A story of Courage and Redemption
Over thirty years ago, a very bad person, a "pillar of the community" took advantage of and sexually abused over 40 young people in Homewood, Alabama. That person, Don Corley, was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison for his evil deeds. A survivor of this heinous act, just recently shared his story with the top professional leadership of the BSA. That survivor, Jason Lee, Eagle Scout, and Tiger Cub leader, truly exemplifies the Scout Oath and Law in his life and actions. I am proud to know Jason and I value his friendship and leadership, but more importantly I am proud of all he is doing to save others from this type of abuse, I fully support his call to action and encourage each of you to join the cause. Let's do everything in our power to eliminate the sexual abuse of youth in our country and let's do everything in our power to make sure that those who abuse children in this way are fully prosecuted and held accountable for their actions.
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| Jason Lee speaking at 2017 Top Hands Conference |
I was serving as a District Executive,in the Birmingham Area Council,during the time that Don Corley was arrested. In 1995, Corley was convicted of molesting three boys, including Lee, and sentenced to 30 years in prison. I saw first hand the devastation that a sexual predator can do to a child, a family, and a community. I also saw how the Scout Executive of the Council, Jim Tinker, responded in the right way, to offer support to Jason and his family.
Jason approached the Greater Alabama Council back in 2012 to help in the fight to stop the parole of Don Corley, and we, as well as the national office, supported those efforts and encouraged others to send letters to the parole board. We are very proud of our Eagle Scout, Jason Lee and the courage and determination he has shown in advocating for victims and survivors of abuse.
Convicted Homewood child molester Don Corley denied parole again
Child molester Don Corley is right where he belongs: in prison
Some of you reading this blog, may not be familiar with the BSA youth protection guidelines and how BSA is structured, and I got a few emails from folks with questions, so I thought i might add a little additional information for those not familiar with the BSA procedures. Each local council implements the Youth Protection guidelines that the BSA has developed and refined over the years. I might add that these guidelines are based on years of development, implementation and adjustment as needed. I encourage you to go to the BSA youth protection website to get more information: BSA Youth Protection Resources. The Boy Scouts of America are the leader in this area among youth serving agencies in the world. Despite what you might read in the media, we are leading the way in this field, but we must remain steadfast.
BSA councils are following the BSA Youth Protection guidelines and have been for decades. Some councils may not have a safe scouting director, like the Atlanta Area Council, and others have a youth protection volunteer chairman or a youth protection ambassador and\or committee's of experts who typically sits on the risk management committee, in addition there is a volunteer chair of their risk management committee. These great volunteers advise council executive's and executive boards on implementing and maintaining the BSA youth protection policies. Many different titles for one position, bottom line, someone who takes ownership of youth protection in the local council, Scout Safety director, youth protection volunteer, etc. In addition,all of our guidelines, training materials, resources, and our guide to safe scouting are are easily available for any parent, leader, to access. Scouting today is one of the safest and most impactful youth program in America. To see how Scouting can impact in a positive way your family, take a look at the Tufts University study on Scouting: http://www.tuftscampstudy.com
I feel the BSA has been very proactive on this front, their guidelines call for this, and Scout Executives have very specific steps to make sure this happens. We all know that in society, 30-40 years ago, society tried to often times sweep these things under the rug, but the BSA has been very proactive and a leader in all of these areas. I am proud of the BSA and all that they have done for victims and to prevent child abuse in our country. Here are some of what Jason shared in his speech about how everyone can do even more to protect our youth.
Some thoughts from Jason Lee
I wanted to share a few personal thoughts and perspectives about dealing with youth protection issues, this weighs heavy on my heart, after recently dealing with one particular youth protection issue this summer. We (the BSA, Professional Scouter's, Volunteer Leaders and Parents) have to maintain our vigilance on these issues, we cannot look the other way, we must enforce our policies with vigor and determination. When we find ourselves faced with a incident, we must reach out and support the victim and the family, we must be there for them, we must be their advocate and friend. We have to demand that the full force of the justice system is used to put the abuser away.
