Hey there!
Here are the details if your planning on biking and/or coming to Wild Wings on Sunday.
Bikers,
We will meet at 1400 N. Forest Rd in Tonawanda. There is a park entrance here. We will gather in this parking lot and leave our cars. Plan to get there around 5:15. We will start our 14.6 mile ride at 5:30. There are lots of trails in the area, so we will take off and see where that leads us, we'll go out 7.3 miles and then make a loop back.
If you are planning on biking, shoot me a message so I have an idea of who we should wait for!!
After that we will head over to Buffalo Wild Wings...the fundraiser lasts from 4-10. You do need a ticket to get the donation so if you will be going before 7pm with the rest of us let me know so I can get a ticket to you. Otherwise we will meet around 7 and have dinner. The donation is only on food.
If you have any questions let me know. Hope to see everyone on Sunday!
Thanks to everyone who is biking with us, in another group, by yourself, those who are coming to Wild Wings to show your support..and those who have just made a donation. Every donation and support is much appreciated!!!
Let's Bike for LOVE!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
I need your input!
So as this campaign is nearing an end (only a little over a week till the bike rides!), I'm interested to hear what your thinking. If you have been reading the blog or stumbled upon it...what are your thoughts?
Have you learned anything about human trafficking?
Were you aware of this injustice before?
Has anything really struck you?
Anything make a lasting impression?
Has anyone been motivated to give, to act?
Please share your input, ideas, etc!
Have you learned anything about human trafficking?
Were you aware of this injustice before?
Has anything really struck you?
Anything make a lasting impression?
Has anyone been motivated to give, to act?
Please share your input, ideas, etc!
Monday, April 23, 2012
A DRESS for any weather...
What I thought my dress might look like the last week of April....
What it actually looks like....
What it actually looks like....
Oh Buffalo weather, you never cease to amaze!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
The dress.
21 days down.
9 to go.
I can't believe its already been 3 weeks in the dress. It's been an interesting experience to say the least. The best part - is not worrying about what I will wear.
I know for sure there are people in some of my classes who are wondering why I'm wearing the same dress everyday.
The first day I wore the pin (which says ask me about my dress) a manager from Buffalo Wild Wings who was at a blood drive at Buff State asked. We got to talking and set up an event at BWW. On Sunday May 6 from 4-10 pm they will donate 10% of each check amount to the organization! If your interested in going.. all you need is a ticket to present at your table (just let me know if you want one!). Now we have somewhere to go post bike ride to wrap up the fundraiser!
Dress pictures...
9 to go.
I can't believe its already been 3 weeks in the dress. It's been an interesting experience to say the least. The best part - is not worrying about what I will wear.
I know for sure there are people in some of my classes who are wondering why I'm wearing the same dress everyday.
The first day I wore the pin (which says ask me about my dress) a manager from Buffalo Wild Wings who was at a blood drive at Buff State asked. We got to talking and set up an event at BWW. On Sunday May 6 from 4-10 pm they will donate 10% of each check amount to the organization! If your interested in going.. all you need is a ticket to present at your table (just let me know if you want one!). Now we have somewhere to go post bike ride to wrap up the fundraiser!
Dress pictures...
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Sunday, April 8, 2012
How I became a modern-day abolitionist
Were you ever exposed to injustice in the
world that made you want to cry,
want to do something about it,
want to make a CHANGE?
The first time I was exposed to the
horrible crime of human
trafficking was in a sociology class.
We watched a video that made me
feel sick. How could this be going
on in 2011? In the United
States? I felt saddened for the
people, especially the girls taken as
sex slaves. After class, I went about
my day and just as quickly forgot
about the tragic injustice I had
heard of in class. After that I was
reminded of the injustice a few
more times. Each time I thought
of the film that I saw in class. And
each time I went back to my life, once
again forgetting.
This past summer the
issue came up again, when talking to
a friend who was volunteering for an
organization that fights social injustice.
