One Billion Rising flash mob event planned for South Lake Tahoe

Each February since 2012, people around the globe have been participating in "One Billion Rising" events to bring human trafficking and violence against women and children to the forefront, and South Lake Tahoe has joined them.

Experts say one in three women across the planet will be beater or raped during her lifetime, which equals one billion women.

South Lake Tahoe will again join towns in hundreds of countries to express support through dance, joy and community to celebrate the fact that they have not been defeated by this violence.

In preparation for the February 4, 2017 event, organizers are holding flash mob practice sessions at Live Violence Free (LVF) and the Lake Tahoe Boys & Girls Club (LTBGC). They meet on Tuesday at LVF from 3::00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and at LTBGC on Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

"Tahoe has some amazing women and men who stand up and get involved on crucial issues," said event organizers on their Facebook page. "Please consider joining us for the annual flash mob to protest the exploitation of women around the globe. This is an incredible event and very powerful to be a part of. If you don't feel comfortable dancing, please consider coming just to hold signs and cheer everyone on."

This year's focus is not only on violence against women, but on human trafficking in the United States, a business that brings in $32 billion every year worldwide. California and Nevada harbor four of the FBI’s 13 highest child sex trafficking areas on the nation: San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The Sacramento region is growing due to its being a transit hub with interstates, trains, buses and airplanes, and Lake Tahoe isn't far behind.

February 4 has been chosen since its the day before the Super Bowl, one of the largest events in the country for the exchange of sex slaves.

"We rise to show we are determined to create a new kind of consciousness – one where violence will be resisted until it is unthinkable," said organizers.

Men, women and children are invited to take part in this growing South Lake Tahoe event. One doesn't have to attend the rehearsal sessions to participate. Spectators are welcome, and for a video on the dance moves, visit:

For more information, visit the SLT Live Violence Free One Billion Rising Facebook page.