U.S. Special Forces killed Usama Bin Laden one year ago. As the 1st anniversary approaches, Americans are being warned to stay alert as terrorists may be planning violent acts of revenge. Brave American soldiers removed this ego-driven man, however, his behavior should be a wake up call for everyone. Bin Laden was part of a very dangerous worldwide movement.
In primitive societies, tribal men fight to gain control of a tribe. A new leader assumes power as followers give away their power to a stronger, smarter and wiser man. The leader can manipulate and set up secret alliances to protect his authority. With growing support and an inflated ego, he may try to gain control of other tribes to increase his dominance.
Primitive behavior begins at an early age. The schoolyard bully discovers a false sense of power when no one intervenes. The teenage boy controls his girl friend with threats (1 in 5 girls experience dating violence). The husband abuses his wife (1 in 4 women in abusive relationships). 800,000 American gang members use fear and intimidation to control neighborhoods. Gangs commit eighty percent of all urban crimes as citizens hide behind locked doors. (The first four months in 2012, Chicago had 120 murders and 490 people were victims of gun violence.)
Just like tribes, gang followers are spiritually blind and band together to support their leader’s cause, which includes human trafficking, prostitution, drugs and weapons. They become destructive, driven by power and money.
Cult leaders are primitive men in disguise, often hiding behind religion. They control whole communities and brainwash followers. Jim Jones, David Koresh and Bin Laden died along with hundreds of followers rather than accept interference from authorities.
Cults do not allow freedom of thought or human rights. They write laws to control women so men have total authority. Cult extremists pass laws and cover women from head to foot. Women disappear from community participation. Their role is to give birth and take care of men. Primitive men severely punish anyone daring to challenge them. Followers lose their freedoms, in the name of a god.
Dictators have ruled for centuries! Seventy-five years ago, Adolph Hitler tried to conquer Europe. Today, Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad kills his own people to stay in power. North Korea’s Kim Jung Il began his ruthless regime 100 years ago. Kim Jung Un continues to rule as North Koreans starve. Iran’s religious dictators threaten Israel. These power hungry men feel invincible as they intimidate free people with nuclear threats. The world has an abundance of evil men willing to kill for power and control. They lie to accomplish their goal, use fear to immobilize their enemies and would rather die than lose their power.
Primitive men can only stay in power as long as people don’t understand the power of the human spirit. When citizens stand together, speak up and refuse to give away their freedoms, the people will prevail and restore their God given rights. When Americans decide to work together for home, neighborhood and community peace, we will see a gradual decline in controlling boys and men. And, cities and countries will no longer tolerate self-serving power hungry men.
A spiritual awakening is happening! Americans are getting involved to create healthy, safe communities for families. Americans, by example, can lead the way to world peace. As the awakening unfolds, nations will follow America’s lead to discover greater freedoms, new innovations and peaceful co-existence.
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
www.safekidsnow.com
Showing posts with label drugs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drugs. Show all posts
Friday, April 27, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
WHY KIDS TAKE DRUGS!
George Will’s article (Times 4/5/12), “Should U.S. legalize drugs?” needs national discussion. Will states, “20 percent of all prisoners – 500,000 - are incarcerated for dealing drugs and alcohol causes half of criminal violence.” Interdiction and incarceration cost billions…some say, “Let’s just try legalization.”
Today, drugs impact children as young as ten, sniffing, puffing and drinking for a thrill or to feel good. Adults should ask…why are young people using drugs instead of learning how to live happy, healthy, productive lives?
WHAT HAPPENED?
Drugs have been around for centuries! As a mother, grandmother and crime prevention specialist for 35 years, I have seen American values, attitudes and parenting skills change which fueled the drug epidemic.
Families grew weaker. A growing number of “helicopter parents” don’t let children make mistakes, solve problems or suffer the consequences for bad behavior. Continually hovering, rescuing and controlling a child’s life, takes away their self-confidence, making him or her dependent. Children become targets for bullies.
