#3 Days To FASDay - Dog takes a stand on fetal alcohol

If a dog can do it so can we!

Each one of us can reach a new person this coming year. For those of us who live with the realities of FASD, it is our job to share this knowledge. 

Last year we asked...

Could we use the woof of a dog to build FASD awareness?

So Chancer, Iyal Winokur's service dog woofed in ...

• The New York Times (February 2012) Wonder Dog - A golden retriever reaches a raging boy by Melissa Fay Greene
• Readers Digest Canada (May 2012-Pages 84-91) Creature Comfort - A golden retriever did what the Winokur family could not—he befriended an soothed their raging son by Melissa Fay Greene
• Guidepost (September 2012)  A Dog's Devotion Brings Healing— She had no idea how severe her adopted son's problems would be—or what form the answer to her prayers would take. By Donnie Kanter Winokur, Roswell, Georgia
• Entro Magazine (June 2012-Pages 24-25) Building Bridges to Success for Children Living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
• Adoption Today (October 2012) shhhh.... it's coming! 
• Another potential BIG SURPRISE - keep posted to Silent Voices Blog and be the first to know!

How can you take a stand...

• Miss Illinois talked about FASD when she represented Southern Illinois - she is an expert from the inside out
• Karl Kulp told his classmates at his 50th Class Reunion - "The most important thing I have done in my life, that I am the most proud - is raising my daughter who lives with the daily challenges of fetal alcohol into an interdependent adulthood." 

Stand up in your congregation this weekend! And share your story!

If we want to create an "REAL" Economic Stimulus Package - now is the time to begin promoting "Building Better Baby Brains" by Raising the Standard for the Future - Alcohol and Babies don't mix and add to the future cost of education, medical, community and judicial services.

• Church sermon sample http://www.betterendings.org/FASD/christian/sermon.htm Ask your faith leader for an opportunity to speak on Friday, Saturday or Sunday during services.

• Join our virtual Million Mind March to give One Million Babies in the next year the opportunity to develop healthy minds

Participate in a Local Radio Show and Get Your Events Talked About
Call your local radio show and see if you can get on a program to talk about FASD during the next 60 days. You may just open up some minds and save a few baby brain cells.
Visit:

• www.toolboxparent.com for current articles
• www.thechancerchronicles.com for updates on Chancer
• www.betterendings.org to learn more about our host

Step out, speak out, get out and make some friendly noise to build awareness of FASD - fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

#4 Days To FASDay - FREE STUFF Be a poster poster

Become a Poster Poster!

©http://www.fasstar.com/

Get your school involved this month... involve your health teachers... high schoolers give a presentations to your elementary and middle schools -


Print out some FREE - FASD Awareness posters and hang them up on local bulletin boards, at the store, the laundromat, churches, universities, etc. You might even get your local schools to post them.

"Little One" everybody's favorite poster

NOFAS Posters and Brochures

If you print these out yourself on photo paper at "best" resolution on your color printer they will have a high quality appearance. You can have large posters printed for just a few dollars at your local print or copy shop. Even one may be seen by hundreds of people.

PURCHASE A SET OF BOOKS FOR YOUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO HELP EXPLAIN FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS TO STUDENTS IN A KIND AND GENTLE WAY - Prevent Bully Behaviors against children with FASD this school years.

Click book to purchase and use $3.00 coupon code Direct links provided for discount - Just add coupon code JZLZLVT2 to order Nuzzle, My Invisible World, Braided Cord, Whitest Wall or Our FAScinating Journey - you can simply click special link for each book provided below. Any reviews or comments on our books are appreciated. Happy September 9 - for larger quantity please message me and I can get you a deal.

PLUS THIS IS FREE E-CURRICULUM FOR Elementary Schools From Chancer!!!!!

