TEAMING UP AGAINST TRAFFICKING: SLAVE TRAFFICKING AWARENESS EVENT IN ARIZONA
One of the focuses of the WFWP USA is to bring awareness of human trafficking to the nation and communities everywhere, and we here in Arizona were inspired to organize our own event to educate our community regarding this growing pandemic of child sex trafficking. In partnership with Streetlight USA, a nonprofit organization established to bring national awareness of sex trafficking and exploitation of minors, WFWP Arizona invited Carolyn Jones to be the keynote speaker. Carolyn is an advocate with the speaker's bureau of Streetlight, and was a victim of child sex slavery. With the help of Streetlight USA, she left that life and became a speaker who shares her own experience as a sex slave, and now she is helping other young women.
The meeting educated our audience about how rampant this problem is in Phoenix. Carolyn gave a powerful and inspiring speech, not just sharing her life, but also about what is happening to other young girls right now. Her passion is to do God's will, which is to help bring back home God's daughters and help them restore their path to a brighter future.
Many in the audience were touched, and Carolyn answered their questions honestly, not hesitating to "tell it like it is." She concluded by stating how important it is to support Streetlight USA in any way possible, such as by becoming a mentor, supporting financially, or any other way. WFWP Arizona hopes that through this, many of those who attended and feel called to help Streetlight USA will follow up to do so. I know that Carolyn gave me a new understanding of what human suffering is about and inspired me to take action.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
In addition to the sex-trafficking awareness event, WFWP Arizona organized a successful membership drive that went from April 10 to May 10, 2012. Every Sunday, we prepared a beautifully decorated table featuring WFWP membership forms and activities, which attracted many members to join. Fourteen new members signed up, and as a gift, a beautiful picture of WFWP founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon was given to each of them.
ARIZONA WELCOMES PRESIDENT SELLE
From May 25 until May 28, WFWP Arizona had the pleasure to host Angelika Selle, president of WFWP USA, in Arizona. She would be the keynote speaker for our annual Mother-Daughter Luncheon event. Angelika arrived on May 25, and in the evening many of the board members met with her over dinner. She shared her passion and vision for WFWP by focusing on how we can create local grass-roots-level programs and initiatives. She also shared the progress on preparations for the upcoming 20th anniversary assembly in Las Vegas, October 25-27.
The next day was the luncheon, and 32 members and guests attended. Angelika gave a vibrant and warm presentation that especially inspired our young women. Their eyes were full of wonder and excitement. A wonderful lunch followed, and Melanie Taylor (former WFWP chairwoman) gave a strong call to action regarding WFWP's role as an NGO at the United Nations and how supporting WFWP can keep us in a stronger position in the United Nations.
On Sunday, Angelika gave another speech to those people who could not attend the previous day's luncheon. Her coming to Arizona was truly a blessing. Many sisters got so inspired to want to follow their passion. One thing that stuck with me was a statement made by Angelika, "Don't forget your daily Vitamin C, which stands for Communication and Clarity." These are important ingredients in creating an effective and healthy family/group/organization.
When Angelika arrived in Arizona, I felt that "mother" had arrived to give her children her love, words, and heart. She gave of herself fully in expressing the love of God and our True Parents to our community. Seeing her leave felt kind of bittersweet, and WFWP Arizona hopes to see her again soon.