We are working on building our new collection for 2010 and I am very excited about it.  One in particular I have to tell you about now because I love it so much.  Just in time for the holidays we now have the fabulous Lulu evening bag!  It is available at all of our local Cincinnati shows and our Christmas Open House.  This silk handbag is made by Hagar Designs in Cambodia and comes in pewter and this season’s hottest color - purple.  I can’t get enough of it!

Yesterday Emma Thompson appeared on Good Morning America and The View promoting her new art exhibit called “Journey” which is inspired by one victim of sex trafficking.  Her segment on The View was particularly good at explaining how women are lured and kept in sexual slavery.  Perhaps the most surprising thing about her appearance on The View is that Barbara Walters appeared to have no idea that this was happening in the United States!  This clearly shows that raising awareness of the issue is critical!  That’s where you come in

There have been several exciting updates from International Justice Mission in October!

• On October 6th slaves in a rock quarry in Chennai, India were freed by a joint operation with IJM and local authorities.  Read the entire story here to find out how one man’s debt of $10 led to slavery for him and his family for 15 years.
• Another two operations in conjunction with local authorities in the Philippines on October 25 & 27th freed 16 victims of sex slavery, secured the arrest of 5 traffickers and made headlines in the Philippines.
• To find out more about how you can support IJM’s work check out their website.  $5 from the sale for our Freedom Tote is also donated to IJM!

IJM also creates great resources to educate you and your friends about the struggle against modern slavery.  They have recently released a brand new documentary called At the End of Slavery: A Battle for Justice in our Time. Order a copy and host a home screening to learn more about slavery, the hope that exists today and how you can get involved.  November 14-15 is IJM’s Weekend to End Slavery.  People always ask me what they can do to make a difference and this is an easy way to start! The more people know about slavery the stronger we become in the fight.  If you can’t do it the weekend of November 14-15th that doesn’t matter - just do it.  I’m excited to get my copy!

If history has shown us that the monster of slavery assumes new forms, it has also shown us that its oppressive systems crumble in the face of those who heartily oppose them. It is our collective responsibility to oppose slavery in the time given to us. History is on our side. - At the End of Slavery *WATCH THE TRAILER*

Several weeks ago I was able to attend a conference about the work done by Hagar International.  I had a great time learning more about human trafficking and the philosophy of Hagar’s work in Cambodia, Vietnam and Afghanistan.  Hagar takes a very holistic approach to providing rehabilitation for survivors of trafficking and other human rights abuse.  It was great to hear from leaders of Hagar and other organizations telling before and after stories about women who have been in Hagar’s care and testifying to the restoration that is possible! Here is a letter from Hagar USA’s Executive Director about the recent progress in Vietnam:

Twelve Vietnamese women have begun to make sense of their own stories.  Hagar Vietnam has completed its first week of direct services to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.  The first week focused on personal empowerment in a safe environment.  There were tears and sadness but also displays of tremendous courage.  Most women used crayons and paints for the first time, illustrating their pasts and symbols for their envisioned futures.  The next step will be job readiness skills and vocational training.  This is an exciting new phase.  Despite their traumatic pasts, 12 women will develop a sustainable means to support themselves.

We are excited to announce this launch of Hagar Vietnam, based in Hanoi. In Vietnam, there is nearly a total lack of programs enabling marginalized women to achieve economic independence.  To fill this gap, we are working through partnerships with the government, technical schools and businesses.

Prior to last week, activities have focused on training staff at two existing shelters to deliver client-focused services.  As with all Hagar programming, our goal is to facilitate a future of hope, resilience, and dignity for women who have suffered great injustices.  We promise to keep you updated as our work proceeds.

An important part of Hagar’s approach is providing economic empowerment to enable long term resilience.  Hagar trains their clients in various job skills and many of the women in Cambodia learn to make handbags.  That’s where Stop Traffick Fashion comes in!  Buying handbags from Hagar Design plays an important role in providing hope to these survivors.  We encourage you to find out more about supporting them directly as well.

Here is a summary of some recent headlines on human trafficking.

Pakistan: Over 100 bonded laborers are being held hostage by their landlords in Pakistan after their debts were declared illegal and they received certificates of freedom.  Read the full story here.

United States: Most of the 1.6 million children who run away each year return home within a week.  But for those who do not, the desperate struggle for survival often means selling their bodies.  In the US, any minor involved in commercial sex is a trafficking victim.  Find out more here.

United States: A recent ABC news investigation uncovered children as young as 5 picking blueberries for a major blueberry grower that supplies blueberries to Walmart and Kroger.  Both retailers have since severed ties with the grower.

Planning on doing your Christmas shopping with Stop Traffick Fashion? Think about starting that shopping now and beat the rush!  Throughout the entire month of November, you’ll receive a free bottle of our all natural hand lotion with a purchase of $80 or more.  It will make a great gift or a treat for yourself!  You can also check out our full range of bath and body products available in Citrus Vanilla, Rose Grapefruit, Healing Lavender, and Tuscan Earth.  Our all natural bath and body products are made by survivors of exploitation and addiction in the United States and also help raise money for Not For Sale.

Kraft has committed to a range of Rainforest Alliance certified chocolates by 2012.  This will happen slowly across multiple countries but is a very positive step toward more slave-free chocolate! You can read more here.