This time was different. I decided I
would not just forget -- I would do
something about it. I started
thinking about what I could do. I was
in the middle of planning a bike trip
and it dawned on me. I love riding
my bike and I had heard of other
people pledging to ride/run a mile for
every dollar donated. Just like that
the idea was born -- Bike for Love.
At first I thought I would bike a mile for
every dollar donated through a campaign.
But after some consideration, I realized
I would like to get others involved.
All it takes is $14.60 donation and a
14.6 mile bike ride. Get our your bike
and let's Bike for Love!
and let's Bike for Love!
With every mile --
WE ARE THE CHANGE.
It's not just "my thing"
Since the decision I made last summer to get involved with this cause, I have been thinking about this fundraiser, brainstorming and thinking of ideas. My closest friends have heard me talk about it, working through all the details.
One of these friends and I were having a conversation about politics and religion - (I know, I know, there supposed to be avoided but we love to debate and discuss). The topic of social justice got very heated. My friend and I were arguing over responsibility. We came to this conclusion that "this was my thing" therefore I can't really be upset if people do not jump on board.
Lately, I've been thinking about that conversation and mostly that conclusion. I have to say - I've since changed my mind.
Yes, "this is my thing." Meaning, this is the one cause I cannot turn a blind eye to. It breaks my heart, brings me to tears and stirs a righteous anger within me. It's my thing. I want to be involved, I want to see a change and I will actively pursue that.
It probably has something to do with being a woman. I have felt the fear of walking alone at night and heard stories of abuse that terrified me. I can't imagine something more terrible than being attacked and sexually assaulted, being violated in that way.
But I have to say justice should be everyone's thing. I'm positive if this was labeled an American issue or worse, happened to a loved one - wouldn't we rise up (like Liam Neeson's character in Taken) and fight for justice? I have three nieces and if someone hurt them; I'm pretty sure there is nothing I wouldn't do to restore, protect and receive justice for them!
I realize there are a lot of factors as to why people are not involved. Maybe they are unaware. Or do not know how to get involved. Maybe they don't ride a bike, own a bike or think they can't bike 14 miles (you can!).
We have a lot to be thankful for, yet doesn't it seem like we always focus on what we don't have?
I think I know what the answer is... Gratefulness.
When I take time to be grateful for all I have, I don't want as much and I want to give to those who don't have as much. Lately, I have been reminded over and over how easy it is to say thank you, but gratefulness is shown when we stop wanting and start giving.
How many times do we hear about how much we have to be thankful for because we live in America? Where we are free? Is it enough to be thankful for our own freedom and not care about others who are not only in slavery, but violate and abused?
Thousands of children will go to bed tonight after a long day of "work," making money for their oppressors, money they will never see. They go to bed without hope, knowing tomorrow will be the same - a long day of being raped and oftentimes abused.
I know it is harsh. But it is reality for many girls and boys. How can we ignore it?
What if no one stood up for women's rights? What if no one stood up for African Americans? What if everyone was too busy or apathetic to give energy, time or money to these causes? We have come so far as a nation because of people standing up to injustice. Why stop now?
So my new conclusion is that it's not just "my thing" - its "our thing" as free people we must speak up for those who can not speak for themselves. We may not be able to fight it on our own - but we should do what we can.
My professor shared this story with us about responsibility - I think it's safe to say it applies to fighting injustice as well...
This is a little story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
One of these friends and I were having a conversation about politics and religion - (I know, I know, there supposed to be avoided but we love to debate and discuss). The topic of social justice got very heated. My friend and I were arguing over responsibility. We came to this conclusion that "this was my thing" therefore I can't really be upset if people do not jump on board.
Lately, I've been thinking about that conversation and mostly that conclusion. I have to say - I've since changed my mind.
