The Women’s Resource Center invites the community to participate in the Red Sand Project
Monday, July 31, from 12-1 pm. This one-hour program to raise awareness about human
trafficking and exploitation includes an introduction by WRC Advocate Izzi Simonsen and a
hands-on community art installation created by filling the cracks of the sidewalk with red
sand.
The Red Sand Project was launched in 2014 after artist Molly Gochman realized the depth
to which human trafficking and exploitation continue to exist. Globally it is estimated that 50
million individuals are being trafficked or living in modern slavery, an estimated $150 billion
industry. Molly understood that to find a solution, increasing public awareness and
engagement was essential.
The Red Sand Approach is symbolic, with the grains of sand representing the individuals
who fall through the cracks of our social, economic and political systems. Even the cracks of
our own personal consciousness.
Since 2014, the Red Sand Project has been done in all 50 states and in 70 countries, with
more than one million participants.The project is a way for a community to come together,
and connect and raise awareness. The simple act of placing sand in a crack may seem
inconsequential, but small actions build on each other to make transformational change.
The Women's Resource Center was drawn to this project by the short film "We Ride With Her."
Staff will attend a community viewing of the film Tuesday, August 1, in Lame Deer, MT. The film
follows the all-female Indigenous motorcycle group, Medicine Wheel Riders, who ride to end the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
As the mission of the Women's Resource Center is to provide services to individuals
affected by domestic and sexual violence, it is critical to our organization to not only provide
services to those affected by human trafficking but to also increase awareness and
engagement regarding missing and murdered Indigenous women across Montana, an issue
that too often falls through the cracks of our consciousness.
This free event will be at the Women’s Resource Center, 236 E. Reeder Street, in Dillon. For
more information, contact the Women’s Resource Center at (406) 683-6106.
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