Human trafficking is happening all around us, hidden in plain sight. The good news is that there are millions of transportation professionals in North America, including hundreds of thousands of school transportation employees, uniquely positioned to recognize and report it.

TAT (formerly Truckers Against Trafficking) aims to equip every frontline transportation professional to recognize and report human trafficking. To date, more than 121,000 members of the school transportation industry have completed TAT training, strengthening a nationwide “mobile army” of informed professionals.

This January, campaigns across the United States will be spreading awareness about the realities of human trafficking during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month (NHTPM). TAT believes every person can make a difference in ending this type of crime and, in doing so, offers resources for individuals, districts, and companies to join the movement.

Here are four easy actions districts and contractors can take to join the cause:

1. Implement Anti-Trafficking Training

TAT offers free training resources specifically created for members of the school transportation industry. Individuals can complete training via TAT’s free online learning portal.

Training can also be implemented for groups during in-service training or other professional development opportunities. Reach out to info@tatnonprofit.org to access free training resources.

2. Take Advantage of TAT’s Weekly Webinars

Throughout the month of January, TAT is offering weekly webinars during NHTPM, open to TAT partners and the general public. These virtual sessions will help broaden awareness about the realities of human trafficking, how it affects local communities and industry, and how every individual can actively combat it.

• Jan. 7: Modern Slavery at Work: Recognizing and Responding to Labour Trafficking

• Jan. 13: Disaster and Exploitation: Understanding the Link Between Crisis and Trafficking

• Jan. 22: Shut Out Human Trafficking: Major Sports Events and Human Trafficking

• Jan. 30: The Role of Parents and Trusted Adults in Combating Human Trafficking and Online Exploitation

3. Join the Conversation on Social Media

While the fight against human trafficking is a year-round battle, NHTPM is an important opportunity to join a national conversation about the issue and leverage the country-wide momentum gained on the topic.

Using TAT’s social media guide, which includes sample graphics and captions, post on social media channels to spread awareness about human trafficking.

4. Raise Awareness Year-Round

The conversation doesn’t end in January! TAT’s Partner Communications Plan provides examples of external and internal human trafficking messaging for your district or organization to use throughout the year. It includes a theme for each month, sample graphics and other assets, press resources, and more.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed on January 11th, which was designated by the U.S. Senate in 2007.