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.

[Myrtle Sue Rasnake]

I became an advocate because my daughter needs a voice and if no one speaks up for her and others like her that go missing, then a big injustice is being done in the world. Many times on television, we all see about missing children, a few times we see about missing adults, but most all of these people come from big backgrounds or 'money' families. Adults that go missing that have lived not so bright lives seem to be left to the back burner by the police, media, everyone. When my daughter went missing 3 years ago, all I wanted was someone to help me find her. It seemed the first thing that came out of everyone's mouths was the fact that she had a past drug problem. When any adult goes missing that has made mistakes in their lives, it seems that is the only fact anyone wants to look at, even if they have worked hard to straighten their lives up. I looked into a lot of foundations and such that claim to help offer reward money and search help and it seemed the main rule on most of them was that if the missing person had ever had any past history with illegal actions, they will not help you. The police basically said that she was not important because she was 24 years old with a past 'history' and they didn't have time for people like that. I tried to get the media and FBI involved and was told she was not newsworthy enough and that if the state police don't find it worth investigating, then it isn't worth anyone else's time either. So to make a long story short, instead of looking at Crystal as someone's daughter, three small boys mother, and so on, she was just another low class person not worth anyones time. Well, I made it my job to let everyone know that no matter who you are, what your past was, you are someone's loved one and you do count. That EVERYONE IS IMPORTANT NO MATTER WHAT AND THEY ARE ALL WORTH LOOKING FOR. And I for one will not stop till I get answers and the more I can help along the lines, whether that be passing along others stories or just being an ear for someone who is going thru the same pain I am the better.  Myrtle Sue Rasnake

[Stephanie Coplen]

My involvement began after I looked for an update on a case.  We hear about them forever and a day, then nothing. During my search, I could not believe how many organizations there were and just how many people were missing and unidentified. As I researched more, I began to question, why I was not aware of even those missing within the city I live, I watch the news every night. Once I became more aware of how info was displayed, I then questioned limited attention for those missing, why do we spend several weeks on one case, are there not others who need to be seen as well?  The big why came when I discovered Jaycee.  I had never heard of her, ever.  How in the world can someone be help captive for 18 years, be seen by many and still remain unnoticed.  I still question how many more are experiencing the same ordeal.  How many other children have been abducted to be raised by or be made to live with total strangers. With the way the current system is, an abducted child could be living right next door and no one would ever  even know it.  Unacceptable, awareness has to change; increase public awareness: recognition thru repetition.

This is when I began an organization called: Media for the Missing due to limited exposure and newtowrks picking and choosing who THEY think will increase their ratings. No, NO, NO.         

Missing persons are all different, yet the same: MISSING.....and everyone deserves to be seen and heard.

I felt a more structured, organized system providing combined viewing methods, operated from one location would that ensure ALL missing and unidentified persons receive equal exposure.  Visible safety education is limited as well.  Who knew there were hand signals for help and alert???

A few months ago there was a case in AZ where the grandmother demanded attention for her granddaughter.  I remember the host stating: It is not our responsibility to report this, it is our responsibility to report new worthy events.  I WAS SHOCKED THAT SOMEONE WOULD EVEN SAY THIS PUBLICALLY. Then on that very program, I heard yet another 'host'  state INACCURATE facts, which could be easily disputed just from the info the NCMEC provides. What???? Really??? I was on that phone immediately trying to get on that show, obviously could not get on there. 

We cant get the networks to repsond to us either.  We are trying to let the public know that there is a new missing persons awareness system and we have yet to hear back from any network, or public official all the way to the White House.  I tried to talk to one of our state officials who never one time looked me in the eye during our conversation, they just looked around for babies to hold and seniors to hug.  FYI for those campagning:  Missing families vote too.

I can't even imagine how a familiy must feel when it is more important to give attention to a momma duck and her babies crossing a road -- than it is for family to make a plea for the safe return of their loved one. I'm really working on my christian tongue so it wont let me say what I really want to say abou this one.

We ran into problems with wanting to display flat screen viewing of all missing person's profiles at the end of Wal-Mart checkout areas.  You stand there for 20 minutes anyway, why not spend that time viewing profiles?  They declined by stating they were going to stay with the billboard option they currently have; who is age oriented, hardly anyone looks at (I sat there for 30 mins one day watching and not one person ever looked at their billboard) or there is big silver cart with absolutely nothing on it parked right in front of the board, but they want to stay with this, because it works for them for now. ----- Ok, but how is that really workin' for those missing???   You've got a billboard, who is either being blocked, or hardly no one looks at, or you could have highly visible viewing located where everyone will view.  Gee whiz pa........ which one do I choose???  Unbelievable.

I get tired of of missing persons causes not being a priority. I could go on and on, but for those who have missing person loved ones, we are trying to get there and I promise you, your loved one will be viewable.

Another issue for missing person's: no funding, unless solicitated.  We have viewed 12,008 grant opportunities since July of last year and our building project or methods have yet to fall within one guideline. We applied to several, but the reply stayed the same, did not fall within the board's guidelines. I want this known to the public.  I talked to my contact at the Bureau of Justice and he didn't even know where to direct us for funding, stating we fell within to many different catagories and just keep trying.  What?? Catagories?  What exactly does THAT mean?  They are missing people not catagories. It's one area, not many.  Oh my goodness, again controlling the words I really wanted to say.

Once we get our building built, we will begin implementing this nationwide system. Our system and phases are on our site.

THIS IS WHY I BECAME INVOLVED.... TO CHANGE THE CURRENT SYSTEM INTO A MISSING PERSON'S PUBLIC AWARENESS SYSTEM TO GIVE EQUAL AND ADEQUATE EXPOSURE FOR ALL.

We will always pray for those missing and their families.

Media for the Missing