Spreading Love, Compassion, and Unity in the Fight Against Trafficking

In a world burdened by division and strife, we must redirect our focus to what truly matters: spreading love, practicing compassion, and lifting up others. This principle resonates deeply with me and the mission of Innocence Freed. My calling to help trafficked children and adults demands that every ounce of energy be directed toward their healing and restoration. It is a mission not born from a desire for recognition but from a heart committed to justice, mercy, and the betterment of lives.

As individuals and organizations working to combat human trafficking, we share a common goal—to bring hope and freedom to those ensnared by this heinous crime. Yet, too often, our efforts are diluted by unnecessary competition, negativity, and defamation within our community. This must stop.  When the stakes are high, there is no room for pointing fingers or tearing one another down. Every moment wasted on division is a moment stolen from the survivors who depend on us to fight for their freedom and dignity. When we point fingers at other nonprofits doing this work, we hurt survivors. Instead, we must rise above petty grievances and focus on the work we are called to do.

Choosing Love Over Competition

The trafficking prevention and aftercare community should be a beacon of unity. When we sow seeds of discord by criticizing, speaking mistruths, gossiping, or undermining others, we undermine the very work we claim to support. Survivors deserve better. They deserve to see organizations working hand in hand, driven by the common purpose of ending human trafficking and helping survivors rebuild their lives.

Competition has no place in this fight. Collaboration, on the other hand, has the power to create ripples of change that extend far beyond what any one organization could achieve alone. When we pool our resources, share our knowledge, and support one another, we amplify our impact and send a powerful message to survivors: “You are not alone, and we are united in your corner.” How powerful this message is for those who need to hear this the most.

Accountability Starts Within

It is easy to point out flaws in others while ignoring our own contributions to challenges within this field. But true growth and progress require introspection. Have we been quick to judge instead of extending grace? Have we focused on others’ shortcomings rather than our own opportunities to improve? When nonprofits struggle or fall short, it is rarely the fault of one person or organization. Let’s commit to being part of the solution by acknowledging our roles in fostering a healthier, more united movement.

Loving Thy Enemy

The call to “love thy enemy” is perhaps one of the most challenging teachings, yet it is also one of the most transformative. In the context of nonprofit work, this means extending understanding and compassion even to those who may have wronged us. Forgiveness does not mean condoning harm or abandoning accountability, but it does mean refusing to let bitterness or resentment poison our hearts and our work.

We are called to be the hands and feet of love in a world that desperately needs healing. To love our enemies is to embody the very principles we wish to see in the world: kindness, empathy, and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.

Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. ~ Matthew 5:43-44

A Unified Vision for the Future

At Innocence Freed, we strive to embody these values every day. Our mission is not about competing with other agencies but about doing everything in our power to support trafficked children and adults. We believe that every organization dedicated to this cause has a vital role to play, and we are committed to being a source of encouragement and collaboration rather than division.

Let us choose love over negativity, compassion over competition, and unity over division. We can create a world where survivors of trafficking not only find freedom but also experience the transformative power of a community that truly cares.

The road ahead is not easy, but it is worth it. Let’s walk it together—with love as our guide and hope as our destination.

 

Written By, Julie A. Shrader
Founder and CEO, Innocence Freed