YES: Impacting Legislation in 

the Anti-Trafficking Fight

2015-2016: During the 2015 legislative session, former YES member Clare testified in a committee hearing room in support of Oregon House Bill 2206. This bill changes the crime of "patronizing a prostitute" to "commercial sexual solicitation." While this shift in terminology may seem inconsequential, the phrasing does matter. By accurately describing the crime taking place in state law, the stigmatization of those involved in the sex trade decreases. The change ensures that those involved as the purchased commodity are seen as victims of a crime rather than criminals themselves - a change many states in the U.S. still fail to carry out. 
2016-2017: During the 2016-2017 school year, YES will influence legislation by supporting anti-trafficking legislation already developed and proposed by Oregon's CSEC legislative workgroup. In addition, YES will further their own educational and youth outreach by spearheading legislation that would call for a statewide educational program in middle and high schools across Oregon.

Join the Conversation!

Every voice matters. Write to your legislator about anti-trafficking bills that you think they should vote through, call them on the phone, or send them an email. Follow the steps below.
How to format your message:
  • A short direct letter is most powerful. 
  • If you decide to handwrite your letter, make sure your writing is neat and legible. If other people can’t read your writing, they won’t read your letter.
  • Be polite; don’t be too aggressive.
  • Include your name, address, and ways to contact you (phone number, email) on the letter AND the envelope.
  • Be really specific with your concerns and requests. Elected officials deal with a lot of problems every day, so have a particular problem or issue in mind. If you’re writing about a specific bill, give them the bill number and your opinion.
  • Keep in mind that facts carry a lot more weight than reasons such as "because it’s bad" or "because I like it."
  • Address them in a respectable way!
Write to your Representative:

Date 
The Honorable (full name) 
United States House of Representatives (get street address from button below) 
Washington, DC 20515  
Dear Representative (last name): 

Write to your Senator:

Date 
The Honorable (full name) 
United States Senate address (get street address from button below) 
Washington, DC 20510 
Dear Senator (last name):