JCAST Chicago February Blog
New Events You Won't Want to Miss
The Jewish Coalition Against Sex Trafficking (JCAST) Chicago is planning a number of new events including premiering a new film and parenting programs in the age of the Internet and #MeToo. Mark your calendars and save your seats!
In January, JCAST collaborated with Oakton Community College to premier the film Stopping Traffic. The film not only explores sex trafficking across the world and right here in the US but advocates for ending our culture of fostering the objectification of women and girls. If you missed these showings, JCAST is excited to partner with Hadassah to show the film at the Vernon Area Public Library on March 4
th
. Reservations are appreciated (using this link).
JCAST is also excited to pilot new parenting programs in collaboration with Jewish Child and Family Services, National Council of Jewish Women Chicago North Shore, and North Shore Congregation Israel. Parenting Boys, in the Age of the Internet and #MeToo will be on Sunday, February 25
th
and Parenting Girls: Sexuality and Consent in the Age of the Internet and #MeToo will be on Sunday, April 22
nd
. Tracey Kite, LCSW who leads many stimulating parenting programs, will be our facilitator for both of the programs. Reservations are appreciated (using this link for boys and this one for girls).
And we can't forget the Matzo tasting and educational event on April 4
th
(reservations appreciated here)!
It will be a great year and we hope you can join us.
|
|
Upcoming Events*
In 2018, The Jewish Coalition Against Sex Trafficking (JCAST) Chicago is planning many great events to foster awareness and combat sex trafficking in the Chicagoland area. Please add these events to your calendar and share them with your neighbors and friends.
Let's Talk About Boys: Sexuality and Consent in the age of the internet and #MeToo
Sunday, Feb 25, 2018, 4:00-5:30PM
North Shore Congregation Israel, 1185 Sheridan, Glencoe
Our kids are growing up in a world very different than previous generations. They have easy exposure to pornography (90% of kids ages 8-16 have seen pornography online) and cultural attitudes towards "hooking up" often impact their sexual development and safety. This program will help adults understand the risks kids face, and the opportunities we as parents and grandparents have to impact boys' development through appropriate (sometimes uncomfortable) conversations with our sons about sexuality and relationships. JCAST Chicago is excited to partner with Tracey Kite, LCSW, of Jewish Child and Family Services, National Council of Jewish Women Northshore, and North Shore Congregation Israel to provide this new program.
Stopping Traffic
March 4, 2018 2:00-4:30 pm
Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day, Lincolnshire
JCAST is excited to premier the new movie Stopping Traffic at the Vernon Area Public Library on Sunday, March 4th from 2 to 4:30PM. Following the movie, we will welcome a panel discussing what sex trafficking looks like on the Northshore. Our speakers will include Traci Kurtzer. Traci is a gynecologist and a member of Northwestern's Lead Physician Intimate Partner Violence/Sexual Violence Prevention Group, She also teaches medical professionals how to recognize and intervene on behalf of women and men being trafficked. Traci will be joined by a member of Selah Freedom's staff. Selah provides housing and support services for women escaping sex trafficking. They have a safe house on the North Shore as well as in Florida and are in the process of opening one in southern Wisconsin.
Matzo Topping, Education and Advocacy
Wednesday, April 4, 2018, 6:00-8:00PM
Highland Park location sent upon registration
Trash the leftovers and try matzo with something new! Passover is our story of slavery. Learn about the 16,000 and 25,000 American born teens caught in sex trafficking bondage today. Trash the leftover
s and join JCAST Chicago, NCJW North Shore, and NA-AMAT for this fun and tasty evening.
Let's Talk About Girls: Sexuality and Consent in the age of the internet and #MeToo
Sunday, April 22, 2018 4:00-5:30PM
North Shore Congregation Israel, 1185 Sheridan, Glencoe
Kids are growing up in a world very different than previous generations. Pornography is at their fingertips (90% of kids ages 8-16 have seen pornography online) and "hooking up" is perceived as the norm. This program will help adults understand the risks kids face, and the opportunities we as parents and grandparents have to impact girls' development through appropriate (sometimes uncomfortable) conversations with our daughters about sexuality and relationships. JCAST Chicago is excited to partner with Tracey Kite, LCSW, of Jewish Child and Family Services, National Council of Jewish Women Northshore, and North Shore Congregation Israel to provide this new program.
