Volunteering for A21 in Thailand

You know when you find your passion and you can’t seem to think about anything else?

 That is exactly what it has been like for me over the past year; I haven't been able to stop thinking about helping the victims of human trafficking. “Human trafficking? That doesn’t exist!”  Unfortunately it does exist and is more prevalent now than it ever has been. I need to do something and I'm hoping you can help.

 Now that I’ve been exposed to the tragedy that is human trafficking I can’t turn a blind eye any longer! People are being held against their will to do unspeakable things while we live out our day-to-day lives. Why are we so lucky? Why isn’t it us that are being held captive? It has taken me 28 years to realize this - why not use my freedom to free those that are enslaved? Why not speak up for the ones who can’t - the ones silenced by fear, torture and oppression?

 We all have the ability to help. For some, helping is spreading awareness about human trafficking. For some, it’s to get involved by volunteering. For some, it is to donate financially to the cause. I’m making a choice to help by accepting a volunteer position with A21 in Bangkok, Thailand.

 In April, I will be moving to Thailand to volunteer with A21, a non-profit organization with a mission to eradicate human trafficking.

 A21's Mission:

• Abolish slavery everywhere, forever
• Education to detect the signs of trafficking and avoid situations that could lead to trafficking
• Assisting local authorities in gathering evidence to identify & rescue victims
• Care for rescued victims as they are reintroduced to everyday life by facilitating educational programs, support systems, skill development, psychiatric care, and safe homes
 
As a volunteer with A21, I will:

• Build relationships with churches and schools in other SE Asia countries to educate them on the issues of human trafficking, including preventing and identifying signs of trafficking
• Build the framework for an international volunteer program for the A21 team in Thailand
• Support the A21 team in Cambodia as they get started

You can learn more about the organization and what they stand for at A21.org.

 I will not be earning any income in the process and will be there for at least 3-6 months with the possibly of being there longer. I'm taking a leap of faith by devoting my whole self to anti-human trafficking and saving lives, so I am humbly asking for your financial support. Would you consider giving $5? $25? $100?

 I am attempting to raise $6,500. This may seem like a lot, but I believe there is strength in numbers. This goal will be met if 1,300 people give $5; or if 650 people give $10; or if 260 people give $25; or if 65 people give $100...you get the idea. Would you consider sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family? I truly appreciate ever singe dollar given so that I can support myself while giving my time to this cause.

 Thank you so much for reading my story and I hope you will wholeheartedly consider supporting me on this journey. Below I will provide my contact information and ways to donate if you choose to do so. Please leave your email address so I can thank you personally and share updates and photos during my time in Thailand. Above everything else, I ask that you pray for me through this transition and seek information on the horrors of human trafficking.

 With Love,

Lyon McCabe