On Saturday, January 27, 2018, the third Youth Empowerment Safety Symposium (Y.E.S.S.) was held at the Salvation Army Citadel in Long Beach. Several Soroptimist International of Long Beach members volunteered for the event which provided education and tools of empowerment in the fight against human trafficking. Volunteers received an “I AM NOT FOR SALE” t-shirt and were invited to stand inside the human-size Barbie box that illustrated the fact that humans are not for sale.
The Symposium included 33 resource tables and 13 fair trade vendors. Artwork by the students of Assurance Learning Academy was on display to visually illustrate the impact violence and trafficking can have on our youth. Poetry, music, and a survivor’s story were shared in the main hall.
Community members left with information, knowledge, inspiration, and the tools to fight human trafficking in Long Beach.
Volunteer poses in Barbie box to illustrate that humans are not for sale.
SILB volunteers meet sister Soroptimists from Downey.
