Why did you choose to become an advocate?

[Sara Huizenga]

Anytime someone speaks out against an injustice, that's advocacy. Why did you choose to become an advocate for missing persons and/or injustice?

The key to changing the world is finding a way to empower other people to help.  Advocates speak up about injustices in the world and get their friends/contacts involved, too. Together, we can make a difference. 

Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Defend the rights of the poor and needy.  —Proverbs 31:8-9

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12: 21

“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth.” 
― William Faulkner

“I don't want my life to be defined by what is etched on a tombstone. I want it to be defined in what is etched in the lives and hearts of those I've touched.” 
― Steve Maraboli

Peace4 the Missing:
Voice Platform and Support Network for Families of Missing and Victims of Crime.

• Command Central for the Help Find the Missing Act (Billy's Law)
• Headquarters of NamUs Victim Advocates
• Peace4 on the Ning Network click here.
• Peace4 on Twitter click here.
• Peace4 on Facebook clickhere.

[Tracey Reitterer]

Simply put, because families need help and victims need a voice.  And I hate to see criminals get away with victimizing anyone!

Tracey in Baltimore, Maryland

[Jan Smolinski]

Voices make a world of difference, it not only educates but may encourage others to speak up. Silence gives the perpatrators the power to commit their crime over and over again, it also empowers them to hold you emotionally hostage.

The words "Evil Flourishes when good men do nothing" is so true. I feel speaking up and becoming an advocate could help others tremendously and  in turn gives a feeling that something good is coming out of a very bad situation. 

Take that baby step forward to reach out, every person holds knowledge, if shared may help someone from extreme emotional stress. 

A gentle voice, a hand held, a hug and an ear to listen can make a world of difference. xxoo
   

[Betty Dalton Brown]

Why did I become a advocate?

In 1957 my 1/2 brother was kidnapped by his bio father and taken to another country. My mother tried to get help but but NO ONE would help her. The law was on his side (Parental abduction was not illegal) her family told her to just move on and get over it. His employers at the time would not even tell her were he went. Growing up we never knew about our brother until later in life. I always knew there was something wrong. Our mother never told us she loved us. When I found out about my brother I realized why she always acted like she did.

I was able to get my brother reported missing and he is listed with NCMEC. At the time this was my total focus. I was able to tell my mothers story the Virginia Beach Police Conference back in 2010. The first case I entered into NamUs was his. I now try to help all the families that I can. I have even worked with the West Virginia State Police to help locate a man in Yemen that may be my brother. I have my DNA at UNTCHI in Texas and now we just wait for him to do the same.

My goal these days is to give the families that I help a voice and help with all that I can do. I know what it is like to be on both side of the ditch and how easy it is to fall in the ditch without direction and compassion.

[Christina Venita Quinton]

God Bless and Good Luck :)

[maureen sanchez]

No one would take my sister's case. 31 years later, she barely has a voice -- and only because a select few people have had heart and bravery sufficient to give it to her.  She's not alone.  When adults go missing, it's assumed they want to be missing.  That might be true some of the time, but it's not true all of the time. Sometimes bad things DO happen, even to free-spirited young adults.  It angers me - and that anger, instead of causing me to be complacent, causes me to take action.  I can't be pissed at the world for doing nothing -- if *I* don't stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves, can I?

[Christina Venita Quinton]

can i post your sisters case on my fb?

[Maureen Reintjes-Peace4 Admin]

I think sometimes when people use the word "advocate" or hear someone is an "advocate" they have the misconception that person advocates for every injustice in the world .... those that try to do that spread themselves thin and end up not really doing much to help their many causes.

I love animals but I'm not on social networks to advocate for animals.....there are experienced advocates that make that their cause.

I understand somewhat what the issues are around people blasting children social services but I am not on social networks to advocate for that.... there are advocates experienced in those issues that make that their cause.

Insert just about any cause and my answer will be the same as above.

I advocate for the families of the missing because that is where I have personal experience. There is no way in hell that I could not advocate and support the families of the missing after going through it myself, I simply am not wired that way to turn my back.  I advocate to try and help families maneuver around or breakdown the brick walls I faced in my search.  I advocate to try and lessen hell in whatever way I can for the families of the missing. I advocate to try and protect the families of the missing from those that prey on them.  I advocate to help make changes in the world of the missing.  I advocate to pay forward the emotional support I received from so many families in my search ... it is my thank you. 

[krisi bowman]

Well Said. Thank you for this post! I hope everyone has a blessed day

[Jesse 'Opie' Ross]

We became victims and that opened our eyes to a whole world of victims we were completely unaware of.  It is like a war going on around you but you can't see it until someone close is involved.  We were involved in other causes mostly thru church, but there is so much need, everyone should have something besides themselves that they support.

[DeDe]

I am a Survivor of Kidnapping at age 7  & Abduction at 19,two different States.The fact that i lived through both situations is in and of itself a MIRACLE.When i answered my calling back years ago i was more then happy to say YES ,LORD!

I have never looked back.

IN 1998 I started a ONLINE CAMPAIGN Called BE A VOICE FOR THE MISSING.

Continually working to Encourage VOLUNTEERISM.I PRAY with and for all MISSING & THEIR FAMILIES.I want to use my VOICE as long as I HAVE ONE.GOD Bless all who lift theirs for the silenced!

America's Missing Abducted and Lost Persons aka A.M.A.L.P MINISTRY

http://www.voices4missing.ning.com

 WE CAN and DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

[Christina Venita Quinton]

God Bless You! I'm sorry you were taken, and grateful you were found :)

[Vicki Siedow]

My mother was a remarkable person.  Among other things she raised me to be an advocate, whatever the cause.  I've always spoken up, as have my children.  

 I became a private investigator after many years of fighting for various causes.  I also founded FLIP (Female Legal and Investigative Professionals).  Besides being a networking group we began to find missing people, solve cold cases and combat human trafficking.  From that came FLIP Justice, which included males in the same professions.  Along with Ty Ritter I also co-founded Project Child Save, which recovers children kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery in foreign countries.  I worked closely with Todd Matthews, solving several DoeNetwork cases.  Working with Todd, FLIP beta-tested NAMUS.  Ty and FLIP worked the Natalee Holloway and Amy Bradlee cases for Dr. Phil, and lots more.  There was even a TV special on FLIP.  More here on http://FLIPmysteries.tv  and http://ProjectChildSave.org 

 I got here by accident, but in retrospect it's clear that everything has happened as it should, to do the greatest good.  I'm tired, overworked and underpaid, but fulfilled.  FLIP and I will never be able to meet the demand, but we are making a dent and empowering people.  When I called the ladies who were chosen to be in the TV show every one of them said "Me?  But I hardly did anything!"  That's my point.  If we all do a little, particularly if PIs can work with law enforcement, we can accomplish miracles.