Voices for Change Stand Proudly in the Colorado Rockies

July, 2010 – With a backdrop of good will, learning, and Rocky Mountain sunshine, the survivors of sex trafficking and rape who participate in the Somaly Mam Foundation Voices for Change program, inspire Regis University faculty and fellow Colorado residents with their personal strength, leadership, and commitment to helping others.

Survivors Srey Pov, Veurn, Somana, An, Sina, Pech, and Theara were honored on stage by Regis faculty and supporters as they graduated from a month-long English immersion, leadership, and computer-skills training program on July 23rd. For these extraordinary young women who are half a world away form home, this represents a milestone achievement.

The road of empowerment that brought them to Colorado is a story of personal strength, heroism, and global activism that is inspiring a global movement for change that aims to unshackle humanity from the horrors and suffering of modern day slavery.

It all starts with the inspiration for the Voices for Change program, sexual slavery survivor Somaly Mam. In the same way that these young women in Colorado have transcended their suffering, Somaly transformed the horrors and trauma that she experienced in the brothels of Cambodia into a lifelong crusade to protect and rescue others from the same fate. Silence for Somaly was not an option she could live with. Through speaking out and working to help other survivors, Somaly Mam discovered a sense of empowerment and liberation she had never had. It is her voice that has captured the attention of millions of people around the world as she tirelessly continues her struggle to shed light on the practices of modern day slavery. It is her voice that helped found the largest network of shelters in Southeast Asia. It is her voice that has helped rescue, shelter, and heal these seven young women and over 6,000 more women and children across Southeast Asia. It was Somaly’s voice that inspired two young America men – Nicholas Lumpp and Jared Greenberg – to seek her out and found the Somaly Mam Foundation with her.

“I remember listening to Somaly speak at the 2006 Glamour Women of the Year Awards and being brought to tears by her story, strength, and ability to inspire people to take action. That was the moment that I decided to dedicate myself to helping the foundation get off the ground. To see these seven young women take the stage here at Regis University, is moving beyond words,” said Bill Livermore, now the Somaly Mam Foundation’s Executive Director.

As part of the foundation’s commitment to survivor empowerment, and the recognition of the transformative power that survivors bring to the cause, the Voices for Change program was launched.

Modeled after Somaly’s life example, the Voices for Change (VFC) program is designed to give survivors an opportunity to help themselves by helping others. Survivors who have undergone rescue, recovery, education, and reintegration are nominated by their peers to join the program. These empowered young leaders are then provided the tools and training to realize their potential as change agents of the global movement to end slavery.

Program participants join legal training seminars and courageously share their stories with law enforcement, judges, and other government officials. Survivors’ personal accounts of the horrors of life as slaves in the sex trade serve as dramatic wake-up calls to officials who have pledged themselves to the cause of justice. The VFC program also equips its team members with the skills and information to train officials on the special needs that survivors have, as well as the guidelines and procedures for ensuring that survivors are transferred to the right services for safe and successful recovery.

Voice for Change team members play a critical role in helping survivors transition to freedom through regular service at partner shelters run by AFESIP, the network of shelters established by Somaly Mam across Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Their first-hand experience along the difficult and emotional journey from the horrors of sexual slavery to their liberation and recovery, establishes a level of trust and understanding between VFC team members and the young traumatized survivors that are rescued regularly from brothels across the region.

Raising awareness is one of the most effective actions to take in the struggle to eradicate slaver. As advocates and leaders, VFC program participants reach out to their communities through speaking engagements, radio, and other forms of media. They travel the world to draw attention to the often hidden crimes of human trafficking and sexual slavery. Their voices, like Somaly’s, represent a new generation of leaders who stand for justice and free will.

Seven young women brought their voices for change to Colorado as part of their ongoing commitment to shed light on the crimes and brutality of slavery, and to help those caught in its shadow.

“I never thought I would have opportunity to see a new land and meet new people with a good heart and love. They gave motivation and shared important skills. The United States helped me learn a lot,” said Theara as she reflected on her experience in Colorado.

Thanks to Regis University, and the generous support and help from faculty, volunteers, and the Lumpp family, these young leaders continue their journey of empowerment and hope with new friends and skills to strengthen their resolve.

Survivos Srey, Veoeum, Somana, An, Sina, Pech, and Theara are truly worthy of their roles as Somaly Mam Foundation ambassadors for change. Please join us in honoring their heroism, sense of stewardship, and their recent accomplishments.