Pamela Corkle speaks from the voice of a Christian, concerned mother and an abused child when she talks about the importance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Corkle, founder and president of the Wheel of Life Coalition (WOLC), will be leading her local advocacy group in its first-ever event on Range Line called "Stand Up to Prevent Child Abuse."
WOLC members and all others who wish to join them will literally take a stand against child abuse from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11. They will gather in the parking lot of Ryan's Restaurant at Seventh Street and Range Line Road and continue to sidewalks where they will quietly stand with signs indicating a stance against child abuse.
Those who wish to sit because they have trouble standing, or because of a disability, may bring chairs.
In following the nondenominational, pro-active WOLC standards, Corkle and her group are dedicated to providing those who have suffered abuse with solutions in order to lead positive and productive lifestyles.
"We realize we are asking for something that some people may have a struggle with and that is to put themselves out in front," Corkle said. "You do not have to be involved with our ministry. This is simply a time when we all come together for a common goal, seeing the abuse of our precious children reduced. This is an opportunity for you to take a stand against the horrors our children suffer every day."
Corkle said it is an opportunity for all who wish to let their voice be heard.
"You have a choice," she said. "You can come join us as we stand up for our children or you can choose to not get involved. But those children didn't have a choice as to whether or not they'd be abused."
Corkle said she encourages anyone who wishes to join the WOLC effort to make their signs calling for prevention of child abuse and bring them to the April 11 stand-in.
Following the hour-long event, a program on child-abuse prevention will be held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Joplin Church of God, 14th Street and Michigan Avenue. Dan Clark, a local Christian counselor, will be speaking. WOLC holds its meetings at the church.
You may obtain more information by calling 850-8088 or 621-8732. You may also go to the group's Web site at www.wolcmo.com. There you will find information not only about the April 11 stand-in but, also, about the group itself.
Address correspondence to Rich Brown, c/o The Joplin Globe, P.O. Box 7, Joplin, Mo. 64802.
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