ON THE COVER - THAN BAARDSON

Local Nonprofit Fights for the 'Unseen'

WRITTEN BY: ALEXANDRA FLOERSCH PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA

Moments mark our lives. They are chapters that complete the story we share about ourselves. Some moments, however, have the power to alter the timeline and propel the narrative into a completely different direction. They divide our stories into "before this" and "after this."

For Than Baardson, one moment in particular left an imprint.

Interviewing for a documentary in Mae Sot, Thailand, the 34-year-old spent a week in prayer and worship with a group of children who came from poor homes and had lost one (or even both) of their parents. One mother owed debt to a man in Bangkok, a common reality in Thailand. Her 6 and 8-year-old daughters explained that they were, in fact, the collateral.

"Going from knowing these kids as just kids in this amazing, happy home to seeing the devastating effects of what could have been was really the first time the curtains came down," Than recalls. "They had two younger siblings, and a guy was coming for those two if nothing were to happen."

Hearing this, the anti-trafficking crew Than's team was working with immediately stopped the interview, took off to intervene and, ultimately, saved the girls' younger brother and sister from a future as slaves.

Unfortunately, not every story ends this way.

"We all have that chance – this little window in time – when our hearts are moved a little bit and you can either do something … or you can go back to the way things were," Than explains.

Fighting Fires Fueled His Flame A native to Fargo-Moorhead, Than grew up traveling overseas, collecting stamps from Japan, Mexico, and Guatemala on his passport all before graduating high school. "Growing up with a constant reminder of our role in the global context – and the small part we're invited to play to support others – was a big part of my childhood," he says.

After high school, Than joined the North Dakota Air National Guard as a firefighter. From tours in Germany and Italy to teaching classes in Ghana, Africa, he further got a taste of reality outside the Midwest – more moments that opened his eyes to global affairs.

As a firefighter, his biggest gig was fighting a 120- acre wildfire in Florida. What started as a spot fire, quickly lit a path to destruction in the Everglades' underbrush. "By the time we got there, 30-foot flames were hitting our truck," Than says. "It was pretty exciting."

Eventually, Than saw an opening in Public Affairs and – with a degree in journalism and minor in film studies – he knew it'd be the perfect union between his Guard training and college education. Today, he's still enrolled with the Air National Guard, serving as a 16-year veteran with the 119th Happy Hooligans.

'Living in Constant Tension' Than's global experiences permanently shifted perspective and further sparked a bigger idea. One recurring thought propelled him forward: What if we used all we've been given to help those in greatest need?

On the heels of a year of research, Than reached out to Minnesota-native Tanya Martineau – who was living in Seoul, South Korea – to propose using her photography talent for good … to co-found a non-profit.

"In 1998, the U.S. had 3,000 cases of child sexual abuse material across the nation – and we almost wiped it out. The FBI knew how to track these guys down ... and then the internet hit," Than explains. In the next 20 years, that number would grow to an astounding 18.4 million cases.

In 2010, Tanya agreed to collaborate and the two began meeting regularly in early mornings to piece it all together before heading off to their full-time jobs.

"That got us in with some of our early partners and opened the door for a tremendous amount of work," Than says. "Tanya went back to Seoul very quickly. So, Unseen really started in Fargo and Seoul, South Korea."

Established in 2011, Unseen's mission is to accelerate the work of anti-trafficking and rootcause organizations. In the beginning, they served seven partners in four countries with volunteers alone. Now the capacity-building nonprofit impacts 3.3 million people in 35 countries and works with 36 partners to grow their organizations 10-times faster than average. (Today, 46 partners remain on Unseen's "interested" waitlist).

20 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO BY: DAVID H. LIPP

"We live in constant tension: we celebrate the incredible work that's being done, but we live in the reality of how much we have yet to do," Than says. "We have something that works really well, and now we just need to do more of it."

