Human rights begin at home

The way we treat our fellow human beings tells something about us as individuals and as a people. Wars are fought over the issue, whether the Civil War and slavery, World War II and the Holocaust, the Cold War and communism, or the War in Iraq and human rights.

But one need not look far from home to find examples of abuse of human rights.

One such issue is being addressed by the Boy Scouts of America, which has designated April as Youth Protection Month, in response to the broader designation of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since 1988, the Boy Scouts of America has provided adult and youth training to combat this society problem.

For more than 90 years, Scouting has taught its members basic life values, and as adults, they are shocked by the magnitude of the child abuse problem.

During Youth Protection Month, the Overland Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America is conducting youth protection training for its 10,000 youth and adults. As a community service effort, the council will provide this training to other youth-serving agencies within the community.

"The Boy Scouts of America advocates parents becoming actively involved with their children," said David Plond, Scout Executive for the Overland Trails Council. "Scouting stresses the importance of parents having ongoing communication with their children. I know that this may be difficult, especially for working parents and parents with adolescents, but it is worthwhile to talk to your children every day and take time to listen and observe. It may be the most important contribution you make in the life of your child."

For more information, contact Plond at (308) 382-3717. Our gratitude to the Boy Scouts and many other agencies striving to reduce and eliminate child abuse in our society.