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Speakers urge Cascade council to adopt human‑trafficking awareness proclamation; cinema event scheduled
Summary
Presenters asked the Cascade City Council to approve a proclamation recognizing January as Human Trafficking and Modern‑Day Slavery Prevention Month and promoted a free community screening and related trainings.
Allie Riches, a University of Dubuque senior and long‑time Jones County resident, urged the Cascade City Council on Jan. 13 to approve a proclamation designating January as Human Trafficking and Modern‑Day Slavery Prevention Month and to promote local educational events.
Riches told the council she has delivered formal presentations to schools, emergency responders and community groups and described human trafficking as a ‘‘multibillion‑dollar criminal industry’’ affecting millions worldwide. She and a representative from Chains Interrupted outlined a free public screening of the film Maya at the Phoenix Theater in Dubuque on Jan. 22 at 5:30 p.m., followed by an online discussion with the film director. The Chains Interrupted representative recounted a recent case in which training led to the safe recovery of a 16‑year‑old identified as “Lila.”
The presenters described local and regional training options, including ‘‘lunch and learn’’ sessions and 18 specialized training programs offered by Chains Interrupted and the Tri State Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Modern‑Day Slavery. The speakers encouraged residents, parents and educators to attend the Jan. 22 screening and to contact the coalition for training and volunteer opportunities.
Council discussion during the meeting noted the proclamation text references national recognition (a presidential proclamation and National Human Trafficking Awareness Day) and the United Nations Global Plan of Action. The council also flagged plans to promote the theater event via the city’s website and Facebook page.
No formal vote on the proclamation appears in the meeting transcript; the council heard the presentations during the public comment/agenda portion of the meeting.
Event details and training contacts were provided by the presenters: the free film screening is scheduled for Jan. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Phoenix (Dubuque) theater; Chains Interrupted’s contact information was given as info@chainsinterrupted.com (as stated during the meeting).
