Stop Gun Violence: Strengthen Families

Every day we hear news stories about GUN VIOLENCE! Since the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook, the media has focused on GUN CONTROL which divides Americans. City leaders have the power to bring people together to reduce fear and stop gun violence. Find out what community leaders can do to strengthen families. When we strengthen families with supportive neighbors, we can greatly reduce youth violence! For more information: Check out the "Adopt-A-Block Guidebook" for individuals, civic and church groups. www.safekidsnow.com/adoptablock.html Convention workshops available with Dr. Barbara Williams and Stephanie Mann. Contact us at: safeneighborhoods@gmail.com

Amid Perfect Storm for Violence, here's what to do!

(Published by the Bay Area News Group – Contra Costa Times 8-12-12)

The murder of 26 at Sandy Hook School in Newtown CT and 12 killed with 58 wounded at a theater in Aurora, CO are national tragedies sparking debate on gun control.  Based on my experience as a crime and violence prevention consultant, over the past 35 years, I see a need to share what I have learned about violence. (Remove my info and put in your info)

The seed for violent behavior begins at home. Parents good or bad are teachers. Disconnected families in conflict often fail to teach children how to develop healthy relationships.

Mental, physical or sexual abuse can make even the most intelligent child, anti-social. If children’s needs are not met, they can be thrown off balance resulting in anger and feeling powerless. These children can become targets for abuse at school, becoming isolated and alone.

Peers and society also influence impressionable youth. The breakdown in American culture has created a “perfect storm” for violent behavior.

The breakdown of the family

Family conflict, divorce and neglect can create confusion for children.  They often suffer in silence or become bullies with little compassion for others. If adults don’t listen, set boundaries and calmly discipline children, they can become frustrated and angry.

Without guidance and emotional support, children may fail to mature emotionally and often alienate classmates.

Children who excel in school can develop an inflated ego and feel smarter than others. Lacking self-awareness, a small percentage of youth seek revenge to get back at society for the pain they suffer.

Without a conscience, emotionally unstable youth can become obsessed and play “god” in other people’s lives, which can turn deadly.

The breakdown of neighborhoods

In many cities, neighbors are strangers. They expect someone else to solve problems and don’t see their role in keeping the neighborhood safe. This attitude creates social isolation with no check or balance on youthful misbehavior that can develop at an early age. Neighbors must become role models and demonstrate an interest in neighborhood kids.

The breakdown within cities

Disconnected residents allow fear to divide and conquer. Cities deteriorate as prostitutes, drug dealers, gangs and the homeless take over the streets. Neighbors don’t report criminal behavior and may even protect criminals.  Crime goes unchecked which allows gangs to fill the void. Without adult leadership, youth may turn to drugs, sex or other addictions to feel good while everyone else feels powerless! 

The breakdown of values in the media

Movies and television promote sex and violence because it sells. The entertainment industry reinforces human weaknesses. Children are desensitized as immature youth engage in sex and violence without understanding the consequences as moral values disappear.  We become what we promote as disconnected youth feel angry, alone and nobody cares.

The breakdown within the religious community

There are thousands of churches, temples and synagogues in America; however, they don’t work together to inform the community about the power of the human spirit. During the past 50 years, the religious community lost their influence following numerous scandals including pastors stealing from congregations and the abuse of children. Many churches become political action groups as religious leaders did little to bring the community together, spread the need for spiritual values or demonstrate the power of, “Love thy Neighbor.”

What can we do to stop the violence?

Community support strengthens families and helps parents raise successful children.  Here are two things you can do today:

- First, create a network of support around children to help them learn how to develop healthy relationships.  Group participation teaches children to respect others and develop self-control.  Network with friends and neighbors, and get children involved in a variety of activities.

- Second, find emotional support for children at a house of worship of your choice. Help children discover their spiritual center so they don’t become bullies or victims.  Children can discover their identity and become responsible and self-aware.  They will learn how to get along with peers and become better citizens.

Gun control is not the solution to this complex problem!  Government cannot fill the void with more laws or increasing control over American lives. Concerned citizens must work together to strengthen families, organize to make neighborhoods safe for children and get involved to make communities peaceful places to live.

Everyone will benefit as children grow up healthy, happy and able to reach their potential.

Stephanie L. Mann

Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant

www.safekidsnow.com

Guns, Ex-cop and Mental Health

Why would ex-police officer, Christopher Dorner, and an ex-Navy man turn violent toward the LAPD? Why has he targeted his rage toward innocent people?