Our procedures are clear and include many action items but a few that are important to highlight are:
Although this chat is disturbing and creepy, it gives a little insight into the mind of these criminals, following our policies does prevent abuse, let's do better than our best, let's go above and beyond, let's not rest until every child predator is driven away from our programs.
I encourage you to visit Jason's website and support his efforts, on his website it states:
Convicted Homewood child molester Don Corley denied parole again
Child molester Don Corley is right where he belongs: in prison
Some of you reading this blog, may not be familiar with the BSA youth protection guidelines and how BSA is structured, and I got a few emails from folks with questions, so I thought i might add a little additional information for those not familiar with the BSA procedures. Each local council implements the Youth Protection guidelines that the BSA has developed and refined over the years. I might add that these guidelines are based on years of development, implementation and adjustment as needed. I encourage you to go to the BSA youth protection website to get more information: BSA Youth Protection Resources. The Boy Scouts of America are the leader in this area among youth serving agencies in the world. Despite what you might read in the media, we are leading the way in this field, but we must remain steadfast.
BSA councils are following the BSA Youth Protection guidelines and have been for decades. Some councils may not have a safe scouting director, like the Atlanta Area Council, and others have a youth protection volunteer chairman or a youth protection ambassador and\or committee's of experts who typically sits on the risk management committee, in addition there is a volunteer chair of their risk management committee. These great volunteers advise council executive's and executive boards on implementing and maintaining the BSA youth protection policies. Many different titles for one position, bottom line, someone who takes ownership of youth protection in the local council, Scout Safety director, youth protection volunteer, etc. In addition,all of our guidelines, training materials, resources, and our guide to safe scouting are are easily available for any parent, leader, to access. Scouting today is one of the safest and most impactful youth program in America. To see how Scouting can impact in a positive way your family, take a look at the Tufts University study on Scouting: http://www.tuftscampstudy.com
I feel the BSA has been very proactive on this front, their guidelines call for this, and Scout Executives have very specific steps to make sure this happens. We all know that in society, 30-40 years ago, society tried to often times sweep these things under the rug, but the BSA has been very proactive and a leader in all of these areas. I am proud of the BSA and all that they have done for victims and to prevent child abuse in our country. Here are some of what Jason shared in his speech about how everyone can do even more to protect our youth.
Some thoughts from Jason Lee
"We must do a better job protecting our kids. I mean that with no disrespect for what you’ve done, or what you are doing. I know we can do better and I have a few thoughts about that."
The main point is, we are all accountable. Through my journey from a victim to a survivor of child molestation, I have never forgotten my honor as a scout. As I said earlier, I have shame about my past. And if I put myself in your shoes I imagine the BSA is dealing with something similar at the institutional level. The only way we can deal with that shame is by fully acknowledging the past and taking different action in the future. Join me in doing our duty with a mind toward ALWAYS helping others to prevent abuse, and always being there for our victims. That’s how we reclaim our integrity. That should be our pledge."
(Excerpted from Jason Lee presentation, August 25, 2017, Dallas, Texas)For more information on what we can do to continue combating sexual abuse of children in our country, be sure to visit the links to Jason's website and social media sites (see links below)
I wanted to share a few personal thoughts and perspectives about dealing with youth protection issues, this weighs heavy on my heart, after recently dealing with one particular youth protection issue this summer. We (the BSA, Professional Scouter's, Volunteer Leaders and Parents) have to maintain our vigilance on these issues, we cannot look the other way, we must enforce our policies with vigor and determination. When we find ourselves faced with a incident, we must reach out and support the victim and the family, we must be there for them, we must be their advocate and friend. We have to demand that the full force of the justice system is used to put the abuser away.
Our procedures are clear and include many action items but a few that are important to highlight are:
- Ensure the Safety of the Scout
- Ensure parents of Scouts involved are notified
- Determine whether authorities (law enforcement or child protective services) have been notified, if not make the report.
- Gather information and Details
- Follow up with parents of the victim
- Provide comfort and support
- Keep them advised of actions
- Encourage victims and parents to attend counseling and provide financial assistance to do so.
