Lichtsinn RV joined a statewide coalition to end human trafficking in Iowa.
The Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) initiative is spearheaded by the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office. The goal is to have Iowa’s business community raise awareness and help prevent human trafficking.
Hope Lichtsinn, co-owner of Lichtsinn RV with her husband, Ron, said the dealership’s team attended an Iowa WIT Rally in 2021 where a member of Truckers Against Trafficking spoke.
“This opened our eyes to the terror that is happening around us and we feel as a member of the RV community we have a unique opportunity and obligation to spread the word about what is happening,” Hope Lichtsinn said. “RVers are out there on the roads, in rest stops, campgrounds etc. where trafficking can take place. We can help stop trafficking not only in Iowa, but throughout the country.”
Membership in IBAT is open to any business or nonprofit organization that operates in the state of Iowa and commits to promoting awareness of human trafficking and the Iowa Safe at Home program. Safe at Home is an address confidentiality program for survivors of human trafficking and other violent crimes.
Businesses joining IBAT are asked to complete two tasks each year: “Learn Something” and “Do Something.” Businesses will commit to “Learn Something” by educating employees, customers and industry partners on the signs and impact of human trafficking in Iowa. Businesses can “Do Something” by empowering more people to take action to prevent human trafficking in Iowa.
IBAT was launched by Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate in January 2022.
“I am very pleased to have Lichtsinn RV join the army we are building to combat human trafficking,” Pate said. “By joining IBAT, they have shown a commitment to their community and helping others. Together, we can make a huge difference and become a model for the rest of the nation.”
