Why I'm building something alongside the book.

Last week I said that the thing that actually moved the needle for me was connection. I want to tell you why I believe that's true — and what I'm trying to do about it.

Here is what I know from the inside: I was not trafficked because I was naive. I was not trafficked because I was weak. I was trafficked because I grew up in circumstances that taught me certain things about what love looks like, what I deserved, and what was available to me — and those lessons made me extraordinarily available to someone who knew how to use them.

What was missing wasn't information. I had information. I had heard the stranger-danger talks. I knew, in the abstract, that bad things happened to people.

What was missing was a felt sense of what safe connection actually feels like. A reference point. Something in my body that said, this is what it feels like to be with someone who doesn't need anything from you. This is what it feels like to take up your full amount of space and have it be welcome. This is what it feels like to say no and have the relationship survive it.

Without that reference point, I didn't know I was missing it. You can't miss something you've never had a name for.

That's what The Connection Project is trying to address. It's a nonprofit in development — I want to be honest about what stage it's in. The attorney consultation is scheduled. The 501(c)(3) process takes time. But the mission is clear: survivor-led prevention education and connection in community.

Both of those things together, in that order. First, we create safety. Second, we explore healing. Third, we pave pathways for education.

The book asks the question. The nonprofit does something about it.

I'll keep you updated as it develops. If this resonates with you — if you work in education, prevention, social work, or survivor services — I'd love to hear from you. Hit reply or use the contact form at bekconnects.com

With love, always.

Bek

P.S. The Connection Project is in development and is not yet accepting donations. If you'd like to stay close to its progress, the best thing to do is stay subscribed here.