Dear SNAP Members & Supporters:

November 22nd was an overwhelming success! And that success would never have been possible without the sheer number of survivors and supporters who turned out and endured those uncomfortable wooden chairs for hours. Many thanks to each of you (and thanks hardly seems sufficient).

Since 2002, we've logged well over 50 trips to Columbus, and we know nothing can be more frustrating than to come all the way there, and feeling depleted because a meeting didn't turn out, or we weren't afforded the opportunity we had planned for. We've trekked there for meetings that didn't happen, testimony that wasn't taken, and appointments that were pre-cancelled. We've commuted in ice-storms, blistering heat and down pours. It's been such a long, winding, frustrating and amazing journey (as you well know).

We can tell you, that where we are today, is only because of everyone of those trips, every one of your letters, phone calls, every step taken prior to November 22nd --- that is what made that Nov. 22nd possible. Every person counted. Only because of ALL of our collective efforts, are we getting another opportunity to get our message to legislators. To that end,

Important date: Dec 8th
Please come to the Columbus Statehouse room 114 @ 9:30 am on these dates to show your support for SB 17. Please join us at the Statehouse to send the resounding message, that we are a voice for children and that we want to ensure that what happened to us, never happens to another child.

We recognize that many of you have sacrificed so much to travel to Columbus previously. We know that there were missed holidays, missed anniversaries, missed deadlines. We know that this is draining. We know that some speakers went on too long (and we're sorry about that).

But we also know there is no substitute for the crowd that we gathered! We collectively sent a very powerful message to Ohio bishops and legislators by being there. No one person could have accomplished what we (you, me, all of us) collectively did! We've talked to staffers and legislators, and our presence is still being talked about! We've made some serious in-roads. But we need to go a little bit farther.

For those of you who haven’t yet made it to Columbus please, please try to come. There is no substitute for the power of your presence. We need you physically there. Bring a friend or family member with you if at all possible.

We need to show a groundswell of support for extending the statute of limitations for victims in Ohio. The bishops are fighting to kill the one year "window" in the bill (like the one we got in California). We need to show lawmakers by our presence, that the crowd that came last time was not a fluke. They need to see that we are many, we are determined and we are not going away until we get openness, justice, healing and prevention!

Here are the details for December 8:

The Ohio House of Representatives Judiciary Committee will take just one more day of testimony for ouir proposal, Senate Bill 17, starting at 9:30 a.m. It will most likely go all day with a short break for lunch. We will have an organizing meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. for all those who can attend. Please join us. We need you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you guarantee that if I take another (or a) day off work and travel to Columbus that I will be able to testify on Dec 8?

For me (and my spouse or friend) to travel to Columbus is a large sacrifice. Are you sure that you need us there?

I went to Columbus on Nov 22 and didn’t get to testify. I know that the Committee Chair accepted requests from SNAP leaders to allow certain individuals to testify first. It left me feeling that my story isn’t significant enough for me to be chosen.

We have come to Columbus at least 3 or 4 times already this year. If these legislators don’t get it yet, do we really have any hope of succeeding?

I’d like to go to Columbus to testify but I don’t know what to say, and I am shy.

Am I testifying before 99 House of Representative members?

I am willing to testify, but don't feel comfortable doing so.

I’d like to tell the legislators my story and why they should support the bill but I want to maintain my anonymity to protect my children. Is that OK?

Does all this really matter?

I’d like to come but can’t afford to pay the travel expenses to get to Columbus.

There is just no way I can get to Columbus, how else can I help?

Can you guarantee that if I take another (or a) day off work and travel to Columbus that I will be able to testify on Dec 8?

• No, we can’t guarantee this, but it's highly likely. But we can guarantee that if you come, we will work very hard to ensure that you do testify. SNAP has no control over what the House Judiciary Committee does. Most of those who are present and ready to testify will most likely be given the opportunity.  |BACK|

For me (and my spouse or friend) to travel to Columbus is a large sacrifice. Are you sure that you need us there?

• Yes, yes, yes! We need as many people to come as possible. Large numbers of people sends a very strong, powerful message to legislators that we are not going away and we stand firm behind protecting Ohio children. New folks coming also gets noticed. Everyone with our group is asked to wear a badge (which we provide) to show how large our group is. At the hearing on Dec. 8 we will also ask those who were not present on Nov 22 to wear an additional name tag or badge (which we will provide)! so that we can point out how many new folks have come to show support of SB 17.| BACK |   

I went to Columbus on Nov 22 and didn’t get to testify. I know that the Committee Chair accepted requests from SNAP leaders to allow certain individuals to testify first. It left me feeling that my story isn’t significant enough for me to be chosen.

• Everyone’s experience and story is very important. The legislators have heard many survivors’ stories. We need to ensure that the questions being raised by the legislators are being addressed so we are trying to have survivors whose stories address the concerns raised to be heard first. Additionally, there were people who joined us who had flight constraints. Consequently, some of these individuals were put ahead on the list so that the! y didn't miss their planes. In no way, shape or form, was this an attempt to "slight" anyone who wanted to testify. Everyone, absolutely everyone is important in the passage of SB17. No one person could carry this bill on their own. This is a collective effort, and we need you. | BACK |   

We have come to Columbus at least 3 or 4 times already this year. If these legislators don’t get it yet, do we really have any hope of succeeding?

