The Realities of Human Trafficking in Genesee County
On April 24, our guest speaker was Dr. Jim Weber, who is both an emergency room physician at Hurley Medical Center and a Deputy Sheriff with Genesee County. In those capacities, he has seen the realities of human trafficking up close in Genesee County. Human trafficking is a global problem, and he has seen it in Africa, South America, and right here in Flint.
In his work as a deputy, Dr. Weber supports GHOST, which stands for Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team. The team has produced over 200 convictions and has a 100% conviction rate for human trafficking. He shared that while the conviction rate is important, GHOST also serves as a powerful deterrent.
Human trafficking includes not only forced sexual activity, but also a variety of forced labor industries ranging from farm labor to hospitality. Human trafficking and forced labor is built into the supply chain of two-thirds of all consumer goods. The practice of human trafficking is closely tied to the illegal trafficking of weapons and drugs. The consequences of human trafficking are dire- the average life expectancy of a person who has been trafficked is 7 years unless they are able to get help.
Human trafficking is difficult to find and prosecute, and even people who are mandated reporters (like doctors) often miss the signs of abuse. Human traffickers can look like anyone-- there is no profile. Dr. Weber shared a recent experience where he almost missed identifying a person who was the victim of human trafficking when they presented in the ER. Some of the signals that may indicate a person is being trafficked include:
Having a medical history with a lot of indications of assault or frequent STIs
Presenting for treatment on a delayed basis (for instance, having a broken bone but waiting days to come in)
Being accompanied by a person who is reluctant to leave them alone or speak for themselves
People who are the victims of human trafficking may not perceive themselves as victims and have been trained not to trust other people, which makes it hard sometimes to accept help. Practices of treating victims of trafficking as criminals themselves also presents barriers.
Dr. Weber also touched on a variety of other things from his experience and answered questions. The biggest improvements to medical care he has seen in his lifetime were effective treatments for heart attacks and stroke and the way ultrasound technology has revolutionized ER care. And, he said, if you are looking for a television show that comes closest to what a real ER shift is like, check out The Pit.
When the Little Things are Big Things
This is an excerpt from the weekly email newsletter "5 Ally Actions" from Better Allies for January 9. The full newsletter along with an archive is available here.
Be Thoughtful With Panel Seating by Karen Catlin
I love moderating panels, and I’m a planner. Before every event, I share prompts with panelists to surface their perspectives, organize themes, and create a clear run-of-show. I also always ask about seating so panelists know what to expect and can dress comfortably and confidently. (I’ll forever remember Lady Gaga struggling with a too-high stool at Google.)
Always, that is… except when I don’t.
Last year, I forgot to ask about the seating. When I showed up at the event and spotted a row of stools, I took a deep breath, hoping they wouldn’t be a problem for anyone.
As the panelists joined me, everyone seemed at ease and unbothered by the stools. Phew.
Then we learned one panelist was running late, so we had to start the event without her.
When she arrived, she walked onstage using a cane. As she climbed onto the stool, she wavered before steadying herself—and my stomach dropped. The moment passed, and the panel went well. But the lesson stuck.
Accessibility isn’t something I should hope will work out.
I won’t make that mistake again. And if you organize or moderate panels, here’s a simple default: skip the stools and choose standard chairs. They’re more inclusive, more comfortable, and one less barrier for people to navigate in front of an audience.
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Questions to Think About
Where in your work or life have you noticed opportunities to be thoughtful about accessibility?
How might you prepare differently for a meeting, presentation, or gathering if you wanted to ensure it was accessible for all participants?
Next Up: May 8 Regular Meeting at Noon at the Food Bank- Ja'Nel Jamerson and the Flint Center for Educational Excellence
Happy Birthday, April Rotarians!
April 8- Mark Eneix
April 12- Rita Canty
April 18- Randy Haney
April 20- Ashly Haldy
April 22- Jerry Knoodle
April 27- Rafael Turner
April 28- Jennifer Cronkright
The April birthday crew always sets a high bar for birthday celebrations. Jerry Knoodle made the day festive with Rotary-themed cupcakes!
News You Can Use!
Edible Flint Garden Distribution Service Project
Once again this year, Rotarians are asked to step forward to help prepare vegetable transplants for Edible Flint's upcoming distribution day. There is a morning shift from 8 am- noon and an afternoon shift from noon to 6 pm available on Saturday, May 16. Unlike past years, the distribution will take place at the urban farm located on Beach St. near the new Genesee Health Systems building south of Downtown. Please contact Jim Richardson to sign up.
The Blue Water Bridge
District Conference
There are some exciting things happening with Rotarians in our neck of the woods. The first is that the District 6330 conference will be held just across the border in Sarnia on May 29-31. Registration is now open. The conference will feature our District Governor, Genesee County's own Jeff Ferweda, and a keynote address by Bobby Mukkamala. A room block with the discounted rate of $134 CAD per night is available, but only through April 30. Conference registrations are available for the full conference or for Saturday only.
NASCAR, Anyone?
NASCAR is inviting Rotarians to purchase discounted tickets ($40) for a NASCAR Cup Series Race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 7. For questions, please contact Kylee Moenter at 517-594-4375 or kmoenter@nascar.com. Tickets can be purchased here or by using the QR code on the right.
Flint River Watershed Coalition Volunteer Opportunity
There will be a Glenwood Cemetery Stewardship Day on Saturday, May 2 from 9 am-noon. Come help spruce up one of Flint's largest green spaces and enjoy some fresh air! Registration is available here.
Crim Volunteer Registration
And... since this week has us enjoying a taste of summery weather, let's talk about the Crim Rotary Mile. District 7 clubs will once again be staffing the water station and intersections along our section of the Crim Festival of Races on Saturday, August 22. We are getting an early start on recruitment-- please sign up to volunteer! It starts with a fabulous breakfast at Mike Chaffee's at 6 am and you will be done before noon. It's a great way to be part of one of Flint's premiere events as you enjoy some Rotarian fellowship.
Photo booth at a previous Crim race
Coming Attractions- Philanthropy and Giving Committee
Past President Ellen Echols, leader of the Philanthropy and Giving Committee, talked about how we will make donations to community causes this year. And it involves you!
Members will be tasked with submitting nominations. There are three types of donations that will be made from the Club:
Community Impact Grants- these are the largest awards and are intended to support impactful projects that foster growth, stability, and revitalization within our community. Estimated amounts will be $20,000
Partnership & Outreach Awards- these will support local non-profit organizations that positively impact the Flint community. Flint Rotarians will nominate candidate organizations with award amounts estimated at $500-2,000.
Education Scholarships- these are $1,000 scholarships awarded through Kettering University, Mott Community College, and UM-Flint.
The Philanthropy and Giving Committee is finalizing the nomination forms for the Partnership & Outreach Awards, so stay tuned for the opportunity to suggest an organization you think is doing important work to benefit Flint residents. The nomination forms will be due by May 15.
The funds to support these awards come from your charitable donations- so thank you for making this process possible!
