Child Sexual Abuse Prevention/Education

Since 1984, one week in May has been designated in the USA, as a special time to honor the individuals who lend their passion and invest in the next generation through education- TEACHERS.  Fair Haven School Advocates are not teachers full time nor do they anticipate receiving "thanks", especially when spending a minimum amount of time at the school. That doesn't deter the students from expressing gratitude because every school produces some form of appreciation. Prior to Covid-19, the School Advocates were permitted to enter the classroom to present the education. Many times, students would "practice consent" and ask to give hugs, or they would create "thank you" cards, letters or pictures and even make a gift of novelty items (rocks, erasers, small toys). This year, we thought virtual presentations would be impersonal and create an obstacle in creating a safe atmosphere to bond over the safeguarding material. The students STILL would find a way to connect with the presenter; by popping into view of the camera, unmuting to comment and share stories, and even wait at the end of the presentation to say "thank you" before the School Advocate would sign off. Several students have commented that they wish the presenter would stay longer, others would ask for an 'autograph' on their workbook, and even a few would say, "I love you and I'll miss you." One fourth grade class of 10 year olds, waited in a line so they could approach the camera and wave 'goodbye' personally to the virtual presenter!

Fair Haven School Advocates have always tried to be very respectful of the school teachers' authority and space, when interrupting instruction time to present this prevention education to the students. Speaking of 'teacher appreciation', they even reciprocate the sentiment of their students! Many teachers have commented how grateful they are that we can share this important education with their students. In part, so they do not have to do it, but also because they have been 'on the front lines' in identifying students in abusive situations. Knowing how kids do not know, what they do not know...this equips the students and empowers them, when and how to ask for help. Sometimes the school teachers would specially ask for a presenter, many would make it a point to offer encouragement and gratitude, a few would organize their students for a special "thank you farewell", and one even sent a letter with a gift card!

Receiving appreciation is like receiving a tip for 'services rendered'; it is not necessary, but always welcomed. Hearing "thank you" from adult educators, validates the work we do. Receiving it from students, fuels our passion to 'keep fighting the good fight' until NO CHILD is sexually abused!

Links:

• Fair Haven RCC's Prevention Education website

What does it mean to have an attitude of gratitude?

It means making it a habit to express thankfulness and appreciation in all parts of your life, on a regular basis, for both the big and small things alike.

Gratitude is a warm feeling of thankfulness towards the world, or towards specific individuals. The person who feels gratitude is thankful for what they have.

My heart overflows with gratitude!

Thankful for partners like you, that see the value in prevention and hope for a future, free from sexual violence. This mission takes more than just a team of people doing the work. It takes support in various forms; volunteers, creativity, technology, talent, time, money, resources, connections, prayers, laws, relationships, passion, righteous indignation, compassion, and so much more. 

Every time that I think, "we are not going to be able to do this program this school year," I am proven wrong. Naturally, 2020 had a lot of complications, primarily a huge shift to end most in-person gatherings. The majority of our child abuse prevention education happens IN-PERSON. Yet, it wasn't the end, just the beginning of virtual presentations. Schools were in a mad scramble to figuring out how to implement the mandated core-40 curriculum virtually, therefore no outsider presentations were scheduled. Yet, it wasn't the end, just the beginning of restructuring format to build capacity opportunities. The virtual presentations are helping us implement the program to the same number of students in a shorter amount of time. This helps immensely due to a late start in our presentation calendar schedule. Lastly, we used our budgeted allowance for materials, have used it all, and now we have an influx of presentations needing materials. Yet, it wasn't the end, just the beginning of Fair Haven, Inc. having the best Giving Tuesday campaign and receiving end of year donations- to date! Gratefully empowered, I just placed a large order for materials that will supply the rest of the 2020-2021 school year! Your generosity made it happen and is so inspirational to me!

I have hope and will adopt an 'attitude of gratitude' that this school year will continue to be a successful year for implementing this vital prevention education. August 2019- January 2020 had reached 12,074 students and August 2020- January 2021 we have reached 10,318 students with this education and already have another estimated 2,000 students scheduled. Regardless of the circumstances this program faces, it continues to persevere because it must... until every child knows they have the right to live free from abuse.