Hawks Corner

On Jan. 27, 2021, I attended a presentation by Greenlight Operation at HACC. This presentation was in recognition of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month and was sponsored by Student Involvement at HACC. What caught my eye and prompted my attendance was this statement: Did you know that Pennsylvania ranks ninth in the country for most human trafficking cases reported?

The focus of the session was to offer participants the opportunity to learn state and national statistics about human trafficking, how one can help advocate for victims, how to detect warning signs of human trafficking and exploitation and tools that provide help to victims. Greenlight Operation, a nonprofit organization located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, strives to prevent sexual exploitation and human trafficking through education and awareness – and this session did that and more.

The awareness session prompted me to take a peek at their website first, explore more facts about the issue of human trafficking, and ultimately led to my decision to become a volunteer. Here are some of my reasons why I chose to volunteer:

• Greenlight Operation was launched in 2018 and has a clear mission: fighting to free the enslaved, together. Mission statements provide direction to an organization, and this statement is powerful and compelled me to be a part of this call to action.

• Prevention. Collaboration. Restoration. This is the focus for 2021. Not only does Greenlight Operation have a mission, they outline a clear path to work in that direction.

• When I was asked to fill out an application to volunteer, I was impressed by the questions asking me to consider my why for deciding to direct my personal efforts to this specific organization. This included: “What motivates you to end human trafficking and sexual exploitation?” “Please describe your skill sets and any professional trainings you have received that are relevant to serving on one of Greenlight Operation’s teams.” Thinking about my personal answers to these prompts allowed me to pause a moment and reflect on what was driving me to pursue this volunteer option.

Do any of these reasons resonate with you? This may be your call to action! Please consider what you can offer to the cause of stopping human trafficking.

On March 1, 2021, HACC hosted its premier affinity group, Sisters of Color. Thirty-two participants shared an hour of discussing challenges and providing encouragement. Students felt comfortable and safe, as an atmosphere of belonging was established with their peers.

Small groups had the opportunity to share in Zoom breakout rooms to further connect. Groups conveyed the challenges they have faced as students of color and topics that they would like addressed in future Sister of Color meetings. These small groups reported back to the whole group to conclude the event.

While the session was scheduled for one hour, participants didn’t want to leave the meeting and thus the conversations continued. This alone proved the success of HACC’s first affinity group.

The Sisters of Color members are excited and anticipating the next session to be held April 5 and every consecutive first Monday of each month from 5-6 p.m. via Zoom. Zoom links and details about Sisters of Color will be noted on D2L, the HACC Events Calendar and on social media outlets.

We continue to invite students to get involved, stay engaged and experience a sense of belonging at HACC by participating in Sisters of Color!

Do YOU want to connect with other students for support and understanding? Please contact Cindy Strawbridge, assistant director of student involvement, at castrawb@hacc.edu if you have any questions or want to register for the next Sisters of Color meeting.