How to make Justice a Lifestyle
All of us have a role to play in keeping our communities safe and our world free from violence and exploitation. Imagine the impact if we all committed to taking one action to prevent human trafficking, advocate for justice and care for our communities.
But how?
You here now which means you have already taken an action. Deciding the next best action can be overwhelming. We are as passionate about just living as you are, so we have some suggestions for your next best action. Not everything can be done all at once, but taking one of these actions could have a big impact.
We hear directly from International Justice Mission staff, local police, community psychologists, social workers, judges and lawyers how encouraged they are when individuals in countries around the world stand up and do what they can to keep their communities safe.
Are you ready? Let’s go.
Listen to the voices of survivors.
The best way to understand a situation is to listen to those affected. Spend time listening or reading the stories of survivors of violence and exploitation. Learn about what they experienced and what support brought them hope and healing. Consider their recommendations and what community protection looks from their perspective. This is a great place to start.
Advocate for justice.
Look for ways you can speak up on behalf of those experiencing violence and exploitation. Educate yourself and others on the signs of exploitation and violence, online or offline, and how to respond. Take a stand against harmful practices or behaviours that belittle or hurt others.
Explore ways you can uphold values of justice, kindness and peace in your community. This may involve taking political action by signing petitions or writing your MP on justice issues. Consider advocating with IJM for better Canadian legislation that will protect children from online sexual exploitation.
Every voice matters, you never know, you might be the person who brings an issue to its tipping point. To become an advocate with IJM, visit ijm.ca/advocacy.
Commit to buying fair trade, second hand and ethically sourced goods.
Maybe you’re tired of companies that are vague and evasive about their production processes, and you’re looking for fashion that is ethical and honest. Maybe you’ve even dipped a toe into the ethical fashion industry.
Buying from a brand or person you know and trust, or from a country that is at low risk for human trafficking is another way to live justly. Purchasing from local vendors or second hand can help avoid products that may have been made with forced or child labour.
Looking for a place to start? Here are some resources that IJM staff use when making purchasing decisions:
- Read the U.S. State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report to learn which products and sourcing countries are at higher risk for forced and child labour.
- For ethically sourced food, consider looking at FairTrade’s Canadian directory.
Every purchase can make an impact and supports companies seeking to make the world a better place.
Report suspicious or illegal activity taking place online and offline.
You might never come across suspicious or illegal activity - but if you do, know that your voice can make a difference. Choosing to report harmful or concerning behaviour can help protect someone and contribute to a safer community.
If you are a witness, do what you can to safely intervene, you might positively impact the trajectory of a situation or even someone’s life. You can report harmful content on social media within the platform itself, contact Cybertip.ca and your local authorities with additional information.
Steps like these help us stand in solidarity with victims and survivors of violence, choosing to prioritize justice and community safety.
If you personally are being victimized or need content taken down, please reach out directly to local law enforcement.
Think communally.
Injustice thrives when people are isolated and disconnected. By living lives of generosity and connection we can better care for and protect one another. Consider taking inventory of what you have - home, vehicle, food, tools. Could one of those meet a need in your community?
Now, consider the intangible things: your knowledge, your education, your immigration status, your network, even the neighborhood you live in. These things—often taken for granted—can be powerful tools for advocacy or support. Is there training, education or expertise that someone needs help with that you or someone you know could offer? Is there an advocacy event or meeting you could convene because you know the people who need to move it forward?
Sharing resources strengthens our community and reduces vulnerabilities. The beauty of caring for your community is that it often comes full circle when you need it most.
Want to invite IJM to join your community? Fill out this form to let us know how we can be involved in your next event.
Partner with International Justice Mission Canada.
Giving as little as $15 dollars a month can bring safety and freedom to victims and survivors of human trafficking around the world. This might seem like a small gift, but together our collective generosity makes a big stand against injustice. If IJM is an organization you’d like to support financially, make today the day you sign up as a monthly donor! Your consistent gifts will have an exponential impact.
Our world needs champions for justice.
We would encourage you to choose one of these ideas and turn it into action. By standing as one community, we can end violence and human trafficking, protecting people in our neighbourhoods and around the world.
Have more ideas to add to this blog post? Email advocacy@ijm.ca to share your thoughts for the next post.