#JusticeForEthan - Continuing the March
The Down syndrome community (or at least a significant portion) has been rocked to its very core by the killing of Robert "Ethan" Saylor.
If you're not familiar with his case, I've pieced together what I've read and posted my version of it here.
I should note that I do have a personal connection to Ethan and his family. You may have read about it on my blog. I do not however, claim to have any more knowledge of the case and events than anyone else in the general public. I've read everything I can find online, just like many other concerned parents. I do not claim to speak for the Saylor family. I speak out of concern for them, and for my own son. I'm moved to action for all of us. I'm one voice in the collective of outraged, saddened, and scared family members.
If you're not familiar with his case, I've pieced together what I've read and posted my version of it here.
I should note that I do have a personal connection to Ethan and his family. You may have read about it on my blog. I do not however, claim to have any more knowledge of the case and events than anyone else in the general public. I've read everything I can find online, just like many other concerned parents. I do not claim to speak for the Saylor family. I speak out of concern for them, and for my own son. I'm moved to action for all of us. I'm one voice in the collective of outraged, saddened, and scared family members.
One of those family members is a father who blogs anonymously under the name Little Bird's Dad. He created a campaign of action called "8 Days for Ethan." He did all the work and presented readers with concrete steps to take. The object was to simplify the action enough so that it could be completed in only 15 minutes per day. He obviously poured a great deal of time, energy, research, and compassion into each day's task. Followers, like me, were able to see concrete wins and feel like they were doing something positive. (Because they were)
I will admit, I was hesitant at first. I've spent some time out of the Ds advocacy biz, and I was getting used to it. I've never been the Brave Warrior type - unless Josh was directly affected. But I felt compelled to do something this time. This seemed, at first, a great way to start. Little did I know how much my personal comfort would be stretched in the process. There were several moments when I thought, "I don't really need to do THAT one do I?" But I kept with it, and I'm very glad I did. |
One the last day of his campaign, LBD challenged his followers to create their own 8 days of action in whatever way they felt comfortable. (brilliant). This way, the march continues and the voices clamoring for justice continue to multiply.
With that being said...I am going to attempt to carry this torch and create my own campaign for change.
I have to warn those who followed LBD: I'm not as articulate and savvy as he is. I may make typos, I will digress from "business only" from time to time. I have been known to get emotional (please forgive me). I completely expect to stumble and possibly fall flat on my face before this is over. BUT! I am going to give it the ol' college try. That's all I can do - and if you come with me on this journey, that's all that will be asked of you. My general philosophy on this is going to be "If you reach just one person - it's worth the effort." We never know exactly how things are going to turn out. (I know - preaching to the choir on that one) I'm guessing that when LBD started his campaign he could not have predicted that he would coax a 'semi-retired' parent advocate like me back into action. |
I will post a new opportunity for activism every Friday, for the next 8 weeks. I'll post them here, on Facebook (Walkersvillemomblog) and on Twitter @Walkersvillemom when they're ready. I hope you'll join me!
Other sites to visit for information on #JusticeForEthan
*These are just a few of the ones out there, I'll continue to add more as the weeks progress.