Sensitive children suffer in silence as they struggle to fit in and be accepted. They don’t know how to handle rejection, failure, humiliation or bullying and focus on emotional pain, which leads to depression.
Without self-awareness, children become followers or may bully others because they are not on a path to discover their own identity. They feel powerless and escape in drugs, which masks the real problem. They have not been taught how to cope with the “slings and arrows” of life!
WHAT CAN ADULTS DO?
Children need two major factors to help them take responsibility for their future.
1. Learn to live by their inner spirit to grow strong and resilient.
2. Networks of support help youth develop healthy relationships.
The media bombards children with beautiful people, sex and violence. Parents can find emotional support in churches or synagogues, which provide mentors and role models. Connected children do not become socially isolated or turn to drugs.
Children need self-confidence to say NO to drugs, sex and abuse. Self-aware children learn to trust their conscience, intuition and instincts, which can protect them. A foundation of values leads to happy, healthy, productive youth.
Legalize drugs? Let’s focus on children growing from their spirit, not inflated egos of, “I am right,” “You are wrong.” When young people are on a path of self-discovery, they pursue their dreams and see no need to abuse drugs to feel good.
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
www.safekidsnow.com
www.facebook.com/stephanie.mann
Today, drugs impact children as young as ten, sniffing, puffing and drinking for a thrill or to feel good. Adults should ask…why are young people using drugs instead of learning how to live happy, healthy, productive lives?
WHAT HAPPENED?
Drugs have been around for centuries! As a mother, grandmother and crime prevention specialist for 35 years, I have seen American values, attitudes and parenting skills change which fueled the drug epidemic.
Families grew weaker. A growing number of “helicopter parents” don’t let children make mistakes, solve problems or suffer the consequences for bad behavior. Continually hovering, rescuing and controlling a child’s life, takes away their self-confidence, making him or her dependent. Children become targets for bullies.
Sensitive children suffer in silence as they struggle to fit in and be accepted. They don’t know how to handle rejection, failure, humiliation or bullying and focus on emotional pain, which leads to depression.
Without self-awareness, children become followers or may bully others because they are not on a path to discover their own identity. They feel powerless and escape in drugs, which masks the real problem. They have not been taught how to cope with the “slings and arrows” of life!
WHAT CAN ADULTS DO?
Children need two major factors to help them take responsibility for their future.
1. Learn to live by their inner spirit to grow strong and resilient.
2. Networks of support help youth develop healthy relationships.
The media bombards children with beautiful people, sex and violence. Parents can find emotional support in churches or synagogues, which provide mentors and role models. Connected children do not become socially isolated or turn to drugs.
Children need self-confidence to say NO to drugs, sex and abuse. Self-aware children learn to trust their conscience, intuition and instincts, which can protect them. A foundation of values leads to happy, healthy, productive youth.
Legalize drugs? Let’s focus on children growing from their spirit, not inflated egos of, “I am right,” “You are wrong.” When young people are on a path of self-discovery, they pursue their dreams and see no need to abuse drugs to feel good.
Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
www.safekidsnow.com
www.facebook.com/stephanie.mann
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
14 WAYS TO AVOID VIOLENCE!
DISCUSS WITH CHILDREN...
1. Keep your hands to yourself. Settle disagreements with words, not fists or weapons. (Parents…model non-violent behavior at home.)
2. If a bully provokes you, stay strong. Remember: If you react, he is in control. If you stay cool and calm, you are in control. Walk away!
3. If disputes escalate, seek help! Don’t form an audience. Encourage others to stop tolerating bad behavior.
4. Be alert! Find safe routes for walking to and from school, avoid hot spots (bully or drug house, group hang outs).
5. Know all your neighbors. (Parents: Ask trusted neighbors to be a safe house, if you are away and your child needs help.)
6. Trust your instincts! If they feel threatened or sense danger, get away fast. Run to a group of people, a lighted area or in a store for help.
7. Report any threats, destruction of property or suspicious activities to an adult, police officer or a school authority.
8. NEVER go with someone you don’t know and trust, even if he/she sounds like a nice person. If forced, fight back and run.
