The April meeting of the Manhattan branch of AAUW featured Deb Kluttz, executive pastor of Westview Community Church presenting, “Crimes Against Women: Violence, Rape, and Sex Trafficking.” Kluttz is founder and executive director of the Homestead, a transitional house in Manhattan for women who have exited the sex industry, are ready for life change, and are also ready for a new career path. Kluttz provided facts about sex trafficking: America is the number one destination for sex trafficking victims. Approximately 2300 youth under age 18 are victims of trafficking in Kansas each year. The number is even greater in Missouri, where approximately 4700 youth are trafficked each year. The most vulnerable youth are those in foster care and runaways. The interstate trucking industry is a main factor in trafficking through Kansas. Other factors in prevalence of sex trafficking activity: a large migrant population, neighborhoods with strip clubs and escort services, a trucking thoroughfare, unemployment, presence of military bases and casinos.

The meeting also featured a talk by Marie Bovée, a translator and resource provider for USD 383. In her talk, “The Changes in Manhattan,” Bovée noted that 50 to 55 languages are spoken in the district; 14% of children in the district require a translator; the poverty rate for children is now 45%; and more than 250 children in our schools have self-identified as homeless. Federal laws mandate that all children be accepted in public schools regardless of their nation of origin or citizen status.

The next Manhattan AAUW branch meeting will be held at the Meadowlark Hills Community Room, 2121 Meadowlark Road, at 6pm, Monday, May 11. The May meeting is a silent auction and welcoming of newly elected and appointed branch officers. Persons interested in learning more about AAUW in Manhattan may go to manhattan-ks.aauw.net or email manhattanksaauw@gmail.com.