Inevitable Grief, Zipping Brain Nuerons, and Empathizing with the World

by Elisa | Sep 4, 2013 | Anthropology Psychology Sociology, Spiritual Discipleship

Sorry guys it has been SO LONG since I've blogged. This has been the longest gap ever on the website. I've just been pregnant, outdoors, or busy doing anti-trafficking stuff so this has fallen down my priority list. Because I don't really like writing factual boring...

Happy Fourth: Why I Am Thankful I Am Not In Syria

by Elisa | Jul 4, 2013 | Children-in-Need, Create Awareness, Human Rights, Seeking Justice

Happy Fourth of July! I was watching a ridiculous School House Rock movie with my kids earlier today, with a nifty song about fireworks and why we celebrate today. You know, like the end of tyranny, having human rights, and the ability to make a life for oneself and...

What Do You Know About Men Who Buy Sex?

by Elisa | Jun 22, 2013 | Create Awareness, Human Rights, Human Trafficking, Sex Trafficking, Uncategorized

Although I have heard stuff like this before, I recently read a post based upon new research on men who buy sex. Understanding demand for women and the johns who buy them is essential. We know that if demand ceased, then there would be no profit in providing the...

It’s the Growing Movement: Ending Modern Slavery

by Elisa | Jun 9, 2013 | Create Awareness, Human Trafficking

This is written by a a woman who works with a YWAM base down in Australia, leading The School of Communication and Advocacy for Human Trafficking. I think this is pretty awesome, and I can't wait to hear what her team learns, is changed by, and accomplishes while...

Spring 2013 Update: How We Can Care For Orphans

by Elisa | May 20, 2013 | Children-in-Need, Create Awareness, Good Charities, Ways to Make a Difference

I guess I have never actually written a specific blog post with details about why we should care for orphans, so let's just start this off assuming that we should. But even with that belief or obligation, it is an entirely different thing knowing we should do...

The Richest Houses in the DC Suburbs in Contrast with Global Inequality

by Elisa | Apr 29, 2013 | Create Awareness, Poverty

Sometimes I just feel so much tension about how wealthy I am. Yes, although I drive a scrapped up, clanking 1999 Dodge mini van I am still rich. After all, I have TWO cars. I have a 1996 Honda too. Both just shy of 200,000 miles. I am so rich, in fact, I am...

School of Communication and Advocacy: Fighting Human Trafficking

by Elisa | Apr 25, 2013 | Art of Advocacy, Good Charities, Human Trafficking

A few years back I did some schools with an organization called Youth With a Mission (YWAM). You can read some of my story here, how I went from working with YWAM to where I am today, being an advocate for the poor and oppressed. One of the cool things about YWAM is...

Action: Sewing Love & Sending Hugs With Dolly Donations

by Elisa | Apr 16, 2013 | Children-in-Need, Sex Trafficking, Ways to Make a Difference

Dolly Donations--Susan's Step Forward as an Advocate Susan has been on the journey of discovering her role as advocate. The last time I talked with her, it inspired me to write this post because I understand what it is like to be unsure about how to make a...

Incomparable: The God Who Cares About the Poor and Oppressed

by Elisa | Apr 11, 2013 | Anthropology Psychology Sociology, Art of Advocacy, Poverty, Seeking Justice, Spiritual Discipleship, United States

How Does God View the Poor? “I will praise Him from the bottom of my heart: “Lord, who can compare with you? Who else rescues the weak and helpless from the strong? Who else protects the poor and needy from those who want to rob...

Adventure

Swamp Wisdom: An Ecclesiastes on Human Rights

Ever heard of ancient King Solomon? He was said to be the wisest of them all as he philosophized...

Busy Moms, Community, Family & Relationships, Raising Kids

Storm Chaser; Change Chaser: On Saying Goodbye

How Can Anyone Say Goodbye? I’m starting to feel all panicky that I am leaving all my...

Anthropology Psychology Sociology, Mental Health, Recovery, Safe Spaces

Understanding Terms for Poor Nations vs. Rich Nations

Terms of Poverty Whether in public political addresses or in pleas from non-profits, we have all heard some of these terms thrown around at some point or another. But just because we can infer their general meaning, I...

Ethical Fashion, Fair Trade Products, Giving Back, Socially Conscious Brands

Everyday People Doing Something About Human Trafficking And Refugees

Can an everyday person make a difference for refugees? Yep. They can! Just as I’ve seen it...

Children-in-Need, Clean Water, Conflicts, Wars, Genocides and Atrocities, Global Health, Good Charities, Helping that Doesn't Hurt, Human Rights, Poverty, Refugees and Immigration, Seeking Justice, United States

How To Not Be a Bad Advocate for Social Change

Occasionally, the best way to learn how to do something well is by learning what not to do. I empower people to be good advocates for social change, but these days I am seeing a lot of bad activism. Here are things not to say if you want your advocacy and activism to be better-received.