KAREN WALKOWSKI - ENDING HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN MINNESOTA
Karen is the President of the Lake Minnetonka/Excelsior Rotary Club. She shared a quote from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have already chosen the side of the oppressor.”
Karen is the President of the Lake Minnetonka/Excelsior Rotary Club. She shared a quote from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have already chosen the side of the oppressor.”The movement to fight human trafficking (HT) began out of the selection of Minnesota as the Super Bowl host community and has grown from there. While not an expert on the topic of HT, Karen has embraced the fight against exploitation of people for labor or sex. There are more victims of HT than ever before (1.5 million victims in US). It is a $150 billion per year business ($99B for sex and $51B for labor).
Minnesota had between 8,000 and 14,000 victims accounting for roughly $9.5B in business in a year. MN is in the top 13 states in the US for youth prostitution due to its port (Duluth), proximity to international border, two major interstates (I-35 and I-90) and the Mall of America.
Anyone can be a victim but the most vulnerable are people in poverty, minors living in welfare system, homeless and runaway youth, immigrants and people with a history of abuse. Average age is 12-14 years old. Minnesota is leading in seeking solutions.
Efforts to date include –
- One of five states to enact Safe Harbor Law advocating for victims.
- Protection of ID of HT victims.
- Increased coordination of efforts to combat HT
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- 4/7 – Painting house for Onward EP (see Jay Simpson)
- 4/12 – Swallowship 5-6:30 TBD
- 4/16 to 20 - Meals on Wheels. See John Goergen if you can help.
- 4/19 - Ethics Luncheon at Edina CC
- 4/30 – Above and Beyon
- 5/8 – Strive Breakfast at Community Center
- 5/21 District Conference at Guthrie. Marilyn Carlson-Nelson will provide keynote address.
- 6/19 – Irene Kelly inauguration
- 6/23 to 6/27 RI in Toronto
- 6/30 – 7/25 Yura Koh, Rotary New Generation college student from North Korea will be visiting this summer. See Dennis Kim if you can be host family or provide opportunity to visit your business..
SPOTLIGHT ON ADAM SEIDEL
Adam was born in Edina and at age of five he moved to Eden Prairie. Adam attended Northwestern in Chicago and studied Math and Opera before eventually majoring in economics. He worked in sports broadcasting in Montana. Moved back to Minnesota and went to work on economic issues at the state capitol. Adam rand for and was elected to the EP School Board in 2015.
Adam was born in Edina and at age of five he moved to Eden Prairie. Adam attended Northwestern in Chicago and studied Math and Opera before eventually majoring in economics. He worked in sports broadcasting in Montana. Moved back to Minnesota and went to work on economic issues at the state capitol. Adam rand for and was elected to the EP School Board in 2015.HAPPY BUCKS
- Bruce Hutchins – returned from three weeks in Florida. Sends greetings from Matt Carpenter.
- Dick Ward – reported that Vicki Brown (wife of former member John Brown) is very ill in Florida hospital.
- Dennis Kim – happy first day of spring! Happy Jane McGinty and others hosting new generations student from Korea.
- Robb Hiller – Celebrating everyone, especially life of Orv Sietsema
- Irene Kelly – Jane McGinty hosted an event.
- Greg Olson (GM of Bearpath) – Thankful for Rotary and opening of golf course in one month.
- Roger Jorgensen – Happy to accompany his wife to CA to hang a picture.
VISITORS
Ross Wilken - Prospective Member
Alexa Oldenkamp and Phillip Kuhn - Student Interns
Trini Santillan - Exchange Student