NEW Freedom For Alice Cards Now Instore...

It's always a lovely feeling to finally upload a new range to the online store but I must say this range has been extra satisfying.

When people purchase these cards...they are REALLY helping to make the world a better place. First they can write something encouraging.life giving.inspiring to someone and light up their day. Secondly by purchasing these cards they are taking a stand against injustice in the 21st Century. 100% of profits are donated to The A21 Campaign to help rescue Human Trafficking victims.

Please visit our store and grab yourself a pack...

Hope Concert

Yesterday we had the privilege of attending and selling our products at Hope Concert in Shellharbour, NSW.

The event raised money for Zoe Children’s Home which rescues children who are at risk of have being sold into prostitution or slavery; orphaned children & those who are victims of other heinous crimes and abuse.

It was an awesome night with a fantastic presentation about the issues concerning modern day slavery. We launched our brand new card range & raised a total of $314.55 for Zoe Children’s Home...that is enough to provide housing, medication, health care, education, clothing, food and drinking water for a child in Thailand for 3 months...pretty satisfying stuff.

Thankyou everyone who got behind the event and made it such a success!

Slavery isn’t decreasing...it’s getting worse.

All over the world, today, RIGHT NOW 27 million people are in slavery...I can’t fathom that figure...but this may help: that’s double that of any other time in human history.

Slavery isn’t decreasing...it’s getting worse.

About 85% are females and over 13 million are children. Today’s slave trade earns more than Starbucks, Google & Nike COMBINED each year. It is the single fastest growing and most lucrative industry that exists today. No nation is exempt, no content untouched, uninvolved or slave free...In America all of the major cities have houses that hold women who have been trafficked into slavery, forced into a life of being beaten, raped, and prostitution, servicing an average of 20 to 40 men each day.

“History will reflect upon this in the same light as the holocaust. Modern slavery will go down as the single worst human rights violation to ever take place at such a grand level. Statistically, it is almost impossible for any one of us to not have items in our houses that have slave hands have touched.” Ronda Gupton-Pruett

Just as we have heard the injustices of the past and looked to where our ancestors were, I have no doubt that our grandchildren will one day read about these 27 million lives and then look to us and ask where were we? what did we do? Right now much of this issue is an unknown to us, a modern inconvenience amongst our comfortable, self serving world. However time passing has a way of highlighting the real priorities...do we really want to be a part of a society that piggy backs off the misery of slavery?

So many people are still unaware of modern day slavery. Being informed ourselves so that we may inform others is a powerful tool against these injustices. Big world changing events start from something small, a thought, a conversation, an encouragement...so don’t deny the world of the one small simple thing you can do.

The following is a clip of Justin Dillion (Call+Response film director) speaking at the annual state-wide Christian Life Conference about the danger of human trafficking.

couldn’t have said it better myself...

Christine Caine is the founder and director of The A21 Campaign. The following in from her blog equipandempower.org and explains why she became involved in The A21 Campaign. Personally I couldn’t have said it better myself.

She says, “I will never forget waking up from a deep sleep crying and shouting “we are coming to get you!” The dream was so vivid as I could hear the cries of the girls trapped with no way out...and I could no longer ignore the screams.

The truth is, that had never happened to me before...waking up and shouting from a deep sleep...it was freaky for me...I wondered, “Have I been reading too many books about this subject, watching too many movies, talking about it so much that it had invaded my subconscious?!” Then I had to admit, God was perhaps arresting my attention and asking ME to do something about it. So, I with fear and trepidation, said one word that has radically changed my life...YES.

Freedom is a fundamental human right. It is for FREEDOM that Christ set us free (Gal 5:1).
ONE victim of human trafficking is too many
NO-ONE should be subjected to such an injustice
NO-ONE should be so brutalized, demoralized, devalued, used, and abused
NO-ONE should have their dreams so horrifically shattered
NO-ONE should live in such fear
NO-ONE should live without hope
NO-ONE should be the victim of another's depravity, greed and lust.

We the CHURCH cannot sit by and ignore that this is going on.
We cannot just quote statistics without realizing these are human lives,
Human lives created in the image of God,
Human lives that Jesus gave His life for,
Human lives who are sons and daughters of the King,
Human lives to whom we have been called to reach with the GOSPEL.

The spirit of the Lord is upon ME
Because He has anointed ME
To preach the Gospel to the poor
He has sent ME to heal the brokenhearted
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind
To set at liberty those who are oppressed
Luke 4:18

Selah...we have no choice.

People are the most important thing to God...lets do what we can, with what we have, to rescue, restore, and rebuild the lives of these victims. EveryONE matters to God.”

Slavery Is Unacceptable

Jamie Brandt posted this quote on twitter today: 'Slavery is unacceptable. It was unacceptable yesterday, its unacceptable today, and will continue to be unacceptable tomorrow.'

