Hello again.
Today was a day of mixed emotions. On the one hand we have a strong volunteer base for our cause, on the other hand we have outside persons who are; to put it one way' "a fly in the ointment". I contacted the Alberta Champions Cup 2010 Hockey tournament committee organizer (by email - no phone # provided) and asked for their support in allowing myself and Amy to gather signatures from parents during the tournament. I thought this was a great way to get support, especially since there are 240 teams at the Calgary & area tournament which comes out to 2400 players (aged 8-16 girls & boys) and then another 2400+ adults. Here is the response I received taken from email....
--------------------------------
I am really sorry but we just cannot allow that at this time. I personally believe in this cause and would gladly sign the petition but would prefer not to have our athletes and their families approached during our event. There will be many families there altogether with young children and I just feel that it just would not be the time or place for something like this.
I hope that you understand.
I hope that you understand.
---------------------------------
My initial thought was WTF? "you believe in the cause, and would sign the petition" but you don't want me there WITH the petition... how exactly would you be signing it???
"families there all together with young children... not the time or place" uh... isn't that the PERFECT time and place?
I wonder how many of the 2400 kids there have a coach who molested them, or are being coached during that very tournament by a Pardoned, Sex offender and their parents don't even know it? Looking at all the stats, I'm assuming the chances are pretty darn good. My question back to her was "well, do you think it's fair for you to decide whether or not these parents want to support the petition? Isn't it their right to be given the information and make their choice?" I mean hellooooo, lady.... you're not even giving these parents the choice you're deciding for them.
So, in an effort to continue on with obtaining signatures at that particular event, I was advised to speak to the "big cheese" at the City who is in charge of the arena. If we have his approval to do this inside the facility, we don't need the tournament committee approval. I have been given a nod that it will probably go well, but one can never tell. In the event that the city says no, we can still go outside. So regardless, I will be there, I will have it signed, and then I will send my petition to the MP, approval or not.
Well, it's been a long day for me and as much as I'm sure you love to hear me yak... well I guess "read' me yak, I will depart from my blogging.
Have a wonderful night, and thank you for reading. (an even BIGGER thank you if you're helping the cause!) :o)
No one wants to believe this happens.
ReplyDeleteNo one wants to talk about it.
No one wants to hear about it.
I live this every day.
All the more reason to keep on talking, and keep on listening. I'm sorry you have to live with this everyday, but remember that you're not alone in it.
ReplyDeleteWe are all in this together and as such we will change this. We will stop the monster. Thank you to the ladies who started the Facebook group and thank for being more than words, but action as well. So many people will say they'll do something (and I'm sure we've all been guilty of this at least once) and never do it. But the fact that so many people have pulled through and are making a fuss over this...the government has no choice but to listen to us. They will listen and hopefully they will take it to heart. Hopefully Stephen Harper will be more action than words because as of right now, he is only words.
ReplyDeleteTo k.... ((HUGS)) and stay strong. Get out if you can. It took 10 years for my experience to stop and it's made me that much stronger- it's the reason I joined the group and the reason I have 19 damn signatures on the petition and the reason I will more than 25 damn signatures on that petition. The very thought makes me sick and angry. But anger is what is needed to change.
Now that I've pretty much blogged for myself here...
PEACE, LOVE and LIGHT to all survivors.
United we stand, divided we fall.
No one wants to believe it can happen in their family or their own little groups. Well, we know all too well that's exactly where it does happen. How sad that someone who works with and attempts to empower young people can't see past their own insecurities...shame on them.
ReplyDelete