A CALL TO ACTION!

A CALL TO ACTION! 

It seems that almost every month, week and day, we turn on the news to hear about ANOTHER insane act of horror. One can feel depression (despair and sadness) and sense the repression (tyranny and cruelty). But finally, we must take action (engagement)!

The sense of depression and repression have held us hostage and we can no longer wallow in the wringing of our hands, the horror in our hearts and the worry on our faces. So, in an effort to master the most difficult days of murder and mayhem, we personally have taken some tiny steps that we hope will help our children understand, and help them to learn to take action in any way they can. 

We have chosen to send contributions to "Women Against Gun Violence" (http://wagv.org/), The Southern Poverty Law Center (http://splc.org ) and to visit our West Hollywood Sheriff's Station to thank them for the work they do on a daily  basis, including recently making the Gay Parade safe, free from arrests or violence

We are concerned with the inadequate and sometime thoughtless advice  given to parents and caregivers, on how to deal with children regarding the awful hateful and violent acts that are surrounding all of us. Yes, television and the social media should be monitored in order to prevent the constant intolerable and murderous acts becoming a part of the everyday media consumption of our children.  Yes, we should remain calm.  BUT WE MUST DO MORE! 

We MUST BECOME PRO-ACTIVE IN THE NAME OF SOCIAL JUSTICE!  Done in an age appropriate manner, this is one of the most important life lessons we can pass on to our families.

Here are some ideas you might think about:

• For young and older children, help them think about what they could do to help a child less fortunate than they are: give a book or toy to a group collecting for those in harm's way, or sending money to a relief group. 
• For older children, write and send a card of solidarity to some civil rights group working for a positive, non-violent change, in your area.
• Have your children write to your elected officials about supporting gun control. Sometimes, letters from children, have an extremely powerful effect! 
• Visit the police or sheriff's station in your neighborhood and tell them that you appreciate their protection and willingness to not use undue force.  We love bringing cookies and flowers. Having personal contact with law enforcement officers helps children, young and old, see and realize that these people are human beings and have good hearts and families and loved ones, just like they do.  
• Talk about how you will always make every effort to keep them safe and discuss ways that you will jointly work on this:

*Always wearing safety belts when you are in a car

*Holding hands when walking or going to a venue

*Never losing sight of each other when out of the house

*Hugging each other when there is something scary

*Always wearing safety belts when you are in a car

The purpose of taking some action, instead of being acted upon, gives children tools to become active peace makers........and we are in desperate need of those folks.