MK forum

NB: For NTM to describe the efforts of their own people in derogatory terms is par for the course. It is a tried-and-true method of deflecting responsibility from the "Executives." They do it in tribal works, they do it in training centers, they do it at headquarters, they do it in every aspect of the "mission." In fact, it is probably a knee-jerk response by this time; they do it automatically, without even thinking about it.

Larry Brown was putting in 80 hour weeks (he claimed) back when the Fanda Eagles first hit the fan. Yet, as Chief Executive Officer of New Tribes Mission, Inc., he allowed the Child Protection Committee to become disjointed and stood and watched as a lot MORE things started slipping through the cracks...

Whose fault is this? The Committee? New Tribes Mission needs to start looking for competent leadership, and they need to begin that search OUTSIDE their circle of employees.

Bemused and Gene:
TRUE! TRUE! TRUE!

THAT DARN OLD CRACK-------

Thanks for posting that . . .abandonment . . .so many times
She'll be with her parents, she'll be ok
She'll make new friends
Didn't she do it before?
At least her brother will be at boarding school with her
She'll make new friends
She'll be at college. She'll be happy to be away from us
She'll make new friends
She's getting married.
She's disappeared.

Lori is a wonderful writer and expresses what I do not have the ability to express.

http://www.justpurelovely.com/2014/03/t ... egins.html

Sigh. That is just heart breaking. I do think there are a lot of PROACTIVE things NTM can do to prevent abuse and even just to generally address the inherant emotional complexities that being an MK has. Along with the automatic suspension if someone is accused of child abuse, how about some proactive courses during basic training and annually throughout a missionary's term. I work at a bank, and every year, every employee has to go through an online ethics training course and take tests. It takes about an hour of your time, and we all moan and groan about it, but it does provide great information on (1) how to identify harrassment, (2) what kinds of behaviour are not acceptable (cultural differences really are important to understand!), and (3) what to do and who to talk to if you are a witness or a victim. At the very least it underscores the company's commitment to a fair and harrassment-free work environment, which helps employees feel they're working in a good company culture.

How about mandatory classes or regular sessions with MKs about their bodies, hormones, normal feelings, stresses that are unique to them, resources to utlize if they're curious about life, what to do if they're ever inappropriately approached or spoken to, etc. NOT BIBLE STUDIES, there are PLENTY OF THOSE. I'm talking about a caring and respected adult (who goes through some major screening) that will be a neutral sounding board for any kid who needs to talk about whatever. Ensure that there is someone in every single field who is trained and available for this service.

I'm sure I'll think of MORE brilliant ideas! I need to get hired by NTM for a consulting gig. They can pay me in all the cookies they're confiscating from people who are stealing from the cookie jar.