Yes, "this is my thing." Meaning, this is the one cause I cannot turn a blind eye to. It breaks my heart, brings me to tears and stirs a righteous anger within me. It's my thing. I want to be involved, I want to see a change and I will actively pursue that.
It probably has something to do with being a woman. I have felt the fear of walking alone at night and heard stories of abuse that terrified me. I can't imagine something more terrible than being attacked and sexually assaulted, being violated in that way.
But I have to say justice should be everyone's thing. I'm positive if this was labeled an American issue or worse, happened to a loved one - wouldn't we rise up (like Liam Neeson's character in Taken) and fight for justice? I have three nieces and if someone hurt them; I'm pretty sure there is nothing I wouldn't do to restore, protect and receive justice for them!
I realize there are a lot of factors as to why people are not involved. Maybe they are unaware. Or do not know how to get involved. Maybe they don't ride a bike, own a bike or think they can't bike 14 miles (you can!).
We have a lot to be thankful for, yet doesn't it seem like we always focus on what we don't have?
I think I know what the answer is... Gratefulness.
When I take time to be grateful for all I have, I don't want as much and I want to give to those who don't have as much. Lately, I have been reminded over and over how easy it is to say thank you, but gratefulness is shown when we stop wanting and start giving.
How many times do we hear about how much we have to be thankful for because we live in America? Where we are free? Is it enough to be thankful for our own freedom and not care about others who are not only in slavery, but violate and abused?
Thousands of children will go to bed tonight after a long day of "work," making money for their oppressors, money they will never see. They go to bed without hope, knowing tomorrow will be the same - a long day of being raped and oftentimes abused.
I know it is harsh. But it is reality for many girls and boys. How can we ignore it?
What if no one stood up for women's rights? What if no one stood up for African Americans? What if everyone was too busy or apathetic to give energy, time or money to these causes? We have come so far as a nation because of people standing up to injustice. Why stop now?
So my new conclusion is that it's not just "my thing" - its "our thing" as free people we must speak up for those who can not speak for themselves. We may not be able to fight it on our own - but we should do what we can.
My professor shared this story with us about responsibility - I think it's safe to say it applies to fighting injustice as well...
This is a little story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
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Monday, April 2, 2012
30 days; 1 dress
To raise awareness about this cause I have pledged to wear the same dress for the month of April. The dress is just a tool to start the conversation. I have also made a button to wear that says, ask me about my dress with the LOVE 146 logo. The idea is that the button/dress will spark the conversation to tell people about this cause and how to get involved.
Today is the end of the 2nd day. Yesterday I was privileged to hear a sex-trafficking survivor speak and tell her story. I found myself shaking my head in disgust, crying, frustrated, sad, disturbed, empowered and hopeful.
I've read a lot of statistics about the problem which are awful but to hear the personal insight was really disturbing.
Here are the most interesting and devastating things I learned:
*She was trafficked in Texas - not a far away, developing country!
* Her traffickers moved the children around between 4 hubs located in:
LOVE 146 Cards
Today is the end of the 2nd day. Yesterday I was privileged to hear a sex-trafficking survivor speak and tell her story. I found myself shaking my head in disgust, crying, frustrated, sad, disturbed, empowered and hopeful.
I've read a lot of statistics about the problem which are awful but to hear the personal insight was really disturbing.
Here are the most interesting and devastating things I learned:
*She was trafficked in Texas - not a far away, developing country!
* Her traffickers moved the children around between 4 hubs located in:
- Nevada
- California
- Florida....and
- Allegheny - right here in NY (this is not a distant problem - it is in our backyards)!
* When she gained their trust she learned their secrets - she learned about the corruption. Senators, celebrities, athletes, DA's, police officers - were all involved.
*In 2004, the first time she was ready to tell her story she was speaking before congressmen. The FBI people in the room cut her off during her story - affirmation that they too were involved.
*Some states have not adopted laws to protect victims of trafficking. In states like Texas, an 8-year-old girl was registered as a sex offender because she was forced into prostitution.
