeing slaves and aid efforts.

  • Have a fundraiser. Just recentely a fifth grade class decided to make a difference and had a car wash to raise money. They raised over $300 in one day to help free people from bondage in Sudan.

  • Practice responsible consumerism and buy fair-trade items. One place we recommend is Global Exchange.

  • Re-gift! Donate a percentage of your graduation, birthday, b'nai mitzvah, or wedding presents. We'll even help you with making a note to put into your thank you cards, or at table settings, that talks about your contribution to ending modern-day slavery.