Black and White Campaign: One of the most effective ways to bring attention to an issue is to assign colors to it, so that there is a visual connection between the cause and the color. Assigning colors to an issue also generate curiosity so that people ask questions about the issue. For human trafficking, SSTOP chose black and white, because the issue is simple, either somone supports trafficking (someone who trafficks people or engages in illicit activity with a trafficked vicitm) or against human trafficking/exploitation in all its forms.
Popular Culture: Another publicity campaign is to use popular culture to bring awareness to the issue. This includes writing letters to popular magazines such as Cosmopolitan, YM, Marie Claire etc, asking them to write feature articles about the issue. It also includes inviting famous figures to give speeches, organizing concerts and open mic nights, and making paraphernalia (ribbons, dog tags, arm bands, t-shirts etc.) to advertise the cause.
Student Journal: Since many students have the opportunity to study abroad during their college years, we decided to start a study abroad journal entitled: The Odyssey: Student Perspectives on Human Rights. Submissions are welcome from undergraduate and undergraduate students from all over the country. Learn more
Creating a Student Movement: Often times, the best catalyst for change starts at a grassroots level with students. It is the goal of SSTOP to unite campuses across the country about this important issue. We do this by hosting regional and national conferences, where we bring experts, people out in the field, and survivors together to talk about the issue. We also network with universities to coordinate events.
Down with Demand: Much of the focus of human trafficking has focuses on the supply side, and we want to dedicate the first semester to raising awareness about the demand for human trafficking, whether that be for sex, labor, soldiers, marriage, or organs. SSTOP’s regional conference will be dedicated to demand, and the organization will also hold two events during the fall dedicated to the topic of demand.