Many years ago, having lost a sister because of a domestic abuse situation, the problem became personal. A chance to take positive action never presented itself until Men IN Action announced the Men IN Action READ initiative. Here was a subtle and very forward-thinking approach that could have an impact on the local level.
While supporting Sheltering Wings, (mostly anonymously), the Men IN Action READ program represented the personal involvement that has the possibility of preventing situations BEFORE heartache and violence affected the lives of the family.
Having spent forty years as a public high school teacher, the symptoms of family problems were unfortunately too easy to notice. By reading a story, and talking with the children about their feelings, the warm spot in the conscience was nurtured. Hopefully none of the bright faces before me would ever be touched by a domestic situation going bad. If the unfortunate did occur, the child would be aware that men cared and could be helpful.
Three weeks after the READ event, the children in the school where I had read the story had a field trip to Banker’s Life Fieldhouse (now Gainbridge Fieldhouse). As a tour docent, it would be my privilege to lead thirty youngsters and their teachers around the building and relay the stories of the Pacers, Fever, and many other events that occur at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The class that had listened to me read a story during Men IN Action READ now were listening and experiencing the fun dynamics of an educational adventure. Towards the end, when a group photo is created, several of the kindergarten classes from the READ event insisted that I be in the photo, too. One young man was having a bad day, so I made it a point to stand next to him. He and I may never meet again, but for a few minutes, he felt better, someone recognized him.
The next Men IN Action READ event will not be soon enough!
Don Raymond
A Man IN Action
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Be a part of Men IN Action READ 2022!
We believe the men in our community have a unique role to play in helping the next generation establish itself upon a foundation of trust, honor, and mutual respect. We are asking YOU to read a book to students at a local school on Thursday, March 17, 2022.
