The Measure of a Society

Yesterday, I attended the event that marked the beginning of public fund-raising for a new Child Advocacy Center in Sedgwick County.  The current place of business for those who fight child abuse and human trafficking is in the basement of the DCF building downtown.  It is cramped and uninviting.  There is not enough room for all aspects of the protection of children to be in one place, so families who are navigating the system have to travel from place to place and tell the story many times over.  The new center will have lots of room and be much more friendly to victims and families, and will have enough space to have everything in one place.

I felt a little like a fish out of water with all of the dignitaries and political-types who were there.  County commissioners, the mayor, the district attorney and other prominent people were there.  And then there I was, dressed in blue jeans with a rather ragged-looking wrap, compared to the others.

However, I believed it to be important that I was there.  Not because I have so much money to give to the cause, but because I believe in what is happening with this part of local society and want to support it any way I can.  Child abuse, neglect, and trafficking is a problem that should not exist; yet it seems to be getting worse rather than better.  Children should be loved, encouraged, valued, and appreciated.  Instead, many are considered objects of gratification, or things to be used.

It was heartening to see all who were there and the support they gave and are giving to this effort.  Perhaps we can at least send the message that we as a society in this place will not tolerate those who abuse their authority and misuse the trust children place in them.  Perhaps we can save a life and make a difference in the future of a child.  Perhaps we can enable an adult to change his or her way of life and become a productive citizen.

Child Advocacy is often one of those things that is pushed under the table or relegated to a corner of a building (or a basement).  Children don’t vote, and vested interests are strong to keep taxes low and the economy growing.  But, as my County Commissioner said at this gathering when I was visiting with him, “The measure of a society is how we deal with children and the elderly.”  Spot on.