2019 Human Trafficking Committee -- Scott Blake, Renee Harberts, Scott Hawkins, Bonnie Rolstad, Jon Barnett
Scott Hawkins who is part of the Human Trafficking Committee gave the Invocation, Pledge &, Four Way Test.
This week’s meeting was a special one; the Edina Rotary Noon Club hosted a panel on Human Trafficking titled “Taking Action to Prevent Human Sex Trafficking”
Renee Harberts, who is the Social Director and Co-Chair of Human Trafficking Committee is a liaison with Bonnie Rolstad who worked to bring this issue to the forefront of our club. Two years ago we had a speaker which touched on the human trafficking problem that we have in Minnesota, which many people are completely unaware of. When the committee was first organized they began with two goals:
- To raise awareness of human trafficking
- To partner with local clubs around our district
Pictured: Bonnie Rolstad, San Asato, 63rd Club President 2017-18, Renee Harberts
Renee went on to say that this conference would not have been possible with the support of past presidents San Asato, John Flynn and current president Josh Sprague.
During President Flynn’s tenure, our signature grant for the year was $10,000 to Superhero Kids which is an assault, safety and prevention program which teaches children to identify improper sex behavior and how to stop it.
In attendance at this week’s meeting were 27 Rotary Clubs from around the state and the district as well as friends, family, & concerned members of our community.
Human Trafficking Speakers and Experts were: Heidi Naumann, Kenna Dick and Carla Marroquin
We hosted a panel of three experts on this topic:
1. Carla Marroquin - Founder / Exec. Director - Protect Me Project
2. Kenna Dick – Permanent Detective – Edina Police
3. Heidi Naumann - Executive Director of Superhero Kids Foundation
Jon Barnett – Member of Edina Crime Prevention Fund – Moderated the panel and also happens to be Carla’s brother.
A few quick facts about human sex trafficking that we learned about.
- 1 out of 7 kids is abused
- Bullying at 6 are the same tactics used at 18
- Porn Consumption & exposure
- Sexting
- Camming
- Average age of first watching pornography is 9
- Teaching in schools is the place to reach kids
- Prevent kids from assaults happening
- 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 10 boys will experience an assault before 18
- Over 93% of trafficked victims had an abuse
- Child & Adult - 90% of time it’s an adult that the child knows
Superhero Kids - Grants and resources to schools for prevention programs
- Kindergarten to 12th grade
- Medtronic, Cargill, General Mills, 3M use the program for their employees
- Al - Former Navy Seal created program
- $10-15 per kid lifesaving information
- Focus on emotional issues, exploitation, suicide
Carla Marroquin - Founder / Exec. Director - Protect Me Project
- Link love - sex & violence
- Working in spanish speaking countries to prevent trafficking
- 32% of victims came from Mexico, Caribbean & South America
In Edina:
- Go above and beyond to check for sex offender registry
- No level 3 offenders
- Recidivism - under 5%
- 12 sex offenders in the city of Edina
What you can do to prevent human trafficking:
If you notice something that doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right - Trust your intuition. Police are there to help, if something doesn’t feel right, call the police.
Always report if you notice something.
Scott Blake thanked the panel for coming.
David Aase, Barker writer and Youth Service Director 2019-20, Bonnie Rolstad, Human Trafficking Chair,
Kelley Burnett, Community Service Grants Chair, 2019-20, Rick Carlson, Walk for Alzheimer's Chair, are so happy to see you.
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The dining room was at capacity with 27 visiting clubs and 200 guests.
Lots of questions and answers for the panel of experts. Seen here, Margaret Johnson of the Edina Morningside club and Joe Arends.
We even made the news . . .Click here for the story.