We have just received word that the Phoenix VICE Squad will not be subject to further budget cuts! This is a major victory for the cause to eradicate Child Sex Slavery in Phoenix.

We at BRANDED acknowledge that the power of YOUR collective voices influenced the leaders of our city into agreement. The political process resulted in true justice, as decisions were guided by the voice of the people.

Thank you for joining us in tangibly influencing this process! The issue of Child Rape for Profit continues to gain momentum in the public eye, as individuals like yourself spread the word of this heinous injustice. We have come to believe that AWARENESS = PREVENTION and this is a prime example of the idea coming to fruition.

Thank you again for your participation in the movement to eradicate child sex slavery in Phoenix. Let us keep the momentum going.

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

No matter the politics, wedge issues, or hot topics of the day… a Presidential Proclamation is a big deal. This month, President Obama has proclaimed the importance of re-committing our nation to the ideals of freedom and equality for all. The existence of slavery in the world… and in our country is unacceptable.

As part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, please take a minute to read the linked Presidential Proclamation:

No matter the politics, wedge issues, or hot topics of the day… a Presidential Proclamation is a big deal. This month, President Obama has proclaimed the importance of re-committing our nation to the ideals of freedom and equality for all. The existence of slavery in the world… and in our country is unacceptable.

As part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, please take a minute to read the linked Presidential Proclamation:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-slavery-and-human-trafficking-prevention-month

Thank you.

brandedphx.com

We’ve received several comments following a rise in public exposure via news outlets and conversation, that critique the fundamental argument we try to make that:

Child Prostitution (aka Child Sex Slavery) = A heinous Injustice

Even more specifically, domestic child prostitution is considered Human Trafficking according to definition. Therefore we must address the elements of this issue that are being Critiqued:

The two assumptions being made by critics are:

1. Child prostitutes choose their vocation (oppression) - Let us not be so naive to think that there is not correlation between the Valley being the worst in the country in kidnappings AND one of the worst cities for Child prostitution. Many girls are abducted and forced into this life, tortured, enslaved and left completely helpless to the will of the Pimp. Case-in-point Jaycee Dugard. Though she was not prostituted out by her captor, this still represents an abduction that led to sex slavery. AND IT HAPPENS ALL OVER THE VALLEY!
2. “Good parenting” will prevent this issue from occuring - Along the same lines, we must dispel the idea that “good parenting”, though helpful in many ways, eliminates the threat. It doesn’t take much from peers and good-looking, older guys to manipulate their way into a teenager’s favor. Promises of fancy clothes, VIP lifestyles and adventurous love will barrage any “secure” and “supportive” home. This is why “good parenting” must include educating future-victims of the dangers that exist. It is more than just “stranger-danger”; This is potential slavery and rape, preying on children at schools, malls, and parks.

If you continue to question the idea that Child Prostitution is a Justice issue that all must embrace, we welcome you to continue the discourse by commenting to this Blog Post. We also invite all to learn more about this issue, and what is being done around the valley to combat Child Sex Slavery, to BRANDED screenings that are schedule and posted regularly on the home page. At BRANDED screenings we facilitate a panel discussion and Q&A with members of the Phoenix Vice Squad, former Victims, and City Advocates.

What an exciting weekend in Phoenix for the cause against child sex slavery! Two different churches focused their attention on the need to seek justice, and act against the vile crime of child prostitution in the area.

In Chandler, Pat McCalla of Food for the Hungry spoke at Crossroads Nazarene, focusing God’s heart for justice and the call in Micah 6:8 for us to “do Justice” as an act of worship and devotion. Click here to watch the sermon in it’s entirity.

Also, Christ Church of the Valley (CCV) of Peoria hosted Gary Haugen, President of International Justice Mission (www.ijm.org). Mr. Haugen spoke abou the growing injustice of Human Trafficking that goes unristricted throughout the world, and the need for us as Global Citizens to make prioritize this issue. Click here to watch Mr. Haugen’s message at CCV.

