Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to address the impetus of charism for women Religious as communities and individuals in their response to human trafficking. Human trafficking has been described with global issues and concerns. Women Religious in three communities were interviewed and surveyed to obtain data on the actions taken in response to this global issue. The participants were asked to provide additional information on the specific charism of their community. They were also asked to describe how the charism empowers them to commit to taking action against human trafficking. The study addressed the relationship between how women Religious see their charism as an impetus for their individual and community actions against human trafficking. Data were obtained by conducting interviews, providing electronic surveys, watching videos, and reviewing web site information. Data were grouped for similarities and analyzed from the perspective of within the community and among the three communities. Supporting literature was investigated to provide information pertinent to human trafficking and its causes, charism, roles of past women Religious, web sites of Religious communities, and actions taken by women Religious in response to human trafficking. This study revealed how women Religious band together and support each other in all of their endeavors. It showed the importance of charism in individuals and communities. It presented the global connections of women Religious. Finally, it portrayed the women, their leadership, and how they work together tirelessly for a common goal. This study provides an example for other types of communities to band together to achieve their goals.