This is it…

From what we can understand, the city is prepared to slash in half the Phoenix VICE Squad due to budget cuts. This will severely handicap the the effort to eradicate child sex slavery in Phoenix, and put more of our young girls at risk. Therefore, we have only one option. To raise the voices of concerned Valley citizens in opposition to this cut. Please see the below suggestions for political advocacy, and please consider attending one of the below scheduled Public Budget Hearings. We ask that all those attend for the BRANDED cause wear RED in a show of solidarity for abolitionism.

YOUR VOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE - Act Now.

1.Sign the Petition - http://apps.facebook.com/causes/petitions/375?m=750a8b7e

2.Call the Phoenix City Council 602-262-4800

3.Write the PHOENIX City Council budget.research@phoenix.gov
REMEMBER: Phoenix VICE Officers have jurisdiction beyond the city of Phoenix. Losing the VICE squad in Phoenix means losing the VICE squad that serves YOUR community.

4.Attend a Hearing. There WILL be a hearing in YOUR district. http://phoenix.gov/budget/index.html

5.Educate EVERYONE in your sphere of influence. Each and every one of us can make a difference. Use your VOICE. Take a stand. Tell the city of Phoenix that we NEED our VICE officers. Eliminating the VICE squad means endangering the lives of CHILDREN across the valley.

SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC BUDGET HEARINGS:

Citywide - Bilingual
6 p.m. Wednesday,
Feb. 10
Carl Hayden High School
Auditorium
3333 W. Roosevelt St.

District 8
10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11
Devonshire Senior Center
Multi Purpose Room
2802 E. Devonshire Ave.

District 2
6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11
Juniper Library
Community Room
1825 W. Union Hills Drive

Districts 5 and 7
6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11
Maryvale Community Center
Auditorium
4420 N. 51st Ave.

District 8
6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11
South Mountain Community College
Student Union, SU 100 A
7050 S. 24th St.

Districts 1 and 5
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16
Manzanita Senior Center
3581 W. Northern Ave.

District 7
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16
Burton Barr Central Library
Auditorium
1221 N. Central Ave.

District 1
6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17
Goelet A.C. Beuf Community Center
Multi Purpose Room
3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Road

District 6
6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17
Madison School District Office
Board Room
5601 N. 16th St.

District 3
6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18
Cowden Center
Barb’s Room
9202 N. Second St.

District 6
6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18
Pecos Community Center
17010 S. 48th St.

District 2
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23
Paradise Valley Community Center
Multi Purpose Room
17402 N. 40th St.

District 3
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23
Shadow Mountain Senior Center
3546 E. Sweetwater Ave.

District 7
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23
Cesar Chavez High School
Auditorium
3921 W. Baseline Road

District 4
7:30 a.m. Wednesday,
Feb. 24
Steele Indian School Park
Memorial Hall
300 E. Indian School Road

www.brandedphx.com
www.streetlightphx.org

You know when you get that pop-up on your computer screen… the one with the big “!” and reads “ERROR: bla bla bla”. This is one of those times for the abolitionist cause. Something is obviously not right and requires our attention IMMEDIATELY!

One of the many wonderful things about our nation is the opportunity to participate in the defining and refining of our government. We vote, we advocate, we share our ideas and opinions. As often said, we take for granted this process of democracy. This is especially evident when noting the tragic events that occur in other countries when an individual implores his or her right to speech and the governing process. Beatings, imprisonment, and sometimes execution are the frequent formal responses of governments who don’t afford the liberties we experience.

With that said, we at BRANDED are anticipating a busy Legislative session over the next six months. Currently, our priority is to secure the funding and staffing of the Phoenix Vice Squad that is being considered for budget cuts in the Phoenix City Council. If you’ve followed BRANDED at all over the past year, you understand the utter importance of these heros who fight to save children from sex slavery on the front lines, and lock up the predators that enslave them. Not only is the Phoenix Vice Squad essential for the combating of sex slavery that exists in the Phoenix Metro area, they also are national leaders for law enforcement on this issue. THEY are your tax dollars well spent.

The cause to eradicate child sex slavery would suffer an enormous set-back with de-resourcing of the Vice. We’ve come so far over the past 18 months, and it is time to ensure we can proceed along side these brave officers. Please consider sharing your feelings about the importance of the Phoenix Vice Squad with the following members of the Phoenix City Council, and signing this petition –> CLICK HERE

Mayor Phil Gordon - mayor.gordon@phoenix.gov

Thelda Williams - council.district.1@phoenix.gov

Peggy Neely - council.district.2@phoenix.gov

Bill Gates - council.district.3@phoenix.gov

Tom Simplot - council.district.4@phoenix.gov

Claude Mattox - council.district.5@phoenix.gov

Sal DiCiccio - council.district.6@phoenix.gov

Vice Mayor Michael Nowakowski - council.district.7@phoenix.gov

Michael Johnson - council.district.8@phoenix.gov

www.brandedphx.com

This is a joyous time of year, even for a cause that is fighting such a heinous and evil injustice as child sex slavery. For us it is important to celebrate the accomplishments and headway made over the past year, and as part of that we want to thank YOU for using your voice against modern day slavery.

