A Quad Cities woman will tell her story of survival at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, during a Stop Human Trafficking: Education for Eradication event hosted by Rotary District 6420 Task Force Against Human Trafficking.
Pastries and coffee will be provided at the free event. It will be at the Holiday Inn Rock Island – Quad Cities, 226 17th St., Rock Island. The event is open to the public.
The survivor will share her experiences and attendees will learn how they can help educate youth, family, friends and the world about human trafficking, according to the Rotary District 6420 Task Force.
Attendees can RSVP at the district’s events page here.
Group launched in 2017
The District 6420 Human Trafficking Task Force was formed in 2017 by Toni Lucas after she heard a speaker on the topic at Rotary International. The growing District 6420 group continues to focus on its motto of Education for Eradication. (The district is made up of Rotary clubs throughout northwestern Illinois.)
In the last year, task force leaders from the district that includes 48 clubs in northeastern Illinois, have visited more than 30 Rotary Clubs and nonprofits. Their goal is to explain what Human Trafficking is, how exploitation of children occurs and what can be done to help stop those heinous crimes, the task force said.
The group also has held events including the October 2023 Walk for Freedom across the Interstate 74 Bridge. Rotary District 6000 was invited to join the walk held in cooperation with the international A21 campaign.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, the District 6420 Task Force and the international A21 organization are planning a second “Walk for Freedom.” It’s designed to increase the impact of the group’s initial Education for Eradication efforts.
The task force also continues to sell t-shirts, beanies and mugs to support events and raise awareness of trafficking. It also has a Facebook Page where it shares information on the problem.