*She told a story of other girls (and boys) that were held captive in the same place as her. She told a story of a little girl who had been enslaved since the age of 5. She didn't know her birthday and could not remember her parents. Life as a sex slave was all she knew.
*The "prime time" for trafficking boys was while they are between the ages of 3 - 13. When the boys turned 13 they were trained to become recruiters.
The story was enraging and sad but if I took one thing away from hearing it, it's a stronger commitment to fighting for justice and an end to modern day slavery.
What about you? Will you join me in becoming a modern day abolitionist?
I finally got all the materials that I ordered for my dress campaign. There are a couple things I will be utilizing to spread awareness and to gain donations.
Pins/Stickers
For people who can't commit to wearing a dress for a whole month...maybe you can commit to wearing a pin, even for a day or putting it on a backpack, purse, anything. So when people ask you can tell them both about the cause and the organization. Maybe you can put a sticker on something.
I will be selling stickers/pins for a $5 donation. This is any easy way both to give a little something (if you can't give more or be a part of the ride) and to generate awareness. It's an easy way to talk about the cause when people ask about the pin and/or sticker.
 |
| Sticker |
 |
| Pin |
 |
| Me in the dress. Dad sporting a 146 pin. |
I also picked up some cards from LOVE 146. The cards give lots of information about the cause and the organization. This way when people ask about my dress I will have some information to give them.
2 days down...28 to go!
2 days down...28 to go!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Why Human Trafficking? - The Cause
Maybe you have heard of human trafficking, modern day slavery, sex trafficking, etc. But you don't understand the scale or depth of this problem. Here's some information and statistics.
Slavery is abolished right? Wrong!
* An estimated 27 million people around the world are enslaved today.
Have you seen Taken? This movie scratches the surface of the cruel reality of human/sex trafficking. Human trafficking is not only a distant problem - in developing, far away countries. It happens in our own backyards as well.
* In the US, 100,000 children are forced into prostitution or pornography each year.
*Between 15,000 - 17,000 people are trafficked INTO the US each year.
* Human trafficking is a growing industry; the 2nd most lucrative crime in the world.
* 80% of trafficking victims are women; half are minors.
* 2 children are trafficked every minute - EVERY MINUTE!
I could go on and on with statistics but this story really sheds light on the horror of what she and millions of others endure. She was one that made it out, but not without much pain. Watch her story here: http://vimeo.com/7893904
My hope is that when we can't claim ignorance - we won't claim apathy!
Slavery is abolished right? Wrong!
* An estimated 27 million people around the world are enslaved today.
Have you seen Taken? This movie scratches the surface of the cruel reality of human/sex trafficking. Human trafficking is not only a distant problem - in developing, far away countries. It happens in our own backyards as well.
* In the US, 100,000 children are forced into prostitution or pornography each year.
*Between 15,000 - 17,000 people are trafficked INTO the US each year.
* Human trafficking is a growing industry; the 2nd most lucrative crime in the world.
* 80% of trafficking victims are women; half are minors.
* 2 children are trafficked every minute - EVERY MINUTE!
I could go on and on with statistics but this story really sheds light on the horror of what she and millions of others endure. She was one that made it out, but not without much pain. Watch her story here: http://vimeo.com/7893904
My hope is that when we can't claim ignorance - we won't claim apathy!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The story behind the name..LOVE 146
Here's the story behind the name and why Bike for LOVE uses the number 146 - 14.6 miles, $14.60 donation, $1460 goal. May these numbers remind of us her, her story, and the millions of girls just like her - in desperate need of rescue!
They sat, blankly watching cartoons on TV. They were vacant, shells of what a child should be. There was no light in their eyes, no life left. Their light had been taken from them. These children...raped each night... seven, ten, fifteen times every night. They were so young. Thirteen, eleven… it was hard to tell. Sorrow covered their faces with nothingness. Except one girl. One girl who wouldn’t watch the cartoons.Her number was 146. She was looking beyond the glass. She was staring out at us with a piercing gaze. There was still fight left in her eyes. There was still life left in this girl...
