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Welcome!
Thank you for joining us in the fight for justice. IJM Firestarters is an initiative that empowers youths and their parents to make a difference in the world by becoming an advocate, raising awareness and participating in fundraising efforts to join the fight against human trafficking and slavery.
UPDATES FROM LAST MEETING
Monday, November 10th, 2025 Meeting
On November 10, Tisna Tini, Content Marketing Lead at IJM Canada, joined Firestarters to share how storytelling can drive real change. She explained that stories don’t just inform—they connect, inspire, and move people to act. Unlike facts alone, stories make complex issues relatable and memorable. Using Marshall Ganz’s framework—Story of Self, Story of Us, and Story of Now—Tisna showed how personal experiences can link to shared values and highlight the urgency of action. Her own journey, from growing up in Niger and witnessing systemic injustice to leading anti-trafficking efforts, brought this to life.
Tisna also spotlighted IJM’s new work in Poland, where cross-border trafficking and refugee vulnerability are pressing concerns. She encouraged everyone to start advocacy in their own circles by sharing stories and connecting global issues to everyday life. The session wrapped up with an invitation to join Dressember, a creative campaign to raise awareness and funds against human trafficking. The message was clear: your story matters—and it can spark real change.
Thursday, September 18th, 2025 Meeting
During his visit to Bangladesh, Joash Thomas shared how seeing IJM’s work on the ground deeply moved him. Though Bangladesh is a small country surrounded by the vastness of India, he emphasized its huge heart and the strength of its people.
Joash described meeting survivors who had endured exploitation and violence yet were now rebuilding their lives with courage and dignity. He witnessed firsthand how IJM’s partnerships with local authorities and communities are creating lasting change — rescuing victims, holding perpetrators accountable, and helping families find safety and hope again.
For Joash, the trip was a powerful reminder of why this work matters: justice and freedom are not abstract ideas, but real transformations happening in the lives of people every day. His time in Bangladesh reaffirmed his commitment to stand with vulnerable communities and to invite others to be part of the movement for freedom.
Monday, July 14th, 2025 Meeting
In our recent session, Robin Padanyi shared highlights from his visit to IJM Bolivia, where a small but powerful team is tackling widespread violence against women and children. Despite limited resources, IJM Bolivia has trained hundreds of justice officials and empowered survivors to lead policy change and community education.
Robin emphasized the importance of including adolescent voices in creating child protection policies, noting that true transformation starts with listening to those most affected. His reflections challenged us to consider how we can create safer spaces—at home and abroad—by starting small and sharing what we know.
Thursday, May 15th, 2025 Meeting
Eugene shared insights from a vision trip to Kolkata, India, highlighting the IJM’s ongoing work to combat modern slavery.
Since 2006, IJM has partnered with local authorities in West Bengal to rescue victims of trafficking and strengthen the justice system. A key milestone: an 80% drop in trafficking in targeted areas between 2016 and 2021.
The trip included visits to cultural landmarks and sites connected to Mother Teresa’s legacy, offering deeper context to the challenges faced in the region. Eugene also shared about current efforts to fight labor slavery, including the rescue of families from a brick kiln in March.
His reflections emphasized three themes: the importance of context, the commitment of field teams, and the strength of community—supporters and staff working together to bring lasting change.
UPDATES FROM LAST MEETING
Monday, March 17th, 2025 Meeting
Heather Simmonds spoke about how much time we spend online and how easily we share personal info without realizing it. She stressed the importance of knowing our rights to privacy and protection—especially for youth.
She also highlighted the growing issue of online sexual exploitation, both globally and in Canada. Many victims are first contacted through friendly messages or fake opportunities.
Heather urged us to stay aware, protect ourselves and others, and take action against online harm.
This was a virtual event, so you can view the Zoom recording to hear from our Guest Speakers and our engaging Q&A session.
UPDATES FROM LAST MEETING
Monday, November 4th, 2024 Meeting
Sinead Finnegan invited us to take action and start meaningful campaigns for social impact. The presentation highlighted the initiative's mission to inspire and empower individuals to become change-makers in their communities. It encouraged participants to use the platform to launch their own campaigns, particularly becoming an advocate for Dressember, and emphasized that everyone has the potential to drive positive transformation.
We were reminded of the importance of starting today and using the tools provided to make a difference. If you missed the presentation, you can still join the movement and begin your journey toward change. Check your emails for more information on how to partake in Dressember!
This was a virtual event, so you can view the Zoom recording to hear from our Guest Speakers and our engaging Q&A session.
UPDATES FROM LAST MEETING
September 16th, 2024 Meeting
Lorianne Dueck delivered an insightful presentation on Advocacy and Public Engagement, highlighting the key differences between the two. She emphasized that effective advocacy involves being mindful of the "4 C’s" - Connection, Context, Commitment and Continue and the "ABC’s" - Accuracy, Brevity and Courteousness.
Lorianne also shared various strategies for public engagement and advocacy, such as reaching out to the right people, prioritizing the voices of affected groups, and forming strong partnerships. She encouraged us to recognize the power we hold and reminded us that even small actions can make a significant impact.
This was a virtual event, so you can view the Zoom recording to hear from our Guest Speakers and our engaging Q&A session.
UPDATES FROM LAST MEETING
June 3rd 2024 Meeting
On Monday, June 3rd, 2024, We had an engaging and interactive meeting with 2 profound speakers: Alison Hardman and Dr. Justin Dennison.
Alison Hardman serves as IJM Canada’s Director of Development and Mobilization. She served 7 years at a large church in Ontario, and previously at various charities in the GTA. She also has over 15 years of experience in fundraising.
Dr. Justin Dennison a retired doctor by profession and also an experienced Pastor and Counselor with a history of working within various religious institutions. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Bible Teaching, Life Coaching, Team Building, Empowering and Equipping Others.
This was a virtual event, so you can view the Zoom recording to hear from our Guest Speakers and our engaging Q&A session.
April 15th, 2024 Meeting
Julianne Healey gave a powerful coaching session for our Firestarters with a visual presentation of a Venn-diagram on how we need to find our purpose, by understanding “what I love, what are my strengths, what the world needs and what I get paid” to analyze our Calling, Cause, Potential and Career. Her experience in discovering and identifying her strength was grounding and encouraging to all. She also shared her recent visit to the field and how that impacted her outlook on life personally and professionally.
This was a virtual event, so you can view the Zoom recording to hear from our Guest Speakers and our engaging Q&A session.
Read Stories of Rescue
Courageous survivors persevere through the darkest horrors to find hope and healing. Together, you can support a child survivor of trafficking through school, provide a survivor with therapy, or even fund an entire rescue operation. about the specific opportunities to provide
needed rescue and restoration to vulnerable people around the world.
TED talk by IJM’s founder, Gary Haugen
The poor are facing a constant threat of violence, but the world has done almost nothing to protect them. It’s time to rethink poverty, he says, and to make the violence stop.
Share about Firestarters with a friend
Bi-monthly Zoom meeting will connect you with IJM staff, to learn more about human trafficking and slavery and hear from a guest speaker.
For youths under age 16, please have a parent or legal guardian with you as parental/guardian consent is required before you can participate in any activities organized by Firestarters.
* Due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter of slavery and violence, Firestarters is intended for ages 13 years and above.
If you want to , sign up to participate- in your favorite dress or tie - with the Dressember race team!
Have questions or need more information?
Email supportgrowthteam@ijm.ca to get in touch with a member of our team.
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