02/03/2026
As Human Trafficking Prevention Month comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude, purpose, and a renewed commitment to work that continues far beyond January.
Our final awareness event, OCHTTF’s 4th annual Know More, Do Better 4.0, brought together students, educators, advocates, and community partners to learn the realities of human trafficking and take action to prevent it. This year, the conference reached 760 middle school students across Orange County, expanding into South Orange County for the first time through a partnership with Saddleback College, alongside our long-standing event at Vanguard University.
What began as a one-time initiative has grown into a countywide effort rooted in collaboration and prevention through education. The heart of this year’s conference centered on one word: Power.
Survivor advocate Martha Trujillo of reminded students that their worth exists right now, before labels, judgments, or expectations. Her message also challenged adults to ask “what happened?” instead of labeling youth as “bad” or “troubled.” Students learned that trafficking doesn’t always look like what’s portrayed in movies; it often begins with attention, connection, or secrecy. When confusion takes hold, power is lost, education restores it.
Students were engaged, present, and listening. They learned how to recognize exploitation, trust their instincts, and ask for help, understanding that seeking support is not failure, but survival.
Human trafficking impacts entire communities. Prevention starts with awareness, grows through education, and is sustained by collective action. While January may be over, this work continues every day.
At Waymakers, we remain committed to prevention education, survivor support, and community collaboration. If you’re interested in getting involved, we invite you to join us in building safer, more informed communities.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and committed to doing better, together, we are helping young people recognize their value, their voice, and their power.
