Every Day in the USA Three Children Die as a Result of Child Abuse“Every day in our country more than three children die as a result of child abuse in the home. More children, under the age of four, die from child abuse and neglect than any other cause of injury death for infants and young children. It is absolutely unacceptable that this is happening in our country and we must alter these statistics.” Spokesperson and Executive Board Member of Child Abuse Prevention Arizona“I began my journey with Child Abuse Prevention Arizona ten years ago when I was named a spokesperson for the Arizona Chapter of the (NCPCA) National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, now known as PCA (Prevent Child Abuse America). As a spokesperson I traveled extensively around the state of Arizona speaking to children, parents and parents-to-be about the importance of stopping the abuse. With programs in place even before a child is born, parents have an array of resources available to them. I served as an active member of the executive board of Child Abuse Prevention Arizona for several years as board secretary and I co-chaired our biggest event, The Milk Carton Boat Derby. I also acted in a Public Service Announcement for one of our largest prevention campaigns, “Not Even for a Minute” which stresses the importance of keeping children out of parked cars in the Arizona sun. Our organization helped not just to found and promote those causes, but also to raise awareness of the alarming child abuse statistics in the state of Arizona. ” Impacting Child Abuse Statistics on a National Level“Knowing
that I can help a child see some glimmer of hope is key, and the
hope and healing my work in child abuse prevention has given back
to me is immeasurable. While it is crucial that we help children
who feel the helplessness and isolation after abuse, wouldn’t
it be wonderful if we could prevent the abuse and subsequent feelings
from happening in the first place?. My goal is to continue my work
to end child abuse not just in the state of Arizona but around the
country and eventually I plan to tackle the rest of the world, where
we tend to turn a blind eye to the abuse that occurs daily.” Platform related organizations Jessica has been involved with:Prevent Child Abuse America Non platform related organizations Jessica has given her time to:MADD – Mother’s
Against Drunk Driving Click here to read an excerpt from the Book
about giving back: Have you had trials and tribulations in life? Unless you’re very young or very lucky I’m sure you have. Well, I have good news for you! This is the perfect opportunity for you to turn your hardship into something positive not just for you but for those in your community, state and maybe even across the nation! How you ask? Well, that’s up to you. How hard are you willing to work for your cause? Is this really important to you, or are you only choosing a platform because you have to or you think it will help you win? I hope the latter is not the case. Whether the system you are competing in requires it or not, I believe that every young lady should have a platform, a charity that she chooses to give her time and efforts to. If you can personalize the platform I suggest you do that. It will bring more passion to the cause and you really will be more likely to want to give your time and efforts to help people that you can truly empathize with. That being said don’t choose a charity that deals with something that you don’t think you can speak about in length in front of many people. That’s not to say that the first time won’t be difficult because it could be, but can you pick yourself up and be an effective speaker/leader for the cause from that point on? If the answer is yes, then choose a platform you have personal experience with and help yourself heal and serve as a role model to others who are living with the same issue. It is important to keep in mind that you
can help with any cause even with a local title. The crown and sash attract
attention and subsequently bring that attention to the cause you are
working for. Whether the sash says Miss XYZ City or Miss United States
of America will not truly be relevant to the young girls and other people
attending the event you are donating your time too. People are just enamored
with the idea of a beauty queen and they will listen a little longer
and harder when that crown is on your head. So, use that power to help
others and use your voice to loudly and proudly stand up for a worthy
cause!! Some causes to which you could give your time: Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness **This is just a sample of the various causes that could use your time, whether you are competing or not.
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