Small pins carry big message
They’re small pins, only about an inch tall, but they deliver a powerful message about domestic abuse. Those who wear them have pledged to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and children.By: Al Edenloff, Alexandria Echo Press
- After the pledge
- Picking up pins
They’re small pins, only about an inch tall, but they deliver a powerful message about domestic abuse.
Those who wear them have pledged to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and children.
About 50 members of the community attended a kick-off event for White Ribbon Month on Friday organized by United Communities Advocating Non-Violence (UCAN).
They heard from Rick Golden, a member of the men’s action subcommittee of UCAN. He noted that 732 domestic abuse calls were reported to the local law enforcement center in 2012.
“If you don’t think it [domestic violence] happens in our tiny little community, think about that. That’s two calls a day,” Golden said.
Chuck Nettestad told the group how the White Ribbon Campaign began after 14 women were massacred in Montreal, Canada in 1991. Since then it has spread to 60 different countries.
“Violence affects all of us,” Nettestad said. “We need to shine a light on this subject, keep the heat on it.”
He encouraged those who see others wearing a white ribbon to acknowledge the effort and give them a “thumbs up.”
Susan Keehn with Someplace Safe encouraged the group to attend Action Day to End Violence Against Women. It will take place at the Minnesota State Capitol on Tuesday, March 12.
Participants will meet with legislators, attend a men’s rally and a youth event and then rally in the Capitol’s rotunda at 1 p.m. Someplace Safe will offer a school bus ride to the event with students and adults from the community at no cost. Those who are interested in going should contact Someplace Safe at (320) 762-1995.
Someplace Safe is also holding its annual open house and thank you reception this Thursday, March 7 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 700 Cedar Street, Suite 237 in Alexandria. Light refreshments will be served and a short program will start at 9 a.m.
“Together, with UCAN and all of us in the community, we can make a difference,” Keehn said.
Those attending Friday’s kick-off received White Ribbon pins that they’ll take back to their company or organization. UCAN hopes to distribute about 2,500 pins that residents will wear to show their support in preventing domestic violence.
If you would like to know where to get a ribbon or are interested in volunteering, e-mail peaceinalexandria@hotmail.com or call (320) 763-3968. UCAN is also online at www.ucanalexandria.com and www.facebook.com/ucaninc.
Tags: local news, white ribbon, news, abuse
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