bcrwi ConfrontS Human Trafficking ....

Executive Director Lowell Hochhalter of The Lifeguard Group sought to educate the luncheon attendees about human trafficking through an informative presentation.

The November meeting of Bonner County Republican Women Inc. (BCRWI) featured a presentation from The Lifeguard Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking in local communities.

The informative presentation made by Executive Director Lowell Hochhalter of The Lifeguard Group sought to educate the luncheon attendees about human trafficking.

While this offensive crime takes advantage of millions of victims worldwide, residents of small towns like Sandpoint, Idaho, are surprised to discover they, too, are also impacted. While the demand for illegal services may be more significant and more organized in larger cities, victims are frequently recruited among the naive girls of smaller and rural communities.

The Lifeguard Group is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking in local communities. Hochhalter emphasized the importance of educating communities about the realities of human trafficking, dispelling myths and misinformation, and empowering individuals to take action.

The Lifeguard Group's representatives spoke about their three-pronged approach to tackling this critical issue:

• confronting apathy,
• avoiding fear, and
• making a difference.

Empower individuals to make a difference

in the fight against human trafficking.

The grim statistics were presented, highlighting the alarming rate at which individuals, especially children, are forced into sex trafficking. Every hour, an estimated 34 individuals enter a life of sexual exploitation, and the numbers continue to rise globally and within the United States. Hochhalter highlighted more staggering statistics surrounding human trafficking, reporting that an estimated 30 million individuals are exploited worldwide, with 2 million in the United States.

Only 1% of human trafficking victims are rescued.

The Lifeguard Group showcased its impactful initiatives, including running the Lifehouse, a unique and fully integrated recovery home for victims of human trafficking in western Montana. Additionally, they elaborated on the LifeLine Project, which has reached over 10,000 high school and middle school students, providing crucial information about human trafficking.

Find Your Place In The Fight

The presentation resonated with the attendees, prompting a discussion about the prevalence of human trafficking in their communities and ways to combat it. Members appreciated The Lifeguard Group's dedication and efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and eradicate this modern-day slavery.

The BCRWI encourages those who want to learn more about The Lifeguard Group to visit their website and watch their informative video. Their website provides further details about their projects and offers individuals a chance to participate and make a difference in the fight against human trafficking.

Held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Sandpoint VFW Hall, this informative meeting is part of the educational luncheons organized by The Bonner County Republican Women Inc. (BCRWI). Red Barn Bakery provides delectable luncheons for attendees with gluten free options. The group also holds occasional business meetings at night at the Laughing Dog Brewery . The BCRWI aims to empower women and the community by bringing informative speakers to the community.