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NJS Coalition Rally
Indianapolis, Indiana August 29 and 30 2003
Signs, people, leaders, petitions, children, advocates, activists! All together fighting for the battle against the malicious marauders of the Child Protective Services. These are the people who made it possible to have an impact on the city, the state and the constituents. Much was learned this weekend, both by the people and by the groups involved.
Groups were represented for Families at Risk, Vocal, Shattered Men, Jail4Judges, NJS Coalition, local churches, and AFRA! A very diversified bunch, a very learned group, a very informative situation.
The media made it for a few moments, took pictures and video of the groups as we walked and passed out information to the masses. They were not as involved as we had hoped, but any coverage was better than none. We were even told by a lady that she had seen our story on the television.
They also aired an article of a foster family who made the children drink vinegar and eat hot peppers as punishment for not listening and doing what they wanted them to do. It is definitely time to break loose on the evil system.
We talked of many things, educated each other and educated the public.
We made a tentative plan to unify the leaders of the groups in order to have a more defined and clear advance in the fight against this system and the other areas of need for advocacy. We all hope that some form of leadership will result to bring together all the groups in force and make real life changes in laws and in the enforcement of the laws.
These people walked the lines in the rain, the hot sun, the humidity and the hunger and thirst we all endured. Proving they are dedicated to the cause, dedicated to the fight and to each other.
Al Risch from Vocal made an appearance on Friday, gave some information and helped to forward the cause and the rally for the next gathering. This was extremely appreciated and well received. Al is a very educated and knowledgeable person involved in the fight. His help is greatly accepted and appreciated.
Brother Cletus of Families at Risk and the Church without walls brought his signs and his experiene on the lines to the rally along with his wife and beautiful child. Sarah his daughter was completely effective in handing out flyers and getting the attention of the people.
Julie and John Phillips spent both days handing out flyers about their case of 10 children removed and placed with foster care. They were diligent in their workings and put much effort into making an impact. They were integral parts in getting the stories out!
Ken from Shattered Men came both days also, he spread the Word of God and allowed people to understand that it is not only the women who are abused and battered and wronged in cases by CPS and other informed agencies.
Misty Ray came down from Marion and joined the lines on Saturday. She helped to get the information out and to give transportation to the others who needed it to get back and forth.
Passion and Emotion is what brings folks to the lines, it is what keeps us motivated and it shows others just what can be done!
Our first Rally proved to be a good effort, and we hope with the help of others such as Al and Mary from VOCAL and Brother Cletus from Families at Risk, that we will have more that simply grow and become much more organized and effective.