...All of these emotions begin to wreck you. Break you. It is agony. It is aching. It is grief. It is sorrow. The reaction is intuitive, instinctive. It is visceral. It releases a wailing cry inside of you. It elicits gut-level indignation. It is unbearable. I remember wanting to break through the glass. To take her away from that place. To scoop up as many of them as I could into my arms. To take all of them away. I wanted to break through the glass to tell her to keep fighting. To not give up. To tell her that we were coming for her…"
Here's the story, told by co-founder, Rob Morris, since it is his story to tell (taken from Love146.org)
In 2002, the co-founders of Love146 traveled to Southeast Asia on an exploratory trip to determine how they could serve in the fight against child sex trafficking. In one experience, a couple of our co-founders were taken undercover with investigators to a brothel where they witnessed children being sold for sex. This is the story that sparked our abolition movement.
"We found ourselves standing shoulder to shoulder with predators in a small room, looking at little girls through a pane of glass. All of the girls wore red dresses with a number pinned to their dress for identification.
They sat, blankly watching cartoons on TV. They were vacant, shells of what a child should be. There was no light in their eyes, no life left. Their light had been taken from them. These children...raped each night... seven, ten, fifteen times every night. They were so young. Thirteen, eleven… it was hard to tell. Sorrow covered their faces with nothingness. Except one girl. One girl who wouldn’t watch the cartoons.Her number was 146. She was looking beyond the glass. She was staring out at us with a piercing gaze. There was still fight left in her eyes. There was still life left in this girl......All of these emotions begin to wreck you. Break you. It is agony. It is aching. It is grief. It is sorrow. The reaction is intuitive, instinctive. It is visceral. It releases a wailing cry inside of you. It elicits gut-level indignation. It is unbearable. I remember wanting to break through the glass. To take her away from that place. To scoop up as many of them as I could into my arms. To take all of them away. I wanted to break through the glass to tell her to keep fighting. To not give up. To tell her that we were coming for her…"
Because we went in as part of an ongoing, undercover investigation on this particular brothel, we were unable to immediately respond. Evidence had to be collected in order to bring about a raid and eventually justice on those running the brothel. It is an immensely difficult problem when an immediate response cannot address an emergency. Some time later, there was a raid on this brothel and children were rescued. But the girl who wore #146 was no longer there. We do not know what happened to her, but we will never forget her. She changed the course of all of our lives."
-Rob Morris
President and Co-founder
We have taken her number so that we remember why this all started. So that we must tell her story. It is a number that was pinned to one girl but that represents the millions enslaved. We wear her number with honor, with sorrow, and with a growing hope. Her story can be a different one for so many more.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Thank you to all the contributors!
It is one thing to say we're thankful for all we have. I think gratefulness is truly expressed when we give what we have to those who don't.
Riders (When you have paid the $14.60 your name will go on this list as a rider):
- Jennifer Roman LOVES
- Beth Pryor LOVES
- John Siller LOVES
- Cheryl Maslanka LOVES
- Chris Reitz LOVES
- Mike Ando LOVES
- Julie Pangborn LOVES
- Megan Gerde LOVES
- Naomi Thorpe LOVES
- Sondra Dusel LOVES
- Jason Allard LOVES
- John Rudy LOVES
- Janelle Tribuzzi LOVES
- Jenna O'hara LOVES
- Geoff Stallman LOVES
Donors (Anyone who contributes any amount, your name will go here):
- Kathy Maslanka LOVES (Mom) - The first donor!
- Joe Peluso LOVES - design guru - created the awesome logo!
