Human trafficking is an insidious and pervasive human rights violation that exists in communities everywhere – Arizona has the 13th highest rate of trafficking in the United States, according to Wisevoter. Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is hosting Human Trafficking Awareness Week Nov. 14-16, 2023 to educate the public, especially students and educators, about the signs, consequences, and different forms of human trafficking.
Human trafficking impacts everyone regardless of race, age, gender, or income. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. Traffickers can use violence, manipulation, or false promises to lure victims into trafficking situations. By raising awareness and fostering a proactive community response, Arizonans can contribute to the global efforts to eradicate this horrendous crime.
“Scottsdale Community College is the ideal place to host this critical series of events,” says SCC President Eric Leshinskie. “Educators and students are connected with almost every industry in Arizona, and every industry is at risk of being used by traffickers to find, transport, or exploit their victims. Through awareness and education, we can create a strong network of advocates who are equipped to stop trafficking in its tracks.”
Starting Tuesday, Nov. 14, SCC will host a series of human trafficking experts from across the state, beginning with a presentation by Rachelle Lumpp of the Arizona Attorney General's Office from Noon to 1:30 p.m., in the Indigenous Cultural Center (ICC), room 221-222.
On Wednesday, Nov. 15, from noon to 1:30 p.m., a panel of experts from various sectors will convene to analyze this crisis from multiple angles and answer questions from the community in the Indigenous Cultural Center (ICC), room 221-222. Panelists include:
- Michelle Rucker – Arizona's Anti-trafficking Network
- Sgt. Andrew Parrott – Scottsdale Police Department, Human Trafficking and Exploitation Unit
- Karen Cahn, Marriott’s Director of Public Relations and Marketing
- Marc Telzlaff – U.S. Department of Homeland Security
On Thursday, Nov. 16, the documentaries Sex Trafficking In America and Sisters Rising will be shown in the Science Lecture (SL) building, classroom 106. Sex Trafficking In America was filmed in Phoenix and will be shown starting at 10 a.m. and Noon. Sisters Rising will be shown starting at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Human trafficking is a painful crime, but not an insurmountable one. Through awareness and cooperation, communities can come together to protect their citizens and put an end to a brutal system of exploitation.
A donation drive to benefit Arizona's Anti-trafficking Network is being coordinated on campus. Items collected assist victims in coming out of trafficking situations. Ten donation boxes will be on campus November 13–17, and a list of requested items can be found below.
All Human Trafficking Awareness Week events are free and open to the public – advanced registration is strongly recommended. For more information and to RSVP, please visit bit.ly/scc-ht-lunch-rsvp.
Donation Wish List Items for Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network
We appreciate any donations you can provide, regardless of the brand or store they come from. We want to make it clear that items from dollar stores are also acceptable. Your contribution can truly make a meaningful impact. We kindly ask for any amount you can donate.
Thank you for your support.
Outreach Supplies
Self-care items such as lotions, body sprays, nail polish, face masks, candles, bubble baths Items for babies such as size 1 - 4 diapers, baby wipes, baby shampoo, baby lotion, and diaper cream
- Therapeutic coloring books
- Journals and Pen
Client Supplies (Men and Women)
- New underwear
- Sweatpants/Leggings
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Lady’s nightgowns and robes
- Bras
- Blankets
- Backpacks
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Body wash
- Body lotion
- Facial wash
- Hairbrush
- Pads and tampons
- Ethnic/Textured Hair Products
Gifts for Female Clients' Birthdays
- Fidget toys
- Makeup
- Backpack
- Self-care items
Gifts for Male Clients' Birthdays
- Baseball hat
- Balls such as football/ Soccer ball/ Basketball
- Hat
- Shaving kit for face
- Wallet
Donation Drive Box Locations
Indigenous Cultural Center ICC 203 – American Indian Program
Business BUS100 – Business Lobby
Language and Communications LC 301 – English Dept., front office
Fitness Center FWC 507 – Fitness & Wellness Center
Computer Technology & Mathematics CM 401 – CM Lobby
Science Lecture SL 101 - Lobby
Applied Sciences Building AP21- Applied Sciences Lobby
Library – Lobby
Student Center SC 182 – Student Experience & Leadership office
Student Center SC-125 – DRS Office