Extinguishing Fire at Its Root Cause In the past decade, Than has personally witnessed the world's horrifying realities. "Pattaya is known as the 'Disneyland of Flesh,'" he explains of a small town in Thailand born as an R&R site during the Vietnam War. "Then, you look at a place like India: we have 11 million kids living on the streets in that country alone."

Every country faces its own challenges, but it's in these countries that Unseen has the greatest opportunity to set a new precedence. "There's brokenness everywhere," Than says. "But the access and ease in other countries with increased vulnerabilities makes it that much worse."

Vulnerability is the leading factor that feeds the fire of human trafficking. "Every story is absolutely unique, but that's the common thread," Than explains. "We need a holistic approach: prevention, protection and prosecution. If you forget one of those, it's out of whack."

Exposing Unseen Realities (Locally) The United States is the largest consumer of kids in the world. Let that sink in.

"Eighty percent of kids in the Philippines right now are vulnerable to online exploitation," Than explains. "The number one driver of that is the United States."

Unseen's work lies in what's defined by the "Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report" as tier 2 and 3 countries – nations that are either unequipped (or unwilling) to protect the vulnerable or combat human trafficking in their communities.

"A good way to look at it is: when a child is trafficked here, people are going to be up in arms. Newspapers will get involved, and people are going to get mad," Than says. "Often in the places we're working, our partners are the only ones mad about this. They're the last line of defense between these kids and absolute destruction."

Still, Unseen very much acknowledges vulnerabilities closer to home.

"It's easy to look at places like Thailand, India or the Philippines and say, 'Oh, how dare you,' while we're sitting in a country that's leading the consumption of children," Than admits. "What's our responsibility as citizens of this country to protect the kids we've exploited?"

Even with local sheriffs, the FBI and area non-profits rowing in the same direction, there's still much work to do. Unseen's role lies in looking for opportunities to lend a voice, extend their reach and share contacts and resources to make a local impact.

Partners Illuminate the Unseen From prosecuting labor traffickers who've been abusing families for generations to serving as the only source of girls education in northern Pakistan, Unseen's partners fulfill needs the organization simply couldn't on its own.

"Put yourself in their shoes: you're serving kids, working in hostile environments and probably underfunded. Now it's the end of the day, and you have to go raise money to do it all over again. Every day. Or... these kids will die," Than says. "That's what's at stake here."

22 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: UNSEEN

A number of Unseen's partners have grown more than 700 percent since the launch of their partnerships with the organization. "Who can we go and pour gas onto their already-lit fire? That's what Unseen is here to do," Than says.

Than's metaphor is apt, especially given his firefighting experience. In his eyes, Unseen's partner organizations start righteous fires that initiate change. Unlike the wildfires he used to fight, Than's goal now is to fuel those fires of change.

"When we say 'partner,' this is a partnership," he says. "We're here to serve, lift up, and accelerate these incredible organizations that are impacting millions. That's the only reason we're here."

'This is Not a Practice Life' Than credits his robust team – who come from C-suite roles with decades of experience – for the organization's success. "They're working here every day because they want to impact the world," he says. "I think we've all come to this realization that this is not a 'practice life.' We all have limited time so what we do with it matters. It's our job to point people to light."

Than and his team have witnessed a link between faith and human trafficking. "When you look at spiritual health and how that relates to folks who've come out of trafficking, it turns out it's insanely important," Than says. "The way my faith plays out in the work of Unseen is that I get to see God working around the world as the hands and feet of Jesus – and I get this front-row seat to be witness."

With incredible success, it'd be easy to get comfortable. But, as Unseen's CEO and co-founder, Than says that's not something he's willing to do.

"With 150 million children living without parents and more than 40 million people living in slavery, the need for Unseen grows daily," he says. "This work is never going to be done. We could stop trafficking tomorrow, and somebody in power would find someone to exploit. Addressing the root causes of why people are vulnerable in the first place is a huge part of the puzzle."

While "the good life" is undoubtedly defined differently for each individual, for Than, it's all about perspective.

