The Polaris Project

There is no question if slavery still exist today; the real concern at hand is what is currently being done to prevent it? Throughout classrooms around the globe, students are being educated on human trafficking and the details of modern day slavery, leaving many students eager to help. With this kind of determination, 11 years ago one anti-trafficking organization was founded by just two college students which would unknowingly become the largest anti-trafficking organization alive. What is the Polaris Project? Named after the North Star slaves used to navigate their way to freedom,"the Polaris Project is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization working to combat and prevent modern day slavery and human trafficking". One of the largest anti-trafficking organizations active today, The Polaris Project works up close and personal with victims, working towards a solution on trafficking. The organization has organized crisis response teams that work with enforcement by setting up intervention services open 24 hours a day. The Polaris Project also provides housing and social services for trafficking victims. The Polaris Project also works with communities large and small, fighting for better state and federal anti-trafficking legislation. 

In 2012, the Polaris Project created the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC). This hotline for trafficking, available in more than 170 languages, is able to connect with victims in danger and help them out of their situation via text message or phone call. Not only is The Polaris Project aiding current victims of trafficking in the US, but also working for better ways to connect and help victims globally. Informing, treating and preventing human trafficking is what the Polaris Project works towards as a whole. With more organizations similar to the Polaris Project, trafficking could have the potential to come to an end. Combining education along with action is the most effective way when trying to fight modern day slavery and human trafficking. To become a part of this organization is as easy as going to http://www.polarisproject.org and pledging to fight to end modern day slavery. After all, the Polaris Project was founded by college students; change can occur when overcome by determination.