9. Don’t use alcohol or drugs. They reduce your self-awareness and make you an easy target for sexual assault and abuse.
10. If someone tries to be mean to you speak up with confidence and walk away. Report if the bad behavior persists. (Parent: Role-play with children what you want them to do.)
11. Hang out with friends who show support for each other. Avoid “friends” who bully, criticize, use put downs and make you feel bad.
12. Get involved in school and community activities (yearbook, chorus, plays, arts, church) to strengthen your network of supportive friend. (Parents: Children need a variety of friends to see and evaluate healthy relationships.)
13. Be a role model for others to follow. Volunteer at school or in the community. Learn to be a leader and encourage friends to join you.
14. Create a network of positive friends, family, neighbors and a religious family to help strengthen your character and ability to get along. A strong conscience (self-awareness) will keep you safe from harm.
For more information and resources: www.safekidsnow.com
1. Keep your hands to yourself. Settle disagreements with words, not fists or weapons. (Parents…model non-violent behavior at home.)
2. If a bully provokes you, stay strong. Remember: If you react, he is in control. If you stay cool and calm, you are in control. Walk away!
3. If disputes escalate, seek help! Don’t form an audience. Encourage others to stop tolerating bad behavior.
4. Be alert! Find safe routes for walking to and from school, avoid hot spots (bully or drug house, group hang outs).
5. Know all your neighbors. (Parents: Ask trusted neighbors to be a safe house, if you are away and your child needs help.)
6. Trust your instincts! If they feel threatened or sense danger, get away fast. Run to a group of people, a lighted area or in a store for help.
7. Report any threats, destruction of property or suspicious activities to an adult, police officer or a school authority.
8. NEVER go with someone you don’t know and trust, even if he/she sounds like a nice person. If forced, fight back and run.
9. Don’t use alcohol or drugs. They reduce your self-awareness and make you an easy target for sexual assault and abuse.
10. If someone tries to be mean to you speak up with confidence and walk away. Report if the bad behavior persists. (Parent: Role-play with children what you want them to do.)
11. Hang out with friends who show support for each other. Avoid “friends” who bully, criticize, use put downs and make you feel bad.
12. Get involved in school and community activities (yearbook, chorus, plays, arts, church) to strengthen your network of supportive friend. (Parents: Children need a variety of friends to see and evaluate healthy relationships.)
13. Be a role model for others to follow. Volunteer at school or in the community. Learn to be a leader and encourage friends to join you.
14. Create a network of positive friends, family, neighbors and a religious family to help strengthen your character and ability to get along. A strong conscience (self-awareness) will keep you safe from harm.
For more information and resources: www.safekidsnow.com
Sunday, July 17, 2011
12 Ways POLICE INCREASED crime!
Do you remember when neighbors knew every child on the block and they called parents if they misbehaved? At that time, neighbors knew how important it was to correct children before destructive behavior got out of control.
Over the years, Americans lost a critical balance between police and citizen responsibility for keeping neighborhoods safe. As citizens backed off, police increased visibility, involvement and technology to control behavior with limited success. Here are 12 ways police increased crime.
1. Police presented unrealistic expectations. National average approx 2.5 officers per 1000 residents. Police cannot keep your neighborhood safe.
2. Police became crime prevention “experts.” Citizens became passive “watchers.” Police and citizens lost a healthy balance of cooperation.
3. Police created dependency by assuming too much responsibility for minor problems including barking dogs, loud music, young vandals and bullies.
4. Police, in some areas, instill fear with local crime statistics. Citizens bought security systems or arm themselves fearing their neighbors.
5. Police increased anger. They received grants and staff support to “fix” neighborhoods. Neighbors backed off. When the money ran out, problems increased.
6. Police assume too much responsibility. Citizens blamed them for not doing their job. Result in some areas…hostility toward police, less cooperation and reporting.
7. Police increased neighborhood isolation. They held meetings and provided home security info. Neighbors arrived as strangers and left as strangers.
