Bukola Oriola

Author| Advocate| Mentor| Entrepreneur

Umbrella: Intercept the Trafficker Campaign

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Posing with district presidents and conference officers of the UMW in Minnesota
Posing with district presidents and conference officers of the UMW in Minnesota

I never thought about this song until I was about to start writing. “What song?” You may ask. It is Rihanna’s Umbrella song. In the lyrics she said, “You can stand under my umbrella.” Umbrella is used for protection during rain or shine. It is a handy tool for unfriendly weather.

I found out few days ago that the United Methodist Women are taking action to protect victims of human trafficking in the United States by using umbrella. They called it “You Intercept the Traffickers Photo Campaign” by opening an umbrella.

For a few years now, it has become public secret that there is usually sex trafficking, a form of human trafficking going on during the national game – Super Bowl. In fact, there are several reports about the FBI rescuing girls from sex trafficking during Super Bowl.  A Fox News Report on February 4, 2014 revealed that the FBI rescued 16 children who are as young as 13 years old during the games. The title of the report, Missing children rescued from Super Bowl sex trade in FBI sting, informed the reader that some of the rescued children have been reported missing by their families.





In anticipation of the possibility of some children falling prey of sex trafficking, the United Methodist Women are asking its members to open their umbrellas to raise awareness about the issue as the Super Bowl will take place at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, February 5. According to an Alert issued by the women’s group, “The Super Bowl ranks second only to Thanksgiving as the day on which Americans consume the most food, and some of those who are trafficked will be serving food in restaurants or at catered parties related to the Super Bowl.”

They expressed the fear that some of them will be victims of labor trafficking who “…will clean hotel rooms, wash dishes, tidy nails…, deliver dry cleaning, or wash windows,” while others “will be trafficked as sex workers for escort services or in “gentlemen’s” clubs.”

Using sports language, they named the yellow dotted umbrella graphic End Zone, noting that the umbrella defense was named after the football defensive play created by the New York Giants coach, Steve Owen which “enabled the Giants to shut out the then formidable Cleveland Browns.”

The women encouraged their 800,000 members to take group pictures holding umbrellas with letters spelling out, “We are United Methodist Women opening umbrellas to intercept human trafficking.”  The women were asked to share their pictures with #UMWumbrellas on social media and also send such to the conference communicators.

I learned about the umbrella campaign when I attended the Planning Session of the Executive Conference Committee of the UMW in Minnesota. I was there at Coon Rapids United Methodist Church to talk about my new appointment as a member of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking and my willingness to keep the line of communication open to listen to the public about the needs and how to improve on services for victims and survivors of human trafficking.

The meeting comprised of district presidents and conference officers of the UMW in Minnesota. I am looking forward to working more with these women to end human trafficking – sex and labor in our communities.

Open an umbrella and post it with #UMWumbrellas to join United Methodist Women to intercept human trafficking by showing survivors that you care.

Thanks for reading. I hope to talk to you again through my blogs. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please, send me a note – fill out the contact form. I want to hear from you. You can also get my recent posts by signing up to receive updates.
Bye for now, until next time.

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PS: Join The Enitan Story students campaign against human trafficking. Subscribe below.

3 Types of visas for victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and other crimes

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Imprisoned: The Travails of a Trafficked Victim When I was suffering as a victim of human trafficking and domestic violence for two years, I did not know that help was available. And, when I started helping others get help, one hundred per cent of them doubted that they could be free from their misery. I wrote about a particular person who was one of those that have received help through my story in one of my previous blogs. You can read about Hope in my article entitled, It’s world day against trafficking in persons: A personal reflection.

In today’s blog, I will be writing about the three types of visa that victims of crime, including human trafficking, domestic violence, and other types of crime can apply for to help set free like me and many others in the United States. These visas are the T, U, and VAWA visas. But first, I will like to quickly note that this piece is for informational purposes. Every case is unique and dealt with according to the discretion of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) based upon evidence presented to them. I will recommend speaking with an immigration lawyer to assess your case for validity.




T Visa
It is a non-immigrant visa that allows a victim of human trafficking remain and work in the United States legally for four years. It can lead to a permanent resident status, that is, the recipient is allowed to change his or her status from non-immigrant by applying for a green card. Qualifying family members of the T-Visa recipient can also be granted temporary status in the United States.
The annual cap for T-Visa is 5000. this means that if this cap has been reached in a year, other qualified applicants will be put on a waiting list until the following year.

U Visa
Like the T-Visa, a U-Visa recipient can also remain and work in the United States for four years after which he or she can apply for a green card as a permanent resident. Qualifying family members can also be granted status in the United States.

