The Sisters of Providence have been watching the Indiana General Assembly intently the past few weeks. It is not because of the political bantering that typically occurs. Rather, they are keenly interested in the progress of Senate Bill 4 which better defines and strengthens penalties for those involved in human trafficking.
The Super Bowl, which will be played in Indianapolis on Feb. 5, has shined a light on this worldwide issue of modern-day slavery. The Congregation has joined with 10 other communities of Catholic women religious in Indiana and Michigan to work with state and local officials to reduce the amount of trafficking that tends to increase during such major events.
The group, known as CCRIM (Coalition for Corporate Responsibility for Indiana and Michigan), also has been working with the Super Bowl's host committee. The last two weeks have been filled with activity. The sisters' leadership team has written letters to the authors of the proposed legislation to thank them for their initiative. They also have contacted their local representatives to encourage their support.
The leadership team also sent a letter to the editor to the Terre Haute Tribune-Star to help educate local citizens about the issue. They also shared information with all sisters, either by mail, or during an informational meeting at the motherhouse.
On Wednesday, Jan. 11, the sisters hosted a prayer service in the Church of the Immaculate Conception that was well attended. Sister Donna Butler also organized an online petition, which was sent to the governor of Indiana. People from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Colorado, New York, New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, California and Washington, along with others from France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and British Columbia made their voices heard. Several sisters have done work individually on this project, including visiting with hotel operators to talk about how to recognize trafficking instances when they occur.
Human trafficking often centers around prostitution, involving women and young children, but it also includes people who are paid and treated unjustly and inhumanely in certain working conditions. Trafficking occurs not only at major sports events, but also at conventions, truck stops and places where there are large gatherings. It can happen in any locale.
The Congregation has a commitment to continue offering educational opportunities on human trafficking. Check out the Congregation's Peace and Justice page for more information.
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