Is it possible to end gender-based violence and human trafficking in just one generation? Programs like manKINDness, a men's advocacy program at New Friends New Life in Dallas, Texas, are working to do that and much more. By addressing gender-based violence and human trafficking directly with young men, the manKINDness program is taking steps to usher in a cultural shift that reverses toxic masculinity and embraces respect. In this episode, Matt Osborne explains the enormity of the problems of human trafficking, objectification of women, pornography addiction, et al, and how educating young men to reject traditional roles of manhood like anger and violence and demand more of themselves and their peers can ensure a safer future for all.
Matt Osborne has been fighting the crime of human trafficking in some form since 2006 and currently leads the New Friends New Life Men’s Advocacy Group in Dallas Texas where he coordinates the activities of one hundred men in North Texas as they mobilize to take action against sex trafficking and exploitation of women and girls by raising awareness through advocacy, education and volunteerism. Mr. Osborne served a 12-year career with the CIA and U.S. Department of State, where he worked issues related to terrorism against the homeland, illegal narcotics, organized crime and human trafficking. He regularly provided secrets and analysis to U.S. presidents, senior cabinet officials, and the National Security Council. As part of his mission to fight trafficking, Mr. Osborne has led a total of 16 undercover rescue operations that resulted in the liberation of 178 human trafficking victims and in the arrest of 55 traffickers.