Unlike the T-Visa, there is a 10,000 cap for the U-Visa applicants. Other eligible applicants also have to wait until the following year once the limit has been reached in a year.

According to the USCIS, the intent of the T and U visas

  • Provides temporary status to certain victims of human trafficking and other qualifying crimes.
  • Strengthens law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute human trafficking and other crimes.
  • Encourages trafficked, exploited, and abused victims to report crimes, even if they don’t have lawful immigration status.

VAWA
It is called Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), however, this visa is not only issued to women but also men. It is also available to children and elder parents who have suffered domestic violence in the hands of their family members in the United States. Unlike the T and U Visas that grant nonimmigrant status to the recipient, VAWA grants a green card to the recipient.

Evidence
Providing required evidence is helpful to the victim. USCIS requires victims to write their own stories in addition to affidavits from friends and families who are aware of the crime. Providing evidence from law enforcement, healthcare and social service providers are also vital in the process of getting restitution for a victim of human trafficking or domestic violence.

Family and Friends
Family and friends play important roles in helping victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Therefore, if you have a family member or friend who might be a victim, you can help the person break free by sharing this kinds of information with them and also supporting them when they need an affidavit from you to make their case.

I will like to note here again like I have mentioned earlier that this article is just for information purpose. I am not an immigration lawyer. Seek the help of an immigration lawyer if you or someone you know might be a victim of human trafficking or domestic violence.



However, The Enitan Story is a Minnesota based nonprofit organization that provides direct services and referrals to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. You can reach the organization by sending an email to info@enitan.org and you could be referred to legal service providers close to you if you are not in Minnesota.

For more detail and the kinds of forms to file and evidence to provide, you can download a document provided by the USCIS here.

Thanks for reading. I hope to talk to you again through my blogs. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please, send me a note – fill out the contact form. I want to hear from you. You can also get my recent posts by signing up to receive updates.
Bye for now, until next time.

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With Gratitude and Humility

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background image I have written this note in my head several times for the past four days. I don’t know where to start. The beginning. The middle. The end. I want to mention names but for the fact that I could be guilty of the error of omission. Therefore, I use this opportunity to say a very big thank you to everyone who is pivotal to my present status.

I did not get here by chance or accident. Many people who allowed themselves to be used of God helped me through the process of climbing a ladder – the one that brought me to the mountain top where it seemed that I could see the whole world. I am grateful for this platform.

This platform is neither an ordinary one nor a platform for observation. It is a platform for rescue. A platform for empowerment. A platform to lend my voice to the voiceless. When I decided to take the shame for others in 2009 by putting my face to my story, I never imagined that I will be privileged to serve on this platform that God has provided for me. Indeed, He takes the weak and empowers them for His glory to promote mankind.

I am speechless. I have cried. I have laughed. It just feels like I am in a dream. “When the Lord turn again the captivity of zion, we were like them that dream,” according to Psalm 126. I have had so many flashback from my experiences. Scenes played back in my head. I have even mentioned some of those clips playing in my head to friends and family. For example, one was remembering how I begged for gari (cassava grain), one of the staple in a Nigerian household when I was pregnant. My benefactor did not think she did something extraordinary, but for a victim of human trafficking and domestic violence who was trapped in hunger, it was like a three course meal served at a five star restaurant.

And for the first time in almost a decade that my story has become public knowledge, I shared with my only biological sister and I cried. She knew the story. She has read the book. I have explained a little just so that I don’t add to the agony she was feeling after reading my memoir. But this time, I couldn’t help it because I knew that God had crowned my victory in glory.

I may not be able to say more here but I will like to commend the United States government. President Barack Obama and his team have listening ears. They maintained the position of power with such grace. Having power is not by oppressing the weak but by giving grace and opportunity to the weak. They took a great step to elevate those that have been trampled upon, beaten, battered, and hopeless, by giving them a historic platform to be part of the positive change in the community.

I cannot end this short piece without giving accolades to all the advocates and organizations that supported the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking Survivors of Human Trafficking Empowerment Act.

In addition, I will like to thank everyone for the prayers and congratulatory messages. I say thank you to all my colleagues in the media for giving me all the attention. I will like to let you know that such attention will help many who are still out there suffering. And, I want to use this opportunity to reach out to victims and survivors – help is available, please, call. The National Hotline in the U.S. is 1-888-373-7888. You can also reach The Enitan Story for help at www.enitan.org or info@enitan.org.

Once again, I submit with gratitude and humility for being chosen to be a part of the voice of reasoning to better serve victims and survivors of human trafficking in the United State as a member of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. I look forward to putting in my best as I work with my fellow council members to serve this great country.

