I just got an email from my sister who works at
Committee For Children, the world's leading (quite literally) provider of violence prevention and personal safety currilcula for elementary schools. Their stuff is proven effective by independent studies, and it is based on solid research coupled with innovative teaching techniques and tools.
Tellingly (for folks reading about this for the first time on this site), they are often the targets of religious fundamentalists because they are unstintingly non-sectarian. Just good, common sense for kids. Their mission statement says it all: "Educating the heart and mind."
When my sis sends me a heads up, I take it seriously. I'm not the only one. Right after Columbine, she was interviewed on NPR about that tragedy since her group produces a complete line dedicated just to bullying (the main Columbine issue). So, to put it bluntly, y'all should take this seriously too!
I'll copy her appeal right after the flip:
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"It's federal budget crunch time and the education budget is being tossed around like so much whatever. Of paramount importance to kids in this country is the provision of critical programs to help keep our schools safe. The largest such package is called Safe and Drug-Free Communities funding, and it is seriously in danger of being obliterated from the federal budget. These funds pay for drug and alcohol prevention programs (only those that are proven effective, which is a Good Thing), violence prevention programs (like CFC's own Second Step) and safety programs like Talking About Touching. So now you see why I care.
If you can, please take a minute out of your day to go to Committee for Children's home page
and follow the link in the upper right corner. Here you are guided through a few simple keystrokes to lend your support to keeping these funds intact.
Thanks-and pass the message along to your friends!"
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Well, I can't add anything to that, except that they aren't askig for your money, just your message to your Cogressional delegation. Please do this. It only takes a few seconds and this is something constructive we all can do while we're multitasking on the dire, underlying problems besetting our "government". And while your at the CFC site, browse around and educate yourselves. They are making a monumental difference! (Sorry: looks like I added something after all.)
Please...
ps. I'm going to work now, will check in later but won't be able to enter any threads that develop right away.