ASHLAND, Ore. — The Second Annual Southern Oregon Human Trafficking Disrupters Summit kicked off on May 8 at the Ashland Hills Hotel, bringing together local agencies, experts, and advocates to address one of the region’s most pressing issues: human trafficking. This year’s summit, which runs through May 10, is highlighting the need for increased awareness and action, particularly regarding the exploitation of vulnerable youth.
The two-day seminar, organized by Ride My Road, has a renewed focus on teen prevention, with special attention given to the ways children in the foster care system are at risk, and how online platforms have become a significant breeding ground for exploitation. Lauren Trantham, the CEO and Founder of Ride My Road, emphasized the importance of keeping teens and youth safe from traffickers, particularly in a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions.
“This year, we’re really honing in on how trafficking happens online, and what we can do to protect children and teens who may be more vulnerable,” said Trantham. “Many of these young people are more likely to encounter a trafficker or predator on their phones than they are in person.”
The summit aims to educate the public about the stark realities of human trafficking in Southern Oregon, with the agricultural labor sector and illicit massage businesses identified as significant contributors to the problem. However, the focus is also shifting to the increasingly prevalent issue of online trafficking, where social media and other digital platforms serve as common tools for exploitation.
In addition to the summit sessions, the event is hosting the “My Friends Aren’t for Sale” initiative on Saturday at the Ashland Metaphysical Library. This event, aimed at teens aged 13 to 19, will focus on educating them about the dangers of online trafficking. The goal is to empower young people with the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves, as well as each other.
“Teens may not always feel comfortable opening up to adults about their experiences, but they’re much more likely to share things with their peers,” Trantham explained. “The more teens understand about this issue, the better they can help each other stay safe.”
Parents who attend the summit will also receive free entry for their teens to the “My Friends Aren’t for Sale” event, further promoting community involvement and education.
The summit’s programming is designed to be both informative and practical, with a special breakfast event for men on Saturday morning. The keynote speaker will be a top attorney from Multnomah County, who specializes in trafficking prosecution. Additionally, a panel of volunteers will share their experiences working directly with sex buyers at the point of sale, offering valuable insights into the demand side of trafficking and how communities can address it.
“These volunteers really understand what demand looks like, and how we, as a community, can tackle it,” said Trantham. “It’s something that’s never really been done in this format, so we’re very excited about the potential impact.”
As the summit continues, its message remains clear: human trafficking is a pervasive issue that requires a collaborative, multi-faceted approach to combat. Through education, community involvement, and proactive measures, the Southern Oregon Human Trafficking Disrupters Summit hopes to create lasting change in the fight against exploitation.
The event’s emphasis on empowering youth, educating parents, and understanding the full scope of trafficking offers a comprehensive approach to tackling this complex issue, with a goal of making Southern Oregon a safer place for everyone.