WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T CHANGE THE WORLD? This was Julie and Robin's battle cry. In their memory, I ask you to please consider making a contribution toward change in one of the following ways:

Make a difference through legislation

www.nvcan.org–this is the website for the proposed Constitutional Amendment for a Crime Victims' Bill of Rights. This is a divisive issue, and one that we should be seeing more and more in the coming years. Stay informed and VOTE!

http://home.sprynet.com/~statnisle/todo.htm–If you find that you disagree with the Victim's Bill of Rights, consider alternatives within your state or local legislature. Crime victims should have financial, emotional, and legal support within our communities, and this website lists some good ideas on how to get the ball rolling.

Make a difference through donation

www.salvationarmystlouis.org–this is my charity of choice. Julie and Robin donated their time to the Salvation Army's Family Haven shelter in St. Louis. You can make donations online.

Make a difference through action

VOLUNTEER! Your local charitable organizations need your time as much (and sometimes more) than they need your cash. This is one way everyone can make a positive contribution to our society. It's one very small way to initiate change toward a better world. Positive change can be contagious. Here are some organizations to consider:

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America: http://www.bbbsa.org

The Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/services/volunteer/

Volunteermatch: http://www.volunteermatch.org/

Make a difference through knowledge

The media coverage of victims and perpetrators of crime will not change until the public demands change. We have got to call them out on this crap. Become that annoying friend or co-worker who questions people on their conceptions of the media. Remind people that headlines = dollar signs and the truth isn't always easily accessible. Let's teach our children to become discerning media viewers/readers! Here are some great organizations that help promote media literacy:

http://www.medialit.org/

http://www.mediasmart.org.uk/

http://www.mediachannel.org/classroom/