Amelioration Proposal

There are so many amazing organizations doing effective, rich work in the areas of human trafficking and sexual exploitation (see my Resources Page and Top 10 List). I defer to their experience and expertise. But as a product of living inside of this issue for the last few months, I am able to offer humble proposals gathered from a variety of sources, as well as my newly inspired brain.

• Within the United States, we must decriminalize child prostitution. Only the states of New York and Washington have safe harbor laws when it comes to child prostitution. As I have stated time and time again, if a child cannot legally consent to sex, how can they sell sex? Write to your local representatives and let them know that this is a priority. 
• Spread the word. Perhaps this is overly optimistic, but I feel certain that if our friends and neighbors knew that this was happening in every corner of the globe (including our own towns), people would have no choice but to become involved. We can start by educating schools, churches, and other community organizations that can mobilize their members into action. Word of mouth is also a powerful way to disperse information. And with the wealth of social networking at our fingertips and already integrated into our lives, we can get the information out to many.
• Focus on education. Education is one of the very basic deterrents to vulnerability for exploitation. Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn is one of the most horrifying and inspiring books I have ever read. The overarching theme of the book is the panacea of education. It provides opportunities for vulnerable populations and provides opportunity for economic success. I dare you to read this book. 
• Focus on demand for child prostitutes, not the supply (but, of course, provide a strong net of social services to "the supply"). The exploiters (pimps) and predators (johns) need to face harsher criminal charges. For too long, the girl has taken on the bulk of the risk because she is the one on the street, and pimps and (especially) johns have gotten off with a slap on the wrist. There is a sea change occurring, however. In some states, the predator is no longer able to use the excuse of not knowing the child was a minor. The onus is directly on him to ensure that information (or not buy sex at all). I also think that multiple offenders should have to register as sex offenders. A pimp in Seattle recently got convicted of human trafficking; just one example of where things are (hopefully) headed.
• Money is a huge help for this cause. My resources page is brimming with organizations that can use your donations, however large or small. But if you cannot donate money, please donate your time. Whether that means starting a petition or email campaign, or tutoring children in your own community, we can all make a difference in someone's life. 
• Internationally, our country has a great deal of influence. Countries in Asia have created special departments that police and monitor DVD piracy, because we have made it clear that we value intellectual property rights? What would happen if we made known our collective intolerance of sexual exploitation? Once again, write your local representative to start the chain.