The quest to educate the general public of Phoenix is gaining momentum, and will not stop soon! This upcoming Sunday, August 16, Crossroads Nazarene will be hosting a Human Trafficking and Sex Slavery Symposium at which BRANDED will be screened. Phoenix Vice Officers and others leaders in the fight against slavery will be in attendance. Please invite your friends and family to this event, as it will provide meaningful information towards preventing the injustice, and offer action step for YOU to be involved in the cause!

Crossroads Nazarene - 2950 W Ray Rd Chandler, AZ 85224 - www.crnaz.com

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.

After being referred from the Health and Human Services Committee, to the Judiciary Committee in the Arizona House of Representatives, Senate Bill 1423 is being a refused a hearing by one man.

The “John Bill” passed through the AZ Senate UNANIMOUSLY last week, with little opposition from Senators or Prosecuting Attorneys. However, now that it has landed on the desk of Rep. Adam Driggs, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee.  At this point he is refusing to put the Bill on the agenda for his committee, which will effectively kill the bill… not by consensus… but by one person’s reservations.

This is obviously a blow to the effort to end Child Rape for Profit in Phoneix. There are a couple things that YOU can do to try to salvage the bill.

First, we continue to urge you to contact Rep. Driggs office to discuss your thoughts on Senate Bill 1423.

adriggs@azleg.gov - 602-926-3016

Second, please contact the offices of Speaker of the House, Kirk Adams to offer your thoughts on Senate Bill 1423.

kadams@azleg.gov - 602-926-5495

We thank you for your continued support of cause to end child sex slavery in Phoenix, and we hope that Justice will be facilitated through this legislation.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE “JOHN BILL” - SENATE BILL 1423

The John Bill (Senate Bill 1423) that was scheduled to be heard by the AZ House Subcommittee on Health and Human Services has been postponed indefinitely.

Representative Adam Driggs, chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee, has raised concerns about Senate Bill 1423 and effectively delayed it’s course. Please feel free to discuss Rep. Driggs’ stance by contacting his offices at 602.926.3016 or adriggs@azleg.gov

Senate Bill 1423 looks to REMOVE the complete defense from Johns who are caught soliciting sex from a minor and claim they did not know the prostitute was under-age. For more information on the John Bill click here.

From www.StreetLightphx.com

Today in the Arizona State Senate’s Public Safety and Human Services Committee, Senate Bill 1423 relating to child prostitution was unanimously passed. The committee unanimously voted to take away the cowardly defense of “jons” who claim to have no way of knowing the age of a minor. The next hurdle is for the bill to be passed in the State House. We will know the committee it will be assigned to come this Friday. We will be prompt in posting the time and place of this next hearing. Let us all be fervent in our fight for the protection of our children. Together we will remove the duct tape from the mouths of the silenced and their cries for justice will forever be heard. Thank you to the members of the Senate Standing Committee Manny Alvarez, Leah Landrum Taylor, Al Melvin, Rebecca Rios, Jay Tibshraeny, Jim Waring, and chairman and champion Linda Gray. Please contact the members of the committee and thank them for their dedication and support. www.azsenate.gov

As dawn broke on a Saturday morning, the first annual Motorcycle Ride to End Child Sex Slavery commenced with the roar of Engines and the chatter of new friends. Convening at Cornerstone Church in Chandler, over 50 riders showed up to support the BRANDED/Streetlight cause, through raising awareness and donating funds. With people from all walks of life, the event was a great moment to bring together those passionate about Motorcycles, and ending the child sex slave trade in Phoenix.

The carefully routed trip took the group from south Chandler, out towards Sugauaro Lake, through Fountain Hills, and across to Cave Creek, with final destination in North Phoenix. Stops for coffee, donuts, raffles and good conversation were planned at Superstition Harley Davidson, the Horny Toad Saloon, and Northwest Honda.

One exciting story from the event was that of the Pastor of Phoenix Rescue Mission. One of his clients (a homeless man) attended a Church service that had promoted the BRANDED ride, picked up a promotional card, and handed it the pastor, saying “I know you’ve got a bike, you should do this”. That’s true-blue street marketing!

Thank you for all who participated in the Ride, to our generous sponsors who donated time, space, and apparel, and to our faithful volunteers who planned and orchestrated the event. It was an amazing example of how anyone with a passion to eradicate slavery from our City can do so with creative initiative!

www.brandedphx.com