So by now everyone has seen the latest trend on Facebook that goes something like this:
"Please change your FB profile picture to your favorite cartoon character from your childhood. The goal? Not to see a human face on FB till Monday, Dec 6th. Join the fight against child abuse. Copy & paste to your status to invite your friends to do the same."
I started quite the arguement when I asked exactly HOW changing my profile picture will somehow "fight" child abuse.
Don't get me wrong. I think that abusing children is a terrible, horrible, awful thing. I think the people that do it should be stopped. And shot. I really do want to help those poor children to find loving homes, caring parents, and self-worth.
I just don't think changing a freaking profile picture will accomplish any of that.
But it did get me thinking...
If there are truly this many people changing their pictures who want to help prevent child abuse, then it makes sense to give them a way to really help. Let's put our money where our mouths are.
Because we all know, the only way that things really change are through hard work, dedication, perserverance, and time.
So I've compiled a list of a few very worthy child abuse prevention/safe house programs that actually DO exactly what everyone is hoping to accomplish with a cartoon.
Please feel free to donate to one (or all) of these awesome causes... and then use your cartoon-covered profile to let everyone know and pass it on!
St. Jude's Ranch
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children serves all abused, abandoned and neglected children and families, creating new chances, new choices and new hope in a safe, homelike environment.
*All these are good - but THIS one is my favorite. The things they do for abused kids is AWESOME. This is the charity I donate to. And I didn't even have to change my profile picture ;)*
401 Kids Child Abuse Prevention
We are working toward providing a place of safety where the child can be taken once they are removed from their home. This friendly and loving environment will be where the child will live while they are being evaluated and treated for the abuse. A place where they can catch their breath till a suitable loving home can be found for them to continue the healing process.
Prevent Child Abuse America
Our national campaign and local programs, prevention initiatives and events help spread the word in your community, creating awareness that prevention is possible. We are a family of friends, professionals, volunteers, donors and parents who are preventing child abuse and neglect before it ever starts.
There are lots of other great organizations as well. Do some research. Find one you like. Then donate your time. Or your money. Or both.
Prove that you really feel as strongly about child abuse prevention as you say you do.
DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!
I'd love to hear the stories!
Right on Briana. I also wrote a blog post on this one. I am glad to see I am not the only one who really wants to a see a difference being made!
ReplyDeleteRight on, Briana. I'm right with you and Elle on this one.
ReplyDeleteI personally think changing your photo is a good idea!
ReplyDeleteAs how many ribbons are made to support all the illnesses? Cancer, Mito, CP. The list goes on and on!
Why not start a trend with the cartoon photo? It would make one stop and think. How children are beaing treated! As how many children do not like cartoons?
I think this is just a small step with bigger ones to come as the word gets out more and more!
Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI think the substitution of "awareness" for action is a dangerous trend; people are beginning to think that clicking "like" is doing their part.
Enough awareness. Do something.
None of our friends who have the photo up on face book have the "liked clicked"!
ReplyDeleteAs stated awarness is just a start of things to come.
Along with everything else... There was a time there was awarness for nothing I am sure... And it all started with something little. I have seen many illnesses not get funding as they are "rare" and they are also terminal! This past year the awarness paid off. By a small group of paretns. And I am proud to be one of those.
Baby steps do grow into much bigger.