Human trafficking is not a distant problem. It happens in our neighborhoods, in the places we shop, and even online where children spend their time. Every day, traffickers seek to exploit vulnerable people for profit, and their operations grow stronger when demand goes unchallenged.
The seventh annual Community Freedom Summit, hosted by Not For Sale: One Step At A Time in partnership with Walsh University on Sept. 20, brought together students, educators, and community members to learn how to recognize warning signs, protect those at risk, and take action to disrupt the demand that fuels trafficking.
“Our students who will rebuild the society of tomorrow are taught by our faculty and staff and understand the grave nature of human trafficking, and our students rightly stand up and act — and they will not be silent,” said Walsh University President Tim Collins.
Kathie Gray, President and Co-Founder of Not For Sale, opened the summit by thanking community leaders, Walsh University, and board members for their support. She underscored the power of prevention. “Not For Sale is about education, awareness, and prevention,” Gray said.
“Today, we are focused on prevention — giving our community the knowledge and tools to recognize risks before harm happens and equipping everyone to act before exploitation can take hold.”
Her message set the stage for keynote speaker Dr. Tony Talbott, Director of Advocacy at the University of Dayton Human Rights Center. Addressing an audience of 800 in the Cecchini Center Arena, Talbott explained that trafficking is driven by economics: when demand decreases, exploitation becomes less profitable. He urged men in particular to take an active role, noting that men are most often perpetrators while women and children are the most frequent victims. Coaches, teachers, and peers, he said, can help shift culture by teaching boys and young men that buying sex is wrong.
Dr. Talbott outlined several strategies for reducing demand:
- Reject cultural norms that sexualize children and normalize commercial sex.
- Advocate for stronger state laws that mirror federal rules banning the purchase of goods made with forced or child labor.
- Avoid fast fashion and support companies with transparent supply chains. When in doubt, choose secondhand or ask about sourcing.
- Support policies that hold traffickers and buyers accountable with the harshest penalties rather than punishing victims who are coerced or manipulated.
Kim Graves, board member of Not For Sale, reinforced the community’s responsibility. “Trafficking is all around us,” Graves said. “Disrupting demand starts with examining our own choices, hearts, and minds, and extends to practical actions every day. By making thoughtful decisions in our families, workplaces, and communities, we can take real steps to stop exploitation.”
A prayer led by Pedro “P.J.” Chavez, Not For Sale board member, gave participants in the program and the one-mile silent Freedom Walk a moment of reflection. He urged the community to recognize “the dignity in every human life” and to pray for both healing for victims and transformation for those who exploit others.
The Summit introduced a School Spirit Battle, where youth from local middle and high schools were encouraged to wear school gear, carry anti-human trafficking signs, and turn out in record numbers to show support. Lake High School claimed top honors, and their award will be displayed at the school as a reminder of their commitment to the cause.
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