I am a Founding Father

(Originally posted November 22, 2006)

No, I don't profess to be a reincarnated Ben Franklin or Thomas Jefferson. The Founding Fathers are a brotherhood of men around the world united by the single goal of puting an end to violence against women and children. It began with a public declaration on Father's Day 2003:

"We call ourselves Founding Fathers because we intend for this crucial beginning to give way to a new kind of society - where decency and respect require no special day on the calendar, where boys are taught that violence does not equal strength and where men stand with courage, lead with conviction and speak with one voice to say, 'No more.'"

As part of the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the Founding Fathers initiative raises funds to support education campaigns for both parents and school leaders to teach tomorrow's generation hot to form healthy and respectful, nonviolent relationships.

Signing my name to the declaration was a symbolic gesture to me; a way of openly endorsing this idea and spreading the hope from this goal to others. Signing this declaration is a wonderful symbol, but it cannot stop there. We must Act as we Speak, because while a donation will help get the message out, only our example will teach the children in our life.

For more information on Founding Fathers, visit founding-fathers.org. and for info on the Family Violence Prevention Fund, visit endabuse.org.