Standing Together for Survivors: Why We Wear Blue on January 11
Every January, a simple color takes on powerful meaning. Blue becomes more than just a shade—it becomes a symbol of safety, dignity, and hope for survivors of human trafficking.
At A New Hope Center, our team will once again wear blue on January 11th for National Wear Blue Day. It’s a small but meaningful act of solidarity with survivors—one that quietly says, We see you. We believe you. You are not alone.
A Day to Raise Awareness and Compassion
National Wear Blue Day is recognized across the country as part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month. It’s a day when individuals, organizations, and communities unite to shine a light on an issue that too often remains hidden. By wearing blue, we join countless others who are saying that exploitation and abuse have no place in our communities—and that survivors deserve not only safety, but justice and healing.
While the act may seem simple, its power lies in visibility. Every conversation sparked by a blue shirt or a social media post is another opportunity to educate someone about what trafficking really looks like and how to respond when something doesn’t seem right.
Human Trafficking Happens Close to Home
When most people hear the term human trafficking, they picture faraway places or large cities. But the truth is, trafficking affects every kind of community—including ours here in Tioga County.
In Owego and across upstate New York, human trafficking can take many forms, such as labor trafficking or sex trafficking. It often involves force, fraud, or coercion—keeping victims trapped in fear and silence. Sometimes, it hides in plain sight, taking place in familiar neighborhoods, schools, or workplaces.
That’s why awareness—and compassion—matter so deeply. Some of our neighbors may still be living through exploitation and can’t safely ask for help. Small gestures of solidarity, like wearing blue or sharing resources, remind survivors that people in their own community care, even if they can’t come forward yet.
How You Can Join Us
On January 11th, you can make a difference by joining the Wear Blue movement right here in Tioga County.
- Wear blue to show your stand against human trafficking.
- Take a photo—whether by yourself, with coworkers, or with your church or community group—and share it with us. If you send it to us, we’d love to highlight your show of support on our social media pages.
- Put safety first. Please share photos or stories only if it feels safe for you to do so.
Every post, every photo, every conversation helps raise awareness—and with awareness comes hope. The more people who recognize the signs of trafficking, the better equipped we become to protect one another and connect survivors with help.
Donate or Reach Out for Help
If you feel inspired to do more, you can help by supporting our work with survivors of trafficking and abuse. Make a gift here.
Your generosity helps ensure that survivors in our community can access counseling, shelter, legal advocacy, and crisis support—all free and confidential.
Resources:
- 24/7 hotline/textline: 607-687-6866
- Office: 20 Church Street, Owego, NY 13827
Together, our small actions create a ripple of awareness and compassion that reaches farther than we can see. This January, let’s wear blue for the strength and resilience of survivors everywhere—and for the belief that every person deserves freedom, dignity, and hope.