Today marks the beginning of International Justice Mission’s summer campaign – 5 Weeks for Freedom.

I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of helping getting the word out and stoked to be the first stop on their blog tour, click for the link. That post was the intensely personal side of the issue of human trafficking and how the awareness to such an issue eventually sidetracked my life in a very good way. It’s important to note that I wasn’t paid in any way for my blog services for this cause.

But over here at the Lab, I thought we’d talk about the communication, the website and some of the technology behind www.5weeksforfreedom.org. This site and campaign of IJM will be tracking the movements of a group traveling from Mobile, AL to Buffalo, NY in the next several weeks.

Highlights:

Multiple Touch Points – IJM has done a great job with social media integration and they’re building on their brand by starting another account on Twitter @5WFF There’s also going to be regular updates via their blog on what’s happening on the road and report backs on successes.

Access – The site allows for the viewer to check in with the riders via GPS. And also they’ll being doing uStream video live when they make certain stops.

Options – There are a lot of ways to get involved with what IJM is doing.

Humanity – I love the option to meet the individual riders (Personally my money is on Deborah Go, gotta represent SoCal!) A quick minute on why each rider is there, with so many stories it’ll be a lot easier to catalyze others in involvement and think about what their doing in their communities.

Time Limit – theres an end. So many times NGO’s aren’t thinking about a natural arc. How are your campaigns flowing? They should be like a good story – a beginning, a middle and an end. IJM’s campaign is a quick one and they’ve already set their day of completion of July 30. Having that end date helps communicate a lot to their audience – to the longtime connections, there’s an understanding that their will be a lot of talk about this campaign over the next 5-8 weeks. To the new connections, a time limit allows for a great introduction to what IJM is all about and as they continue to educate these new supporters who are passionate about making modern day slavery a thing of the past.

Over all marks – there’s no guarantee on any campaign but this looks like a fun time. I’m still waiting for some smart app developing company to make the IJM iPhone app.

IJM worked with Grafik for the creative and Capital Idea Ventures for the development of the site.

Another stop on the road to the Academy awards for Gregg Helvey and crew as this mornings nominations came out. I was absolutely elated that this fine, fine film is now considered one of the best from the last year! If you get a chance to see it, please do. I’m not new to the crux of the entertainment/art world working with the non profits that help those who have been caught in human trafficking and bring awareness to the masses. Hands down, KAVI is the best thing I’ve seen on trafficking since Taken. Where KAVI is more accessible is that it’s the story of a boy caught in a terrible scenario and it’s much more easy to identify with. (I’m still waiting on the Kung-fu lessons to kick in though!)

The quote below is not long after I’d seen the film and it stopped me dead in my tracks.

After watching the film, (It won the audience award at the IFFLA) myself and the Media Group partners (specifically Outthink Group) were quick to snap into work to make sure that as many people as possible could hear about this movie. Using social media to augment the film impact and using the gorgeous design of Blue Ember to enhance the web presence of www.kavithemovie.com

I can’t even begin to imagine this 3 year journey has felt like for Director Gregg Helvey – he’s got just 33 days left until the next chapter is done. From the bottom of my heart I hope that this film wins and becomes a lightning rod for people to hear more about trafficking and it prompts action in communities across the country.

Again big congratulations to Gregg Helvey, Margaux Helvey and John Harrison – Great Work!

Check out these previous posts on Kavi for further info and PLEASE check out Kavi’s website

International Justice Mission (IJM) launched their new site to support their first documentary, At The End of Slavery. (www.AtTheEndOfSlavery.com) The site is just a piece of the promotion that’s been put forth from this powerhouse NGO battling the terrible tragedy of human trafficking. IJM is providing a lot of opportunities for abolitionists to come along side them and join in the fight to stop modern day slavery.

Here’s how you can get involved and joined the movement:

Create Your Own Trailer Contest

Order The Film/House Party Kit

Register Your Screening

Get Planning and Party Resources

Post-Screening Action Steps

How will you get involved to stop modern day slavery??