The Rotary District 6000 Prevent Human Trafficking Action Team includes representatives from 15 Rotary Clubs. Four years ago, this action team was founded by Ames Rotary Club member George Belitsos. Since then, hundreds of community education and prevention programs have been implemented by the 15 clubs, creating a powerful advocacy network across the region.
One of the more recent projects has been to educate local governments that human trafficking is taking place in their own communities. A Rotary proclamation was written and submitted to local city councils and county boards of supervisors, asking them to recognize Human Trafficking Prevention Month officially and requesting that local citizens join the fight. The response has been overwhelming: so far this year, nearly 30 proclamations have been issued across the district.
During a recent meeting with Governor-elect Bill Bruce, George Belitsos shared the progress of these local initiatives. To celebrate this momentum, we are highlighting two recent signings from Story County.
City of Ames Proclamation
The Ames City Council recently authorized a city-wide proclamation to reinforce its commitment to prevention. During the session, George Belitsos provided the council with a comprehensive update on Rotary's ongoing efforts to dismantle trafficking networks through education.
Pictured above (left to right): George Belitsos (Ames Rotary), Gage Haines (ISU Rotaract), Ames Mayor John Haila (holding the proclamation), and Andrew Allen (CEO of Youth and Shelter Services).
Story County Board of Supervisors Proclamation
The fight against trafficking is a collaborative effort, as seen in the recent signing by the Story County Board of Supervisors. This event brought together Rotary leadership and the essential service providers who work on the front lines every day.
Pictured above: George Belitsos represented the Rotary Club of Ames (shown holding the proclamation alongside the Chair of the Board of Supervisors). They are joined by representatives from key partner agencies, including YSS, Wings of Refuge, Center for Community Justice, ACCESS, and the Story County Sheriff's Office.
These proclamations are more than just paper; they represent a formal commitment from our elected officials to acknowledge the reality of trafficking and support the survivors in our community. District 6000 continues to prove that when Rotarians take action, the entire community stands stronger.