Both films, Call+Response and Amazing Grace came to mind when I read it...and a deep sense that we no longer have the option to do nothing...

Call+Response

It was only 4 days after the decision to start the Freedom For Alice project was made that I saw this life changing film: Call+Response. In my experience, few things in life have resounded within me as this film, this call and my desire to respond have done. Had I not already awoken to the need to start this project, I am certain I would have been after the 2 hours spent sitting in the cinema.

About the Film:

‘CALL+RESPONSE is a first of its kind feature documentary film that reveals the world’s 27 million dirtiest secrets: there are more slaves today than ever before in human history.

CALL+RESPONSE goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.

Luminaries on the issue such as Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Daryl Hannah, Julia Ormond, Ashley Judd, Nicholas Kristof, and many other prominent political and cultural figures offer first hand account of this 21st century trade. Performances from Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Five For Fighting, Switchfoot, members of Nickel Creek and Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers, Rocco Deluca move this chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.

Music is part of the movement against human slavery. Dr. Cornel West connects the music of the American slave fields to the popular music we listen to today, and offers this connection as a rallying cry for the modern abolitionist movement currently brewing.’ – Call+Response

The film is currently screening in America, but special screenings can be requested via the website.

Visit the website: http://www.callandresponse.com/

Call+Response: its more than facts and figures, these are people, this is unjust and this is happening now...if you missed out on the film, watch this. the Freedom For Alice project seeks to help people such as these....

Join the Freedom For Alice project Cause on Facebook....

One of the biggest keys to fighting human trafficking is to raise awareness. Our world in many ways is only just waking up to the realisation of modern day slavery on our planet (well i know i am at least)....a facebook cause may not sound very powerful, but i know that the message is carries has the potential to inform, motivate and inspire people to action...so please join our cause, invite all your friends and help us raise awareness through everyday people changing the world.

Our goal is to have 150 members by the end of the year.

JOIN THE CAUSE...

xxx

Shop & become an Ambassador of Freedom...

Today (thanks to the wonderful world of twitter) I stumbled upon this magnificent site http://www.rijigreen.com/ An online store selling beautiful things created by human trafficking victims who are now experiencing freedom and purpose.

About RIJI Green:

"RIJI Green recognizes human trafficking/modern-day slavery is the third largest crime in world. Slavery is mainly caused by poverty and lack of economic opportunities. RIJI Green provides economic opportunities for survivors and at risk people of trafficking. All of RIJI Green customers are Ambassadors of Freedom.

RIJI Green provides a new sustainable dignify life for former slaves and without customers they cannot prosper with integrity. Your purchases offer hope for people who were once oppressed and abused for profit. Now the survivors and their children no longer live in poverty and fear.

RIJI Green is a solution to that problem, however due to the economy, sales are extremely low. Without sales, there is no work for these women, which puts them in danger of not being able to support themselves or their family. These women don't want donations, they want to work.

Thank you for being part of their lives and movement to end 21st century slavery."


What an honour it is to be able to support these women by purchasing their products and setting them up for a bright future.

I can’t wait until payday...this little bag is going to be mine!

Visit www.rijigreen.com and become an Ambassadors of Freedom.

Emma Thompson - A voice for those who have none...

Emma Thompson is not only a wonderful actress but also a fantastic story-teller and a communicator. Although this exhibit started back in 2007, I was inspired to hear that Emma has joined forces with various organisations and artists to raise awareness about human trafficking in London, Vienna and New York City.

Emma was already involved in the Helen Bamber Foundation and fighting for human rights when she started working with Human Trafficked victims. She met Elana, who was trafficked into the sex industry when she was 18. Elana, from Moldova, lived a normal and happy life until their money dried up when her father died. Working at the market she was then groomed by this woman who said she could get her a job in Great Britain. She was brought to the UK, told what she had to do, refused to do it and was put into solitary confinement for two weeks. Then they said they were going to hurt her family. So, she started to work. She was forced to sell her body to strangers - for money that she was not allowed to keep. She had never seen a naked man before....

As Emma got more involved she realized that trafficking wasn't just an international occurrence. She discovered it was local, happening at a massage parlor down the road and in our very communities. The aim of her project is to emphasize that prostitution in slavery and commercial sex is happening closer to home than many think -- sometimes literally around the corner.

Together, this amazing team of people have created a unique art installation - "Journey"- which uses seven transport containers, (because it's about moving people about), to illustrate the brutal and harrowing experiences of women sold into the sex trade. It was partly due to her conversations with Elena that Thompson was moved to take on this project. Each crate takes viewers through Elana’s story and a range of emotions that sex slaves feel throughout their journey, ranging from hope to desperation. Thompson hopes that the exhibit helps people understand the plight of those forced to work in human trafficking, which numbers about 2.5 million individuals at any one time, according to the International Labor Organization.

