The Current

Advocacy News + Updates

When I’m informed about an issue, but don’t feel equipped to take action on it, I just feel overwhelmed. Just a decade ago, if the newspaper carried a story about someone who was brutalized, even enslaved, it was hard to know how to connect with other people who were similarly concerned.  
 
In today’s digital world, almost everyone we’ve met is just a click away—long-lost third cousins, friends from elementary school, people we chatted up at a conference.  And with that expanded social network comes increased power to mobilize others for change.
 

That’s why I’m thrilled to re-introduce IJM’s advocacy hub: The Freedom Commons. 

 
Our newly re-designed site helps people connect, share and, most importantly, take action to end violent abuse against the poor.  
 

Here are three things I think you’ll love about it:

 
1. It’s easier than ever to take action as soon as you visit the site. Check out the homepage now for an opportunity to sign our petition to UN Secretary Ban Ki Moon, urging the UN to integrate protection from violence into the UN’s anti-poverty agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals.
 
2. Let’s be real. No matter how many social media platforms we belong to, there’s no substitute for in-person connections. With its small groups feature, the Freedom Commons now helps you connect with people right in your community who want to mobilize for change. You can create a profile (look for the Join/Sign-In button on the top right), check out small groups in your state, and join or start a new group today!
 
3. Ending violence is partly dependent on our ability to build the political will necessary to combat it. The site makes it really easy for you to engage with YOUR members of Congress and track their leadership on issues like modern-day slavery. Once you create a profile, the site identifies your Senators and Representative, and you can access their contact information with one click. 
 
The new Freedom Commons isn’t just a new page on the web. It’s a place where a movement can grow, where you can have the power to connect to others and change lives.
 
So take a tour and join us today!
The new Freedom Commons isn’t just a new page on the web. It’s a place where a movement can grow, where you can have the power to connect to others and change lives.