Updating, Giving Thanks & Holiday Pondering

Yesterday was an awesome day. We put on our Train the Trainer workshop for about 15 volunteer & paid staff of the Fresno (Calif) Air National Guard.  Quite often we only get about 6 hours, including lunch, to put on a 6-7 hour workshop and are pressed to get everything in that we feel is important to prepare the participants to use the curriculum, not only to train other trainers, but to teach kids, teens and parents.  We were given 8 hours to present, so with breaks and lunch we were able to get through the program without giving up any content. 

I am so very impressed with the people that are connected to the "Guard". They are intuitive, dedicated and sharp. This was only the first of several trainings we will be putting on over the next couple of months up and down California and it was a great start.

There were meaninful questions and thought provoking ideas brought out that will help as I continue to hone and fine tune the curriculum with additional material to make it even better.  Another thing I love about the Guard is that they recognize the incredible value of using teenagers to cross-age and peer train. I always love to meet and work with teens that have the drive to do something beside just listen to their ipods and text back and forth to friends. I met two such young ladies that just impressed the heck out of me and I don't impress that easily.

It was tiring, because we were on stage for a longer period of time than usual,  but at the same time it was invigorating and kept the adrenalin pumping all day. 

Sitting in church today the speakers were talking about having a thankful heart and how important it is to have that kind of attitude not just during these holidays, but all the time. It made me revisit the things I'm thankful for. The list is so great it would take a book to put it all in, but I have to say that while I sometimes get upset with the parts of our government that need major fixing, I am ever so thankful to live in a land that is free. Free to speak our minds, free to rise up, free to make mistakes and free to practice whatever form of religion we individually believe in.  I am also grateful for those men and women who fight tirelessly to keep our country from the falling prey to changes in our constitution that would bring tyranny, socialistim and other such changes to our bear in our country.

I think most people accept that there is a "higher power", whether they call it God, Allah, Buddah, Mohammed, or something else. As for those who don't believe, they have the freedom to practice that unbelief as well. As for me, I thank my God every day for having been given the gifts I have; For not being afraid to speak out for those who can't speak for themselves.  For, even as an "old dog" (as in old dogs can learn new tricks), being able to learn how to use a computer, use the internet, create websites, and now stumble my way through Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and blogging with literally no training. I am forever grateful having felt the call to create S.A.F..E. Network and begin this past decade's journey into child sex abuse prevention. I am also grateful for the numberless organizations and individuals who speak out for, and work on behalf of, those children who are being abducted, assaulted, abused and exploited in all the hideous ways that man can conjure up. People who are fighting to find them, free them, and bring them back home to those who love and care about them.

I am so very grateful for a father and mother who were my biggest fans no matter what I attempted, and each time something failed, was encouraged to keep trying. My husband and children have been my cheering section, although there were times when the kids weren't too sure about mom's mission, they supported me anyway.

My greatest thanks have to go out though, to God and my husband. God for all the reasons I mentioned above, even more, for having given me the most tremendous gift that I could have ever asked for. A man who wanted a companion, partner, lover and best friend who could walk beside him hand in hand facing all challenges as equal partners.  That is what he has been for the past 26 years, and continues to be even now.  The challenges we have faced together could have and often do tear couples apart.  All they did was bring us closer together.  I love and adore him for having the faith in me to walk this incredible journey with me and never once complain. 

As I reflect on the season. I understand that there are many different ideas on the "reason for the season". As a Christian I also appreciate and respect the many other idealogies that other faiths and peoples have and am glad that they can find other things to celebrate that are just as important to them as Christmas is to me.  One common thread that I believe weaves its way through all of our various celebrations is that we all believe in celebrating life, the gift of family and the power that mankind has to change things for the better.

We are in a time when there is much strife in the world.  Wars are raging; Soldiers are dying or coming home injured; the actions of some governments , including our own here in the U.S. are being questioned by their people; yet, we still keep moving forward with faith and courage and the knowledge that tomorrow is an open clean slate who's experiences have yet to be written.

It is my holiday wish and prayer that those of us fighting in the war against our children will never falter, never give up, never feel that it is hopeless. Because for every child that comes home, for every child that is set free from any sort of bondage, every child that no longer has to fear the footsteps coming down the hall, we have met the day's foe and beat them back ..... one child at a time.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and if I don't get a chance to write again before the big day, my prayer is that your holiday will be filled with warmth, family and joy.

Taking Off The Gloves

Today our National Training Director was talking with an Army Community Service Director. They had spoken previously when she was stationed at another base and had not been very interested in our programs in the past.  Now in a new position she had cause to reflect with a different perspective on our mission and the services we have been providing to the military on behalf of sex abuse prevention.  She wanted to go to our website as they spoke, and after giving her the url, she became very silent.  He asked her if she was still there and she said yes, to just give her a minute. Her next words were "You really don't play fair.". She then said, "This is a horrible video on your main page, its really good, but its also really horrible."

The video she was referring to is new on the site. Its actually a trailer to a bit longer video on a linked page that is also part of the article that is entitled Taking Off The Gloves. In the past I have always put a great deal of thought into what goes on our main page. I like to give a lot of content, not just fluff, but content with relevancy.  The video she spoke of is one that I found on YouTube along with several others that are on the other page linked in the article.

