"Are you OK with that?"

In November 2011, Shared Hope International released report cards revealing every state’s readiness to fight sex trafficking of children through its laws (see Protected Innocence Initiative). This comprehensive research performed by the American Center for Law & Justice and Shared Hope International will set a national standard of protection against domestic minor sex trafficking. It will provide a blueprint for policy makers to establish the foundational policies needed in each state to create a safe environment for children.

Changes are needed in every state to better protect the innocent and punish the perpetrators.26 states received a grade of F; 19 states still have no commercial sexual exploitation of children law that makes it a crime to buy sex acts with a minor. Are you OK with that?

A fundamental component of the analysis relates to the demand for the sex trafficking market. In recognition that buyers are driving the market and as a means of raising awareness of the need for adequate laws to fight child sex trafficking, Shared Hope launched the National Billboard Campaign. 

JOIN US IN THIS 3-STEP STRATEGY!

Click here to download the complete National Billboard Campaign strategy

STEP 1—SPONSOR A BILLBOARD IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
  • Either you or we can choose a billboard in your community. We’ll get a quote for that billboard; once you or your group has sent us the funds to rent it, we will do the rest of the work for you.
  • If you have a logo, your logo can be added with Shared Hope’s on “your” billboard.
  • Contact Ruth to order your billboard: 360-693-8100.
  • Want to educate people on the issue? Suggest they read Renting Lacy.
  • Talk about the billboard campaign to raise awareness about sex trafficking.
STEP 2— MOBILIZE YOUR COMMUNITY TO RESPOND TO YOUR STATE’S GRADE
  •  Go to: Protected Innocence Initiative to learn your state’s grade. Are you OK with that grade?
  • Share the news on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog.  Post a photo of your billboard.
  • Write your legislators requesting they address your state’s grade in the next legislative session.
  • Start a petition you will send to your legislators.
STEP 3—FOLLOW-UP WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS.
  • During the legislative session, request an update on his/her action. 
  • Share your experience with us at Shared Hope! 
  • Email your story, event photos, short videos, and media coverage to savelives@sharedhope.org. We want to add your story to others from around the nation on our website or Facebook page.
Thank you for being part of this movement to eradicate sex trafficking!