FREE Downloads

 Chancer Chronicles E-Book

 My Invisible World Scrapbook

 Speaker E-Kit - Donnie Winokur Kanter

 Nuzzle E-Curriculum

 Nuzzle Puzzles for children

Speaking, workshops or wholesale books contact: www.betterendings.org or jodeekulp@gmail.com

$3.00 Gift for each book from the Kulp and Winokur Families to build awareness this month. Additional or classroom quantities please contact us:

NEW! 3rd Revision Our FAScinating Journey -Keys to Brain Potential Along the Path of Prenatal Brain Injury - (2012)https://www.createspace.com/3579462

The Whitest Wall (2012) - A Mystery novel

https://www.createspace.com/3497641

Braided Cord (2010) - Liz's adult transition with FASD

https://www.createspace.com/3436934

#5 Days To FASDay - Fetal Alcohol Awareness Month

Write a PSA!
Or use one that already exists -

September is Fetal Alcohol Awareness Month - so share this wonderful PSA with friends - or take a look at some of the other great PSA's online - most of the people working with FASD Awareness willingly share -

This was created by a 2009 high school graduate in a tiny rural KY county - he's got real talent, and I'm so grateful to him for taking the time to do this. Please feel free to pass it on - I want Parker and his fabulous PSA to get a lot of views today!!



Happy FASD Awareness Day from Kentucky!
Laura Nagel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_USXRi8zt8

#7 Days To FASDay - You only need one minute

More Ideas for Minute of Reflection

Everyone participating in FAS Day is invited to share in the "Minute of Reflection" 9:09 a.m. on September 9, as it goes around the world.

In this magical moment the ninth minute of the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month we want to get out the message that in the nine months of pregnancy, while breastfeeding or planning to conceive, women should not drink alcohol.
In this minute, we also want the world to remember those millions of people around the world who are living with fetal alcohol disorders. If a large bell or carillon is not accessible or appropriate, participants can do many things to observe that special minute in accordance with their own cultural background or religious beliefs.

The Minute of Reflection symbolizes the worldwide circle of community which links all of us who care about FASD, all of us who are working towards prevention, all of us who are trying to help children and adults with fetal alcohol disorders reach their full potential. Here are nine more suggestions for observing the Minute of Reflection. If you have other ideas, please share them with us.

• Alone or with others, sit outside quietly and listen to the birds, or the wind blowing through the trees, or water lapping against the shore of a river or lake. You may want to focus on the wonderful gifts and strengths of the person(s) with FASD in your life.
• Say a prayer or recite a poem appropriate to your beliefs or culture.
• Sing a song or hymn.
• Listen to an excerpt of your favorite music. (Any suggestions?)
• Play a musical instrument, alone, or with fellow musicians, or ring tiny bells and "triangles" as the children of Queen of Apostles School, Toledo, OH did at 9:09 a.m. on September 9, 1999.
• Sit in a circle and share some pure spring water with people you care about.
• Place a long-distance phone call to a special friend who is equally committed to the FASD issue: you could even make it a three-way or teleconference call.

You may find 9:09 a.m. inconvenient and may prefer to mark the Minute of Reflection at 9:09 p.m., and light a candle to symbolize both the flame of your love for individuals living with FASD, and your burning desire to eradicate this preventable birth defect.
Simple silence.
Each person with FASD is different, and those of us who love them respect their differences. Respecting each other while working together is what FASDay is about.

#9 Days To FASDay - Speak Out on Fetal Alcohol

Prepare to give a speech -

This is the first time Liz and I stepped out years ago at the 1st International FASDay -

You can do it too!



Here is my speech - feel free to use mine and adapt to your community.


Today is a day… International FAS Awareness Day -- 9.9.99 @ 9:09
Jodee Kulp, Parent Keynote, Federal Courthouse Plaza, 12:30 pm -- Minneapolis, Minnesota

Thank you for being part of International FAS Awareness Day 9 9 99.
The Bells have rung out in Minnesota and are continuing their journey around the globe. We were the 18th time zone in the International Bell Concordance and didn't they sound beautiful! Thank you to the citizens of Minnesota and all those involved with prenatal exposure for the mighty effort they put out to make this day happen.

It is my privilege to speak on behalf of all the parents who love and live with children exposed to alcohol before birth. It is my privilege to speak for those who live daily with the primary and secondary issues erupting from this exposure.

Today is a day of awareness.
We have stripped back the dark covering and let the sun shine in. We have come together as a world family, united in the cause of making a difference and hope this first "One Magic Moment" will begin to change lives.

