Free Austin is an initiative to end human trafficking put together by ALLIES against slavery in partnership with other local anti-trafficking organizations and community members. During the month of September, events all over Austin served to educate and empower the community about human trafficking in the United States. Ending human trafficking is a cause we’re both passionate about. Once we were aware how pervasive the issue is, right down the the products we use every day, there was no getting around the fact that we are playing a role in Human Trafficking whether we mean to or not. Since then, we’ve had the privilege to volunteer with some of the hardest working and compassionate people we’ve ever known. Being the event photographer for Free Austin this year was a privilege. We wrapped up the week with Sounds of Change at The Parish. The Musicians all volunteered their time and energy to Free Austin and the proceeds for the night were given to care for survivors of trafficking in Austin. If you don’t already know who these Austin Musicians are, check them out:
We are so grateful for all the hard work everyone did during Free Austin. For more information on human trafficking and what you can do to end it, please visit the following sites:
The City of Austin Police Department
The Central Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking
To purchase responsibly and local to Austin Texas, visit these sites:
To purchase responsibly from national retailers, visit these sites:
When convenience wins:
Lastly, we don’t mean to be bossy but don’t try not to buy from these terrible national retailers:
Hanes Brand
Carter
OshKosh Brand
Sharp
Cannon (this hurts our hearts!)
Toshiba
Wal-Mart
Skechers
Dillards
JC Penny
Hasbro Toys
Leap Frog
Nintindo
Burlington Coat Factory
What fair-trade options are we missing? Please leave a comment and let us know where else to shop!
Check out Fatback Circus live at Stubbs in Austin
by Chris Michael
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