BSA Youth Protection Mission Statement
True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within the Boy Scouts of America to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, regional, area, council, district, and unit levels. (source: BSA Youth Protection at scouting.org)
Mandatory Report of Child Abuse
All persons involved in Scouting shall report to local authorities any good-faith suspicion or belief that any child is or has been physically or sexually abused, physically or emotionally neglected, exposed to any form of violence or threat, exposed to any form of sexual exploitation, including the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child pornography, online solicitation, enticement, or showing of obscene material. You may not abdicate this reporting responsibility to any other person. (source: BSA Youth Protection at scouting.org)
Our process of prevention is working,and the BSA is diligent in these efforts. A few years ago the information below was in the local media related to a an arrest and conviction on child pornography, here is some of the detail from the court documents from a online chat about Scouting:"In one chat, he allegedly admits he couldn't get alone time with scouts.Investigators said he operated under the alias DJ.In a chat room conversation from 2010:AJaX WaX asked: "so how much molestation really goes on in the scouts these days, if any?"DJ responds: "these days, probably not much, due to the Youth Protection Guidelines that they started back in about 1989."AJaX-WaX: "what does that say?"DJ: "basically, there is no one-on-one contact between leaders and youth members."AJaX-WaX: "huh? you have to have a 2nd counselor or scout present?"DJ: "and two adults are required at any activity."DJ: "yes."AJaX-WaX: "wow, well there goes your chance at sex before 8."DJ: "basically, an adult can't ever be alone with a kid."DJ: "if I give a kid a ride home from a Scout meeting, I have to have two in the car with me, and I have to let them both off at the same place."AJaX-WaX: "so there is nearly no chance for a molester to molest?"DJ: "right."The Boy Scouts of America does have a "two-deep" leadership policy, which seemed to work in this case. " (source: WAFF-TV - Huntsville, AL)
Although this chat is disturbing and creepy, it gives a little insight into the mind of these criminals, following our policies does prevent abuse, let's do better than our best, let's go above and beyond, let's not rest until every child predator is driven away from our programs.
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A SIMPLE MISSION:
30 years is 30 years
In 1995 a serial child molester preyed upon 40+ boys. When the molester was eligible for early parole, his victims banded together to create 30is30. Through hard work, word of mouth, social media and the help of thousands they kept their perpetrator behind bars for the maximum time allowed.
Now we have a new mission:
Helping Victims Reclaim Themselves
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Visit the website at 30 Years is 30 Years to find out how you can support this effort and read about the remarkable journey of Jason Lee. Jason did share with me that he is formulating a new mission for the website. It is "helping victims reclaim themselves". Jason shared with me that:
"Because I know firsthand how taking action helps a victim rediscover who they are and what their potential can truly be. They just need some help along the way. We are working on creating a "playbook" to give to another victim that has walked in our shoes so they don't have to recreate the wheel.The bottom line... the website is in a transition state at the moment. It will return! "
If anyone, has any questions for Jason and his team, or wants some feedback on what to do or where to go, they can email at contact@30is30.com.
Listen to Jason's story from the Zen Commuter Podcast:
Jason Lee: From Pain to Purpose
Listen to Jason's story from the Zen Commuter Podcast:
Jason Lee: From Pain to Purpose
Here are a few other links related to Jason's efforts:
The BSA letter from Jan 23, 2012:
30 is 30 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/30is30/
30 is 30 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/30is30
The Boy Scouts of America is serious about youth protection, Scouting is a safe place for youth and we will do everything in our power to protect our youth.
The "three R's" of Youth Protection
The "three R's" of Youth Protection convey a simple message for the personal awareness of our youth members:
- Recognize that anyone could be a molester.
- Respond when someone is doing something that goes against your gut or against the safety guidelines.
- Report attempted or actual molestation or any activity that you think is wrong to a parent or other trusted adult.
You can find more information about BSA Youth Protection Resources, at the links below:
Parents Guides
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| www.30is30.com |
