A call to Action!

Advocating for S.596, Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
2 pm EST
Conference line: 218-548-4972; passcode 153059#
 
Dear Friends,
 
Senators Wyden (D-OR) and Cornyn (R-TX) introduced S.596, the Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2011, on March 16, 2011.  View the bill text here:  http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s112-596.  Our Senate champions are ready to fight to secure critical funds for domestic minor victims of sex trafficking.  Join us for a call on this legislation and how we can work to pass it into law this year.  We will discuss:
 
·         S.596 – An overview of the bill and how it is part of the solution
·         Questions regarding the legislation
·         How to support S.596
·         An overview of the materials provided
·         Your needs and concerns
 
You can access four documents to help you get started by clicking the links:
1.   a detailed summary of S.596;
2.   a one page brief of S.596;
3.   a document with tips on engaging the media to advocate for the bill; and
4.   a resource document for the Christian faith community with information and ways to take action.
 
If you are familiar with last year’s bill, you will find that little has changed in this version.
 
Senators will be back in their districts between April 18 and April 29.  Now is the time to arrange a meeting with your senators’ staff in their district offices during that time.  Gather allies in your state and schedule meetings to urge your senators to support S.596 and explain how it will address some of the challenges we face regarding the sex trafficking of children in the U.S.  Also, watch for town halls where senators are taking questions – a great opportunity to raise the issue in a public forum.
 
As always, if anyone plans to be in Washington, DC in the next few months and is interested in meeting with your legislator, please let us know if you would like us to accompany you.  We look forward to speaking with you on April 18 at 2 pm EST!