The World Could Be Different

In the heart of Times Square, our ad stands tall, occupying a prime spot beside the NASDAQ and above Netflix. Timed to coincide with World Day Against Trafficking, our campaign radiates hope, challenging the prevailing narratives surrounding human trafficking. Unlike many nonprofits that focus on the tragic aspects, Collective Liberty spotlights daily victories in disrupting traffickers across the United States. This initiative aims to also counter the online surge of anti-trafficking misinformation.
Often seen as an international problem, human trafficking is a pervasive issue in the United States, with instances often overlooked. Globally, the International Labour Organization estimates 5.4 victims of modern slavery per 1,000 people. The Department of State's 2021 Trafficking in Persons report reveals an annual influx of 14,500-17,000 trafficked individuals into the U.S., alongside thousands of American citizens trafficked domestically.
As awareness of human trafficking grows, so does the sense of overwhelm. It's too hard to look at this epidemic in our neighborhoods so people often look away. Collective Liberty seeks to instill hope in the community, emphasizing the power of collective action in eradicating trafficking. With over 11,000 frontline workers trained, innovative technologies aiding in 2,000+ exploitation arrests, and advocacy leading to legal shifts for survivor support services, Collective Liberty is a beacon of change.
The Times Square ad places human trafficking within the viewer's personal experience, urging them to recognize the issue's scope in their immediate surroundings. It highlights the likelihood of encountering victims in daily life and encourages viewers to become agents of change. This strategic messaging is redefining social norms, fostering a collective responsibility to end human trafficking. In a world where our decisions shape reality, Collective Liberty's ad empowers the choice between acceptance and action.
The ad's final week shared space near a billboard announcing "Times Square is for children. Times Square is for families.” Victims, survivors, and those vulnerable to exploitation, are children and part of families, too! It was great to see the billboard messages reinforce each other that way. Our world could be different - and Collective Liberty won’t stop until it is!