The Ohio University End Slavery Movement will dedicate an annual week to promote its cause after a successful turnout at its events last week.
The group hopes to educate students on current slavery conditions. It held events all week beginning Nov. 4 that were open to all OU students.
Many people are unaware that slavery exists, and most are unaware that domestic servitude, bonded labor, forced labor, child labor and sex trafficking are serious and ongoing issues, said Megan Gallagher, president and founder of the OUESM.
OUESM meets weekly to brainstorm events to promote its cause.
The Center for Entrepreneurship helped to hold the different activities.
Members of the international organization and movement to stop slavery, END IT, approached Gallagher who decided to form the club at OU after attending Passion, a Christian conference in Atlanta, Ga., with a group of about 60,000 other U.S. students.
“I was shocked…after learning about what was going on, I could not stop thinking about it. I knew I needed to help,” Gallagher said.
The group began with 15 students, but now has more than 55 active members, said Julia Sairtich, OUESM operations chair.
One of OUESM’s events last week entitled “Survivor of Human Trafficking” was moved to the Baker Ballroom after drawing so many students.
“Our goal is to reach all areas of campus and have everyone become familiar with this serious issue before they graduate. The education of others creates a ripple effect with endless possibilities,” said Alyson Kado, chair of the OUESM Sponsorship Committee.
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