To help draw attention to the serious issue of human trafficking, ECPAT-USA, part of ECPAT International — a global network working to eradicate sexual exploitation of children — is launching a new campaign called 20BY20.

The year-long initiative aims to train 20,000 business events professionals on what they can do to prevent and respond to human trafficking by July 2020. It officially kicks off on July 30, coinciding with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, an awareness day designated by the United Nations. 

Participation by the business events community is especially important, as human traffickers often use travel industry infrastructure, such as hotels and airlines, to exploit and transport their victims. Large-scale events are also often targeted to find customers. That’s why ECPAT-USA believes the industry can be a leader in fighting this global issue.

“As the leading policy organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children, ECPAT-USA understands the urgency of getting the word out to business events professionals,” says Michelle Guelbart, director of private-sector engagement for the organization. 

She continues, “We believe the time is now for #20BY20 and know this landmark effort will bring together the industry to make a true difference in our shared goal to fight and eradicate human trafficking.”

If you’d like to get involved, there are two main ways you can help through sponsorship. Industry organizations can endorse the 20BY20 program by becoming a recognized ECPAT-USA Business Events Advocate (promoting the campaign and actively encouraging your team to be trained) or an ECPAT-USA Business Events Champion (promoting the campaign and sponsoring your team’s training). 

The course is a 25-minute online training that addresses human trafficking, as well as its intersection with the events and travel industry. It covers topics such as how to recognize the signs of sex trafficking, why traffickers use the travel industry, and how to take action with clients and suppliers to stop it. The course provides CE credit for the CMP credential, as well. 

Participation interest is requested by July 19 so the organization can provide communications tools as well as recognition on ECPAT-USA’s website and social media channels to industry partners. Sponsors will receive an online toolkit that includes website graphics, digital messaging, introduction posts for your communications channels and ongoing messaging throughout the campaign. 

To learn more about 20BY20 or to get involved, go here.

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