Power of storytelling can drive change

By Karen Fleig

EarthX was honored with the Championship of Freedom Award by the North Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NTCAHT) for its work through EarthxFilm in support of Dallas CASA, a member of the NTCAHT, as well as its membership work for the organization. 

The NTCAHT brings partner agencies from across North Texas together to take a united stand against human trafficking, while EarthxFilm uses the power of film and emerging media to raise awareness of environmental and social global issues. The Championship of Freedom Award was presented at NTCAHT’s January 30 event launching its anti-trafficking curriculum as well as “I Stopped Counting,” a short film about a trafficking survivor produced and directed by Tiffany Kieran and Quan Tran, and made possible through a grant from EarthxFilm partner Good Pitch.

“Through EarthxFilm, we call attention to environmental issues and their many effects such as social injustice and human trafficking,” said Tony Keane, chief executive officer of EarthX. “We’re honored to receive this recognition from the North Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking, which also validates our belief that the power of storytelling has an eminent position in driving change.”

The NTCAHT is a group of nonprofits, local and federal law enforcement, faith leaders and social service providers committed to rescuing and serving trafficked persons. Providing health, counseling, legal and case management services to hundreds of trafficked people, it focuses on the North Texans being exploited every day on construction sites and farms, in homes, restaurants, hotels, shops, massage parlors, factories and other places. 

Earthx2020 Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day will take place April 22- 26 at Fair Park in Dallas. It is expected to bring together nearly 200,000 concerned environmental citizens, educators, businesses, nonprofit organizations and thought leaders to celebrate global sustainability. This year will also include prominent programming and participation from the just announced Earthx2020 partnership with the National Geographic Society. 

Registration is available online at earthx.org.