A Decal that Empowers You to Spread Awareness of Human Trafficking

by Jalin Abston

January typically marks the birth of a new year and new start for millions of people around the globe. However, January is also a month dedicated to bringing awareness to human trafficking. Most people are uninformed of what exactly is human trafficking, how it occurs, and its global prevalence. Human trafficking involves the exploitation of an individual (or group) and people are made vulnerable to trafficking as a result of a lack of basic human rights. According to Freedom Network USA, It ​​can happen in any industry, and to persons of any gender, age, and nationality.

Crimes of this nature are often highly associated with third-world countries and nations with patriarchal societies, yet human trafficking can and has occurred in almost every nation and State in the world.

HarperSage is an Austin based women-owned, ethically-made apparel brand that offers versatile fashion staples inspired by their two signature personas: girly “Harper'' and tomboy “Sage.” Launched in October 2019 by Leah Grossart and Meghan Herman, it was important that their brand be rooted and motivated by a social mission they were both passionate about. Human trafficking affects the apparel industry in such a profound way, it seemed like a natural fit to the duo and HarperSage hopes to be able to expand their initiatives to increase supply chain transparency and reduce the likelihood of trafficking in the future. Leah became immersed in the human trafficking awareness space a couple years before pairing up with Meghan to launch HarperSage . Leah was deeply impacted by her experience, as it was when she first learned about the powerful impact of putting human rights first in the anti-trafficking field. Together, Leah and Meghan set out to approach their mission-driven brand differently.

HarperSage’s The Decal Project is a community-led effort that spreads awareness of human trafficking through thoughtfully placed decals in local communities. Its design and message, “denying rights enables trafficking,” transforms the everyday moments of passersby into educational opportunities that drive action. Those that spot the decals within their communities can scan the QR code on the decal, which leads to an educational resource where they can learn more about preventing human trafficking, how to support trafficked individuals, and request a free decal of their own to join the movement!

HarperSage created the decal in collaboration with the human rights-based anti-trafficking coalition, Freedom Network USA. Freedom Network USA (FNUSA) is the nation’s largest alliance working to ensure that trafficked individuals have access to justice, safety, and opportunity. Their network includes survivors, legal and social service providers, researchers, and expert consultants. FNUSA also engages in advocacy, provides training and technical assistance, and works to increase its community of members and allies. Last year, HarperSage also collaborated with FNUSA on a give-back product -- The Thrive Silk Pillowcase.

Leah and Meghan chose to work with FNUSA because they advance a human rights-based approach to address human trafficking. This includes focusing on advocacy, education, and policy change that focuses on the root cause of what makes individuals vulnerable to trafficking. The lack of affordable housing, barriers to immigration, race and gender discrimination, and many more factors make persons vulnerable to trafficking. Each month, HarperSage features photos of decals submitted by their growing community. They also worked with a Survivor Leader who wrote a series of composite stories that they’ve been sharing on social media in January.

You can follow along on Instagram at @shopharpersage and @freedomnetworkusa to learn more about human trafficking initiatives and how to spread awareness.

The decal will be included for free with every purchase from HarperSage and will also be available for purchase for $3 each for anyone wanting more than one.

Images courtesy of HarperSage.