What was missing in his life? What can you do to make sure boys do not become violent? Here is what I think, tell us what you think! SUBSCRIBE To find our podcasts and subscribe, go to www.safekidsnow.podcast.com or on Itunes. Available on your Iphone or Ipad, go to: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stephanie-mann-safe-kids-now/id548469786?mt=2

GUN Control Has Limitations!

Americans are very concerned about gun violence! Politicians are pushing for more gun control, however, guns are selling off the shelves and 250,000 people have joined the NRA since the tragedy at Sandy Hook. We need to bring Americans together, not divide the country!

As a crime and violence prevention specialist for 35 years, here are my thoughts! What do you think? (It may take a moment for PODCAST to appear.) If you want to help strengthen your community, join our Safe Kids Now Network! We will share with you what to do and how to do it! Contact us at: safeneighborhoods@gmail.com

BEYOND GUN CONTROL

Today in USA: 300,000,000 guns in circulation! 

Americans are divided over GUNS! Will more gun laws protect our children?
Let's broaden the discussion, bring people together and work for community change!

      IT IS UP TO ALL OF US TO PROTECT CHILDREN!

"Beyond GUN Control" Tell us what you think! This is your country!

 
Comment from Ed Delph in Arizona "It is getting pretty tough out there. The more DC legislates the worse it will get. To try and have a behavior change without a family values change will never work. It is amazing how they want to go after the gun rather than the values. People have always had lots of guns in this country. What has changed is humanism has changed the values...from constructive to destructive...." Ed

Contact us or for more information...www.safekidsnow.com

Spiritual Crisis - Boys and Guns - Part 6

The terrible tragedy in Newtown, CT is a WAKE UP CALL!  We must broaden the discussion beyond GUNS! 

 
Over the years...What went wrong?  Why are American young men killing innocent people and children on our streets and in our schools, malls and places of worship?

Here are my thoughts!  What do you think?

Spiritual Crisis - National Tragedy - Part 5

Wake up call for community ACTION!  May these beautiful children and adults rest in peace! 

WE CAN DO BETTER AMERICA!  How sad!  Another national crisis as we lay to rest 20 children and 6 adults in Newtown, Conn.  We must move beyond politicians and gun control to stop violent behavior in our cities and now...a small community.  I invite you will add your ideas and comments!

For the series, "Spiritual Crisis in America" podcasts: Click Here

THE PERFECT STORM FOR GUN VIOLENCE

Here are 14 reasons why America has become the most violent industrialized nation in the world.

- 51% of marriages fail
- 25% of women in abusive relationships
- Children ignored or abused at home
- Gangs offer protection and support
- Drugs offer escape and money
- Neighbors are strangers
- Cities cutting budgets
- Teachers are overwhelmed
- Police try to control criminal behavior
- Religious leaders ignore local community problems
- Adults blame others for their failings
- Parents don’t take responsibility for their child’s behavior
- Families overindulge or over protect children
- Easy access to guns

Community support and involvement strengthens families. It takes a village….

Every day more than 80 Americans die from gun violence. (Source: Coalition to Stop Gun Violence)

Stephanie Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant

Guns are not the issue!

We can’t stop violence, if we continue to assume guns are the problem. Columnist Tammerlin Drummond’s article, “Abundance of guns is root issue” (Contra Costa Times, 12-26-10), does NOT address the root cause for violent behavior.

Many adults feel threatened and buy guns for family and home protection. Disconnected angry teens buy guns to feel powerful. The proliferation of guns is a symptom of bigger issues.

Root causes for destructive behavior.
1. Spiritual ignorance – Many children are growing up with mental, physical or sexual abuse at home (1 in 4 women in abusive relationships). Children learn the biggest bully wins! Without any spiritual understanding of self and lacking self-confidence, teens can be sucked into gangs for a sense of belonging and support.

2. Social isolation fuels violence – When young people lack a network of support from family, neighbors or a religious family, children do not learn self-discipline or how to handle their anger. When responsible adults create a network of support around children, families will welcome guidance and correction from friends, teachers and neighbors. As neighbors connect with each other, they build trust, stop tolerating bad behavior and often become mentors for children on the block. Children need a sense of community to develop respect for others and their property. Caring neighbors and community support teaches children how to become contributing members of the community.

A goal for the future… There are 463 churches in Oakland CA. (4th most dangerous city in US) If churches would adopted just one block and help neighbors connect with each other, city life would gradually become healthy, happy places for children to grow strong and resilient. Neighbors would not feel the need to buy guns for protection.

Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Safe Kids Now!

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.

What's happening in your city?

Did you know...4,435 children are arrested EVERY DAY!

Did you know that 9 children and teens are killed by firearms EVERY DAY in America?

Find out what you can do! Contact us at: www.safekidsnow.com Together can stop this shameful waste of human potential!