Since my commitment made March 24 (see following letter) I have raised $350 for Kidscope Inc. In honor of April being National Child Abuse Awareness month, I am extending that commitment through the month.
I also invite the governor, lieutenant governor and senators each to match and/or double my meager gift.
If an administration is to be successful at all, it must stop the victimization of its citizens. It must take active part in supporting programs that raise the spirit of even its tiniest constituent.
Kidscope can be reached at 714-1012. There is always need for funds and/or donations for after-school snacks, summer programs and volunteers for mentoring programs. Find out how you can help these young people turn victim into victory.
How do you tell a child (or anyone) who has been raped (or abused in any way) that we can meet each experience as a challenge? To learn, to grow, to become strong raises our spirits to victory. Child, I want for you what I haven't done for myself, but perhaps if I help you I'll get there too.
Here is my earlier letter:
TURN VICTIM TO VICTORY
If we stop being victims, victimizing will stop.
I do not know the girls, or their families. I do not know if I can use the right words. If anybody out there understands what I am doing, please join me.
Starting March 24, through April 23, I will give 50% of what I make from my batiks to Kidscope Inc. I believe this agency's programs have the potential for turning victim into victor. With support these girls, at this time in their lives, (any of us many times) can return again to the knowledge, the skills, the belief in themselves (ourselves) to move forward.
You may want to donate your tips for a week, one day's earnings, an hour of billing time, or a moment of prayer. You may have another agency/program to join. Support the self-defense program in the schools. Volunteer at a youth club, befriend an outcast, make life less scary.
You may want to do something publicly, you may do it quietly. But let's do something. There is no excuse.
I am not speaking for the following stores, only that my work can be found at The Color of Joy, Tropical Memories, Comfort Zone, Mango Tango, Tillett Gardens, the Tourism Bureau's Visitor Center and the Chamber of Commerce Hospitality Lounge on St. Thomas; Island Made on St. John, and Many Hands, Marjorie Robbins and CDS Gallery on St. Croix.
Buy one of my pieces and I will donate 50% of my share to Kidscope Inc. Or figure out how much you would spend and donate that amount to a positive, forward moving cause.
Choose victory. Do it with money, do it with time, do it with thoughts. It is in the doing that ideas thrive.
Thank you.
Doreen E. Walsh
St. Thomas artist