I am pleased to introduce you to my fellow Council members:

Evelyn Chumbow, Appointee for Member, United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking

Evelyn Chumbow is a student at University of Maryland University College.  She is also a Human Resources intern at Baker & McKenzie LLP, a position she has held since January 2015.  Since 2014, Ms. Chumbow has been an advocate with the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking.  Ms. Chumbow worked as a lab specimen collector from 2014 to 2015, a security guard from 2011 to 2013, and a rental car service agent from 2010 to 2011.

Harold d’Souza, Appointee for Member, United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking

Harold d’Souza is a Senior Supply Chain Associate for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, a position he has held since 2008.  He is also a founding member of the National Survivor Network and is active with End Slavery Cincinnati.  Earlier in his career, Mr. d’Souza served as a Sales Manager in India.  Mr. d’Souza received an L.L.B. and M.Com. from Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara, India.

Minh Dang, Appointee for Member, United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking

Minh Dang is a Team Manager at Linde Group, Inc., a position she has held since 2014.  Ms. Dang has also served as an independent consultant, providing training and technical assistance to nonprofits serving victims of child abuse and human trafficking since 2010.  She worked at the University of California, Berkeley Public Service Center as a Program Coordinator and Program Manager from 2005 to 2011.  Ms. Dang received a B.A. and M.S.W. from the University of California, Berkeley.

Tina Frundt, Appointee for Member, United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking

Tina Frundt is Executive Director of Courtney’s House, an organization she founded in 2008 to provide services for domestic sex-trafficked youth.  Ms. Frundt held various positions at the Polaris Project, including serving as Director of Outreach from 2006 to 2007, Street Outreach Coordinator from 2005 to 2006, and Street Outreach Specialist from 2004 to 2005.  Ms. Frundt trains law enforcement and other non-profit groups to rescue and provide resources to victims, and is a member of the Washington, D.C., State of Maryland and Prince Georges County Anti-Trafficking Task Forces.  She was also appointed by the Governor of Maryland to the Safe Harbor working group.

Ima Matul Maisaroh, Appointee for Member, United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking

Ima Matul Maisaroh is Survivor Coordinator at the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST), a position she has held since October 2015.  Prior to that, she was Survivor Organizer at CAST from 2012 to 2015.  Prior to joining CAST in 2012, Ms. Matul Maisaroh worked as a file clerk and office administrator at Vanlochem and Associates from 2008 to 2012.

Ronny Marty, Appointee for Member, United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking

Ronny Marty is Executive Housekeeper at the Hilton Marco Island Hotel, a position he has held since 2010.  From 1996 to 2007, he worked in the Dominican Republic as a Front Desk Manager at Hotel Hacienda Resorts and Hotel Sun Village Resorts and Spa.  Mr. Marty received a B.A. from the Santiago University of Technology in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Florencia Molina, Appointee for Member, United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking

Florencia Molina is a founding member of the Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST) Survivor Leadership Program and a member of the National Survivor Network.  She has advocated for policies to combat human trafficking since 2002 and has worked as a security guard since 2005.

You can read or download the press release on the White House’s website.

Thanks for reading. I hope to talk to you again through my blogs. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please, send me a note – fill out the contact form. I want to hear from you.  You can also get my recent posts by signing up to receive updates.

Bye for now, until next time.

Providing Culturally Sensitive Programs – Mimi Foods Example

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In this broadcast I talked about the importance of providing culturally sensitive program while serving victims and survivors of human trafficking. I found out about Mimi Worldwide Foods through its cornmeal (pap) and used it as an example of food that will help service providers who have clients from Africa for example.

 

Special Periscope Broadcast…. October 30 at 2:00PM

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Join me for a special Periscope broadcast on October 30, 2015 at 2:00 PM CST. Rita Apaloo, strategic communications professional specializing in multicultural communication on how she uses the book, “Imprisoned: The Travails of a Trafficked Victim” to educate.

Get a copy of the international best selling book by Bukola Oriola, A Living Label: An Inspirational Memoir and Guide.   Book Description: A Living Label is a memoir that documents some of the struggles and triumphs of the author as a survivor of labor trafficking and domestic violence in the U.S. Bukola Oriola’s goal is to inspire hope in other survivors that they can turn their lives around positively, regardless of what difficulty they might have passed through. She also provides practical solutions to the government, service providers, NGOs, and the general public on how to effectively engage with survivors, to value them as the subject matter experts they are. As someone who has dedicated her life to empowering other survivors, she has decided to contribute the proceeds from the book sales to survivors’ education or their businesses, starting with 100 survivors in the United States, Nigeria and Kenya. She believes that survivors want to be independent and contribute to their communities, and she wants to help survivors achieve this dream. Learn more from the inspiring author, Book Bukola now!
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