When the National Coalition's Atlanta office interested a legislator in sponsoring a 2006 Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requiring filters in school and public libraries that received state funds, it had no idea how crucial that bill would become. CIPA, which passed unanimously, was intended to cover any gaps where a library might opt-out of federal funds requiring the filters. A year later, the federal CIPA act has been overturned by the Supreme Court, making the Georgia CIPA critical to the protection of children in Georgia. Representative Mike Keown sponsored the legislation with the full support of the National Coalition in Atlanta. Other states wishing a copy of the bill may contact Claire Hertzler, Atlanta regional director, claire@nationalcoalition.org.
The National Coalition is lending its support to the April 14 Midnight Candle Light Prayer Vigil for the Sexually Exploited Children of Atlanta at North Avenue Presbyterian and co-sponsored by Peachtree Presbyterian. A worship service will begin at midnight in the church, on the corner of North Avenue and Peachtree. Then the crowd will divide into groups to conduct prayer walks on the surrounding streets where soliciting of minors is said to have occurred. The crowd will maintain a presence on the corner until dawn when breakfast will be served at the church. The entire faith community has been invited as well as representatives from the Mayor's Office and agencies dealing with children on the streets. Please feel free to join in this important statement against child sexual exploitation.
This follows an ecumenical Faith Community Summit on Child Sexual Exploitation spearheaded by North Avenue Presbyterian and co-hosted by the Mayor's Faith-Based Round Table on March 20. The Mayor cleared her schedule to give a heartfelt message to the faith community about the challenge of child slavery in Atlanta. Dr. Scott Weimer, pastor of North Avenue, responded, "This is not acceptable," meaning that Atlanta is a hub for this exploitation.
Announcing The Parents Academy on the Sexualized Culture
As a follow up to “The 18 Year Talk” parent meetings in homes, the National Coalition's Atlanta office announces The Parents Academy on the Sexualized Culture.
The interactive, four hour course with multiple presenters empowers and equips parents to talk with their children and teens about developing healthy sexuality and negotiating the messages of the sexualized culture. The Parents Academy further empowers parents with an extended look at how the culture is sexualizing children and youth.
To schedule “The 18 Year Talk” for your friends or neighbors in your home or parent group at no charge, contact Claire@nationalcoalition.org. To schedule
The Parents Academy on the Sexualized Culture in your church or school, contact Claire@nationalcoalition.org. A registration fee of $35 per individual or $50 per couple is charged for the academy.
Interested in volunteering?
The National Coalition’s Atlanta regional office could use your help with event planning and administrative duties. For more information, please contact Claire Hertzler at (404) 817-0499.
In 1997, Atlanta Magazine named Atlanta “Sex City, USA” because of the 6,000 persons (4,000 of them dancers) then employed in the nude dance clubs. In 1998, the National Coalition named Atlanta as one of its Model Cities and established Citizens for Community Values/Atlanta to impact the culture here. In 2003, CCV/ATLANTA merged with the National Coalition, becoming one of its regional offices.
Current Projects:
Church Outreach
Taking Sex and Young America into as many churches, schools, and youth organizations as possible, beginning with a Parents Night
Establishing consulting relationships with church staffs and seminaries
Making presentations on Safe in Our Care, Hear my Sister’s Cries, Resurrecting Courtship, The Triple A Effect of the Internet, SafeSurfing, and The Addictive Nature of Pornography
Victim Assistance
Working by invitation with specific groups to prevent trafficking and prostitution
Offering a local HelpLine and referral service to victims
Legal and Public Policy
Possible billboard campaign against pornography
Child Internet Protection Bill passed unanimously in 2006 to require filters on all public libraries and school libraries which receive state funds.
What YOU can do in Atlanta:
Join the Intercessory E-Prayers.
Join the E-Campaigners to become an e-force in campaigns on urgent local and national issues
Volunteer for special events, speakers bureau, tech support, fund-raising, office staff
Refer anyone you know who may be dealing with sexual addictions, abuse, or whose loved one is to our local HelpLine at 404-745-9499
Invite us to your church or group to present one of the topics above
Invite us to consult with your staff about a language to begin dialoging on sexual issues.
To respond, write Claire@nationalcoalition.org or call 404-745-9499.
Past accomplishments include: Lending support to change the pimping of minors law from a misdemeanor to a felony and to the revocation of the licensing of The Gold Club; launching Victoria’s Friends; three annual Religious Alliance Against Pornography luncheons and one all-day workshop; Two CEU approved conferences on Sexual Addictions attracting 300 –350 licensed therapists; Fox 5 news segment on addiction to pornography; assisting over victims through the HelpLine; training 82 Sunday School teachers and other leaders in one church on “Safe In Our Care.”
