Our program today was presented by the organization "Guardians of the Children"; which is a branch off from "Bikers Against Child Abuse". They are a child advocacy group that functions similar to CASA, but their interaction with the abused child begins once court proceedings have been scheduled. The mission of the Guardians of the Children is to recognize and educate the public, and to provide strength to families in crisis.
The patch in the picture above is one that must be earned and has great significance:
Maroon color: for the pain the child endures by the hands of others
Black: for the dark times abused children live in
Silver: is the lining, a ray of hope that someday the abuse will stop
The Scales: they are unbalanced and remain until such time that
justice is served on all those to blame
The Shield and Swords: our tools. A Guardian must battle those
whom oppose
The Archangel wings: send a message of utmost importance
Each child that the Guardians of the Children take responsibility becomes a very important and well protected person. The child becomes "adopted" by the entire group, receiving a "road" name, to help hide their identity, a badge making them "Little G's" and a stuffed animal that has received love from each biker, and a Guardians of the Children coin. This coin becomes their "SUPER POWER.
From adoption on, until age 18, this child is part of this family. The Guardians of the Children will provide escort into court, attend every court case, meeting, bathroom break, etc.. during the prosecuting stage, and are involved in holiday celebrations, gift giving, special events, etc. These kids are considered to be WARRIORS!
Questions after the program:
1. How does one become a Guardians of the Children? an applicant must pass both federal and state background checks and then serve a year long probationary period.
2. Where does their funding come from? They are 100% donation supported. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and the Guardians
hold a yearly fair with raffles, silent auctions, vendors, and monetary donations.
Next year, their event will take place on April 11, 2026, and the Kiwanis have been invited to participate by volunteering, setting up vendor booths, giving monetary donations, donating to silent auctions, etc.
The Guardians of the Children would love to be a part of our Kiwanis events!
