Proclamation – Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention

January 6, 2026

Proclamation

WHEREAS, the United States was founded upon the principle that all people are created with the inalienable right to freedom, and the 13th Amendment to the Constitution made slavery illegal; and 

WHEREAS, slavery within the United States today is most often found in the form of forced labor and sex trafficking, which weakens our social fabric, increases violence and organized crime, and debases our humanity; and 

WHEREAS, human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights and continues to affect millions of individuals worldwide, including vulnerable populations within our own communities; and 

WHEREAS, this heinous crime may be found within our own community, and increased community education on how to identify victims of human trafficking, along with increased knowledge of local resources and services for those affected, can help restore freedom and dignity to survivors and diminish the number of future victims; and 

WHEREAS, the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery (NAHT) and other local organizations are working to abolish all forms of human trafficking through education, prevention, volunteerism, advocacy, and collaboration; and 

WHEREAS, every business, community organization, faith community, family, and individual can make a difference by choosing products not made by forced labor, protecting our young people from sexual exploitation, addressing internet sex trafficking and pornography, and becoming more aware of the problem and possible solutions; and 

WHEREAS, January is recognized nationally as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, providing an opportunity for education, outreach, and action to protect the most vulnerable among us; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor, Mark D Smith,  Mayor of the City of West Liberty, Iowa, do hereby proclaim January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in the City of West Liberty and encourage all residents to become informed, vigilant, and proactive in reporting suspicious activity and working toward solutions to end trafficking in all its forms in our community. 

Ceremonial Signing 

A public signing of this proclamation will take place on January 6, 2026, at 6:30PM located at the City Administration Building, 111 W 7th St., West Liberty Iowa Community members, local organizations, and advocates are invited to attend and stand united against human trafficking. 

Call to Action 

If you see something that doesn’t look right, take action and call: 

  • National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733 
  • Muscatine County Victim Services: (563) 263-0067 

Together, we can protect the vulnerable and ensure justice for survivors. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of West Liberty to be affixed this 6th day of January 2026. 

______________________________
Mark D Smith
Mayor, City of West Liberty