Today is a day of awareness.
Alcohol is devastating, and most devastating to the weakest and most vulnerable in our society -- the unborn child. Alcohol exposure is the leading known cause of mental retardation in the western world - US, Canada, Europe and Australia.

In the United States 10,657 babies are born daily (1999 US numbers are listed below)

• . . . 3 will have Muscular Dystrophy
• . . . 4 will have Cystic Fibrosis
• . . . 4 will have Spina Bifida
• . . . 4 will be infected with HIV
• . . . 10 of these babies will have Downs Syndrome.

Researcher and fund-raisers are working for these children.

But -- are you ready for the figures --

• . . . 20 babies will be born with FAS
• . . . these children will have visible facial and other physical deformities
• . . . they are the lucky ones

People will see with the eyes, understand and help will be provided. These physical manifestations are not caused by MORE drinking but simply because of the day in gestation the pregnant mother chose to drink.

Today is a day of awareness.
NOW -- are you really ready for the tough issue

• . . . 100 babies will be born with Fetal Alcohol Effects
• . . . these children's deformities will be hidden within their bodies, in their brains and organs.
• Most will go undiagnosed.
• Most will live a life with little help with behaviors misjudged and struggling with learning and emotional issues.

Today is a day of knowledge.
Brain damage is non-reversible and a permanent condition that an individual must live with for the rest of their life. The person with prenatal alcohol exposure does not have the choice of NOT being impaired, yet has the responsibility of learning to live and to fit into a society that neither tolerates nor understands their impulsive behaviors.

Today is a day of knowledge.
Any one of us could become the parent of a prenatally exposed infant. FAS is no respector of persons or culture. It crosses economic and racial lines. The results of a very recent survey of over 100,000 women discovered that women in households of greater than $50,000 income, women who are college educated, unmarried women and female students have a higher than average incidence of drinking during pregnancy. I ask that no fingers be pointed at any person for this affliction. I ask for forgiveness from the past. I ask for a resolution of personal responsibility from this day forward for even one child to be saved.

Today is a day of knowledge.
A can of beer, a glass of wine, a shot of liquor and a wine cooler all contain about 1/2 oz. of absolute alcohol. If a woman consumes 2 drinks in one hour, her baby could have a blood alcohol content higher than the mother could. FAS is 100% preventable. If a woman becomes pregnant, she shouldn't drink. It's that simple. There is no known safe amount of alcohol for a pregnant woman. When a woman drinks, her baby drinks, because alcohol passes directly through the placenta to the baby.

Today is a day of hope.
When we join together we can achieve a better tomorrow. The knowledge each of us holds can provide the tiny pieces of a large puzzle to help contribute to the success and happiness of those afflicted. Together we can provide knowledge, wisdom, support and encouragement to women who are planning to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding a child. This we can all do with love.

Today is a day of hope.
Solutions require us to work together. Doctors, researchers and nutritionists around the world can share their discoveries and treatments that are already making a difference. Mental health professionals, educators and parents can join as a team to reach, teach and train these young people, sharing ideas from around the globe.

Today is a day of hope.
We must open our eyes and our ears. We must shift our focus and understand the inner world of living with prenatal exposure. We must begin to see these children differently, and begin to build the bridge of understanding. Diane Malbin a tireless advocate provides the clues by changing from:

• "Won't to can't"
• "Bad to frustrated"
• "Lazy to tries hard"
• "Refuses to sit still to overstimulated"
• '"Fussy and demanding to oversensitive"
• "Trying to make me mad to can't remember"
• "Resisting to doesn't get it"
• "Doesn’t try to tired of failing."
• "Doesn't get the obvious to needs many reteachings."

Yes it is hard to be the parent of an FAS child.
Yes it is hard to be the teacher of an FAS child.
But have you tried to be the FAS child!
Our adopted daughter Liz exhibits Fetal Alcohol Effects. Our family has grown deeply because of it. The primary issues of hypersensitivity, overstimulation, night terrors and learning disabilities have challenged us.
We have struggled with impulsivity, low self-esteem, anger and frustration.
We are determined to prevent the secondary issues from occurring - violence, suicide, alcohol abuse, poverty, homelessness, delinquency, incarceration, and early pregnancy.
We have discovered that proper nutrition, added nutrients and sleep make an incredible difference and allow Liz to function very well.
We have discovered she is happiest when provided clear boundaries and concrete communication.
We have discovered her learning styles and teach everything in multiple modalities….see it, hear it, do it. With a strong emphasis on doing it.

