Building a social movement to prevent human trafficking in Romania.
I’m crazy enough to believe it’s possible.
This vision was only fueled by my visits to the numerous shelters across this country housing young women, sometimes as young as 13, who are survivors of forced labor & sexual exploitation.
The crime of human trafficking is a global issue. It’s happening not just in Romania, but my own homeland of the United States. Many have asked me why I came to Romania to address this issue, when my own country has such a need. The answer is actually quite simple. I love Romania. I’ve chosen to make Romania my home. I’m not naive enough to think that Romania needs me, but it might be more accurate to say that I need Romania. Since my first visit in 1997, at the age of 12, this country and its people have held a special place in my heart.
Over the years, I’ve seen many foreigners doing great things in Romania. No matter if they are expats, missionaries, volunteers, or do-gooders it’s not uncommon to find people who are making a positive impact during their time in this country. I’ve seen many organizations established under the leadership of foreigners. Obviously, this comes with both positives and negatives. Personally, I think there is a better long-term solution.
Empowerment.
It’s more than just a buzzword for me. It’s my strategy.
I was fortunate to start and grow eLiberare with a small group of people who share the passion and drive to see human trafficking prevented in Romania. I’ve been incredibly blessed to get to work alongside both Ioana Sandescu & Stefan Coman, who over these last three years have poured themselves into addressing this issue of human trafficking. Anyone that has gotten close to eLiberare knows that my role has been much more behind the scenes and limited. I’ve tried my best to live out this idea of empowerment. I haven’t done it perfectly, but I’ve given it my best.
The next step of true empowerment is inevitable.
At the beginning of January 2017, I will be handing over leadership of eLiberare.
To be fully transparent, it’s been my goal since the beginning.
I didn’t know if it would take 4 years or 40, but it’s always been my desire to see eLiberare Romanian-led.
Thankfully, we have a strong team who will be carrying this work forward under the leadership of Ioana Sandescu.
Ioana has been instrumental in almost everything eLiberare is known for. She’s been a great help over the years and to be completely frank, she deserves much of the credit for our successes. I’m excited to see where eLiberare will go under her leadership.
I will turn my focus to launching a new NGO in Romania, Good Bureau.
Good Bureau will focus on empowering people for social change through the 4Cs; coaching, connections, communication, & capital. I hope to take some of the lessons learned from leading eLiberare and scale that out to help the many young social entrepreneurs in Romania. I’m always encouraged to see young people passionate about making a lasting impact in their country. I believe the future is bright for Romania.
Good Bureau will also continue the great work started by eLiberare Design, a creative agency for social good.
We’ve launched a new social enterprise, Agency Boon, which partners with creative agencies abroad to help them grow their business through our creative outsourcing team.
The profits generated from Agency Boon will continue to be reinvested back into Romania through the work of Good Bureau.
While this season brings a mix of emotions, I am excited about the opportunities ahead for both eLiberare & Good Bureau.
I consider myself incredibly blessed because I’m living out my dream of living in Romania.
