FAQ
Q: What does “Minga” mean?
A: The word “minga” comes from the Quechua language of Ecuador and means “the coming together of a community for the betterment of all.”
Q: How did Minga start?
A: Minga was founded in August 2006 when 14-year-old Katie Simon came back from a leadership camp and told her friends about the child sex trade. Originally a group of a half dozen teenagers organizing a community yard sale, Minga quickly became a movement. After the first yard sale raised an unprecedented $6,500, Minga continued to organize fundraising events in order to support partner programs in Guatemala and the Philippines. Minga expanded to include school clubs across North America and refocused its mission around educating the general public. We are currently engaged in programs with partner organizations in Thailand, the Philippines, Guatemala, Canada, and the United States.
Q: Does the child sex trade exist in the United States?
A: Yes. Every year an estimated 325,000 children are involved in child prostitution, child sex trafficking, child pornography, and child sex tourism in the United States alone. Additionally, 25% of sex tourists outside the US are American. While the United States has some legal framework in place regarding most aspects of the child sex trade, these laws are often focused on trafficking in general, making them less effective in combating the child sex trade. Also, there are large gaps concerning public awareness and focus on the child sex trade within the Unites States.
Q: What puts a child at risk of entering into the global child sex trade?
A: Essentially, any child is at risk of entering into the global child sex trade. However, some children are more at risk than others. Those who are at the highest risk may have unstable homes or families and histories of sexual abuse.
Q: How can I invite Minga to give a speech?
A: Click here. We LOVE to speak and can give speeches tailored to fit your school or community specifically. (e.g. We can focus on youth empowerment, the child sex trade, Minga as an organization, etc. We can also go into specifics about different aspects of the child sex trade if any one in particular is most relevant to your group.)
Q: How can I get involved in Minga?
A: Speakout
Q: How can I donate to Minga?
A: Donate! You can donate online or send checks to our P.O. Box.
Q: How can I shop online and give money to Minga at the same time?
A: Go to www.goodsearch.com and enter Minga into the "who do you goodsearch for?" box. Then click on the "shopping" button right above the search bar and a percentage of whatever you buy will go to Minga!
Q: How can I tell my friends about Minga and the global child sex trade?
A: You can tell them in person, send them to our website, invite them to a speech, send them a copy of our newsletter (you can find it on our website), etc. This is one of the best ways for you to make a difference because many people have no idea that the child sex trade affects two million children each year.
Q: How can I volunteer for Minga?
A: Sign up and we'll notify you when we have an opportunity. We tend to have different needs depending on the event we are currently hosting so if you send us an email we can tell you what will be most helpful.
Q: What is on Minga’s wishlist?
We are interested in donated, up-to-date computers, as well as permanent office space in the Greater Boston area. Most in-kind services related to marketing, nonprofit consulting, nonprofit legal services, and nonprofit finances are welcome as well. Contact info@mingagroup.org to let us know what you are interested in contributing.
Q: How is Minga a green organization?
We buy recycled materials whenever we can and send out invitations over the Internet so as not to waste paper! Our tee-shirts are made from Organic Cotton by MeToWe. When we host events we use recyclable utilities, and try to support our local farmers by buying products locally.
Q: How does the global child sex trade relate to other global issues?
A: The root causes that affect the child sex trade are similar to the root causes of many other global issues. Also, the child sex trade is affected and affects such issues as illegal arms and drug trafficking. You can find out more about the issue on our website in the “Get Educated” section.
Q: Does Minga have a stance on adult prostitution?
A: Minga does not have a stance on adult prostitution.
Q: Where are Minga’s current projects?
A: Visit our Current Programs Page
***What questions do you have? Submit them! Contact info@mingagroup.org.