I just received the rare honor of speaking on a panel at the Ohio Statehouse during the 10th annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
Hosted by Ohio State Sen. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) and state Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron), the event featured over 40 panelists, including survivors of sex trafficking and abolitionists from organizations across the state.
“This is a historic year for Human Trafficking Awareness Day,” Fedor said. “A decade of advocacy and action has helped us address human trafficking in Ohio and set an example for the rest of the country. But there’s still work to be done. This event gives us a moment to come together, discuss challenges and develop solutions so we can finally end human trafficking once and for all.”
As a board member of She Has A Name, my panel presentation focused on our collaborative work to help reduce the demand for human trafficking by reaching the men who solicit sex through education, counseling and also increased penalties. After speaking, I received an official letter of commendation from the General Assembly of the State of Ohio:
“On behalf of the members of the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives of the 133rd General Assembly, we extend congratulations and deepest gratitude to Christopher Stollar for your work in fighting human trafficking and your participation on the Collaboration and Empowerment Panel at the Tenth Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
You are a remarkable person, combining civic concern and dedication with selfless initiative to become a dynamic leader in the fight against human trafficking. The work you do as a Board Member with She Has A Name is truly inspiring. Your commitment to building a world in which everyone is free is a powerful testament to your strength and respect for all people.
Willingly giving your time, energy, and abilities, you continue striving to better the world around you. Through your generous contributions, you have earned the respect and esteem of the entire community. We are certain that in years to come, you will continue demonstrating the same unwavering commitment to excellence for which you have become known. You are truly deserving of high praise.
Thus, with sincere pleasure, we commend you on your exemplary record of community service. We salute you as one of Ohio’s finest citizens, and we thank you for your dedication to eradicating human trafficking.”
As both an author and board member, I couldn’t ask for anything more.