I've always played it safe, not wanting to make anyone shy away from our site, but enticing them with enough helpful information that they will stay and search through our library and resource pages along with the pages that show our curriculum and other programs and family support materials that are geared to educating our children on how to avoid becoming a victim of sexual abuse, abduction and exploitation. 

Recently as I have had the opportunity to twitter with, and link to many individuals and organizations that are working towards the same end as we are, I began to realize that in order to get people to take a second look I needed to get their attention in the first place.  We have shared many statistics and data that should get people's blood boiling over the atrocities that are being commited against our children, but haven't really made the impact I have been looking for.

The emotion and response that was evoked from this woman as she finished watching the video were exactly the kind of response I was hoping to get.  All to often even some of those who work in this field forget the personal, human side of the issue.  Until it is staring you in the face it can be easy to put the harsh reality in a shadow in the background.  My promise to myself and all of those children that we are trying to inoculate  from the horrors of sexual abuse is that I will never again be a pansy, afraid to put the real images of this ugly truth up front and personal.

I must applaud those of you who saw the need for this direction much much earlier than me, and thank you for being great teachers.  It just proves that even a grey haired old great-grandmother can learn new tricks and be willing to admit when she does.

Please visit http://www.safenetwork.org/ and let me know what you think of our new look.  Even after all these years we are still learning and evolving, any input is always appreciated.

Had To Share 'Awesome Work' Comments

I had to share this with everyone, because it came in on my "first blog". I didn't realize I had our first blog only linked to our website so I've since fixed it and now when you go to our blog you get the latest blog post, along with all the previous posts.

One of the twitter sites I'm following is called @mommiesfaves.  I loved the concept of this site because it brings moms and parents in general together in a way that creates a supportive community and provides really great information. 

Anyway, I received a great response from mommiesfaves that I wanted to make sure no one missed. So I am placing it here with my response to follow it.  Hope you all enjoy.

From: Tree
To: sue@safenetwork.org
Sent: Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:57 PM
Subject: [SafeKidsNet] New comment on First Blog.

Tree has left a new comment on your post "First Blog":

Awesome work! And I'm glad to see that you have a blog for a more personal touch now. I have used KidPrints many times in the past as a mother of 5 and grandmom of 2. And I actually remember getting the first kit in a Walmart when our oldest was around 11 years old. Keep up the great work!

Thanks so much for your comments. I'm still figuring the blogging thing out, but working at it a little each day. If you have seen our ID kits lately, you'll notice how much more improved they are from that very first one. I hear from someone every now and then who started with us that long ago. It makes my heart fill with joy to hear from people like yourself.

I love what you are doing as well. Bringing sites and parents together in the way you are is a wonderful endeavor and I know from my own experience how much work it can be. You also continue to be the shining example you are to families that you are. I'm glad to have made a connection with you, and look forward to further contributions from you in our blog.
Susan Rogers
SAFEKidsNet
http://www.safenetwork.org


mommiesfaves,
I love what you are doing as well. Bringing sites and parents together in the way you are is a wonderful endeavor and I know from my own experience how much work it can be. You also continue to be the shining example you are to families that you are. I'm glad to have made a connection with you, and look forward to further contributions from you in our blog.

Susan Rogers
SAFEKidsNet
http://www.safenetwork.org/

Its always good to hear from individuals who have been using any of our personal protection materials over the years. Should you be one of them, please let us hear from you. Have a great day everyone.

'Specially For Moms & Dads

Oh how I love the rain. Just a light rain today, but kissing the ground, plants and trees and making the air so very clean. Yes, I really love the rain.

I have just changed blog templates temporarily, partly because you can read more without scrolling for 2 hours, and because as much as I love the sea, the one I was using was a bit dreary.  I'm looking for something snazzier and trying to figure out how I can use it on blogger.com.  If I can't I may be switching blog locations any help would be appreciated.

I've spent the morning browsing through Twitter sites of moms and dads, some sites that have helpful products and services and general parenting help insights for parents with kids of all ages.  I have been so impressed by all of you; the ones like @RenegadeMom,  @WheelchairMommy, the mommies-to-be and the mommies that have 2 kids through 6 and more. You are all amazing!

You all have so many talents and so much energy.  I can remember having that kind of energy once, but as the years have gone on most of my energy is spent enjoying my grand & great-grand children, and fulfilling my passion for keeping your children and teens safe from sexual predators, as well as my own family's children.

Before I go on, after you have read this blog I would love to get some feedback and input from any and all of you. Things you have done to help protect your kids, or things that have happened to your children that taught lessons to them and you that you would be willing to pass along to others.  This is a blog for you, to support and hopefully provide education that will assist in your mission as a parent. All those lessons don't need to come from me, they can and should come from you as well.

