By Patrick Halley, President and CEO, WIA
As a mobile workforce that spends a significant amount of time working in and traveling through communities nationwide, the wireless infrastructure industry is uniquely positioned to be a force multiplier in the fight against human trafficking. Human trafficking can happen anywhere, including in urban, rural and suburban communities where telecom professionals may have direct or indirect contact while working.
Human trafficking affects an estimated 27.6 million people worldwide, including men, women, and children exploited for forced labor, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse. In the United States alone, an estimated 100,000 children are exploited. It is an often underreported crime that is said to be hidden in plain sight. Simple awareness and a willingness to report suspicious activity can make a big difference. And telecommunications professionals are in a unique position to help.
The Telecommunications Against Trafficking and Exploitation (TATE) initiative equips telecom workers with the information they need to recognize signs of human trafficking. TATE has created a 30-minute free online training video called Recognize and Notify (RAN), playing on a familiar acronym in the wireless industry.
Featuring telecom industry professionals, the three-part training includes an introduction to the TATE initiative, a lesson on how to recognize human trafficking and instructions on how to notify and report the proper authorities. Please take the time to educate yourself and then share it widely within your network.
The initiative is a collaboration with 3Strands Global Foundation, which mobilizes communities to combat human trafficking through prevention, education and reintegration programs.
The reality is, the telecom industry is everywhere – in rural communities, urban committees and everywhere in between. TATE provides a distinct opportunity to make a real impact in the fight against trafficking and in the lives of so many caught in this horrible circumstance.
To participate in the training or for additional information, access the portal at www.3sgf.org/tate. I hope you will also take a few minutes to learn more by stopping by the TATE booth at the Connect (X) conference in May in Chicago.
WIA President and CEO Patrick Halley is a member of TATE’s Advisory Board.
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