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Youth

Preventing Risk by Promoting Worth

Worth It is a series of classroom experiences designed for women, teens, or men who have experienced sexual trauma from exploitation, trafficking or prostitution. Our programs are designed to meet people wherever they are in their journey—whether they’re at risk, have experienced harm, or have caused it.

 

The goal of Worth It for Youth is to prevent exploitation by equipping young participants with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to recognize their worth, build resilience, and make empowered choices.

Mural Workshops

Mural Workshops

Bring Connection, Creativity, and Worth to Your School

Your school has the opportunity to host a powerful experience that combines large-scale art, student engagement, and a message that helps students recognize their value and builds stronger community ties.

National artist Tim Gibson, founder of The Ten Thousand Flowers Project, will be visiting schools across the country to lead mural workshops in partnership with Worthwhile’s "6 Words of Worth" initiative.

Together, this project helps schools and communities come together to create a lasting, visual reminder that each student matters.

How It Works

Tim spends about two weeks at the school, starting with prepping the mural site, outlining the design, and leading painting workshops.

The mural is painted by students, teachers, parents, and community members (like a giant paint-by-numbers) usually during art class time.

Once the mural is complete, Tim and the school host a schoolwide assembly and unveiling, where he introduces the “6 Words of Worth” message.

Why This Matters for Your School

  • Helps students recognize their personal worth and build pride through collaborative artwork

  • Promotes a positive school culture by fostering belonging, inclusion, and respect

  • Strengthens school and community connection through shared creative experience

  • Be a part of something bigger; each mural connects to others across the country

  • Where does human trafficking happen?
    Human trafficking takes place in virtually every country and community, with hotspots in major urban centers, border regions, and areas with high levels of tourism or economic disparity. In North America, cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta serve as major hubs due to their large populations and transportation networks, while border towns such as those along the U.S.-Mexico border see high trafficking activity due to migration vulnerabilities. In Europe, trafficking is prevalent in cities like London, Berlin, and Amsterdam, as well as in Eastern European countries where economic hardship makes people more susceptible to exploitation. Southeast Asia, including Thailand and the Philippines, is a well-known region for trafficking, often linked to the tourism industry. In Africa, conflict zones and regions with weak law enforcement, such as parts of Nigeria and Libya, are common trafficking locations. No region is immune, and trafficking networks operate across international borders and within domestic communities. Traffickers use both urban centers and remote areas to exploit victims.
  • Who is trafficking?
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  • Who is at risk?
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  • How does this happen?
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  • Why don't they leave?
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  • How do they escape?
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  • What is needed for a mural site?
    The size and surface of the mural area we’re looking for is a roughly 40 foot wide by 10 foot tall wall that has been well maintained (indoors) and receives plenty of foot traffic so the students can admire their work every day when they come to school. The ideal surface is either cinder block, stucco, plaster or drywall.
  • How long will the installation take?
    From start to finish, the entire installation process takes just under two weeks.
  • What’s the typical schedule for the mural project?
    Starting on a Thursday, here’s a breakdown of the two-week process: Thursday–Saturday: Tim arrives at the school and prepares the mural site. This includes sketching the mural design, laying out drop cloths, and getting all materials set up for the following week. Monday–Friday: Student painting workshops take place. Saturday–Monday: After students (along with any participating teachers or staff) have filled in the mural, Tim will complete final touch-ups, outline the design, and add finishing details. This includes signing the mural, painting the Ten Thousand Flowers Project (TTFP) tag and flower count, and adding the Worthwhile "6 Words of Worth" flower below the TTFP sign. Tuesday: Once the mural is complete, Tim will collaborate with the school to host an unveiling ceremony or student assembly. Together, they will present the finished mural, share photos, and talk with students about the importance of discovering their passion and embracing their unique value.
  • What happens during the workshop?
    Typically held during art class, students gather near the mural site where Tim introduces himself, explains the project, demonstrates how to use the paints, and answers any questions they may have. After the introduction, each student receives a cup of paint and a brush, then is invited to find a section of the mural that matches their assigned color. This hands-on painting portion lasts about 20–30 minutes, depending on the length of the class. About 5–10 minutes before the session ends, students return their paint and brushes to the workstation. The class then poses for a group photo in front of the mural, followed by a few minutes to clean up before returning to class.
  • What is the cost of the workshop?
    In the past, a mural of this size would cost $6,000. Thanks to our partnership, we’re able to reach more students while reducing the cost to your school by half — bringing the total to just $3,000. This includes all supplies, such as paint, brushes, and other materials. To reserve your date, a 25% deposit is required, with the remaining balance due on the first day of the visit. If cost is a concern, consider rallying support through sponsorships from local politicians, churches, businesses, or even students and their families. Other schools have gone after community grants or reached out to bank or foundation connections.
Health Class Curriculum

Health Class Curriculum

A Ready-to-Use Health Class Program to teach safety, self-worth, and boundaries

Our trauma-informed curriculum, Worth It, has transformed lives across the state and now, we’re bringing that same impact into the classroom. Designed for students ages 12-18, this program supports social-emotional development and equips young people with the tools to prevent exploitation and trafficking because human trafficking happens everywhere, even in your school district.

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