Soroptimist to host community human trafficking awareness event May 3

Soroptimist International (SI) of Loomis Basin will host Hidden in Plain Sight: Human Trafficking in our Community on Sunday, May 3, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. with a resource fair until 5 p.m. This free educational program will be held at Del Oro High School Theatre, located at 3301 Taylor Rd in Loomis. Reserve your seat at traffickingloomismay3.eventbrite.com. With presentations from law enforcement, human trafficking experts and the California State Threat Assessment Center as well as a resource fair, this free event will give an eye-opening view of local Human Trafficking. College and high school students, parents, caregivers, educators and the community will gain empowering insights on the realities of human trafficking, emerging trends and prevention strategies. The goals are to expose how Human Trafficking is happening in our community, connect participants with local trusted professionals at the resource fair and, through heightened awareness, better protect our families, friends and community, according to Dana Van Aelstyn, co-chair, Loomis Soroptimist Human Trafficking Awareness Committee. "Unsuspecting young people can be targeted by those posing as new friends on apps, social media and online gaming, and manipulated by predators offering false relationships," said Van Aelstyn. "Our speakers will share firsthand insights, highlight warning signs, explain grooming tactics and offer recommendations on what you can do to stay safe and help others." Speakers include representatives from the Placer County Sheriff's Office, Placer County District Attorney's Office, The Sacramento Sheriff's Violent Crimes Task Force and California State Threat Assessment Center. At the resource fair, attendees can connect with experts from the speakers' offices, as well as CASA, Stand Up Placer, Julie's Purse Project, Damsels in Defense, Brave Voices, Kids First and 3Strands, among others. Participants will gain practical, real-life information to avoid risky situations and recognize human trafficking. "It doesn't often happen like in the movies," said Van Aelstyn. "Speakers will explain ways human trafficking can happen in our hometown based on recent experiences. Participants will learn to spot the warning signs of trafficking and find out what they can do to help. This is a chance to connect, learn and raise awareness to create a safer community." For more information, go to soroptimistloomis.com/trafficking/. On the Placer County website, the article, The Issue is Human Trafficking, defines this problem: "Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. As defined under U.S. federal law, victims of human trafficking include children involved in the sex trade, adults aged 18 or over who are coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts, and anyone forced into different forms of 'labor or services.'" (placer.ca.gov/8658/The-issue-is-human-trafficking) Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin is part of a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment, especially those facing significant obstacles. To learn more about this 501(c)(3) organization, go to www.soroptimistloomis.com and find Soroptimist Loomis Basin @SILoomis on Facebook and Instagram. The club meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m. in Loomis.