125. The Mission of The Exodus Road: Strategically Fighting Human Trafficking - Laura Parker
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Overview
Meet Laura. She's a mom of three who - alongside her husband - found herself launching a global nonprofit focused on eradicating human trafficking because she simply couldn't look away. What began by running undercover work alongside SE Asian police grew into their nonprofit, The Exodus Road. Her story is shocking. Heartbeaking. Hopeful. Inspiring. And it's looking for a compassionate army to help them find and free victims worldwide... You game?
Today’s Guest
Laura Parker, Co-Founder and President, The Exodus Road
“I think a lot of times people don’t step in to whatever justice issue is tugging in their hearts, because they don’t feel like they’re equipped where they don’t feel like they have the answer.”
Episode Transcript
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Episode Highlights
Laura’s story and journey to where she is today (2:40)
The founding story of The Exodus Road (11:00)
Leveraging storytelling and marketing to bring this mission to life (14:50)
How we can be activated to join the fight in eradicating human trafficking: look first in your own community (18:40)
The most vulnerable populations in human trafficking: Homeless women, LGBTQ community, especially youth, and kids that are in the foster care system or just aging out of the foster care system. (19:30)
Noi’s story (22:30)
Laura’s One Good Thing: Ask yourself 3 questions: How am I feeling? What were the gifts of the day? What is my intention next? (35:00)
Powerful quotes
“When he came back, I remember him telling me about some of the realities of what he saw there kind of behind curtains behind closed doors. And it was just really, really heartbreaking.” -Laura
“Everyone likes to talk about human trafficking, no one's willing to do what you just said, I have no one. And so that started our very humble journey into undercover operations in Southeast Asia.” -Laura
“Nonprofit work is hard. But working specifically in this space of the nonprofit sector is got to be exponentially harder.” -Becky
“We’re trying to humanize the story in a way that people connect with on a human level and say these aren't just someone else's kids, these are like my kids, too.” -Laura
“In this space, particularly, it's really difficult, because there's so much that you can't say, because of security concerns, there's so much that you can't show because of protecting survivor dignity.” -Laura
“I was able to see very firsthand the very worst of what humanity can do to each other.” -Laura
“I think a lot of times people don't step in to whatever justice issue is tugging in their hearts, because they don't feel like they're equipped where they don't feel like they have the answer.” -Laura
“Everyone has a role to play in this fight for a free world.” -Laura
“Over 60% of human trafficking victims are caught in forced labor. “ -Laura
“Ethical buying is actually an excellent way to lead your families and yourself and casting a vote for a free world.” -Laura
👇 How You Can Join the Fight
1. Everyone Has a Role to Play
Everyone must join in the fight for a free world. You’re not just a mom, just a business person, just a student.
2. Start in Your Local Community
And a lot of people don't understand that human trafficking happens in the United States. The most vulnerable populations are homeless women and members of the LGBTQ community, especially youth, and then kids that are in the foster care system or just aging out of the foster care system. In your own community, if there's anything that you can do to support those vulnerable populations then that's that's a great place to start.
3. Leverage Your Digital Influence
We all have a digital platform and digital congregation no matter how big or small. Leveraging your influence around the things you care about is actually really, really significant.
4. Remember the Power of a Dollar
Anytime you can buy fair trade, you're actually supporting free and fair, ethical labor practices. Over 60% of human trafficking victims are caught in forced labor. A really practical first step that you can do today is to buy fair trade chocolate and coffee. Ethical buying is actually an excellent way to lead your families and yourself and casting a vote for a free world.
5. Support Organizations Like The Exodus Road
Support those who are on the frontlines fighting to eradicate this issue.
Noi’s Story
Connect With The Exodus Road
Make a Gift / Website / Youtube / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn
Connect With Laura
Join the Good Community!
The We are for good community
This is a safe place for deeper conversations. While we love this podcast, it is a very one-sided dialogue. It is great for starting conversations, but not continuing them. You can find friends, colleagues, and others to champion alongside. We believe community is everything and we wanted to create a place where people could learn and thrive and grow together (and also have a whole lot of fun).
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Jonathan McCoy, CFRE, Laura Parker, Julie Confer and Becky Endicott, CFRE
