Even Lemons Can Stop Slavery

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Vivienne documents her daily
work to end slavery through
photo posts, her Twitter feed and
her Make a Stand Blog.
Photo credit: #MAKEASTAND!
Not For Sale Lemonaid – via Instagram

It is shocking to me that there are more slaves worldwide today than at any other point in history. As a mother, I cannot imagine the injustice, agony, and sorrow felt by those whose children and loved ones are brutally forced into sexual exploitation or slave labor.

Many are fighting to put a stop to slavery. I am encouraged by the work of organizations that educate and mobilize communities against human trafficking, teaching that everyone can play a role in the fight–even a child. Chances are good that you’ve already heard of Vivienne Harr if you are involved in this fight; but for those who don’t yet know of her determined efforts, this eight-year-old has accomplished more this summer than many do in their lifetime.

Many are fighting to put a stop to slavery. I am encouraged by the work of organizations that educate and mobilize communities against human trafficking, teaching that everyone can play a role in the fight–even a child.

In June 2012, Vivienne became aware of child slaves and was determined to do something about it; she wanted to raise a substantial amount of money to help in freeing young slaves, some her own age. With the support of her mom and dad, she quickly resolved to sell, for donation, 100% organic, fair-trade lemonade from her home, rain or shine every day, until she raised $150,000 to go to the nonprofit Not For Sale. To date, she has raised nearly 25% of her goal, with donations reaching over $38,000. It is no wonder this young lady is wanted for interviews all over the world and will be pouring MAKEaSTAND! LemonAid at the White House in October.

Vivienne shares in Make a Stand Lemonade that, “Mother Theresa was one person. Gandhi was one person. Why can’t you be one person?” To say the least, she is strong-willed and will not slow down until she helps free 500 slaves. She fights with a lot of heart.

Vivienne and many, many others are an inspiration to me and a reminder that the efforts of every person individually and collectively make a great difference. As we continue to bring this problem to light and refuse to tolerate it, I am hopeful that exploitation of humans for labor and sex will end one day.

To learn more about human trafficking, visit the Attorney General’s webpage and CalVCP’s brochure to see how CalVCP can help trafficked victims.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB). VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.