Teaching Tips
Teaching Tips
The issue of slavery can offer a powerful connection between historical and contemporary issues. Adding service-learning components, such as letter-writing campaigns, also helps students recognize they can take an active role in fighting modern-day bondage.
Here are several tips for getting started:
Cultivate local contacts. Find lawyers and activists in your community or area who are fighting human trafficking. A surprising number of communities have experienced cases of human trafficking and forced labor.
Don’t be afraid to discuss the topic. Human trafficking is an emotional, complicated topic that can elicit strong feelings. Teachers are in a unique position to help students process information and sort through their responses to the issue.
Access online resources. Good sites include the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation at www.fdff.org; Free the Slaves at www.freetheslaves.net; and the U.S. State Department at www.state.gov/g/tip.
Include action projects. Issues such as modern-day slavery can overwhelm students with a sense of despair. But getting them involved in projects to address the issue teaches them they need not be powerless in the face of evil.
Promote open, respectful discussion. The subject of human trafficking may raise disturbing issues. Structure and guide class discussions so they are open, honest and respectful.
