The Columbus Demand Reduction Team
Men Taking a Stand Against Trafficking & Exploitation
In Columbus, we have built a strong Solicitor Education Program that holds men accountable after they offend. But what if we could intervene earlier - addressing the common beliefs and misconceptions that lead men to contribute to commercial sex, exploitation, and, ultimately, fuel human trafficking?
That is the mission of the Columbus Demand Reduction Team.
For many years, men in our community have asked: “How can I get involved in the fight against human trafficking?” Most volunteer opportunities in Central Ohio have centered on survivor care - vital work that continues to need support. But there has also been a need for men to engage in the difficult, important conversations with other men about the demand side of trafficking.
The Columbus Demand Reduction Team exists to meet that need.
What We Do
- Educational Outreach: We lead community conversations and presentations that address how pornography, sexual addiction, and sex buying fuel human trafficking.
- Men Talking to Men: We create safe but direct spaces where men can talk honestly about demand, responsibility, and the choices that perpetuate exploitation.
- Partnerships: We are proud to work closely with local organizations like She Has A Name, and share curriculum from nationally recognized nonprofits like Truckers Against Trafficking, broadening our impact and connecting our work with national anti-trafficking efforts.
- Fundraising for Change: Each year, we host the Demand Reduction Golf Scramble - raising awareness, building community, and generating funds to support local survivors.
Get Involved
- Invite Us to Start a Conversation: We have presentations designed for churches, men’s groups, businesses, civic clubs, and schools.
- Volunteer with DRT: All are invited to step into the conversation and join our outreach efforts. Training and support are provided.
- Attend an Event: Check out our upcoming outreach events and the annual Demand Reduction Golf Scramble.
Why It Matters
Human trafficking cannot be stopped without addressing demand. And demand cannot be addressed without men. The Columbus Demand Reduction Team gives men a way to take responsibility, to lead conversations with other men, and to change the culture around sex buying in Central Ohio.
Together, we can reduce demand - and when demand decreases, exploitation decreases.
Volunteer Highlight: Tim McPhillips
Earlier this year, Tim McPhillips, a volunteer with the Columbus Demand Reduction Team, was recognized by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office with a Star Citizen Award for his outstanding service to the community.
Tim’s life of service is rooted in gratitude. As a cancer survivor, he often reflects on the support he received during his battle and the responsibility he now feels to give back to others in meaningful ways.
In the community, Tim serves as the Facility Director at C3 Church, leads men’s groups, helps organize outreach efforts for local families and individuals in need, supports food pantry initiatives, and volunteers with Huckleberry House, which provides housing and support for at-risk youth.
Tim has also become a valued part of the Columbus Demand Reduction Team’s work to engage men in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation. He has volunteered at She Has A Name educational events, helped coordinate male volunteers to participate in the Columbus Solicitor Education Program, supported conversations with men charged with sex-buying offenses, participated in public panels on men’s roles in trafficking prevention, and helped organize public educational events that encouraged honest community dialogue around demand reduction.
Tim exemplifies the kind of leadership this work requires: humility, compassion, courage, and a willingness to step into difficult conversations for the good of others.
We are proud to recognize Tim for both this honor and the many ways he continues to serve our community.
Demand Reduction Golf Scramble
Thank you for an incredible 2025 event!
Our latest Demand Reduction Golf Scramble was was held on Sept. 20th, and was a huge success thanks to our sponsors, players, and volunteers.
Together, we sparked meaningful conversations about reducing demand and raised support for survivor-centered initiatives here in central Ohio.
What the day was about
- Engaging men in honest conversations about demand and exploitation
- Mobilizing community support for education, outreach, and survivor care
- Building awareness of the Columbus Demand Reduction Team and SEP’s prevention-first mission
Event Highlights
On a beautiful mid-80s day at the Golf Club of Dublin, 88 golfers came together for the Demand Reduction Golf Scramble. The day was filled with contests like longest drive, longest putt, closest to the pin, and the back-off challenge, followed by a banquet and an interactive educational presentation. The highlight of the evening was a keynote address from John-Michael Lander - human trafficking survivor, advocate, and author - who shared his story and challenged us all to take action.
Join us for the 2026 Demand Reduction Golf Scramble!
We are already looking forward to this year’s Demand Reduction Golf Scramble on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Whether you’d like to sponsor, play, volunteer, or donate, we invite you to be part of this meaningful event that combines community, competition, and education to make a real impact. Learn more and get involved at:
Golf Scramble Planning Committee
Justin Galante - Chair
Chris Striker - Community Outreach Coordinator
Nathan Weber - Event Coordinator
Get Connected
Interested in learning more about the Columbus Demand Reduction Team? We’d love to hear from you. By filling out the form below, you can:
- Request more information about our mission and work
- Schedule a presentation for your church, men’s group, workplace, or organization
- Find out about upcoming events, including the annual Demand Reduction Golf Scramble
- Learn how you can get involved as a volunteer