Abolish Human Slavery – Take a Stand Tomorrow

The following is from Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) president, Kathy Standiford.

Tomorrow, December 2, is the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. It commemorates the date, in December 1949 (!) that the UN General Assembly adopted a convention to suppress trafficking, exploitation and prostitution of persons. I’m blogging about it today in the hopes that you will do at least one thing to commemorate this important day. Although it is something that civil society has condemned for decades, slavery is alive and well today throughout the world. In fact, trafficking in persons is estimated to be the second largest “business” of organized crime.

Soroptimists STOP Trafficking is a campaign to end human trafficking, a form of modern day slavery. For Soroptimists outside of the United States, December 2nd provides a great opportunity to raise awareness about this issue and its impact on women and girls. Soroptimists in the US are encouraged to plan a Soroptimists STOP Trafficking event or activity in conjunction with January 11, the National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness. Whether you are inside or outside the US, the SIA website has lots of resources to help—and hopefully most of you are already planning to do something. (Visit www.soroptimist.org and click on the “sex trafficking” button, right from the home page.)

I’ll be giving tips for how to get personally involved in this issue during a panel discussion on human trafficking that will be held tomorrow, December 2, at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time (GMT-8).

The show will be broadcast live over the internet as part of the “Voices for Justice” blogtalkradio series. The other panelists include experts on trafficking and slave labor from Oregon. Listen in and learn more about what you can be doing to end human trafficking and improve the lives of women and girls locally and around the world. To listen to the show live (or to listen later at your convenience), visit
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/helpingheroes/2009/12/02/voices-for-justice-modern-day-slavery for more information.

It’s been 61 years since the UN took a stand opposing slavery in all its forms, including the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls.

Isn’t it about time we collectively took steps to make sure that the UN’s Convention becomes no longer necessary?

Human Trafficking Awareness

On Sunday October 4th members of Soroptimist International of Brea/LaHabra will be at the Brea Mall to promote awareness of human trafficking as it exists in the United States today. Most people still believe human trafficking takes place only in foreign countries. Orange County has become a hot-spot for human trafficking—labor and sex—due to the wealth throughout the county.

As an important project for Soroptimist International to create awareness on the reality of human trafficking, individual clubs educate at the local community level. Malls have become a prime location for the interaction to take place between the trafficker and an unsuspecting young woman.

Come and get informed.

Hours
12pm-6pm

Location
Simon Malls | Brea Mall
Second Level
1065 Brea Mall, Brea, CA 92821
(Located off of the Orange Freeway (57) at the intersection of Imperial Highway (90) and State College Blvd)

Senior Fall Prevention

In honor of Fall Prevention Awareness Week, Soroptimist International of Brea/La Habra, and the Orange County Down with Falls Coalition, hosted a Senior Fall Prevention Class on September 24 at the Brea Senior Center.

Approximately 60 seniors listened intently as Barbara Walling, a Soroptimist and co-chair of the Orange County Down with Falls Coalition and Outreach Director for the University of California Irvine Senior Health Center, explained how to avoid falls in the home and elsewhere.

Handouts included a fall prevention checklist, a fall risk assessment pamphlet and illustrated instructions on how to get up from a fall.

The lecture and handouts were well received by the seniors, and hopefully, will help them avoid future falls.

An Attendee's Perspective

It was so informative and lots of things to think about that you might not otherwise consider.

Afterward, one lady just raved about the great information we'd heard.

Some things I hadn't considered before that can make us fall are:
• Reactions to medicines might make us off balance
• Our hearing lessens as we grow older and sometimes we can be startled when a person or animal comes up on us from behind
• Sight is also an issue because, of course, we don't always see as well as we should.

Things to be aware of:
• Knowing the environment is especially important for us as we age:
Realize leaves are falling from trees where we generally take walks,
Be aware of sidewalk cracks, tree roots, blossoms and other debris,
It's best to walk with a friend.
• Always hold hand rails
• Slow down when carrying heavy things
• Be very watchful of your's and others' pets
• Take a minute right after you get up to be sure you're steady
• Be more mindful of cords and rugs in your home
• Know how to get up when you fall is very important

Baraba Walling also shared a website that can give other great information www.downwithfalls.org.

