World Vision, International Justice Mission, Polaris Project, and Safe Horizons launch Twitter campaign to fight human trafficking

Washington, DC (April 23, 2012) — Six months have passed since Congress allowed Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) to expire, jeopardizing the centerpiece of U.S. policy to combat human trafficking. To help move this critical legislation forward, World Vision, International Justice Mission (IJM), the Polaris Project, and Safe Horizons are launching a Twitter campaign urging Congress to renew the TVPA and help end slavery for the 27 million enslaved people around the world.

“The collaboration of international and domestic organizations coming together for this campaign mirrors the comprehensive aspects of the TVPA bill and emphasizes its importance both in the U.S. and abroad,” said Jesse Eaves, World Vision policy advisor for children in crisis.

Starting today, individuals across the country will be asked to tweet their Senators to reauthorize the TVPA using the hashtag #EndSlavery. The goal of the campaign is to get 10 more Senators to sponsor the Senate bill in order to reach a total of 50 Senate co-sponsors by April 30, so people are encouraged to tweet every day for the remainder of the month.

“We are focusing on the Senate bill because it is bipartisan and has advocates across the country giving it strong momentum,” said Eaves. “Our leaders need to know this is too important not to act. Time is running out and it’s time for Congress to know their constituents want the US to keep fighting to end slavery.”

The campaign will target Senators who have not yet agreed to sponsor the bill, listed below. Concerned citizens will be able to visit the websites of World Vision, IJM, Polaris or Safe Horizons to simply click on the button by their Senator’s name to send their Twitter message.

“We’ve seen how social media tools like Twitter allow people to set the priorities for their lawmakers — in this case to help end modern-day slavery by reauthorizing an effective U.S. law,” said Eaves. “We’re excited to put this tool in the hands of people across the United States who told us they’re eager to lend their voice to this cause.”

For more information and the list of Senator Twitter accounts, click here.

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About World Vision:

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve the world's poor — regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information on their efforts, visit WorldVision.org/press or follow them on Twitter at @WorldVisionNews