MDRT members make a difference

By Marc A. Silverman, CFP, ChFC

As MDRT members, we make a difference in the lives of our clients. As an Excalibur Knight to the MDRT Foundation, as well as its President, it’s important to me to help others through charities around the world. This exemplifies the spirit of MDRT.

This past year, the MDRT Foundation awarded $1.3 million to 300 charities in 34 countries on five continents. We’re truly a global foundation making a difference in the lives of others.

Stopping human trafficking

At each MDRT meeting, the Foundation selects a charity partner, which means we raise awareness and funds for their mission. The charity partner at this month’s Annual Meeting is The Exodus Road, an organization that fights human trafficking.

Matt and Laura Parker

The Exodus Road began when Matt Parker and his wife, Laura, moved to Southeast Asia with their family in April 2010. While there, they were exposed to groups of people who were most at risk to be victims of human trafficking. After investigating hundreds of cases, Matt and Laura began The Exodus Road in January 2012 with the belief that justice is in the hands of ordinary people. Exodus Road fights human trafficking by gathering evidence, using technology and supporting local communities to facilitate rescue missions. They operate in six countries, rescued more than 900 people, and detained nearly 400 traffickers and offenders.

Human trafficking is a sensitive and painful issue, but turning away from uncomfortable realities does not solve problems. Slavery happens in communities worldwide. It takes many forms — from domestic workers who are being underfed and abused, to children working long hours in factories or fields, to women sold into prostitution. Today, there are anywhere between 20 million and 40 million modern slaves. They will not get their freedom and justice if we act like they’re not there.

How to help

As a global organization, the MDRT Foundation advocates for trafficking victims around the world. If you’re attending the MDRT Annual Meeting, visit the Foundation booth or join us Monday, June 25, for “Operation TraffickWatch,” a forum where you can learn how you can spot human trafficking and what to do. Sign up at mdrtfoundation.org/foundationforum.

To make a donation, please visit mdrtfoundation.org/en/donate.

With your help, we can make a difference by empowering more rescues of those who are suffering and vulnerable.

Marc A. Silverman, CFP, ChFC, of Miami, Florida, is a 34-year MDRT member and the 2018 MDRT Foundation President.