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.

Murdered Victims to be Remembered

By Misty Foster, Sacramento POMC Chapter Leader

As the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims draws near, one theme keeps emerging. I hear so many homicide survivors ask the same question: "Why do they tell me that it's been long enough and I should be over it by now, that I need to get on with my life?" It's hard to explain to those who have not been handed the life sentence of a homicide survivor that we don’t ever "get over it." We learn to live with it; we get through it, but we never get over it. We had no say in the violent, horrific ways our loved ones were stolen from us. As victims, we are often ignored or re-victimized by the justice system, the press, and sometimes by the very people who call themselves our friends.

"When we speak of our loved ones, please listen. It helps us to remember what made them special to us and to many others as well. We want to make sure they are never forgotten."

While every survivor copes in different ways, we all want the same basic things. First, that this horror had never happened in the first place, and secondly, that it never happens to another person, family, or loved one. So we become the voice for those who can no longer speak for themselves.

When we speak of our loved ones, please listen. It helps us to remember what made them special to us and to many others as well. We want to make sure they are never forgotten. And for many of us, talking about them is a part of the healing process.

Parents of Murdered Children (POMC) is a support group for anyone who has had a loved one die by violence. The Sacramento Area Chapter of POMC began its affiliation with the National Organization in January 2008. Our services include emotional support and friendship to homicide survivors, understanding and compassion, court accompaniment, and monthly meetings.

For more information about the Sacramento Area Chapter of POMC, please call 916-879-4541 or visit our website.

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Join POMC for a special ceremony to pay tribute to all murder victims everywhere
Tuesday, September 25th
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
North steps of the State Capitol

Speakers for the event include:

• Andrew Solomon, Sacramento District Attorney
• Mark Tyndale, President, Sacramento Police Officers Association (SPOA)
• Jon Myers, Deputy Executive Officer of Legislation and Public Affairs, Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board

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Misty Foster serves as the Parents of Murdered Children Sacramento Chapter Lead. Her brother David was murdered in March of 1991. His homicide remains unsolved to this day. Misty has chosen to honor his memory by becoming a voice for those who can no longer speak for themselves. “If we are loud enough, hopefully the monsters of this world will not win.”