Dear Source,
From March 24, 1999, through April 30, 1999, I raised $450, 50 percent of what I made from my batiks, for Kidscope Inc. I invite the governor, lieutenant governor, senators, and delegate each to personally match or double my meager gift.
If an administration is to be successful at all, it must stop the victimization of its citizens. As our representatives you must take active part in supporting programs that raise the spirit of even its tiniest constituent.
How do you tell a child (or anyone) that has been raped (or abused in any way) to meet that experience as a challenge? With support these girls and boys, at this time in their lives, (any of us many times) can return again to the knowledge, the skills, and the belief in themselves (ourselves) to move forward.
I believe Kidscope's programs have that potential. There is always need for funds and/or donations for after school snacks, summer programs, a receptionist and volunteers for mentoring programs. They can be reached at 714-1012. Find out how you can help young people to learn, to grow, to become strong.
I do not know if I use the right words. I invite everybody out there who understands to join me. You may want to donate your tips for a week, one day's earnings, an hour of billing time, or figure out how much you would spend on a date and donate that amount to a positive, forward-moving cause. You may have another agency/program to join or support. Start the self-defense program in the schools, volunteer at a youth club, befriend an outcast, make life less scary. You may want to do something publicly, you may want to do it quietly.
But let's do something. Raise all our spirits from victim to victory. There is no excuse. If we stop being victims, victimizing will stop.
I want for these children what I haven't yet done for myself. If I can help someone get there perhaps I'll get there too.
Thank you.

Doreen E. Walsh
St. Thomas