The Role of Survivor Testimony in Personal Healing and Social Change*
Tuesday, March 6, 2018, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, IL
Survivors from across the globe are increasingly using their own stories to challenge legal and social responses to gender-based violence. In this session participants will learn about a growing body of research that establishes links between the power of telling stories and healing from trauma - what has been called "post traumatic growth". Presenters will also discuss "the ethics of story sharing," how testimony can change public attitudes, and the important considerations to be weighed before a survivor makes the decision to publicly share a deeply personal story. The presentation incorporates lecture, moderated group dialogue & the award-winning photography of Patricia Evans, a survivor of sexual violence. For more information & to register visit
http://jcfs.formstack.com/forms/jcares_training_form.
Surviving Trafficking Awareness Art Exhibit*
In honor of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force presented 'Surviving Human Trafficking' - A three day pop up awareness event and art exhibit at the Thompson Center. If you missed seeing the exhibit in person,
you now have the chance to view the exhibit online. Click here to take a look. Then spread the word, and help raise awareness.
Selah Freedom Programs*
Sex Lies & Media Hosted By Willow Chicago
February 25, 2018
12:00 -1:30pm
Willow Chicago, 418 S Wabash Ave, Chicago IL, 60605
REGISTER HERE
Join us for Selah Freedom's informative and cutting edge presentation created to educate and empower parents and youth workers on the tactics of predators, how to effectively communicate with teens and the latest apps putting them at risk.
Cocktails For A Cause: Hosted by Chicago's Anti-Human Trafficking Community and The Chicago Bar Association's Alliance for Women Committee
March 8, 2018
5:30 - 8:30 PM
Chicago Yacht Club
400 E Monroe St, Chicago IL 60603
REGISTER HERE
Please join us at Chicago Yacht Club for an evening of cocktails, hor d'oeuvres, and live music to benefit Selah Freedom. Elizabeth Fisher, founder & CEO of Selah Freedom, will be in attendance and proceeds will aid Selah Freedom in providing rehabilitation solutions to survivors of sex trafficking in Chicago.
Vouchers for $16 garage parking at Millennium Lakeside Garage will be available for purchase at the Club.
*Please note that not all of these events are sponsored or hosted by JCAST Chicago but are listed here as a convenience to those who might be interested.
|
TAKE ACTION
Toiletry and Gift Card Donations Needed Year-round to support young women trafficked in Chicago that are helped by the Dreamcatcher Foundation.
Donation Drop off locations:
Encore & More: 1107 Central Ave, Wilmette
Hadassah Thrift Shop, 405 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield
Hadassah Office, 60 Revere Dr #800, Northbrook
Temple Sholom, 3480 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago
If you or your organization would consider organizing a collection drive or a packing program, please contact Donna Fishman at [email protected].
Street Dignity Bag Packing List:
These items are needed in small, travel sizes. One of each item will be packed in a gallon ziploc "street survival" bag. These items may be packed in ziploc or other small tote bag, or donated in bulk. ( You might even Ask your local businesses if they have items to donate and share this list.)
toothbrush and toothpaste (*ask your dentist!)
hand sanitizer
hand lotion
granola or power bar
pack of tissues
Gallon Ziploc Bags
$5 McDonald's Gift Cards
Prevention Bag Packing List:
The Dreamcatcher Foundation regularly visits girls living in at-risk communities, including teen-aged single mothers. These items may be packed in a tote bag and donated in bulk.
