Utah- The mayors of Hurricane, Toquerville, and La Verkin joined with dozens of other mayors throughout the state of Utah when they proclaimed February 2008 as White Ribbon Against Pornography month for their respective cities.
A group called Communities for Decency presented similar proclamations to mayors all over the state, and to Governor Jon Huntsman as well. It was part of a concerted effort by the group to raise awareness and educate the community on the devastating effect pornography has on families and communities.
Ashley Kartchner, a member of the state board of Communities for Decency, said this was the second year they have sent proclamations to the mayors. She said the main goal of the proclamations and WRAP were to raise awareness and give communities an opportunity to make a stand against obscenity.
“It has been really empowering for mayors and for members of the community as they get involved,” Kartchner said. “However, it was mainly about education and awareness.”
As part of WRAP month activities, Kartchner said the Communities for Decency also sponsored a petition for businesses to sign that was presented to Utah State Attorney General, Mark Shurtleff, Feb. 13, in Salt Lake City.
The petition urges the Attorney General’s office to aggressively enforce existing decency laws. Kartchner said the petition specifically cites the laws as the Utah Harmful to Minors law, and the Utah Indecent Public Display law.
“The petition asks them to aggressively enforce those laws, to protect children,” Kartchner said.
She added several hundred businesses around the state signed the petition. She said it is a great opportunity for businesses to state their position for children and families throughout the state.
The petition is available on the Communities for Decency Web site, www.communitiesfordecency.org. Businesses can read and sign the petition via the site, she said.
This was the first year the organization has submitted the petition, and it has been very successful so far, Kartchner said.
White Ribbon Against Pornography is a nationwide program, brought to Utah by one of the co-founders of the Communities for Decency, Kartchner said.
Several other organizations around the state were also involved in sponsoring WRAP, including the Utah Coalition Against Pornography, and religious leaders from different faiths throughout Utah.
Kartchner said many schools are using WRAP as part of their Internet safety programs. Communities for Decency came and made a presentation at Safety Kids at La Verkin Elementary School, as part of the efforts to educate children about the potential problems and harmful effects pornography can have on them. Additionally, they hosted a parents’ workshop at Hurricane High School, in conjunction with UCAP, to help educate parents about the problem.
David Rankin, a local member of the Communities for Decency, said he and his wife attended a parent’s meeting last year at Dixie State College. He said the conference was very instructive, and addressed some of the dangers of unsupervised access to the Internet, including access to pornography and the danger of Internet predators.
“It is very important that information gets to parents, so they can be smarter,” Rankin said. “A lot of the time, until we gain some real knowledge, we are as dumb as a rock.”
He said many parents are unaware of what their kids are up to, and as a result, can sometimes be fooled by their children, until they know the signs.
Communities for Decency is working to help parents educate their children about pornography, its dangers and how to deal with the problem. The group has produced a video, in conjunction with UCAP, and the Utah PTA, called “Pornography, The Great Lie.” The video is designed as a guide for discussion.
According to the Web site, “The Great Lie” and its accompanying booklets are filled with typical questions asked by teens, helping youth realize they are not “different” in having their concerns or issues. Parents and leaders are encouraged to view the DVD and study the materials with the intent to prepare discussions with their youth.
Kartchner said Communities for Decency is also pursuing other projects. They have established a state wide network, through which they work to cover or eliminate public displays of obscenity. Kartchner said the effort has been very successful.
“I think a lot of people need to see something is being done about the problem,” Kartchner said. “They need to see that people care. I think it is good for people, especially since so many families are struggling with this issue.”
She said it is helpful to see organizations active, and community leaders speaking out against it.
For more information about White Ribbon Against Pornography month, the Communities for Decency organization, their goals and projects, the petition for the Utah Attorney General’s Office, and how to get involved, visit the organization’s Web site, www.communitiesfordecency.org.