• Yes. We have lots to be hopeful about. First, everyone should realize that most bills take years to get passed. Claudia and Barbara started trekking to Columbus in early 2002. They've logged well over 50 trips. We've seen a lot of movement since 2002. Since 2002, our collective efforts (ALL OF US) have gotten language drafted, got our language introduced as a "bill" -- SB17, had hearings, had more hearings and even passed the Ohio Senate unanimously.
  Remember - laws must be passed by both houses of the legislature, but we've already won in the Senate, so we're half way there!
  There has been significant movement. It's analogous to running a marathon. We've come too far to quit, not far enough to say we've all run a marathon. But, we're closer than we've ever been and this couldn't and wouldn't be possible without every one of you. This is a team effort and we need every one of you to go the distance.
  Success in the legislature is not merely measured by the number of votes but rather by small achievements such as, getting a 3 or 4 minute meeting with a legislator, or getting a word added or deleted from the proposed bill. Please don’t give up now. Please commit yourself to work even harder now because we truly have the chance to be succeed and protect innocent kids and vulnerable adults! We have the potential to do better for children in the future and to hold those who cover for child molesters accountable. | BACK |   
  

I’d like to go to Columbus to testify but I don’t know what to say, and I am shy.

• If you want to go to Columbus, please make your travel plans and go there. Remember, you don't have to speak if you don't want to. You can always decide once you're in Columbus. Also, in the mean time we can help you prepare your testimony. Testimony has to come from your heart. And, if you want to testify, we recommend that you write your testimony up, speaking from the heart. Write about the abuse, and focus on the impact that it has and may continue to have on your life as well! as the lives of your family. Remember our goal is to protect children. We don't want to see even one more child get hurt like we did. Christy, Claudia, Barbara, David and others will be happy to look over whatever you draft. No one can best tell your story, but you. But if you want to discuss it and have us type it we can do that too. Just pick up the phone and call one of us to discuss it and we’ll come up with a plan to help you be ready. Please consider doing it now instead of waiting until the last minute!| BACK |   

Am I testifying before 99 House of Representative members?

• No. There are 11 legislators on the Judiciary committee and a room full of chairs. The legislators are in front of the podium, seated behind an arched shaped table that has microphones. Each person who testifies stands at the podium. The gallery will be filled with your supportive brothers and sisters in this movement. So, when you testify, you'll only be facing those 11 legislators. Those seated in the gallery, serve an incredibly important role. Their presence is a sign of solidarity. | BACK |   
  

I am willing to testify, but don't feel comfortable doing so.

• We can work that out too. Claudia actually stood up (with the permission of the Chair) next to several survivors who spoke at the hearing on the 22nd. Claudia will be doing that again, for anyone who wants a little extra support.| BACK |   

I’d like to tell the legislators my story and why they should support the bill but I want to maintain my anonymity to protect my children. Is that OK?

• Unfortunately, to be on the official record, you have to sign your legal name and address to the witness slip as well as to your written testimony that gets turned in as part of the "official record" on the SB17 proceedings.| BACK |   
  
  If you have testimony that you want seen by legislators, but don't want to give your name etc. while understandable, your testimony won't be part of the official record. However, if you give your testimony to Claudia, she'll try to get it into the hands of some legislators. But, it won't be a part of the official record.
  

Does all this really matter?

• Yes. If our efforts can spare even one child the pain of a lifetime that we've all endured, then yes, our efforts will be worth it. Many survivors and supporters feel much better having participated in this democratic process. Many have stated, that what was gratifying, was knowing that the legislators actually listened.| BACK |   

I’d like to come but can’t afford to pay the travel expenses to get to Columbus.

• Please contact us and let us know your situation. We are working out car-pooling and maybe you could ride with someone else, or we could reimburse you for your out-of-pocket expenses. | BACK |   

There is just no way I can get to Columbus, how else can I help?

• There are several ways to contribute. If you are willing to write up your testimony it can be presented in writing. The Committee is accepting both written and oral testimony.
  You can also help by donating to help pay the expenses for someone else who is traveling to Columbus or help pay for some of the materials we use for these events. | BACK |   

If you have additional questions or concerns please contact us right away. If you are able to come please let us know so we can count on you. It helps us get press to cover the event if we can indicate that we will have a large number in attendance – so please keep us posted regarding your travel plans.
We have come so far! Let’s keep going through these final hoops!

With gratitude to each of you and hope for success in Columbus,
Christy Miller 513-3832198 snapcincinnati@cinci.rr.com
Claudia Vercellotti 419-350-9234 snaptoledo@aol.com
Susan 216 210 1243 snapcleve@aol.com
David Clohessy 314-566-9790 snapclohessy@aol.com
Barbara Blaine 312-399-4747 snapblaine@hotmail.com

PS. Please RSVP. Please let us know if you are coming so we can count on you! It helps with our planning if we know how many supporters, friends, family members and survivors are coming!