"I want people to know for five minutes — five minutes — what it's like," she said.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also hopes the installation raises awareness. "Isn't this something we should sweep under the rug?" he said. "I don't think so. Too many people are enslaved."

The aim of Journey is to show visitors the reality of human trafficking - a crime that happens every day, all around the world - and to encourage the public, politicians and especially consumers to take action.

Emma says “You can get involved, you can open your eyes, because this is something that is happening on the street and it might be right round the corner from you. So, it is time for the public to be involved, no one can close their eyes to this, just inform yourself and get active. As for lobbying, you can lobby any number of governments to actually do something about this. It's time for everybody to look at this and say the buying and selling of human beings for whatever reason is not appropriate in the 21st century and should never be allowed again.”

It’s a powerful account of how art can REALLY be used to raise awareness and change the world.

Below is a video of Emma talking about the project. You can also click here to listen to her tell Elana’s story (scroll to the bottom of the page).



Sources used:
http://nyunews.com/news/2009/nov/11/journey/
http://www.ungift.org/ungift/en/stories/journey.html
http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2008-02-06-2.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/09/emma-thompsons-journey-ex_n_351624.html

and so it begins...

today www.freedomforalice.com went live. so exciting to begin this journey...this first step onto an unimaginable mountain...make sure you get involved. the Freedom For Alice project - where everyday people change the world.

Hope Concert Against Human Trafficking

the Freedom For Alice project is committed to raising awareness about information, news and events in relation to the fight against Human Trafficking.

We would love to invite you to attend Hope Concert. An evening of amazing food and music along with a world changing cause. Hope Concert provides an opportunity to take a stand against Human Trafficking. As you may be aware over 27 million people worldwide are bought and sold as slaves - predominantly for the sex trade. 80% are female and 50 % are children…as young as 4.

Modern-day slavery is the fastest growing and second largest criminal industry in the world... there are more slaves now than ever in past history.

But on the 20th of November you are going to make a difference. You will enjoy a delicious two course meal and live entertainment as we raise money for the Zoe Children’s Home which rescues children who are sold, at risk of being sold, into prostitution or slavery; orphaned children or those who are victims of other heinous crimes and abuse.

This is a Black Tie Event.

Tickets are $60 each or tables of 10 for $600. Please purchase your tickets at www.angelarmy.info

We hope you, and your friends, are able to join us for what will be an enjoyable, informative, and breath-taking evening!

Event Details

Date: Friday 20th November
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Shellharbour Workers Club
Cost: $60

For more information please visit www.angelarmy.info

welcome to the Freedom For Alice project

Here we stand in the 21st Century with all the great wars behind us. All the great causes fought for and won. All the great stands for truth, justice and equality already made. We live in the wake of great men and women who did the unthinkable and changed the world. We have a voice but nothing to speak up for, we have a fight in us but nowhere to take it....at least that’s what we thought.....

Until we discovered that modern-day slavery is the fastest growing and second largest criminal industry in the world... there are more slaves now than ever in past history. There are over 27 million people worldwide who are bought and sold as slaves - predominantly for the sex trade. The overwhelming majority are female and about half of them are children…as young as 4 years old.

Suddenly we have our war, our fight to be won, a stand to make...these times are exciting, these times are dangerous...these times are NOW and they are ours for the taking.

It’s all a bit overwhelming though. Can one person really make a difference? Can one non-rock star, non-celebrity, non-wealthy person actually stand up against this?

Edmund Burke said ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’ The Freedom For Alice project is about someone deciding to do something. Something small, something ordinary, something simple...but never the less, something that will change the lives of others and thus change the world.

Our project asks the question: if we take a stand, raise our voice and use what’s available to us...can we change the world?

Our purpose is to find out.


the Freedom For Alice project has four steps:

1. Draw, write, and create delightful stationary products ready for adventure.
2. Sell products via online stores, through retail outlets and via market/event product tables.
3. 100% of profits are donated to the A21 Campaign. Bringing freedom to those who are enslaved.
4. To be a voice for those who have none. To tell their stories, report information and bring awareness via zines, print media, blogs & other online avenues.


How can you be involved?

1. Purchase Freedom For Alice products and help us finance freedom for Human Trafficking victims.
2. Read the information on our blogs, website, zines etc. Get informed about these issues, become informed and aware so you can help others do the same...
3. Think of how you can use your creativity so that you too can be an ordinary person doing something, anything, to stand against this injustice.

It’s an adventure. It’s all a bit unknown. It’s never been done...to actually do the unthinkable and abolish injustice in the 21st Century.
...so let’s give it a go.

Fyona
xxx



The A21 Campaign: http://www.thea21campaign.org/
Freedom For Alice: http://www.freedomforalice.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/FreedomForAlice
the Freedom For Alice project is an initiative of A Party For Alice, established since 2007.