I have just begun following many of you so you may not be familiar with who we are.  My first blog tells all about us and me as well. But in a quick synopsis I created Safety Awareness & Family Education Network, Inc. (S.A.F.E. Network) 10 years ago. I wanted to help families keep their children safe.  My first effort in that regard was my KidPrints Safety ID Kit. Over the years it has grown from that one id kit to BabyPrints, & TeenPrints Safety ID Kits, a parenting guide for keeping kids safe from sexual predators, a teen dating journal, an new parent program and a teen parent program along with a curriculum, the Personal Protection Empowerment Program for kids K-12 grades.  There are also games and a great video that teaches kids how to get away from a potential abduction, workshops, training, and so much more.

Thats our non-profit mission in a nutshell. But what I want to share with all of you today is how easy it is to keep your babies and children safe from the tricks and lures that predators use to lure them, and make you feel comfortable with their presence in your lives.  You all are so loving and caring on behalf of your kids and I know that you want to believe that everyone in their life is loving and truly cares about their welfare.  My hope is that you are right.  Fortunately there is a way to tell who fits that category and who doesn't; those people who filter into your life through one avenue or another and become a fixture in ways that cause you to not even think of them in any particular way at all. 

The best way to understand who these people are is to recognize behaviors. Subtle things they do that can trick, lure and trap your children without you knowing. The second best way to beat them at their own game is to build a relationship with your child that lets them know that no matter what someone says or what they may have done or been forced to do, you will love them anyway. Predators count on parents not noticing the changes in their children's behavior when they have been victimized. They threaten kids into silence making them believe you won't love them anymore, or won't believe them. If you sit your kids down, say, on a weekly basis and talk with them, laugh with them and practice little role-plays with them related to how predators might try to get them to do things, you will build their trust and give them more confidence about what to do when away from loving caring adults. 

Please visit our website at http://www.safenetwork.org for much more helpful information, and take your children to our kids website http://kidtips101.org, if you have preteens (11-12) or teenagers, our teen site is perfect because it gets into other aspects of life, like dating safety. 

So now that we have been introduced please come back often and share, read and enjoy.

Need Input & Help

It's Tuesday morning, and I'm truly enjoying the cooler weather. I know soon it will go from cool to cold, but that's ok too, because then I can bundle up and drink my hot peppermint tea and feel all cozy and such.

It's been wonderful to see the outpouring of love and concern for the families at Fort Hood. The memorial service is today, I hope and pray for the families and Ft. Hood community at large that all goes well today and that there are no unwanted incidents.

Little Alex Mercado, the 4 year old boy who was molested and killed by his 14 year old next door neighbor was laid to rest yesterday. When you have this kind of loss in a small community it hits everyone hard.  These kind of situations are why we work so hard on behalf of children and teens everywhere to get our education into any group and organization that works with children so they can provide the life skills that can help keep these dear ones from experiencing the horrors of sexual abuse, abduction and exploitation.

I have been pondering a great deal lately on how to find out the statistics that connect possible suicides and runaways with sexual abuse cases.  I have felt for a long time that there is a direct link between children and teens being molested on an on-going basis and behaviors that include suicide, running away, child prostitution and drug / alcohol addictions.  If anyone knows where I might find any related statistics I'd greatly appreciate it.

Working hard to finish two bully prevention booklets for the 5-9 age group and an manual for both Elementary age and Middle/High School age groups. Plan to launch them in January along with our other updated programs. I'm keeping the nose to the grindstone because there are so many projects on the desk I can't afford to play too much. 

The Army and National Guard are gearing up already for April's Child Abuse Prevention Month & Month of the Military Child. We're already getting calls from bases building their plan of action.

Well, better get busy its a beautiful day and I can't waist a minute of it. Thanks to all those new Twitter followers. We now in just 3 weeks have over 700 followers. Every one is appreciated. I'd love to hear from some of you on what you are now doing to educate your kids on personal safety and what we might be able to assist you in.  Our website has a ton of information and our kid's websites as well.
Don't forget to visit http://www.safenetwork.org/, for kids http://www.kidtips101.org/ and for your teens http://www.safeteens101.org/

Full Moon Madness

Over the past 4 days it seems that the world turned upside down and tears fell from the heavens  for families in California and Texas.

On Tuesday my newest daughter-in-law came home from an evening class and was nearly in tears.  One of her brother-in-laws lives in Mendota, California and he shared a horrific story about a little 4 year old boy who's family he is acquainted with,  named Alex Mercado.  Alex was lured into the next door neighbor's home by their 14 year old son.  After molesting, and sodomizing little Alex he drowned him in the bathtub so he wouldn't tell anyone what he did.  He then stuck him in the dryer and left him there where he was found approximately 24 hours later  The family is still trying to understand why this had to happen.  The boy who commited this horrendous crime will be tried as an adult according to the authorities. These are the moments that remind me why we do what we do, and work so hard to educate children on the ways they can help keep themselves safer from predators that would do them harm.

Then today, most have heard about the killing spree at the Fort Hood Army Base, in Texas.  Because we have worked so closely over a number of years with staff of the Family Advocacy Program there it has left a sad feeling in our hearts.  Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of those fallen soldiers, and those who were injured and must recover not only from the wounds they received, but the reason for having them in the first place.

Lets hope that sanity reigns as the sun arises tomorrow.