On August 28, Charlie Augello, Griff Ransom, Louise Barden attended the Metro Atlanta Cross-Club Human Trafficking Coordination meeting at the Hyatt Place in Buckhead. At the conclusion of the meeting, attendees were asked to indicate from one to five their level of commitment to ending human trafficking. All raised five fingers indicating a significant commitment.

During this meeting, many local organizations providing services to the victims of human trafficking spoke. They provided an overview of their organizations and service opportunities for Rotary clubs. Organizations participating included Covenant House, Georgia CAREs, Street Grace, Wellspring Living, Haven, Youth Spark, Beloved Atlanta, and Out of Darkness.

All organizations would need financial support. In addition, most described opportunities for volunteers to prepare and share a meal, donate household goods, provide an activity, or supply a welcome basket of personal items which are needed immediately by victims when they arrive at their facilities. To experience the harsh life of homeless and trafficked victims, Covenant House announced that “Sleep Out American” will be held on November 2 across the entire country. Participants will leave the comfort of their homes and sleep outside. Out of Darkness has received the gift of a large home that will enable them to double the number of victims served. Jeff Shaw suggested that several clubs pool resources and donate $5000 to furnish a room in their new facility. They will have two workdays in September when volunteers can help get the home ready.

In addition to members of the Dunwoody Rotary Club, the group included David McCleary, chair of the Rotary Action Group to End Human Trafficking, and representatives from the Roswell, Alpharetta, Buckhead, and Midtown Rotary Clubs.