Christine Watson – Aiming to end human trafficking

Author and gymnast Terry Orlick once said, “The heart of human excellence often begins when you discover a pursuit that absorbs you, frees you, challenges you, or gives you a sense of meaning, joy, or passion.”

That sense of meaning and passion for local resident Christine Watson is advocating, volunteering through organizations that help bring awareness, and taking action to end human trafficking.

Watson was raised in Warner Robins and is a graduate of Warner Robins High School. Currently she is an executive assistant at one of the Synovus Bank branches in Houston County. It was in 2010 when she discovered her passion to be an advocate and a volunteer to end human trafficking.

“A representative from the International Justice Mission (IJM) organization came and spoke to our church in September of 2010,” Watson said. “While they were sharing what human trafficking is and what their mission is, my heart became heavy. I had no idea that this existed on any scale. When that representative said it was a global issue of 27 million people entrapped in slavery and it being a $45 billion dollar matter, I immediately began researching on what I could do to help end it.”

International Justice Mission is a ministry that works to liberate victims of sexual exploitation, labor slavery, trafficking, abuse, and related injustice.

Watson then became a volunteer for IJM. She created her own presentation and a list of 24 things people can to do help put an end to human trafficking. Watson began speaking at local civic organizations to bring awareness. After a while, she then became a legislative district advocate for IJM.

“Not long after bringing awareness to and around my community, I started meeting with our congressmen,” Watson said. “Through building those partnerships with Congressman Sanford Bishop and Congressman Austin Scott, I now go to Washington, D.C. once a year to lobby for stronger legislation. Our United States representatives and senators, as well as state, really do care. And that’s part of my presentation of 24 things people can do, is talking with your legislators.”

Over the years Watson has also been chair of the MG ALERT – Middle Georgia Alliance to End Regional Trafficking, which works to prevent and combat human trafficking through community education, victim advocacy, and legal advocacy. She also serves on the advisory board of Out of Darkness Middle Georgia, as well as now a senior advocacy coordinator for middle Georgia.

“There have been great strides made over the years, but there is still so much work to be done,” Watson said. “It breaks my heart every time I hear these victims’ stories, but there’s joy that comes when they are rescued. And I want to continue to do all I can as well as inspire others to be a part in making a difference, and help end this horrific issue.”