Guardians of the Children (GOC) was formed by a small but dedicated group of individuals in San Antonio, Texas who saw a need in their community and wanted to respond to that need. Child abuse and the ramifications of the abuse is a problem that affects all levels of our society and is something that we all must be willing to address, head on, if we are ever going to arrest/ reverse the trend. The GOC motto, "Don't Let Your Silence Drown Out Their Cries," addresses this specific issue. It's not enough to say you're against something, you must be willing to DO SOMETHING about the problem. The founders of GOC recognized that the smallest and most helpless members of our society were victims of selfish, manipulating, evil, cold-hearted predators and chose to DO SOMETHING to correct the problem. It was decided from the very beginning that rather than simply "picking up the pieces", it would be a better idea to concentrate some time and effort to prevention. This emphasis on prevention, as well as taking care of victims and their families after the abuse has occurred, is what separates GOC from similar organizations. As an organization comprised of bikers, one must have regular access to a motorcycle to become a member of GOC. This is very important because although there are many people and organizations who want to help the less fortunate in our communities, GOC accomplishes their mission in a very unique way. By using the biker image and persona, GOC is able to instill a feeling of safety in the hearts and minds of the victims and families it assists. Another component that enables GOC to accomplish its mission is the mentality amongst bikers that we are all part of something bigger and "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." If somebody attempts to cause harm to a biker they must, essentially, deal with his entire organization. If you knock a biker down, he will be back with plenty of support, and if you knock them down, there will be even more the next time-they will not waiver and they refuse to be beaten. The families that are assisted by GOC are actually adopted by the organization and are thus entitled to the same support offered to any of its members. This is reflected in its mission statement, "Our mission is to send a clear message to all who would abuse children that we are prepared to protect these children through our physical and emotional support. GOC does not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner. However, if we as a group, or as an individual, must act to prevent the abuse of another child, we will do so." It is this type of support that has allowed numerous victims to reclaim their lives and take the witness stand in court to face their perpetrators thus resulting in many, many years that must be spent behind bars for these menaces to society. Another part of the GOC mission statement states, "We exist to educate the public about child abuse, and create a safer environment for abused and neglected children." The success of GOC in accomplishing its mission has been recognized by case workers from Child Protective Services, the court system, elected officials, other community organizations, and other motorcycle clubs/ organizations. Through faithful dedication to its mission statement, GOC has been able to establish numerous chapters across the United States in a very short period of time. Unfortunately, child abuse is a huge problem and there is a lot of work that must be done to eliminate it from our communities. Although every GOC member dreams of the day when an organization such as theirs is no longer needed, GOC will continue its mission to "create a safer environment for abused and neglected children" as long as the need exists. GOC must be invited by the parent / guardian of the victim in order for them to become involved with the victim. Victims and their families learn about GOC through members of GOC, a case worker or victim's advocate, from law enforcement personnel, the GOC website or pamphlets, or any number of other means. If the child and parent / guardian think they would be interested in the support provided by GOC, they call a representative of the local GOC chapter and an initial meeting is scheduled. During this initial meeting, representatives of GOC meet with the parent / guardian to explain the organization and how it may offer support and to answer any questions that may exist. If the parent / guardian still believes they would like to become a part of GOC, an adoption is scheduled. During the adoption, as many members as possible from the local chapter and surrounding chapters of GOC will arrange a meeting place so they can arrive, as a group, at a predetermined place (it may be the child's home,a local park, church, etc.) A ceremony is then performed whereby the child is adopted into GOC- they receive a vest much like the one worn by the adult members, a plaque that honors them as a member of GOC, and a Teddy Bear that is passed around to all the members who hug the bear (the child is then told that the bear is full of hugs and if they ever feel scared or worried or they just need a hug, to hug the bear). During the ceremony, the parent / guardian and child are also provided with a business card of local liaisons they may contact 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week if they ever feel the need. The special day normally ends with a ride on the motorcycle of the child's choosing and a big farewell with a group photo which is given to the child as well. (No pictures of the children are maintained by GOC, but Polaroid pictures or a disposable camera given to the family along with money for developing the pictures is how this activity is usually handled.) We maintain regular contact with the parent / guardian in order to stay informed of the child's needs and the status of the pending court case. If the case goes to court, members of GOC will accompany the child to court. (Many times GOC members are the only form of support the child has in the courtroom as family members are many times considered potential witnesses and, therefore, not allowed, in the courtroom.) If a perpetrator pleads out, thus negating the need for a court appearance, GOC remains in that child's life until such time they feel they no longer need the support. In addition to the court appearances, there are other events planned throughout the year to bring the smallest members of GOC together with other victims of abuse and their families. GOC routinely hosts Christmas parties and Halloween parties and has attended many birthday parties, football games, or any other special event where their presence is requested. Members of GOC come from all walks of life and all socioeconomic backgrounds and all members must pass a security/ background check. While the membership reflects the diversity present in society, in general, the unifying sentiment is that they all "stand ready to lend support to our little friends," and "help empower children to be courageous, even in the face of their ordeals." After filling out an application for membership, the security/ background check is completed and, if nothing is found to disqualify the applicant from membership, they are invited to become a member of GOC. After a period of approximately 12 months of satisfactory participation in GOC, the member is awarded the large back patch that signifies his commitment to the mission statement of GOC and, more importantly, to the adopted children and families who so desperately need their support in getting their lives back together. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others," and this rule certainly applies to a member's involvement in GOC. Countless members have commented that they feel so much better about themselves,and life in general, because they are able to give something back to somebody that has been abused. By making somebody else feel empowered and safe in their world, the one who provides that support receives the blessing ten-fold. As the news of GOC continues to spread across the United States, lives will continue to be changed for the better and those who have been victimized will find strength and support to tell their story so the evil and wicked people of the world won't be allowed to continue their destructive ways. We must heed the encouraging words, "Be the change you want to see in the world," and remember, "Don't Let Your Silence Drown Out Their Cries."