Orange County Fair: Human Trafficking Awareness

The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) had a booth during the run of the Orange County Fair this year to promote awareness of what is happening in the local area.

Soroptimist International of Brea/La Habra manned the booth on Saturday, August 8. I am sure that everyone who volunteered to work came away feeling that the time spent at the booth was was well worth it. Many people who passed by asked if there really is a problem in Orange County and were incredulous to find out that it is a thriving, underground business.

At one point, a gentleman from the area stopped by with his teenage son and talked about what goes on in his community. He pointed out that, depending on the country of origin a trafficked person, prices vary for getting into the United States. He stated how much a person had to pay: from Mexico, $5,000; from Cambodia, $10,000; and from El Salvador (or possibly Guatamala as his English was difficult to follow), $15,000. When asked if this was what he did, he replied, no, that he was a teacher and taught computers within his community.

Many people were happy to take the pens and informational postcard that also included the National Hotline number, 888-3737-888. If the word trickles out to the general public and helps at least one victim of human trafficking, the constant effort to create awareness is time well spent.

Thanks to all those who volunteered their time throughout the Fair!

Falls and Fall Prevention

Presented by Barbara Walling
UC Irvine SeniorHealth Center
Member of Down with Falls Coalition

Falls are a major threat to the lives, independence and health of older adults. Yet, falling is not an inevitable part of aging. Join Barbara Walling, a member of the Orange County Down with Falls Coalition and outreach director for UC Irvine SeniorHealth Center, for an informative lecture on falls and fall prevention. The presentation, hosted by Soroptimist International of Brea/La Habra, will include an overview of the problem of older adult falls, the causes of falls, and practical tips on the prevention of falls.

Thursday, September 24, 11:00 a.m.
Brea Senior Center
500 S. Sievers Ave.
Brea, CA

Senior Fall Prevention

Conscious of the difficulties of people of all ages, Soroptimist International of Brea/La Habra sponsors a Senior Fall Prevention class that focuses on seniors and the daily threat of falling. This class offers information on being aware of what hazards contribute to falling and what to do in the event of falling. Planning for, and being able to access an emergency kit after a fall, are critical to the safety and well-being of seniors.

Thursday, September 24, 2009
11am-12pm

Brea Senior Center
500 S. Sievers Street
Brea, CA 92862

20090924T110000/20090924T120000

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5th Annual Authors' Brunch

Plans are underway for our Women in the Arts: 5th Annual Authors' Brunch on November 14th. With top selling authors speaking and selling books, attendees always come away impressed and inspired.

Enjoy brunch at the Alta Vista Country Club, with a beautiful view of the greens and the mountains beyond, while listening to each author as they give a unique glimpse into their world of writing. Purchase balloons that come with a surprise. And, to top off the event, meet the authors for book signing.

Funds raised at this event go toward Soroptimist International of Brea/La Habra's community causes. Past recipients have included The Gary Center, The Children's Museum at La Habra, La Habra Resource Center, Brea Lions Scout Center Foundation, high school scholarships, and women's self-defense classes, to name a few.

Anne Cherian: A Good Indian Wife

Lisa See: Mysteries: Flower Net, The Interior, Dragon Bones; Novels: Snow Flower & the Secret Fan, Peony In Love, Shanghai Girls; Non-Fiction: On Golden Mountain; Short Fiction: Half & Half

Marisa Silver: Novels: The God of War, No Direction Home; Short Stories: Babe in Paradise

Jeri Westerson: Veil of Lies, Serpent in the Thorns

November 14, 2009

Alta Vista Country Club
777 E. Alta Vista Street
Placentia, CA 92870

$45.00 per person

Registration: 9:30am-10:00am
Brunch: 10:00am-10:45
Authors: 11:00-12:30
Book Signing: 12:30-1:00pm

For more information, please contact us at info@soroptimistblh.org.