2014

Fair-Trade Holiday Shopping

When: December 2014
Where: St. Mary's Academy

During the first week of December, the YES Board at St. Mary's Academy put together a sign to hang in the front hall. Besides encouraging fellow students to "Shop Ethically," the members also put together lists of brands and stores where fair trade chocolate and apparel could be purchased for those on their holiday lists.

American SPCC's Youth Forum

When: November 20th, 2014
Where: Mercy Corps Headquarters (Downtown Portland)

The American Society for the Positive Care of Children invited the Youth Ending Slavery Board to speak at their Youth Forum: "Listening to Youth-Driven Solutions on Universal Children's Day." The event focused on issues and solutions that affect youth. YES enjoyed learning about the connections between human trafficking and other local issues. Three of our chapters: St. Mary's, Forest Grove and Marist, were represented at the event.

Jamba Juice Fundraiser

When: October and November 2014
Where: All over Portland!

YES volunteers Georgia Bascom, Natalie Bojarsky, Katy Foley, Devon Thomas, Maria Grossen, Nicole Taylor, and Anna Steinhilber spent the end of October and beginning of November selling Jamba Juice cards to benefit YES. The group brought in about $300.00 and was able to sell about 40 cards. This money will benefit YES and various human trafficking organizations in the Portland area.

Connect PDX

When: Thursday, October 2nd. 8 AM - 5 PM
Where: Central Bible Church. NE Portland

Several members of the YES Board attended this conference, which was a great networking opportunity. We prepared a resource table and attended several breakout workshop sessions regarding raising awareness through social media. We were able to see sex trafficking from the perspective of two very brave survivors. It was motivating to see and learn about the myriad of other dedicated anti-trafficking organizations in the Northwest. Commissioner Diane McKeel was the afternoon keynote speaker. Abolition Now, the non-profit behind the conference, prepared a wonderful day filled with great information and resources.

The Lantern Walk

When: Saturday. September 27th 5-9:30 PM.
Where: Portland International Raceway. Portland, OR.

Youth Ending Slavery manned a booth at Compassion First's Lantern Walk 5K. The event included thought- provoking, inspiring and emotional speakers who discussed human trafficking, both in Portland and abroad, including Mike Geiger, former supervisor of the Human Trafficking unit of the Portland Police. The event was empowering and informative. To the Right are some photos of our board members Avital Balwit, Clare Mcleod and Clare Collins representing the Youth Ending Slavery Board of Directors at the event.

2014 Walk to End Slavery

When: Sunday. September 21st. 2 - 4 PM
Where: Director Park. Portland, OR

With over $1,000 in donations and 150 people in attendance, this event was an immense success. Many people on the street stopped to listen to our group of passionate and collected supporters. Our speaker, former Portland Police Sgt. Mike Geiger, gave an empowering speech outlining the issue of sex trafficking in Portland and how it relates to an average high schooler's life. He emphasized the importance of self-worth, love and confidence while fighting tendencies of vulnerability and self-deprecation. Youth Ending Slavery would not be able to do this work without the community and the network of anti-trafficking organizations in Portland. Thanks for making the 2014 Walk to End Slavery a success. We will see you next year!

Talia Berniker, Michelle McCall, and Collette Copic

Pump-A-Thon

When: February 22nd, 2014
Where: Circuit Bouldering Gym. Portland, OR

The Pump-A-Thon was a massive event for Youth Ending Slavery. We partnered with a local climbing gym that donated all their proceeds during a 3-hour competitive climbing time to us. Circuit charged people $25 at the door and $20 if they had an annual membership. More than 100 people came to climb, and we were able to raise more than $4,000 to aid in the fight against human trafficking. Check it out here.