Meet One of the "Unsungs"
It seems you can't throw a stick these days without hitting a story about the sustainability and social impact initiatives of Fortune 500 companies. That's because they have paid staff and agencies on retainers to working to weave and promote these stories and position their leaders as champions.
That's why we're here to shine a light on the everyday people who are creating social and environmental impact in the world. We find the "unsungs" infinitely more interesting than the corporate heroes. People like Steph Page of the Stories Foundation. She's a real scrapper!
Loyal Godspeed reader Tony Loyd 🙏 brought Steph to my attention, writing, "Twelve years ago, Steph knew what her life’s work would be – helping people escape human trafficking. She saw nonprofits doing excellent and essential work, but the nonprofits often ran out of money. Steph had a vision for Storyteller Cafe, a social enterprise that would sustainably fight human trafficking."
Steph believes that everyone has a story, and that your story matters. Thus the genesis for the Storyteller Cafe, which will be built in Ramsey, Minnesota. It's designed to be a holistic community hub with a focus on ending trafficking and exploitation. If you're shaking your head and wondering how a nice state like Minnesota could be home to human traffickers, or somehow thought slavery no longer existed, just know this tragic crime occurs in every Minnesota county. And it happens in your community – or county – or state as well.
(Quick refresher: Human trafficking refers to the illegal trade of humans, typically for the purposes of forced labor, commercial sex acts, or other forms of exploitation, and often involves coercion, fraud, or deception. And all too often, it targets children. 😢)
One of the things I love about the Storyteller Cafe is its aim to be financially sustainable through an earned-income model with every part of the operation designed to generate income. The first floor will house a cafe serving breakfast and lunch, after which it can generate rental income from community events and activities. There's also a retail space to sell local, Fair Trade, and handmade products. Upstairs will have two one-bedroom apartments to provide short-term housing for survivors of trafficking, as well as offices for the foundation and a nonprofit collaboration space.
"I knew of a pastor who started a coffee shop in Washington, DC, and gave the profit away. I thought, why can't we use business for good? Also, good things happen when people sit at tables together. We need to take time to share our stories with each other and choose to see the humanity in each other," says Steph of the inspiration for the cafe.
Any community would be fortunate to have a Storyteller Cafe – and a Steph Page – don't you think?
She's in the final fundraising grind right now. The land has been purchased and they're working to secure funding to break ground and begin building the cafe.
Steph and team are hoping to generate a significant portion of the next phase grassroots-style by selling 30,000 cool bracelets for $15. That's a whole lotta bracelets! (Yes, if you're so moved, you can also donate more. 😉)
Let's Pitch In
You might not live anywhere near Ramsey, MN – it's 1,344 mile from my home – but what the heck: Let's write a chapter in this story to help fight the dark forces of trafficking and support survivors wherever they are. I will match the first 10 bracelet purchases, up to $150. You can do that here. If you buy a bracelet or donate, just reply to this email to let me know you've contributed and we'll see what we can accomplish as a community. 💪
Who knows, the dream you're helping bring to life in Ramsey, Minnesota, could one day become a blueprint for helping human trafficking survivors in your community.
Godspeed, friends.
Russ
P.S. If you need help – want to report a tip – or just learn more about human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
💬 Quote of the Week
💥 Quick Hits
• What If? – What if you could turn your small business impact storytelling into a competitive advantage? Happy to offer this community 50% Earth Day discount on impact measurement and reporting software from a startup I co-founded, Unit of Impact. Get it now using code EARTHDAY2024 at checkout. For first-time customers on annual plans only. Good through Sunday, April 28.
🤔 Trivia Time
What is the most common form of human trafficking worldwide?
- Forced labor
- Sex trafficking
- Child soldiering
- Organ trafficking
Today's trivia answer can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.
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Trivia Answer
Forced labor is the most common form of human trafficking around the world.