The Free Project, a new campus organization, is looking to raise awareness about human trafficking and modern day slavery. There are currently 4.4 million people enslaved today. Modern day slavery is the 2nd largest criminal activity in the world. The average teen enters the slave trade between the ages of 12 and 14. The acronym F.R.E.E. represents the club’s four areas of focus: freedom, restoration, emancipation, and empowerment.
The Free Project describes itself on its Facebook page as “a growing network of college students fighting to bring an end to slavery worldwide.”
“I think the first mission to [end] the problem is to be aware that there even is a problem,” said Becca Catoe, the founder of The Free Project at Capital.
The Free Project is organizing a six-week abolitionist curriculum course for October. This course, created by the human trafficking organization Love 146, will inform the public about how they can help abolish modern slavery.
The Free Project will also host a 5K to raise awareness and fundraise for women currently enslaved. The organization is looking to work with local businesses and charities such as the Aurna Project, GraceHaven, Rethreaded, and the Roosevelt Coffee House.
Catoe, a social work and psychology major, said she first came across the topic of human trafficking her freshman year while researching topics for an oral communications class.
“I had no idea, so it was really shocking to me,” Catoe said.
One of the slogans the organization uses is “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
“This past summer I was able to go on a missions trip and work with a non-profit that worked with human trafficking too,” Catoe said. “And just being able to see the issue up front made me passionate about helping it end. Now that I’ve seen it [human trafficking], I’m obligated to do something about it”
The organization has approximately 40 members in the organization, with their first meeting having occurred on September 24, 2015. The Free Project is accepting anyone who might be interested.
More information about The Free Project at Capital can be obtained from the group’s Facebook page or the non-profit’s main website, www.thefreeproject.org.
Contact Catoe at bcatoe@capital.edu for more information.
