Twenty-seven million people are in slavery around the world, 80 percent are women.

She Dances is a group that educate students about modern-day slavery, human trafficking, and raise enough money to rescue girls and women from sexual exploitation in Honduras.

Now Eastern has a campus chapter of the non-profit organization She Dances. With about 15 members, the RSO hopes to spread awareness about human trafficking to students.

Chris Brunson, the president and founder of the RSO, said once he heard about human trafficking in Honduras from his church, The Fields Church in Mattoon, he knew he wanted to do more.

Brunson, a senior elementary education major, began to do some research on the topic and discovered the organization. With the help of some church members, friends and the founder of She Dances, Jeremy Springer, Brunson was able to create a campus chapter.

The goal of She Dances is to educate students about human trafficking and raise money for a safe home in Tegucigalpa, Honduras for trafficking victims.

Honduras is a developing country located in the middle of the trafficking route from South America and North America. Most families are poor and struggle everyday to survive, leaving women and children vulnerable to being bought and sold into a life of slavery.

Victoria Greer, the treasurer of She Dances, visited Honduras for 10 days and was able to meet many women and girls in Honduras.

Greer, a junior elementary education major, said she joined She Dances because she was able to put a face to the women and girls who were being exploited.

“I’ve met girls that could be victims,” she said. “And that hits right to my heart.”

Jodi Koester, the vice president of She Dances, said she did not know much about human trafficking until she heard about it at The Fields Church.

Koester, a junior elementary education major, said she immediately felt a connection to the cause.

“I’m still learning every day about it, but when I heard about what was going on, I knew this was a cause I had to support,” Koester said.

She Dances has had one official meeting but communicates mostly through e-mail.

She Dances will be hosting a concert where local musicians will perform Jan. 14. All proceeds will go to helping rescue victims of human trafficking in Honduras.

“People think that human trafficking is not here in America but it is,” Koester said. “It is happening right here and it is real.”

If students are interested in joining She Dances or donating they can e-mail shedanceseiu.gmail.com.

Zinika Livingston can be reached at 581-2812

or zclivingston@eiu.edu