Minga--Finalist in the @15 Community Impact Challenge

Introducing Minga from Newton, MA. Minga is one of the 15 finalists in the @15 Community Impact Challenge.





Minga is an organization founded by high school students that is widely recognized for their work in spreading awareness about child prostitution and the global child sex trade in media outlets such as NYTimes.com, the Boston Globe, and Time Magazine. Through film, media, clubs, public speaking, outreach and partnerships Minga has reached thousands of teens and has stimulated public critical reflection about the roles that children play in society. It has revealed how their over-sexualized image helps perpetuate their exploitation. Additionally, through fundraisers such as a “Don’t Pimp My Ride” car wash and road trip and online awareness campaigns, Minga has fundraised over $75,000 to build a rehabilitation center for exploited children in the Philippines and support a rehabilitation center in Boston.




This year, Minga will inspire 1,000 young people to take actions that raise awareness about the child sex trade in their communities. If selected, Minga will use the funds to make this goal a reality by speaking to 5,000 youth directly and reaching another 2 million youth through public service announcements. Currently, the Child Compact and Protection Act is in the House of Representatives. This bill aims to address child trafficking worldwide, and acknowledges that ending the child sex trade begins with preventing youth from becoming involved. Minga plans to work on becoming a part of this bill, and working with the federal government to ensure every child in the U.S. learns about the child sex trade. Supported by Challenge funding, their "Let's Get Real" campaign encompasses speaking engagements, club chapters and PSA programs. They also plan to build their network through both online and offline projects.











Between March 15-April 2, 2010, you get to decide which five of the 15 finalist teams of young social entrepreneurs will each receive $5,000 and which five teams will receive $1,500 each to expand their local ventures. So be sure to cast your vote on at15 between March 15 - April 2, 2010.