I am proud Liz is my daughter and she is doing wonderfully. This growth did not come easily for her. She is a fighter and has climbed many mountains. In a quiet one-on-one teaching arrangement she has been able to gain 5 years in reading, 7 years in spelling and is currently at age level in mathematics. Learning any new material has been very difficult for her. We have been building one very tiny step at a time, without moving on until mastery has taken place and then often reteaching areas a number of times.
Though her brain still works compartmentally we are beginning to see transfer of some information and together we are learning how to teach and how to learn. She and I are on the same team. By "compartmentally" I mean, for example, that when are doing spelling she can spell at the 9th grade level and when we are learning to write she can spell at the 6th grade level. The transfer of information is very difficult for her.
Two weeks ago, my daughter Liz and I bought a peck of cucumbers to make into pickles. Our science classes are very hands on and we were going to study sterilization and Louis Pasteur. We washed and carefully brushed each cucumber so they were perfectly clean - they were beautiful. Then we soaked the cucumbers overnight in a 5% salt solution. In the morning the cucumbers looked the same, but no longer tasted the same. We cut up garlic and dill and red peppers, and boiled vinegar, salt and water with pickling spices. We packed sterilized jars tightly with our beautiful bright green cucumbers and poured on the brine. Then we sealed the jars and boiled them 20 minutes in a hot water bath. When we lifted the jars out of the water a dull green pickle had replaced the bright green cucumbers…
And I thought THIS IS WHAT we have done to these children.

Today is a day of advancement. Growing up with FAS is a community process and it takes a united community to raise these children. It took one dream and two people to create the vision for today -- Bonnie Buxton and Teressa Kellerman.

They believed:

'The oscillation of butterfly wings in Brazil may set off storms in Texas.'

And what a storm they set off. They mobilized and motivated individuals from around the globe. From New Zealand to Alaska people have united. The Internet has connected a previously silent world of creative, intelligent and hardworking individuals willing to lay down differences for a common cause of helping children and adults living with FAS

Where do we go from here?…

These children are teachable, lovable, creative and energetic but they do not learn like other children. They need to be taught things other children just seem to simply know. We need to discover the resources already available and we have powerful resources in our backyards -- birth parents, adoptive parents and foster parents who are living, loving and growing together 24 hours a day with prenatal exposure. These families have been creative in developing processes that work to help their children succeed and find happiness in a world they struggle in.

I challenge each of you to make a difference.

• Tell people this is an important issue.
• Join with NOFAS www.nofas.org and share ideas and information.
• Visit our website at http://www.betterendings.org/
• Email your successful ideas to us. We will publish them.
• Encourage women to remain alcohol and drug free during pregnancy.
• Write to your congressman, senators, schools, community leaders and medical professionals and let them know "We're Tired of Our Children Being Pickled."

Today is the day to make a difference.
My words on this 1st hopefully of many future International FASDays are dedicated to my wonderful Liz. May we begin this difference in changing this world for others together.

Speak Out in Your Community and open the minds of others to Help Raise the Standard to Build Better Baby Brains

Join the International Virtual Million Mind March

If we want to create an "REAL" Economic Stimulus Package - now is the time to begin promoting "Building Better Baby Brains" by Raising the Standard for the Future - Alcohol and Babies don't mix and add to the future cost of education, medical, community and judicial services.

• Church sermon sample http://www.betterendings.org/FASD/christian/sermon.htm

• Join our virtual Million Mind March to give One Million Babies in the next year the opportunity to develop healthy minds

Participate in a Local Radio Show and Get Your Events Talked About

Call your local radio show and see if you can get on a program to talk about FASD during the next 60 days. You may just open up some minds and save a few baby brain cells.

