Outwardly it might appear that the publicity surrounding the Catholic church and its current sexual abuse scandal is one more negative event in a world already filled with an excess of fear, violence and aggression.  While I can not argue with that assessment, I am actually glad for the world-wide attention and public outcry and the related outrage.  As a child activist, it is also heart-breaking.  One more time, in a series of never ending “one more times,” we look on and shake our heads at what is being allowed to happen to the youngest and most vulnerable citizens in the world. 

Shaking our heads is no longer enough – not for those children who are now adults - and not for those who are still children today.  We need to speak up, stand up and resoundingly demand that this behavior no longer be tolerated!

Until we shine the big, bright spotlight of awareness on these dark issues, nothing will change.  It would be naive of me to suggest that the current publicity is going to generate any drastic change in the immediate future.  On the other hand, once a bright light has been turned on in a dark room, darkness can no longer reside there.  But the darkness can easily move to another area, creating a new breeding place for evil and fear.  That is why we must be vigilant in keeping this issue, and every other issue affecting the children of the world, out in the open.  For only after we are aware of these types of behavior and their devastating effects, can we change our attitudes and our behavior.  It’s time – in fact it’s way past time!

I am writing today in a three fold capacity – as a child rights activist, the founder of a non-profit organization, and a member of the Board of Directors of a local Boys and Girls Club chapter.

Yesterday a report was released by several national news organizations about the Senate investigation into the compensation levels and other expenditures at the national office of the Boys & Girls Club.  Since I am not privy to the details of the matter, I can respond only to what has been reported.  I am saddened if this information is true, at the same time when the local Boys and Girls Club are using their limited funds to support the youth who need our help the most.

As a child rights activist, I am concerned that the reporting of these activities (alleged at this time) will have a negative impact on donors who support the local clubs.   My hope is that thoughtful individuals will be able to distingush between the actions at the organization’s national headquarters, and the good work that is being performed locally.

My professional belief is that the leaders of any organization serving children need to be held to the highest of ethical standards. Transactions must be reported with transparency and full disclosure.  Reasonable, ethical and independent thinking are necessary elements in all major decisions.  I do not want to give the impression that I condone any behavior to the contrary.

That said, my intention in this communication is to remind us all that we need to maintain our perspective on this matter, and not let the reported misuse of funds and the related political intrigue at the national level affect the kids in our back yards.

Marjorie Gunnoe, professor of psychology at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, recently released the results of a study she conducted (interviews with 2,600 people) regarding the positive effects of spanking children.

Her conclusion is that smacking children between the ages of two and six may benefit them in the long run and make them more successful adults.  The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children refuses to accept the findings of the study. 

As do I. 

I welcome the opportunity to have Ms. Gunnoe contact me directly, as I would love to add my personal experiences on this matter to her research data.