Rotary Club of Lawrenceburg Hosts Expert Speaker on Human Trafficking Awareness

The Lawrenceburg Rotary Club welcomed Monti Herring of the Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking (NAHT) to its program on Thursday, April 25th, 2025. The event, introduced by Brentwood Rotarian Jeff Brown, provided vital insight into the disturbing realities of human trafficking and how communities can play a proactive role in prevention. Herring highlighted the evolving tactics of traffickers, particularly the use of secretive websites designed to obscure the whereabouts of victims, making law enforcement’s job increasingly difficult. “These platforms are intentionally built to be anonymous, and that’s what makes them so dangerous,” Herring stated. The presentation emphasized the importance of early intervention and parental engagement. “If you haven’t established boundaries before something happens, it’s nearly impossible to do so after the fact,” Herring cautioned. He urged parents and guardians to understand what motivates their children, maintain open lines of communication, and be aware of the dangers of online grooming—currently the most prevalent tactic used by online predators. Shockingly, human trafficking has been documented in every zip code in Tennessee. Herring noted that Nashville has become a significant hub for trafficking activity in the region. “Each of us has a crucial role to play,” Herring said. “Recognizing the signs, starting conversations, and staying vigilant online can make all the difference.” The Rotary Club of Lawrenceburg continues to support educational programs that inform, empower, and protect the community. For more information about NAHT and resources on human trafficking prevention, visit https://www.nahtcoalition.org.