Visit:

• www.toolboxparent.com for current articles


• www.betterendings.org to learn more about our host

Step out, speak out, get out and make some friendly noise to build awareness of FASD - fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Tomorrow I will share the first speech I fearfully spoke on 09.09.99 at the 1st Annual FASDay - sadly the same message still needs to be heard.

Enjoy coming up with GREAT ideas - we'd love to hear from you!

#15 Days To FASDay - Take a Stand for Persons Living with FASD

09.09 Reason to Take a Stand to
Build Better Baby Brains

On the ninth minute of the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month, we ask the world to remember that during the nine months of pregnancy, alcohol can be very dangerous to the baby. We also ask the world to remember the millions of people worldwide who will struggle lifelong with intellectual disabilities caused by prenatal alcohol.

What the members of FASworld want:

We want to make the world aware that no amount of alcohol in pregnancy is safe for the baby.
We want to make the world aware of the millions of people internationally who can never live normally, because their brains - and often their bodies - have been damaged by alcohol before they were born.

We want our governments to invest in information programs; rehabilitation facilities for women with alcohol addiction problems, and their families; adequate diagnostic facilities, special education, and other support for individuals with FAS, and their families.

Volunteers from around the world work together year-round to build awareness. Each year, on September 9, we observe International FAS Awareness Day (FASDay) with its "Minute of Reflection" at 9:09 a.m.

Each year our memberships grows and we are represented by volunteers in Canada, the U.S., England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Germany, France, Poland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay, Bermuda and Costa Rica participated and new communities join in every year -- be sure to let us know when your community holds a FASDay event.

#22 Days To FASDay - What One Person Can Do?

What can Only One person do?

From Deb Fjeld - a mom of four children with multiple complex issues and webweaver of www.toolboxparent.com

I was feeling frustrated the other day when I was listening to myself complain about the recent funding cuts going through our state. I realized that I have become so obsessed with trying to find grant moneys for programs that I have lost my focus like I had lost my paying job.

I had the "I'm Only One Person" Syndrome.
I felt that if I don't find grant money for programs, that nothing good can happen and I can't make a difference.

Then, I re-framed my thoughts. (My favorite thing to do next rationalization)

What can one person do to help a family who is struggling?

One person can (without a lot of money or no money which we sometime have):

• be a mentor for a child
• offer support to another parent who is struggling
• create a blog to support other parents
• phone a friend who has tough kids and say I appreciate what you do
• operate a web site to help others
• bring a meal to a sick friend
• offer respite for a family who needs a break (even an hour makes a difference!)
• pray for another who needs help
• join a list serve and share ideas
• call a church, school, government center to ring some bells on 09.09
• get a little assembly together on your county courthouse on 09.09 to talk about FASD
• hold a pregnant pause event at a local restaurant, hotel or bar
• send an encouraging email to one, or all on your email list
• write a book!
• invite a few girlfriends out for coffee and relax!
• read our articles on http://www.toolboxparent.com/
• join a disccussion, ask a question, post a great idea to help professionals and parents of complex kids and intense adults at http://toolboxparent.ning.com/
• write a review for an author who raises tough kids - your input really counts
• HAVE FUN FUN FUN - pay attention to the little miracles every day
• start a 501c3 (then you add a few board members and maybe get a grant)

These are things that don't need a grant.
These are things that make an actual difference in another's life, without costing any money.

I have noticed, though, that I receive much more in return than the effort I gave out.

What else can one person do to help another?? Any ideas we would love your comments.

Deb Fjeld and Jodee Kulp

Look what three parents with a single idea pulled off ten years ag0 and it is still continuing to ring our warnings.

FASDay 1999 began in Auckland, New Zealand, where "Minute of Reflection" bells rang at 9:09 a.m., at Mt. Albert Methodist church. Then it moved to Adelaide, Australia, and then to South Africa, where at 9:09 a.m., Cape Town volunteers gathered to hear the War Memorial Carillon that rang when Nelson Mandela was released from prison. Volunteers in Italy, Germany and Sweden held events -- and then FAS Day crossed the Atlantic. Volunteers staged events and bells and carillons rang across Canada and the U.S. The westernmost activity was the community breakfast on the tiny island of Kitkatla, B.C., near the Queen Charlotte Islands, where the village bell rang at 9:09 a.m. followed by prayers in the native tongue by village elders. We missed a few international time zones.