- Jennifer Roman LOVES
- Beth Pryor LOVES
- Uncle Don LOVES
- Tammy Prosser LOVES
- Chris Reitz LOVES
- Kristina Cirocco LOVES
- Mike Ando LOVES
- Julie Pangborn LOVES
- Megan Gerde LOVES
- Naomi Thorpe LOVES
- Sondra Dusel LOVES
- Sasha Pais LOVES
- JIMMY Shea LOVES!
- Jason Allard LOVES
- John Rudy LOVES
- Janelle Tribuzzi LOVES
- Jamie Seminara LOVES
- Dustin Yourman LOVES
- Geoff Stallman LOVES
- Jenna O'hara LOVES
- Derek McIntyre LOVES
Thank you for all those who donated money, those who will ride the 14.6 miles and everyone who help to make this possible!
Bike for Love - a campaign to end human trafficking
What is Bike for Love?
Bike for Love is a fundraising and awareness campaign to raise money for LOVE 146, a non-profit organization whose mission is to abolish human slavery and restore those who have been taken captive.
The campaign will last from now until the first week of May, culminating the weekend of May 4-6, 2012. On these days, modern day abolitionists (that's you!) will bike ride 14.6 miles, with the common goal of abolishing human trafficking/slavery.
What are the requirements?
1. Each rider is required to donate a minimum of $14.60 to participate.
2. Then plan a 14.6 mile route to take place on May 4th, 5th, or 6th. Ride alone, or ride in a small group.
The details are up to you - where and when you ride. This way you can participate at your own convenience.
If you would like to join a group of other riders, let me know and I will help you network with other riders.
3. Invite others - recruit other riders, raise additional money and spread awareness! It's easy - just talk to others about your own involvement! (For additional materials, contact me!)
4. Get creative - make T-shirts to wear on your bike ride with your group!
5. Take pictures to be uploaded on the blog/Facebook pages!
Why 14.6 miles?
There is nothing special about the distance 14.6 miles. It is just a way to make it easy for everyone to participate and to incorporate the organization - LOVE 146.
Where is the money going?
100% of the proceeds will go to LOVE 146.
How to donate?
I will be collecting all donations and keeping track of funds/people who donate. You can give cash or write a check directly to LOVE 146.
The GOALS:
1. Create awareness for both:
2. Raise $1,460 to be donated directly to LOVE 146.
Look for the next posts...to find out more details about the cause, the organization and the campaign!
Bike for Love is a fundraising and awareness campaign to raise money for LOVE 146, a non-profit organization whose mission is to abolish human slavery and restore those who have been taken captive.
The campaign will last from now until the first week of May, culminating the weekend of May 4-6, 2012. On these days, modern day abolitionists (that's you!) will bike ride 14.6 miles, with the common goal of abolishing human trafficking/slavery.
What are the requirements?
1. Each rider is required to donate a minimum of $14.60 to participate.
2. Then plan a 14.6 mile route to take place on May 4th, 5th, or 6th. Ride alone, or ride in a small group.
The details are up to you - where and when you ride. This way you can participate at your own convenience.
If you would like to join a group of other riders, let me know and I will help you network with other riders.
3. Invite others - recruit other riders, raise additional money and spread awareness! It's easy - just talk to others about your own involvement! (For additional materials, contact me!)
4. Get creative - make T-shirts to wear on your bike ride with your group!
5. Take pictures to be uploaded on the blog/Facebook pages!
Why 14.6 miles?
There is nothing special about the distance 14.6 miles. It is just a way to make it easy for everyone to participate and to incorporate the organization - LOVE 146.
Where is the money going?
100% of the proceeds will go to LOVE 146.
How to donate?
I will be collecting all donations and keeping track of funds/people who donate. You can give cash or write a check directly to LOVE 146.
The GOALS:
1. Create awareness for both:
- the cause - human trafficking
- and the organization - LOVE 146.
2. Raise $1,460 to be donated directly to LOVE 146.
Look for the next posts...to find out more details about the cause, the organization and the campaign!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
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