shampoo
liquid body soap
dove soap
deodorant
lotion or moisturizer
perfumed body spray
Gift or tote bags
*Bulk items, hotel toiletries and gift cards to McDonalds ($5), Target, Dollar Store, CVS or Walgreens (any amount) are always welcome*
|
JCAST Chicago on the Move
JCAST Chicago has been busy giving presentations across the Chicago Metropolitan area, for Jewish and secular groups. Please help JCAST Chicago secure speaking "gigs" at Jewish organizations. Contact Donna at [email protected]
with names and contacts at synagogues, chavurot, and other Jewish organizations.
|
|
Sex Trafficking in the News:
More and more our news feeds are filled with stories about sex trafficking - some positive and some negative. Here are a few links that may be of interest.
|
|
|
Ensure there is a Chicago Jewish voice against sex trafficking and that we are able to continue our important work throughout 2018 and beyond. Make your gift on our secure website.
|
|
Steering Committee
JCAST Chicago is governed by a Steering Committee of dedicated individuals. If you would be interested in serving on the steering committee or one of our Action Teams, email
[email protected].
Steering Committee Co-Chairs:
Donna Fishman, NCJW
Susan Rifas, JUF, JWF
Steering Committee:
Ronna Ash, Hadassah
Susan Block, Hadassah
Cathy Carmody, NCJW
Donna Gutman, NCJW, ICJW, CEASE Network
Sara Kalish,
Fiedler Hillel at
Northwestern University
Betsy Lazerow, JCFS, JCARES
Carole Levine, NCJW
Rae Luskin, NCJW
Sherry Petlin, NCJW
Bonnie Ribet, NCJW
Heather Ross, NCJW, Hakafa
Mara Ruff, JUF
Stacy Saef, NCJW
Joan Zahnle, NCJW CNS
Rochel Ray & Samantha Spolter, SHALVA
Gayle Nelson, Engagement and Development Director
|
Organization
of the Month
Unicef, USA
UNICEF USA supports UNICEF's work, and other efforts in support of the world's children, through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States.
Unicef works with governments, civic leaders, celebrities, corporations, campus groups, churches, teachers and people just like you; anyone willing to help us advocate for the survival and well-being of every child.
The End Trafficking Project is UNICEF USA's initiative to raise awareness about child traf cking and mobilize communities to take meaningful action to help protect children. In partnership with concerned individuals and groups, the End Trafficking Project aims to bring us all closer to a day when there are no exploited children.
3 Ways You Can Help End Child Trafficking with Unicef
1. Speak Up for Children - Tell your Senators to support the Stop Enabling Sex Trafficking Act (SESTA)
2. Share on Facebook - Make sure your friends know the facts about child trafficking.
3. Get the Facts
- Find out what you can do in your
everyday life to fight child trafficking
|
Here are some things you can do today to take action against Sex Trafficking:
* Sign up for Action Alerts
Visit our website to keep up-todate with the issues most relevant to you.
Sign up for JCAST Chicago, NCJW or Sex Trafficking Action Alerts today!
* Send a Letter
Send a letter calling on local leaders and law enforcement to enforce laws and end demand.
Visit our website
to print out constructions and a sample letter.
* Hang a Flyer
Victims may visit bus stations, grocery stores, currency exchanges, and gas stations. Hang a poster featuring the hotline for the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. and help them escape to safety!
Visit our website
for more information and to print flyers.
* Write a Letter to the Editor
Write a letter to the editor when you learn publicly about arrests of perpetrators of sex trafficking. Commending the media, the police departments involved, and local authorities keeps sex trafficking in the news and encourages more enforcement.
Visit our website for a sample letter to the editor.
|
Books:
Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery by Siddharth Kara
Girls Like Us: Fighting for a World where Girls are not for Sale by Rachel Lloyd
The Johns: Sex for Sale and the Men Who Buy it by Victor Malarek
The Natashas: Inside the Global Sex Trade by Victor Malarek
Women Hold up Half the Sky: Turing Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Sheryl Wudunn and Nicholas Kristof
Podcasts:
IN PLAIN SIGHT Podcast
to End Human Trafficking Each week, the IN PLAIN SIGHT Podcast features a an inspiring speaker who may educate you in your work to end human trafficking around the globe.
Click here
for a link to the website.
Websites:
|
|
 |
|
