International Justice Mission at the UCM Raises Awareness About Human Trafficking

International Justice Mission's (IJM) student chapter at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) raised awareness about human trafficking with their "Choose Freedom" event outside the student Union, which occurred yesterday and today (Sept. 25-26). The IJM chapter had students paint their hands red and press their fingerprints against a big, black "X," which stands for the "End It Movement, "a global effort to stop human slavery.

Jacqueline Homer, president UCM's IJM chapter, was pleased with the student turn out and faculty support of the cause.

"We had between 80 to 100 people show up to paint the big 'X.' We also had a huge increase in student interest about IJM through our social medias," said Homer.

The IJM chapter touts thirty plus members and is continuing to increase in size. Many students have taken an interest in IJM because of the recently published articles in the Kansas City Star, which reveal Kansas City as being one of the largest human trafficking hubs in the United States.

"Human trafficking is an issue that a lot of people don't realize happens right here in the U.S.," stressed Homer. "Our biggest goal is to raise awareness. I used to think this sort of thing only happened in 3rd world countries, but it happens here in Kansas City."

Jamie Jackson, a member of the IJM chapter, feels just as passionate about the cause. She said, "It's an issue like no other. We need to help people who don't have a voice. A person shouldn't be sold. Period."

To learn more about UCM's IJM chapter, or about the issue of human trafficking in general, visit their Facebook and Twitter pages. Also, feel free to contact chapter president Jacqueline Homer by calling (816)-517-1065.

What do you think about the issue of human trafficking? Leave a comment below about what you think citizens of Sedalia and Warrensburg should do about this matter.