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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-07 ProclamationItem Number: 2.a. a CITY OF IOWA CITY "QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT January 7, 2025 Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness month Attachments: Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness month proclamation City of Iowa City PROCLAMATION Whereas, Human Trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor services against their will. Exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion was used; there is no such thing as "child prostitution"; and Whereas, despite increased advocacy and resources, there remains a stark gap between the number of survivors receiving assistance and the successful prosecution of perpetrators, with fewer than 5% of reported trafficking cases in the Midwest resulting in criminal convictions in 2023; and Whereas, despite increased awareness and efforts, human trafficking continues to be underreported and often undetected, with the true extent likely underestimated due to its clandestine nature, and the reluctance of victims to come forward. Studies suggest that only about 1 % of trafficking victims are identified; and Whereas, every business, community organization, faith community, family and individual can help protect the vulnerable by addressing the problem of internet sex trafficking and exploitation, especially of Iowa's children. Childhood has shifted nationwide from a play -based to screen-based, with teens reporting spending an average of 9 hours online daily. 1 in 5 youth aged 10-17 reporting contact from an online predator — though many cases go unreported. In 2023 platforms like Tik Tok, Facebook, and YouTube flagged millions of pieces of child sexual abuse materials, referring them to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; and Whereas, the City of Iowa City, joins Chains Interrupted in their dedication to provide community outreach and education, legislative advocacy, training, promotion of services to survivors of human trafficking, and collaboration with law enforcement. Now, Therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim the month of January to be Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness month in Iowa City and encourage all our residents to become more informed on this growing problem, to be vigilant and report suspicious activity, and to work towards solutions to end trafficking in all its forms in our community. For assistance with this, reach out to Chains Interrupted at (319) 364-0222. If you see something that doesn't look right, reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. AA May Signe in Iowa City, Iowa, this 7th day of January 2025. Item Number: 2.b. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT January 7, 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Attachments: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day proclamation City of Iowa City PROCLAMATION V. uvIL quaa, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther W. Jr., who was bom on January 15, _ _ __ , devoted his life to justice and equality for people of all races and economic standings through non-violent means; which led to the establishment of many federal and local laws prohibiting discrimination and fostering human rights; and Whereas, Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement helped change public policy from segregation to integration, thereby leading to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and other anti -discrimination laws aimed at ending economic, legal, and social segregation in America; and Whereas, Dr. King believed that service was "the soul's highest purpose," and was the path to happiness and greatness, once saying, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: `What are you doing for others?"' which led communities across the country to answer that question by coming together to honor Dr. King by helping their neighbors and communities through thousands of service projects spread across all 50 states; and Whereas, even with the gains of the Civil Rights movement over the years, there are many goals and needs that must be pursued to continue our commitment to achieve justice in our society, including a commitment to economic justice in the face of increasing disparity between rich and poor; and Whereas, as we look forward to the future with optimism —inspired by Dr. King's legacy and informed by his wisdom and vision —let us rededicate ourselves to keeping his dream alive and be reminded that we are united together as one community. Now, Therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim Monday, January 20th, 2025 to be Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Iowa City, and encourage all to recommit themselves to achieving Dr. King's dream by attending the annual Dr. King march, program, and Day of Service at the Mercer Park Aquatic Center & Scanlon Gym, 2701 Bradford Drive on Monday, December 20 with the march starting at 9:30 AM. M r Signed in Iowa City, Iowa, this 7th day of January 2025.