You can work to bring the missing home by being aware of the open cases of missing kids in Minnesota, and across the country.  The BCA Clearing house page of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension list many of the posters of people currently missing in Minnesota.

Please take a little time to look at the posters.

Today, we will feature:.

LeeAnna Marie Warner

Five things YOU can do to "Make Noise" for kids!

April 18th, the Association of Missing and Exploited Children Organization (AMECO) launched the “Make Noise” campaign.

Introducing the speakers who would be addressing the combined audience of law enforcement and non-government organization representatives, Wendy Jolley-Kabi described a conversation with Patty Wetterling, mother of Jacob Wetterling (missing since 1989).  Wetterling reportedly requested that there not be a “moment of silence” for the missing, but instead that we make noise for the missing and exploited children.

As a charter member of AMECO, Missing Children Minnesota wholeheartedly agrees that we need to make some noise. The time has come to put the issue of missing and exploited children before the public, and empower our communities to end these problems. There has been some cynicism against “slacktivism” in the social media lately.  Somehow, we seem to have gotten the idea that “awareness” cannot solve anything.

With the issue of missing and exploited children, nothing could be further from the truth.  In a time where organizations that serve children and families with prevention education and search support remain under-funded, “awareness” is the life-blood of action.  We need the engagement of our communities to do our work.  We need to be invited to present our programs.  We need parents to call us when they have questions about how to protect their children. 

Parents need to be aware of their resources for prevention and for searching in their time of need.  Children need to be empowered by awareness to keep themselves safe.  Potential abductors and exploiters of children need to be aware that they will be found and prosecuted if they harm children.

Awareness isn’t the end of the line of what we can do, but it is the only solid beginning.  This is not a problem that can be solved with ignorance and apathy.  So, now, what can you do to bring safety to the kids in your life?

1)      Talk to your child’s school, your church youth leaders, your scout troop leaders, your day-care provider about bringing Missing Children Minnesota’s prevention education programs to the children that they serve.  Our programs are age-appropriate, non-threatening, simple, comprehensive, clear and empowering for kids and parents alike.

2)      Contribute to Missing Children Minnesota.  The great thing about contributing to an organization like MCM, is that it is a literal truth that “every little bit helps”. As a very small organization with a five-figure budget, we literally notice every $5 donation, and we spend it very carefully. We don’t just appreciate your $5 donation, we make it mighty!

No group is turned away for inability to pay.  Over half of the prevention programs we do are offered at free or reduced rates, and the full rate is merely “at cost”.  The maximum fee is the cost of presenting the program: usually averaging out to about $2/ child.

3)      Open the lines of communication: "Like” our page on Facebook, or follow us on twitter.  We frequently bring information about missing kids, and about current issues that will help you make a noise for kids as well.   If you are a member of an underserved community, or have special skills or insights that will help us engage with your community, reach out and let us know what we can do to partner with you.

4)      Sign up to get electronic Amber Alerts in your area at https://www.wirelessamberalerts.org/index.jsp

5)      Sometime between now and May 25^th (National Missing Children Day), plan to “Take 25” with your kids.  Take twenty-five minutes (or more) to talk to them about personal safety.  If you need a hand with this, you can take a look at our blog, or our facebook page for ideas on age-appropriate conversation starters, safety tips, and more.

Newsletter for Sept 2011 up on Scribd

Don't miss our Sept. Newsletter.  If you are on our mailing list, you will probably find it in your mailbox in the next couple of weeks.

If you can't wait, or are not yet on our mailing list, you can read it online here.

You can learn more about this year's Mystery Dinner, which will be cowboy themed; complete with BBQ pulled pork and chicken (as well as vegan baked beans).

The Mystery Dinner will be held at University Lutheran Church of Hope on Oct. 29th. A social hour will begin at 5:00PM, with dinner served at 6:00PM.

Tickets can be purchased here.

We are looking forward to a really good time, with good food and a silent auction full of great values!

Back to School Safety

As we head back into the school year, and prepare our kids for the changes that returning to school in a new grade brings, it is easy to overlook safety in the hustle and bustle of school supplies and paperwork.

Every year, your child will have different social, personal, and academic needs and concerns.  Some of these will require an updating of your families safety plan.

Is your child active and on-the-go?  Do you live in a neighborhood where your child's friends are within easy walking distance?   Does your child roam the neighborhood, or spend hours pouring over books at the library? 

No one safety plan is right for every child, or every family.

Fortunately, NCMEC can help with a few lists of suggestions. Take a minute to review them, and then talk to your child to work out a plan that you can all live with and follow.

Back to SChool Safety Tips
Cybersafety an cyberbullying
Home Alone Safety

And, as always, if you would like to bring Missing Children Minnesota to your school, daycare, church group, community group or youth group, contact us and we can discuss our various safety education programs and help you decide which ones will be beneficial for your group.

Vikings cheerleaders will appear at Golf Classic!

Two Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders will appear at the Golf Classic.

Their appearance will consist of meeting/greeting guests, signing autographs, taking photos, and selling calendars.

If you have not yet registered for the Golf Classic, just click on the link below, print out the form, fill it out and mail it in.  Otherwise, you can register by calling Jerry Myers   (651) 204-0834 or emailing  jerry@clientfirstnetwork.com

http://www.scribd.com/doc/53549656/4rd-Annual-Golf-Flyers-2011

The cheerleaders will be appearing during the social hour beginning at 3:30PM.

Donate your scrap metal to MCM!

We are having a scrap metal drive to raise money for MCM.  If you have any scrap metal, especially iron or copper, please bring it to Becca's house on May 28th, 29th 0r 30th.

1221 Russel Ave North
Minneapolis, MN 55411

We will recycle it and the money will be used for our programs and services!  Thanks!  Please only bring metal.  We are not prepared to handle any other items or substances.

Carol talks to channel nine news!

Here you can see a clip of Carol talking about Missing Children Minnesota, and some of our programs on the channel nine news!


http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/health/director-discusses-luring-danger%2C-safety-apr-4-2011