Georgia Tech’s student organization One Voice Atlanta is raising awareness of this among Tech students and educating them on how they can help stop this growing problem. Events from March 25–29 will attempt to bring this issue to the forefront of students’ minds during One Voice Atlanta’s annual Sex Trafficking Awareness Week.

“So many students don’t know this is going on and are floored when you tell them about it,” said One Voice Atlanta President Brittany Mays, whose decision to attend Tech was based on the opportunity to have an influence on this issue that has been contaminating her own backyard. 

This year, the week will include live performances, an interfaith prayer room, and events arranged with nearby businesses to fundraise for Wellspring Living, a local organization that works with women recovering from sexual abuse.

The week also ties in with President Barack Obama’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge, the White House initiative meant to engage college students in interfaith service. Human trafficking will be Georgia Tech’s focus for the Campus Challenge. 

Sex Trafficking Awareness Week activities include:

• Monday, March 25 – Celebrate Justice: Look for white balloons around campus and get a balloon, ribbon, or pin to show your solidarity, as well as a schedule for the rest of the week’s events.
• Tuesday, March 26 – Laleo: This evening of performances will include groups such as the Salsa Club, SympVibes, and Pulse, as well as individual performances by staff and students. Participants will also be able to purchase hand-painted mugs; proceeds will benefit Wellspring Living.
• Wednesday, March 27 – Pray Upon Injustice: A 24-hour interfaith prayer room will be available for those of all faiths and belief systems.
• Thursday, March 28 – Fitness for Freedom: Be at the Campus Recreation Center at 5 p.m. for a surprise, and then stay for a free group yoga class at 8:45 p.m.
• Friday, March 29 – Freedom Festival: Dine at Atlantic Station’s California Pizza Kitchen, Burger Joint, or Which Wich, all of which will donate a portion of their proceeds to the week’s efforts.