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COLUMBIA, MO. -- A group of Mid-Missourians said they are on a quest to abolish modern day slavery.

Members of the Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition are holding a community forum tomorrow at the Columbia Public Library.

Human trafficking is the exploitation of innocent people who are bought and sold for a profit.

Cases usually involve prostitution or forced labor.

Organization members said they need more volunteers to fight human trafficking right here in our own backyards.

Coalition Member Lainie Battaglia said, “A lot of people, when I talk to them, they think it’s mostly in global or international impoverished countries.  It’s not.  It’s right here.  It’s in Columbia.  It’s in our backyard.”

Coalition Board Member Nanette Ward said, “Modern day slavery does exist.  Have your ears and eyes open.  There are individuals who are being exploited and are kept doing things not by choice.  People must face the fact that it is here with us.”

The Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition 2012 Forum on Freedom happens Sunday, January 22, between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in the Columbia Public Library Friends Room at 100 West Broadway.