It Takes a Network to Fight a Network

It’s time to share what I’ve been up to—because this part of my life is too big and too important to keep to myself.

Over the past several years, I’ve felt increasingly pulled to walk alongside our most vulnerable—especially survivors of human trafficking—knowing that any one of us is just one step away from an impossibly difficult situation. It’s been the calling I can’t ignore, the strong, steady voice in the middle of the night.

As Lieutenant Colonel Fred Waters reminded me recently, “…as I said yes, the next door seemed to open.” That has been my journey: doors opening, one after another, and me choosing to walk through them.

For those of you who know me well, you know I’ve always embraced a multi-path career—one that weaves together strategy, healing, leadership, and advocacy. This new chapter is another path, and perhaps the most urgent one yet.

The first door? I'm co-creating and will facilitate this October Uprooting Trafficking, a 3-part virtual series hosted by the Women’s Institute. This series will invite people to open their eyes, raise awareness, and take meaningful action against human trafficking.

Human trafficking isn’t something that happens “somewhere else.” It’s happening everywhere.

Here’s the reality we’re facing:

• An estimated 49.6 million people are enslaved globally today—compared to 12.8 million during the transatlantic slave trade.
• Illegal profits from forced labor and sexual exploitation are estimated at USD 236 billion annually.

As one expert recently said, “It takes a network to fight a network.” The trafficking network is pervasive and dark, but if I can bring together survivors, experts, and advocates to educate us, to help us recognize trafficking, and to equip us with tangible actions, then I will do whatever it takes to do my part.

That’s why I’ve started Uprooting Trafficking. I don’t know exactly where it will lead beyond this series and the retreats I’m developing for survivors and safe-home staff. I don’t need to know. I only need to keep saying yes to the doors that open.

And the lights are green: every survivor, advocate, and organization we’ve invited to October’s series has said yes. That’s the only signpost I need.

I am not walking alone. I’m co-creating this series with my dear friend Ishani, who supports survivors of trafficking in the Philippines, and with my former colleague Alex, who is helping carry the weight of logistics and coordination.

It takes a network to fight a network. And we’re ready.

With gratitude and resolve,
Tamara

P.S. You can follow along, learn more, and stay updated at UprootingTrafficking.com.