About REED
Since 2005 REED has been standing in solidarity and struggle with women who have been sexually exploited and trafficked into the sex industry. We consider it a privilege to share in mutual transformation with women who are surviving the affects of a sexualized and violent culture.
........................................................................
Mission
REED seeks to end trafficking and sexual exploitation and strengthen the anti-trafficking movement through a comprehensive approach to change in the radical tradition of Christ.
Our work addresses trafficking and sexual exploitation through working for the dignity of women both systemically (societal level), and individually (personal level).
We are deeply aware of the need to address root causes of gender-based oppression while at the same time reaching out to women in mercy and friendship. To this end we have two prongs to our work: resisting and embracing.
In the area of resistance we lift up the voice of those whose voices have been silenced and advocate for systemic change that upholds their dignity. In the area of embrace, we walk with trafficked women and those suffering from sexual exploitation.
Grounding
REED was formed to stand with and for women trafficked into the sex industry.
- Standing with implies relationships and mutuality where recognition of each others' strengths, weaknesses and gifts are genuine, where a charity model of 'us' meting out goods and services to 'them' is rejected, where value is given to individuals beyond their functionality in the economic system and power grid.
- Standing for implies the offering of advocacy and assistance for those who, regardless of their limitation or deservedness, have difficulty getting fundamental needs met.
Values
Non-violence
REED strives to encourage and practice non-violence in all of our work. This includes operating from a position of cooperation with other organizations and a commitment to strengthen on another’s work.
Dignity of all people
REED honours the dignity of all persons and actively practices a stance of respect and care for all persons with whom we come into contact. This includes holding hope for those who exploit, as well as those who are exploited.
Prayer
REED firmly believes that action and contemplation must link arms. Through a posture of listening we are grounded in and guided by the Spirit of God.
Human Rights
REED comes from a human rights perspective and places the needs and protection of the woman above other interests.
Imaginative Hope
REED highly values the role of imaginative hope in creating positive change. We participate in times of both public lament and energizing action to spur one another on to imagining new ways of being together as a society.
Strengths-Based Empowerment
REED operates from a strengths-based empowerment framework that helps identify and appreciate the unique strengths and abilities of trafficking survivors, staff and volunteers, our partner agencies, and all of our supporters. Through building trust and providing opportunities we show people they can transform their own lives and be agents of positive change.
Strategies
REED works to end human trafficking and sexual exploitation through a comprehensive plan comprised of six integrated strategies.
Service
Strategy 1 - Outreach
REED provides outreach through a combination of community education and awareness–raising, as well as direct outreach strategies. We regularly provide friendship to women in the sex industry and respond to crisis calls around sex trafficking.
Strategy 2 - Assistance
REED provides assistance to women through crisis intervention and coordination of care. We serve women through in-house services and referrals to partner agencies.
Systemic and Social Change
Strategy 3 - Advocacy and Education
REED initiates and drives campaigns that will address the status of women and end sexual exploitation. We also educate community groups, churches, service providers, law enforcement and organizations.
Strategy 4 - Prevention
REED is committed to eradicating the demand for paid sex that drives the market in which women are exploited. With no demand for paid sex women will not be prostituted.
Movement-Building
Strategy 5 - Task Force and Coalition Building
REED founded and chairs a coalition for the abolition of sex trafficking and actively participates in community-building with other organizations and individuals to affect change.
Strategy 6 - Grassroots Community Action
REED empowers communities and individuals to take action against trafficking and sexual exploitation in their own local context.