Hello friends, 
I would like to share some exciting news: I am going to be volunteering for three months (January-March 2011) with Freedom Firm, an organization that seeks to end sex trafficking… in India. For about four years I have had a growing interest in sex trafficking. The more I have learned, the more I have had a desire to do something about this world-wide issue, particularly in India. 200 women and girls enter the sex trade in India every day, 160 of whom do so under coercion [United Nations Centre for Development and Population Activities]. Currently, India is considered by many to be the epicenter of the sex trafficking industry.
I have spent much time researching organizations that combat sex trafficking. Upon looking into Freedom Firm, I was thrilled to find exactly the kind of organization I hoped to be a part of. Freedom Firm is a Christian based organization involved in three main areas: rescuing victims of sex trafficking, the restoration of these victims (or as I like to call them, survivors), and justice through prosecuting the brothel keepers responsible. Most importantly, their main focus is an 18 month aftercare program and home for the rehabilitation of rescued women and girls. In addition to these three main aspects, they also tutor in the English language and Math as well as teach jewelry making as a form of income. I will be primarily volunteering with the aftercare program in Ooty, Tamil Nadu in South India, working very closely with the young women there.
The cost of living in India is mind-bogglingly low to a Westerner, however I am fully responsible for my own finances. It will be an estimated $3,000 for all of my costs, half of which is airfare. I have been blessed enough to have a job for the past 15 months working as a nanny for a three year old little girl, and plan to cover some costs myself. Still, I would like to minimally reach my goal of financial support to cover my airfare (approximately $1,500).
“Free” is my favorite word in the English language because of a deep personal meaning, yet as human beings I believe it should mean something to all of us. If you take anything from this letter, please let it not be purely of sadness towards the issue of sex trafficking. Instead, let it be inspiration. Be inspired to get educated and share with others the reality of this issue. Be inspired to do something about it, to pray, and if you are inspired to support me financially, I will greatly appreciate it.
Thank you,
Dori Richardson
* Checks may be made out to me with the subject line “India” and sent to:
Dori Richardson
8511 N. Rio Linda
Fresno, CA. 93711
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)
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