“Girls Are Not for Sale” is a national campaign aimed at inspiring one million Americans to take easy, effective actions to nurture and empower American girls who have been trafficked into the sex industry and to protect girls from the dangers of commercial sexual exploitation.

In an effort to celebrate, educate and empower young women, the program for girls ages 11-17 teaches preventative measures and how to find and use the resources available in the Twin Cities. As a program participant, Youthline hopes to partner with at least one local agency that serves sexually exploited youth, as well as raise funds for Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS) and Family and Teen Services (Teen Pride).

Suggested donations for the fund-raiser are $10 or more, new clothing items (including undergarments), gift cards to fast food restaurants, and bus tokens. Donations will be shared between Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS) and Teen Pride, a program of Family and Children’s Services. Both agencies support victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

To attend the fund-raiser, please RSVP by Tuesday, Nov. 17, by e-mailing ygriffea-gray@minneapolisparks.org or call 612-240-0045. “It is our hope that after participating in this program, young women will be armed with information and inspired to help other girls their age who have become victims of sexual exploitation,” said Yvette Griffea-Gray, MPRB Youth Program Specialist.

The Facts:
• Each year in our nation between 100,000 and 300,000 American children are at risk for commercial sexual exploitation.
• The Department of Justice estimates the most frequent age of entry into the commercial sex industry in the United States is 12-14 years old.
• There are currently less than 50 beds in the entire country specifically allocated for American victims of child sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.
• This country is capable of becoming a place where girls are celebrated and not sold.
• We want to send a clear message to girls across America that they are not forgotten and they are not for sale.
• When girls are celebrated, educated and empowered they are less likely to become vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation and more likely to heal from their trauma if they have been victimized.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.girlsarenotforsale.org. Youthline works with teens to build friendships and develop positive self-esteem through classes, field trips and social interaction. Targeting youth ages 12-16, Youthline is available at 29 Minneapolis parks. For a list of parks and more information, visit www.minneapolisparks.org – Activities and Programs – Youth Programs – Youthline or call 612-230-6400.