The past 6 months have been an amazing spring board in preparation for the new decade… one that we hope will see the abolitionist grow and succeed in combating global and domestic slaver trade. Check out what’s been happening at http://vimeo.com/8220272

Once again, happy holidays from BRANDED to you, and thanks for your support.

www.brandedphx.com

There is a subtle myth that slavery was vanquished in the 19^th century.  In reality it hasn’t been defeated and there are more slaves today than any other time of human history.  In fact, everyday, there are thousands of slaves across the United States.  Thousands brought in and sold for sex and labor.  In my years on this globe I have witnessed and/or read about numerous horrific events; however, I cannot fathom that humanity has created a crime more heinous than enslaving children in a system of rape for profit.

Sadly, there is an astonishing, well organized network of criminals victimizing women and children every day.  I have wondered why we, those fighting for justice, are unable to network with similar ferocity.  Why do criminals have structured systems and networks reaping havoc, while we continue creating “solutions” and systems that remain autonomous of one another?  Why can we not network?  What if different sectors of society could begin working together to break the chains of modern day slavery?  What if churches could unite and lead the charge against this heinous injustice?  What if a duplicable model of collaboration developed that became an example to other cities in our nation and around the world of the enormous potential when government and market place leaders, young people, churches, and thousands of modern day abolitionists wrestled, fought, and prayed against child sex slavery?  What if….

Over 40 years ago Martin Luther King Jr. painted a poignant vision with his “I have a dream” monologue.  What if today, in our continued struggle against slavery, we carried on his dream of abolishing slavery and created a UNITED effort working together to bring justice?  What if…

What if…

Blog by Pat McCalla

There have been several noteworthy and engaging articles/events that have spread through the cyber-world over the last couple weeks. Though these conversations and announcements aren’t quite the booming News Alerts of “Balloon boy”, Michael Jackson’s “This Is It”, or the Yankees grabbing their 27th World Series… they are at least creating a steady hum of conversation on the issue of Human Trafficking. A hum that we must perpetuate and inflate into something noticeable and undeniable. We cannot be silent when we know that slavery exists in our own backyard!

In this light I’d like to highlight some the key Stories, Articles, and Events from the past couple weeks:

• 52  Children Recovered, 60 Alleged Child Pimps Arrested in Crackdown - The three-day operation, tagged Operation Cross Country IV, included enforcement actions in 36 cities across 30 FBI divisions nationwide. It is part of the FBI’s ongoing Innocence Lost National Initiative, which was created in 2003 with the goal of ending sex trafficking of children in the United States.
• Taking a Sweedish Cue on Prostitution - What Sheriff Tom Dart has done is shift enforcement resources from the supply side to the demand side: from arresting (and releasing and rearresting) forcibly prostituted women and girls to arresting pimps and johns and impounding their cars, while directing the prostituted females to social services.
• For Runaways, Sex Buys Survival - Nearly a third of the children who flee or are kicked out of their homes each year engage in sex for food, drugs or a place to stay, according to a variety of studies published in academic and public health journals.
• N.Y. Hosts Emma Thompson’s Exhibit on Human Trafficking - Journey includes exhibits by Turner Prize-winning sculptor Anish Kapoor, Oscar-winning film designer Michael Howells, playwright Ewan Spencer, photographer Simon Stephens and other artists, each depicting a different portion of the journey of human trafficking.
• ICE Give Voice to Victims of Human Trafficking in the US - As part of ICE’s continued efforts, the agency has unveiled an outdoor public service announcement campaign, “Hidden in Plain Sight,” to draw the American public’s attention to the plight of human-trafficking victims in the United States. The campaign message explains that human trafficking includes those who are sexually exploited or forced to work against their will.

Should we consider a major reorientation of our laws that place criminality on the demand, rather than the supply, of commercial sex? And what are the implications for trafficked and enslaved minors?

The FBI and ICE see that Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Minors is priority.

A popular Actress uses her face and fortune to promote awareness and human rights in a creative way.

The runaways of America are now more susceptible to sexual exploitation than ever before.

Even Tyra Banks hosted a controversial show entitled “Teen Pimps and the Teen Girls They Made Prostitutes”.