8. Police received community-policing grants. Citizens depend on police who didn’t live in the area. Policy shifts, officer leaves and crime, goes up.
9. Police, not parents or adults in the neighborhoods, became the symbol of authority and correction for youth.
10. Police assumed responsibility without understanding the benefits of neighbors solving problems and becoming role models for youth.
11. Police don’t say... it’s your responsibility to keep your neighborhood safe. Police react to crime, citizens prevent crime.
12. Police have many limitations. Residents must take back neighborhood safety if they want to keep children safe.
Americans can restore a healthy balance between police and citizen’s responsibility in the neighborhood. However, neighbors must be involved to help control criminal behavior and correct youth BEFORE they get involved in gangs, drug abuse and violence. Safe neighborhoods require mutual respect and cooperation.
For more information on what you can do to make your community safe, contact: www.safekidsnow.com
The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. -Albert Einstein
Over the years, Americans lost a critical balance between police and citizen responsibility for keeping neighborhoods safe. As citizens backed off, police increased visibility, involvement and technology to control behavior with limited success. Here are 12 ways police increased crime.
1. Police presented unrealistic expectations. National average approx 2.5 officers per 1000 residents. Police cannot keep your neighborhood safe.
2. Police became crime prevention “experts.” Citizens became passive “watchers.” Police and citizens lost a healthy balance of cooperation.
3. Police created dependency by assuming too much responsibility for minor problems including barking dogs, loud music, young vandals and bullies.
4. Police, in some areas, instill fear with local crime statistics. Citizens bought security systems or arm themselves fearing their neighbors.
5. Police increased anger. They received grants and staff support to “fix” neighborhoods. Neighbors backed off. When the money ran out, problems increased.
6. Police assume too much responsibility. Citizens blamed them for not doing their job. Result in some areas…hostility toward police, less cooperation and reporting.
7. Police increased neighborhood isolation. They held meetings and provided home security info. Neighbors arrived as strangers and left as strangers.
8. Police received community-policing grants. Citizens depend on police who didn’t live in the area. Policy shifts, officer leaves and crime, goes up.
9. Police, not parents or adults in the neighborhoods, became the symbol of authority and correction for youth.
10. Police assumed responsibility without understanding the benefits of neighbors solving problems and becoming role models for youth.
11. Police don’t say... it’s your responsibility to keep your neighborhood safe. Police react to crime, citizens prevent crime.
12. Police have many limitations. Residents must take back neighborhood safety if they want to keep children safe.
Americans can restore a healthy balance between police and citizen’s responsibility in the neighborhood. However, neighbors must be involved to help control criminal behavior and correct youth BEFORE they get involved in gangs, drug abuse and violence. Safe neighborhoods require mutual respect and cooperation.
For more information on what you can do to make your community safe, contact: www.safekidsnow.com
The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. -Albert Einstein
Saturday, November 27, 2010
FAQ's - From Stephanie, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
14. Violence is spreading throughout the world with religious leaders blaming and attacking free societies. What can be done?
Our freedoms are in jeopardy because our religious tolerance is being used against us. “Freedom of Religion” has never been an excuse to abuse women, control others or silence individuals.
What can we do?
America must become the role model by growing strong from within and working together. There is a huge difference between people controlled by religious leaders or government and a democratic society with people who are connected to each other to make their community safe. Know and respect your neighbor is critical in a free society. Americans must stop tolerating local crime and violence if we are to remain a free society.
A united community can keep gangs; hate groups, drug dealers, predators and potential terrorists in check, as they serve the needs of their children.
Remember: Every juvenile delinquent, bully, abused victim, drug dealer, gang member, potential terrorist, school drop-out and child struggling to grow up with domestic violence…lives in somebody’s neighborhood. Involved neighbors create safe, healthy neighborhoods for families to live and grow.
For more information go to: www.safekidsnow.com
Read all questions and answers on the website.
Our freedoms are in jeopardy because our religious tolerance is being used against us. “Freedom of Religion” has never been an excuse to abuse women, control others or silence individuals.