"I have two incredible kids and the greatest, most supportive, human being as my wife. The good life is spending time with your family, creating and advocating for lives of purpose and meaning for others, and pointing people to the light," he says. "I think this is the best version of life I can imagine. ” •

"Everybody's welcome to participate in this work. There's a huge need and – if you want to make a lasting and sustainable massive impact on this world – this may be one of the ways you can do it." – Than Baardson

WRITTEN BY: KRISSY NESS • PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA

Barbot Boxing, formerly Red River Golden Gloves, has been a staple in Fargo-Moorhead for nearly a decade. Operating as a U.S.A. boxing member Barbot Boxing strives to train students with no experience up to seasoned pros.

"We have had three different pro fighters that we have developed right here," said owner and coach Jesse Barbot.

While some students join boxing as a competitive sport, others join for self-defense and exercise; some even box as a way to train for other sports. Boxing can help with balance, weight distribution, and conditioning.

"One thing I think people may be surprised to hear is that it is not an intimidating atmosphere," exclaimed Barbot. "It is very welcoming."

I visited Barbot Boxing and I have to say it is one of the cleanest and least threatening gyms I have been to. Often you find hardcore athletes stalking around the gym and that can be off-putting, but there is a sense of calmness and ease when you enter Barbot Boxing.

Everyone is welcome in this gym, as I stated before; age, gender, or skill level are not a factor when it comes to training here.

"Female boxing became an Olympic sport [in the London games in 2012] and our U.S. team has been incredibly successful; they have all medaled," exclaimed Barbot.

Now that women can be seen on the Olympic level boxing it has shown that girls are paying attention and want to participate in this sport right here in Fargo. One of the three athletes to turn pro through Barbot Boxing was a woman named, Kira "The Lioness" Ollila. She trained with Barbot eight years ago as an amateur boxer and the progressed and fought professionally for two years, but even then there weren't as many female boxers.

"One thing I think people may be surprised to hear is that it is not an intimidating atmosphere." – Jesse Barbot

"Now we go to these amateur boxing shows and there is usually at least one or two female fights on the cards," said Barbot. "It seems to be growing now with females."

"As far as girls, the age group I have the most in right now is 11 to 15 and they do compete," stated Barbot. However, competing is not the only reason people go to this gym.

"For a lot of people it's different, some are out of shape and want to get back into it," said Barbot. "It is a great way to work on your core and to find that explosiveness in your body."

Many people look to martial arts such as karate or taekwondo, to learn self-defense and practice discipline, but many would argue boxing is more applicable.

"Boxing isn't considered a martial art, by the term of it, but I think it is one of the most effective forms of selfdefense," said Barbot. Boxing allows you to be quick on your feet, keep your eyes on the person you are fighting and use your arms to protect yourself and fight back.

One of the most notable gifts Barbot Boxing gives to the public is their at-risk youth program. By working with the Fargo Police Department this program allows students and kids to be a part of an activity they are interested in within the community.

"That resonates with some at-risk students who don't always enjoy basketball or other mainstream sports," noted Barbot. Parents of students or students themselves interested in this program can speak with their school's resource office to get connected with Barbot Boxing's at-risk youth program. In some cases, scholarships are awarded for students who cannot afford the classes.

"Boxing is an individual sport by definition but we are a team here." – Jesse Barbot

"Boxing is an individual sport by definition but we are a team here," said Barbot. By supporting one another and training as a group pro athletes can work with younger inexperienced boxers to better their skills.

Barbot expresses that children need to learn selfdefense at an early age, however at this gym they need to be at least eight years old.

"You hope kids don't have to use it," stated Barbot. "But, it helps the kids stand a little taller and within a month or two their demeanor changes and they become more confident."

Barbot along with three volunteer coaches, one being his cousin, train their athletes in classes four times a week and also offer all-access memberships to members with good standings in the gym. It is very important to Barbot to attend as many classes as possible to get to know everyone who attends his gym. After all, this is a team gym and everyone is there to cheer each other on.

If you would like more information on these classes or to find one of their fights and see what all the excitement is about, you can contact Barbot Boxing through their Facebook page. •