Free the world, end modern slavery
We are a global, action-driven network of Rotarians dedicated to freedom fighting, justice, seeking, problem-solving, and advocating for basic human rights working together to abolish modern slavery.
Our Mission
The Rotary Action Group Against Slavery is committed to connect, empower and equip Rotarians to engage their communities to eradicate all forms of Modern Slavery/Human Trafficking locally and around the globe.
Lighting the Way: Calgary’s First Rotary Peace Pole & Vigil for Freedom
A Historic Evening Hosted by Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGAS) & RAGAS in Canada
As Rotarians from around the world gather in Calgary this June, join us for a night that will mark a powerful milestone in Rotary history. RAGAS and RAGAS in Canada proudly present an unforgettable evening as we unveil Calgary’s very first permanent Rotary Peace Pole — a bold symbol of unity, peace, and our global stand against human trafficking.
The evening kicks off with delicious hors d’oeuvres, vibrant entertainment, and inspiring stories from changemakers on the frontlines of freedom. You’ll hear from survivor and advocate Kelly Tallon Franklin, alongside Rotarian leaders who are driving impactful work through RAGAS to eradicate modern slavery worldwide.
Then, under the glow of candlelight in the hotel’s courtyard, we’ll come together for a moving vigil. The night will culminate in a powerful keynote address from Rotary Peace Fellow and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Cheryl Perera, Founder of OneChild, as we celebrate the unveiling of the Calgary 2025 Peace Pole — a beacon of hope and commitment for generations to come.
Don’t miss this historic and heart-stirring celebration of Rotary’s mission for peace and justice.
When: June 20, 2025
Where: Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown – 711 4th St. S.E., Calgary
Time Reception: 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Peace Pole Candlelight: 9:30-10:30 pm
Who is RAGAS
What we do
The Rotary Action Group Against Slavery is committed to connect, empower and equip Rotarians to engage their communities to eradicate all forms of Modern Slavery/Human Trafficking locally and around the globe.
How we do it
Why we do it
Modern Day Slavery
Modern slavery is a severe exploitation of others for personal or commercial gain. It is often linked to human and sex trafficking and to land and labor slavery, where a person is forced to work entrapped and controlled against their free will – either physically, financially or psychologically. Many fall into this oppressive trap because they are trying to escape poverty or insecurity, improve their lives and support their families. We are here to help free them.
By the numbers
Million people in forced labor, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude and forced marriages worldwide
Billion dollars are made each year from forced labor, which translates to over $4,750 per second
%
Women and girls are disproportionately effected by forced labor around the world
As former General Secretary of the United Nations, Kofi Annan reminds us all
There is no trust more sacred than the one that the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from want and fear, and that they grow up in peace.
Types of Exploitation
Sexual Exploitation
A person trafficked for sex may be controlled by violence, threats, substance abuse, deception or grooming, with extreme physical or psychological domination.
Forced Labor
Forced labour is work done under the threat of a penalty such as violence or harm to family. Victims are often further controlled by debt bondage.
Domestic Servitude
A person is forced to provide services with the obligation to live on or in a property without the possibility of changing those circumstances.
Debt Bondage
Debt bondage, also known as bonded labor, is a means by which traffickers exploit people and trap them in human trafficking. As payment for the debt, traffickers offer individuals the ability to work to pay off the debt.
Internal vs External Trafficking
Internal Trafficking
Internal trafficking occurs when a person is recruited in one area of a country or city and moved from area to area or city to city within the same country for the purposes of exploitation. An example would be a runaway girl picked up in Philadelphia, USA who is then driven from truck stop to truck stop up and down America’s East coast to be sold for sex.
External Trafficking
If a person is trafficked into one country from another country it is case of external trafficking. An example would be a homeless man in Warsaw, Poland who is offered a job in the UK and travels to the UK but then finds himself trapped in forced labour. He is unable to leave because he has no money, can’t speak English and his trafficker has taken his passport.
Partners Who Help The Cause