What can we do?
America must become the role model by growing strong from within and working together. There is a huge difference between people controlled by religious leaders or government and a democratic society with people who are connected to each other to make their community safe. Know and respect your neighbor is critical in a free society. Americans must stop tolerating local crime and violence if we are to remain a free society.
A united community can keep gangs; hate groups, drug dealers, predators and potential terrorists in check, as they serve the needs of their children.
Remember: Every juvenile delinquent, bully, abused victim, drug dealer, gang member, potential terrorist, school drop-out and child struggling to grow up with domestic violence…lives in somebody’s neighborhood. Involved neighbors create safe, healthy neighborhoods for families to live and grow.
For more information go to: www.safekidsnow.com
Read all questions and answers on the website.
Monday, September 13, 2010
WHAT'S GOING ON IN YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL?
2 stories from Rich, a school teacher, in Grand Rapids, MI. Outrageous stories? Why aren't parents and teachers banding together and speaking up for kids?
1. As an educator for 10 years, I was appalled when I worked at a charter elementary school where the daily violence was totally ignored. Gangs, boy and girl, guns brought to school, fights, broken walkie-talkies so no way to get help in an emergency and an administrator who put his ego in front of his school's kids and staff members. He still has his job!
Seven kids from this school have gone to prison and how this school stays open, I have no idea.
2. A middle school teacher rented a motel room and gave students pills and alcohol. Everyone knew about this. They finally got him after he led police on a high speed chase, intoxicated. The same district, had a janitor steal athletic equipment from lockers and sell everything on Ebay. $40,000 just disappeared from the district and the new superintendent just blew it off.
A varsity volleyball coach / elementary teacher attacked a big donor to the high school in an e-mail. The donor pulled over $3,000 in annual scholarships out of the school. The teacher/coach, athletic director and new superintendent never bothered to apologize to the donor. The athletic director's husband was picked up and prosecuted on peeping from a bathroom stall at kids in a mall bathroom.
READ Rebecca's comment...She is right on! Click below...
1. As an educator for 10 years, I was appalled when I worked at a charter elementary school where the daily violence was totally ignored. Gangs, boy and girl, guns brought to school, fights, broken walkie-talkies so no way to get help in an emergency and an administrator who put his ego in front of his school's kids and staff members. He still has his job!
Seven kids from this school have gone to prison and how this school stays open, I have no idea.
2. A middle school teacher rented a motel room and gave students pills and alcohol. Everyone knew about this. They finally got him after he led police on a high speed chase, intoxicated. The same district, had a janitor steal athletic equipment from lockers and sell everything on Ebay. $40,000 just disappeared from the district and the new superintendent just blew it off.
A varsity volleyball coach / elementary teacher attacked a big donor to the high school in an e-mail. The donor pulled over $3,000 in annual scholarships out of the school. The teacher/coach, athletic director and new superintendent never bothered to apologize to the donor. The athletic director's husband was picked up and prosecuted on peeping from a bathroom stall at kids in a mall bathroom.
READ Rebecca's comment...She is right on! Click below...
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Kids in Crisis: Share your ideas!
The California Youth Crisis Line receives around 21,000 calls annually. Youth are calling about homelessness, depression, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, suicide and more. Budget cuts are limiting crisis line services.
Share your thoughts! What can citizens do to help youth get connected?
Share your thoughts! What can citizens do to help youth get connected?
Sunday, May 16, 2010
14 killed each week in LA!
16 year-old Brandon Garrido was gunned down May 10th in Los Angeles. He was just one of 14 killed by violence in LA that week (740 a year). Click below to read the whole story!
If you want to help stop children from becoming victims, contact me. Stephanie
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126853039
If you want to help stop children from becoming victims, contact me. Stephanie
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126853039
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
How to create self-sufficient, resilient kids
Kids can make good choices! Parents...How many positive networks of support surround your child? They need family, extended family, religious family, supportive schools, good neighbors and friends. If kids feel loved and respected, you don't have to "control" their behavior, they will see...real power comes for self-control.