There’s a lot to think about. But even more to Talk about! And we NEED to talk about it… these conversations NEED to be a part of public conversation and general knowledge. We believe that AWARENESS = PREVENTION and therefore the more we talk about the issue; it’s dirty secrets, it’s misunderstandings, the facts and horrid realities… the more people will know how to avert this injustice and protect their loved ones.

This is an issue worth talking about. Please, Spread the word.

www.brandedphx.com

Food for the Hungry’s City Initiatives Program is hosting a Golf Marathon to benefit the efforts of BRANDED and StreetLight. If you are driven to raise support and awareness on the issue of Child Sex Slavery in Phoenix, join us at Ancala Country Club on SEPTEMBER 21!

For more information on the event visit www.fh.org/cityinitiatives/golfmarathon or contact Even Coordinator David Curtis.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the efforts of BRANDED and StreetLight in attempt to raise awareness on the issue, develop preventation programs, and support the rehabilitation of victims.

Please consider your involvement with this Event, either as a Golfer or Sponsor. As if you needed more incentive to golf at a prestigous golf resort, for a cause that is more than worth… We are including rewards for reaching various support raising goals! Check them out… Register HERE!

$6,000 AND ABOVE

• A set of Ping Irons
• Dinner for two at a designated restaurant
• A two night stay at a designated resort
• Dozen golf balls
• City Initiatives Golf Marathon logo shirt

$4,000

• Dinner for two at a designated restaurant
• A two night stay at a designated resort
• Dozen golf balls
• City Initiatives Golf Marathon logo shirt

$2,500

• Dozen golf balls
• City Initiatives Golf Marathon logo shirt

Also, for company sponsors there are several advertising options for the event. If your business is interested in sponsoring the event please contact David Curtis. The following are the various Sponsorship Levels to consider:

TITLE SPONSOR - $10,000

• Weekend stay at a designated resort
• Listing and logo on City Initiative literature and promotional materials
• Listing on Food for the Hungry website
• Listing in Food for the Hungry’s award winning 6:8 magazine and newsletters
• Teebox advertisement
• Scorecard listing
• Antigua clothing
• § Dozen golf balls.

Diamond Sponsor - $5,000

• Listing on all City Initiatives literature and promotional materials
• Listing on Food for the Hungry website
• Listing in Food for the Hungry’s award winning 6:8 magazine and newsletters
• Teebox advertisement
• Scorecard listing
• Antigua clothing
• Dozen golf balls

Platinum Sponsor - $2,500

• Listing on all promotional materials
• Listing on Food for the Hungry website
• Listing in Food for the Hungry’s award winning 6:8 magazine and newsletters
• Teebox advertisement
• Scorecard listing
• Antigua clothing
• Dozen golf balls

Gold Sponsor - $1,000

• Listing on all City Initiative literature for weekend event
• Teebox advertisement
• Antigua clothing
• Dozen golf balls

Check out the new “Media” page for other videos, articles and resources relating to Child Sex Slavery in the U.S.

Summer 2009 Update

BRANDEDphx.com - Summer 09 Update from David Curtis on Vimeo.

To correct the before mentioned blog statement.

Senate Bill 1423 is being referred to the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep.  Adam Driggs. Please feel free to state your thoughts on the Bll in hopes that he will add it to the Agenda of the committee. 602.926.3016 or adriggs@azleg.gov

Rep.  Driggs has the opportunity to insert the Bill in his Agenda to be Heard by the Judiciary Committee soon.

Sorry for the confusion.

For More info on “John Bill” Click here.

Dear partners in the cause to end child rape for profit in Phoenix,

Below is an announcement from our friends, stating that the “John Bill” - Senate Bill 1423 (summary Attached) will be heard by the House Health and Human Services Subcommittee sometime after 9am TOMORROW (6/24/09). More information on the hearing is below, but we hope to round up as many people as possible to testify and/or support on behalf of this Bill. This Bill has already passed through the State Senate.

Please pass this on to anyone whom you think might be interested, and our appologies for the late notice.

Click here for more information on Senate Bill 1423 and visit www.azleg.gov to contact your legislator.

See you tomorrow Morning!

——-

Dear Friends,

The fight is not over.  We need your help in getting Senate Bill 1423, relating to child prostitution, passed through the State House of Representatives.   The bill will be heard sometime after 9 AM tomorrow by the House Health and Human Services Subcommittee in room three or four of the State Capitol building.  Please make your voices heard to chairman Nancy Barton and the other members of the committee. Thank you to Cathi Herrod who will coordinate this tomorrow.  If you would like to testify or come to show your support and have any questions contact Cathi at 602 570 6784.  Larrie Fraley from Streetlight will also be there tomorrow.  We appreciate your continued encouragement and support in getting this bill passed.

www.brandedphx.com