In a powerful demonstration of Rotary’s commitment to “Service Above Self,” Rotary District 5130 has made significant strides in addressing the growing concern of human trafficking throughout Northern California. Over the past year, clubs within the district have turned their attention to this pervasive issue by educating members, raising community awareness, and launching impactful initiatives aimed at both prevention and support for victims.
A pivotal figure in this movement has been Raine Howe, Executive Director of the Polly Klaas Foundation and a dedicated Rotarian. In recognition of her tireless work and passionate advocacy, Howe was honored with a District “Service Above Self” Award this year. Her leadership has galvanized dozens of Rotary clubs and countless individual Rotarians to confront human trafficking head-on through informed, local action.
Raising Awareness Through Education
Understanding that awareness is the first step toward change, Rotary District 5130 prioritized education as a key strategy. Under Howe’s guidance, clubs organized presentations, workshops, and speaker events to help members understand the various forms of human trafficking — from labor exploitation to sex trafficking — and how these crimes often hide in plain sight.
As part of her advocacy, Howe traveled extensively throughout the district, which stretches from just north of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border. At each stop, she delivered compelling and often sobering presentations that combined personal stories, expert data, and practical steps for action. Her work highlighted the ways traffickers target vulnerable populations, especially children and teens, and the urgent need for community vigilance.
Equipping Communities for Action
Inspired by Howe’s message, many clubs have gone beyond learning and taken action within their own communities. Projects have included distributing awareness materials, supporting survivor services, and collaborating with local law enforcement and nonprofits. In some towns, Rotarians organized public forums and film screenings to open dialogue on trafficking prevention.
One particularly notable initiative involved bringing age-appropriate educational materials into schools. In partnership with educators and local organizations, several clubs supported the integration of trafficking awareness into classroom discussions, helping empower students with knowledge about online safety, grooming tactics, and how to seek help.
Rotary Youth Exchange students and Interact clubs have also joined the effort, spreading the message among their peers and participating in community service projects that promote safety and awareness.
A Model for District-Led Advocacy
Raine Howe’s recognition not only celebrates her personal dedication but also symbolizes a broader shift in how service organizations like ours can tackle difficult societal issues. By uniting professional expertise, community trust, and a shared mission of service, Rotary District 5130 has created a model for civic engagement in the fight against human trafficking, as we did last year in addressing Mental Health under the leadership of DG Tom Boylan.
District leaders, including our next District Governor, Kristine Redko, have pledged to continue this work in the coming year, expanding partnerships and encouraging every club to adopt trafficking awareness and prevention as part of their annual service goals.
As awareness grows and communities are better informed, the actions of Rotary District 5130 and leaders like Raine Howe bring hope that human trafficking can be prevented — one informed individual, one empowered community, and one Rotary project at a time.