We will continue our support through December, of the important work EPIK is doing. Here’s a video with more information:
A word from EPIK founder Tom Perez
When I started The EPIK Project in 2011, I only knew two things: 1) that men created the demand that drives sex trafficking, and 2) that Better Men could help end that demand. Today, I know one more thing: there are Better Men everywhere and they’re called EPIK volunteers. Though we’re small in number, the impact these men are having has been felt across the anti-trafficking movement. In a few short years, EPIK has become a national leader with strong local roots in 11 cities from Portland to Detroit to San Diego to Anchorage and beyond. Thank you for being our champion in the past, and no matter the size of your investment, I can tell you that its making a difference!
On Saturday December 1 in Portland, Oregon EPIK is hosting our third annual EPIK Journey. This is one of our main annual fundraisers, but it is also a unique and immersive educational experience where we literally walk in the shoes of our friends who have been trafficked on the streets of our communities. I wanted to personally invite you to join us either as an individual fundraiser yourself, or by donating directly to the event. Our goal this year is to raise $50,000. These funds go towards staff and operational support for our nearly 200 trained volunteers in Portland and across the country. Would you help us get there? Recently we received a $10,000 matching grant.! We’re $3,200 away from receiving that matching pledge which will bring us to 40% of our total goal. But we’ll need a big push in the next week and a half to hit 100% . We can’t get there without your help.
EPIK is working for exponential impact: disrupting the market systems that facilitate sex trafficking. Attacking the roots of trafficking. And calling men to reach their full potential as humans who (like women) bear the image of God. We have heard of many stories of former pimps and johns, who leave trafficking and leverage their influence in their former networks to challenge, resist, and confront the system at a direct level.
This work is far from over, so as #givingtuesday approaches, will you partner once again with us at The EPIK Project?
Thank you again,
Tom Perez
Founder
3rd Annual EPIK Journey
Details
Dec. 1, 2018 10a-2p
Walk from NE 82nd Ave and Sandy to SE 82nd and Stark, Portland, OR
Lunch provided at Flying Pie Pizzeria
( rain or shine to stand in solidarity )
Why?
We're effective. In 2018 EPIK added 3 more cities to our roster of men engaged in ending demand bringing the total to 11 cites and roughly 150 active volunteers, blew past our goal of reaching 100,000 purchase attempts (currently 122,000), and continue to innovate disruptive techniques.
We're asking the right questions. A couple weeks ago we hosted our first ever Leadership Huddle and 50 men from across the country, representing every volunteer city, gathered in Portland to ask the question, "In a culture that exploits the vulnerable, what is my part in creating change." Led by sage women who have deeply informed EPIK, we had a weekend that was described as "one of the most unique leadership experiences in 40 years." Our men are humble, ready to do what it takes, and deeply committed to the long game of culture change. We love our volunteers and funds raised help us to serve them better.
We're trusted. EPIK is humbled by many invitations to speak, teach, and help lead in the fight against trafficking.
So we need your help to raise as much funds as possible to continue engaging men in the solution of ending demand! Please join us!
Humbly,
Tom and Justin