Contributed

The ETSU chapter of International Justice Mission (IJM) is bringing a mission of freedom to the heart of campus this Monday, April 13. On Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Borchuck Plaza in front of the Sherrod Library will transform into “Threads.”

Threads is a pop-up thrift shop designed to combat global exploitation, backed by IJM and its staff. The event utilizes a unique “pay-by-donation” model, allowing students to browse a variety of clothing and pay what they believe is fair, with every cent going directly toward ending modern-day slavery.

The impact of these donations reaches far beyond Johnson City. According to the IJM website, the organization’s primary mission is “to protect people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, bringing the criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts.” Through supporting this campus thrift shop, students are fueling a model that seeks to fix broken justice systems and provide a “legacy of protection” for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The urgency of the cause is underscored by the scale of IJM’s international operations. According to the IJM website, since its founding in 1997, the organization has successfully protected over 10 million people and helped secure the freedom of over 490,000 victims worldwide. Their work is currently active in 19 countries, where they train local officials and partner with governments to ensure that laws meant to protect the poor are actually enforced.

Events like Threads allow the ETSU community to participate in what IJM describes as a “global movement” of transformation. According to the IJM website, the organization has already seen dramatic results in its mission, noting that “trafficking dropped 79% in the Philippines and 73% in Cambodia” in areas where its model was implemented.

Whether you are looking to refresh your spring wardrobe or want to contribute to a world where all are free, shopping at Threads this Monday offers a tangible way to make a global difference from the middle of campus.

For more information about this and future events of the sort on campus, feel free to contact Gracee DeJarnette at DEJARNETTEG@mail.etsu.edu.

Author