Trenton Soroptimists' Symposium

Soroptimist International of Trenton Area will be presenting an informational symposium, “Loss of Innocence - Save Our Girls,” on November 16, 2014, from 2 P.M - 4 P.M. at Trenton City Hall, 2800 Third Street. The venue is handicap accessible. There is no admission charge for this event, but voluntary contributions are appreciated.

The purpose of the presentation is to bring awareness to the issue of missing children to the forefront, especially runaways, foster children, and children with histories of abuse. Parents, grandparents, PTO groups, teachers, guidance counselors, and general public interested in knowing more about the risk and vulnerability of runaways to human trafficking are urged to attend.

Less than 1% of all missing children have been abducted by strangers. Each year in the United States, about 115 children are victims of a stranger kidnapping. 90% of these children who were abducted by strangers are located and returned home safely.
By far, the most prevalent type of reported missing children in the United States are runaway/thrownaway children. Runaway children are always in danger. They need to be searched for immediately and helped. According to the U.S. National Runaway Safeline, between 1.6-2.8 million youth run away each year. Children can begin running as young as ages 10-14. The youngest are the most at-risk for the dangers of street life.

Clips of the mature-audience documentary, “Sex + Money, ”will be shown in part. Meredith Reese, Vice President of Programs at Vista Maria, and Cpl. Erin Diamond who is on SEMCAC (Southeastern Michigan Crimes Against Children) Taskforce are among the guest speakers. Attendees who fill out a contact information card will be entered in a drawing for a prize. There will also be a gift basket raffle. Vista Maria and Soroptimist International of Trenton Area will have displays of their organizations available to the public. Soroptimists worldwide work to improve the lives of women and girls through local and global service and donations. For further information, contact djfickeisen@wowway.com.

If you are interested in Soroptimist membership, please contact us at trentonareasoroptimists@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook at Soroptimist Trenton, MI.

Pat Bryan, SI of Trenton Area Public Awareness/Awards Committee and publicist