Monday, April 19, 2010
NEWS RELEASE
Adopt-A-Block Guidebook Offers Simple
Plan for Building a Great Neighborhood
Everyone wants to live in a great neighborhood and a new book shows anyone how to create one. The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook: 10 Steps to a Safe and Healthy Neighborhood offers a simple plan for making any community a better place to live.
In ten, easy-to-follow steps, the guidebook explains how a group of neighbors, members of a civic, service or religious organization, or local governments can “adopt” a one-block area and create safety zones throughout the community.
In this guidebook, readers will learn:
-how to “break the ice” to bring neighbors together
-the best projects for building bonds
-how connected neighbors help protect children – and improve property values
-limitations of governments – and costs of policing
“This guidebook helps neighbors connect with one another so they can break through the fear and isolation that fuels crime, drugs and other problems,” says Stephanie Mann, author of the guidebook and a pioneer in the Neighborhood Watch movement who helped her own community cuts its crime rate by 48% – without a police department. “By taking the action steps outlined in the Adopt-A-Block plan, neighbors become empowered and learn that they don’t have to tolerate destructive behavior.”
Already, the City of Richmond, California, which has been plagued with street violence, has purchased and distributed dozens of copies of the guidebook to local leaders and members of the faith-based community. Marilyn Langlois, Community Advocate in the Office of the Mayor in Richmond, has this to say about it: “The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook reminds us how important it is to build on the caring aspect of human nature in order to create supportive communities in which all can thrive,”
For more information: www.safekidsnow.com
Plan for Building a Great Neighborhood
Everyone wants to live in a great neighborhood and a new book shows anyone how to create one. The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook: 10 Steps to a Safe and Healthy Neighborhood offers a simple plan for making any community a better place to live.
In ten, easy-to-follow steps, the guidebook explains how a group of neighbors, members of a civic, service or religious organization, or local governments can “adopt” a one-block area and create safety zones throughout the community.
In this guidebook, readers will learn:
-how to “break the ice” to bring neighbors together
-the best projects for building bonds
-how connected neighbors help protect children – and improve property values
-limitations of governments – and costs of policing
“This guidebook helps neighbors connect with one another so they can break through the fear and isolation that fuels crime, drugs and other problems,” says Stephanie Mann, author of the guidebook and a pioneer in the Neighborhood Watch movement who helped her own community cuts its crime rate by 48% – without a police department. “By taking the action steps outlined in the Adopt-A-Block plan, neighbors become empowered and learn that they don’t have to tolerate destructive behavior.”
Already, the City of Richmond, California, which has been plagued with street violence, has purchased and distributed dozens of copies of the guidebook to local leaders and members of the faith-based community. Marilyn Langlois, Community Advocate in the Office of the Mayor in Richmond, has this to say about it: “The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook reminds us how important it is to build on the caring aspect of human nature in order to create supportive communities in which all can thrive,”
For more information: www.safekidsnow.com
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Drug Education
Involved PARENTS & drug educators are making a difference!
Educating kids in Middle School pays off!!
In 2004...43% of at high risk for using Ecstasy.
In 2009...Ecstasy down to 34%
In 1993...LSD use at 42%
In 2009...LSD use down to 21%
In 2001...Inhalants 46%
In 2009...Inhalants down to 34% (Source: OJJPD)
ARE YOU KNOWLEDGEABLE & DISCUSSING DRUGS WITH YOUR CHILD?
Check out...National Institute of Drug Abuse at: www.drugabuse.gov
Educating kids in Middle School pays off!!
In 2004...43% of at high risk for using Ecstasy.
In 2009...Ecstasy down to 34%
In 1993...LSD use at 42%
In 2009...LSD use down to 21%
In 2001...Inhalants 46%
In 2009...Inhalants down to 34% (Source: OJJPD)
ARE YOU KNOWLEDGEABLE & DISCUSSING DRUGS WITH YOUR CHILD?
Check out...National Institute of Drug Abuse at: www.drugabuse.gov
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