Members of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) from around the world have joined with international organization The Exodus Road to combat human trafficking, a global issue affecting an estimated 20 million to 40 million people across 135 countries.

The MDRT Foundation is partnering with The Exodus Road to raise funds and equip its members with the skills necessary to recognize signs of human trafficking and take action to support rescue.

The Exodus Road has aided in the rescue of more than 900 victims with its initiatives to prevent and intervene in human trafficking and to facilitate survivor care.

Earlier this week, more than 15,000 members from 67 countries had the opportunity to participate in the MDRT Foundation Forum on human trafficking during MDRT’s 2018 annual meeting in Park Ridge, Illinois.

During the event, Matt Parker, CEO of The Exodus Road, trained members to recognize signs of human trafficking and report suspicious activity.

While human trafficking is a global issue, there are an estimated 57,700 victims in the U.S. alone.

“Many people do not understand the realities of human trafficking within their own neighbourhoods or realize its global prominence,” said Marc Silverman, MDRT Foundation president. “We hope to make a lasting, global impact in the counter-human trafficking movement with 67 countries represented amongst our attendees who will walk away with the knowledge and tangible strategies to implement in their local communities.”

The MDRT Foundation pledged to give half of members’ total donations during the annual meeting to The Exodus Road.