We did it all on $100 in donations, plus thousands of hours of volunteer labor.

It was a labor of love and passionate commitment. We generated as much media attention as a million-dollar public relations campaign, and we made many new friends and supporters in the process. Many women of childbearing age learned for the first time that no amount of alcohol in pregnancy is safe.

All of us knew that in one magic minute, we really did begin to change the world.

Yeah, but...
What can one person do to fight FASD?"

You'd be surprised -- if he or she is working with a world community of people equally committed to eliminating this tragic and totally preventable disorder!

#27 Days To FASDay - Host a baby shower

Plan a PARTY!

A PREGNANT PAUSE EVENT or HOST A BABY SHOWER FOR A NEW SOON-TO-BE MOM

Get a group of friends and join together to
support sobriety for a newly pregnant mom.

Need some ideas....



Visit Liz Kulp's
FunWithoutAlcohol blog for FREE RECIPES


Download some great SPIRIT FREE RECIPES

Host a Non-Alcoholic Drink Mixing Contest with the best drink toasted to the future.

Take a PASS commitment to support a sober pregnancy - offering to find spirit free fun events and support during the tough and joyous moments.

Most of all HAVE FUN and CELEBRATE

Join the
Million Minds March to Build Better Baby Brains
Raise the Standard
Zero 4 Nine

#28 Days To FASDay - An easy FASDay Plan

AN EASY FASDay Plan
Yes! You and one friend can do something!

Easy Plan - The Foolproof FAS Day Formula
Sit down with paper and pen. If you have one or two other key people to work with, print up copies of this manual, and invite them to join you. Give them some time to read it, and then answer the following questions:

• Who is chairing this event?
• Who can we count on to help out?
• What kind of help can they give us?
• Who do we know will want to attend?
• Potential attendees -- what other people and organizations in the community do we want to reach? (Start with interested friends and family members, and professionals –doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc. – that you know. Then add people who should be interested: e.g., local municipal, state/provincial and federal politicians, agencies with an interest in FAS, school personnel, etc.)
• How many people can we reasonably expect to attend?
• Will we require child care?
• Where should we hold this event?
• Who are our best local media contacts to promote this event and the FAS issue?

1. Confirm location.
Once you’ve decided how many people are likely to attend, choose your location. Try to find a reasonably-sized meeting room with comfortable seating, and a convenient area to serve coffee, tea, juice, and snacks.
2. How to Obtain a FAS Day Proclamation
If you want civic and state FAS Day proclamations, find out the appropriate name to write to, and do this immediately. You’ll find a boiler-plate letter plus sample proclamations in this document. (Note: Canada’s provincial governments are not likely to issue proclamations.)
3. Planning the Video Premiere -- Plus
The program is a simple one, but you’re going to need to make some choices.
Who will be M.C.? Choose the most articulate person in your group, or try for a local personality who could be sympathetic to your cause – e.g., a TV or radio broadcaster or local entertainment figure.

• Will you use the Invocation, and if so, who will read it?
• Will you ask your mayor or a municipal counsellor to read the Proclamation?
• How will you observe the worldwide “Minute of Reflection” at 9:09 a.m.? e.g., will someone ring a bell nine times?
• Or will you say a prayer, sing a song, have someone play a musical instrument, or have simple silence?
• Will you have a keynote speaker following the video, and if so, who?
• Or will you have a panel discussion? Your panel could include a birth parent, a foster or adoptive parent, an articulate survivor of FAS/FAE and a professional (teacher, doctor or nurse, psychologist or social worker, knowledgeable lawyer or judge, etc.)
• Will you add music to the mix – possibly a live musician?
• Would you like to close with the poem, “The Integrity of Hope,” by Michael Kami? And if so, who will read it?

4. Invitations and flyersWe’ve enclosed a sample invitation and 2 sample flyer/posters. Ask your committee members to come up with names of people to invite, and make a master list, which can be used in 2001. To save on postage, you may want to e-mail and fax many of your invitations, but make sure to follow up with a personal phone call. The invitation contains a RSVP: whose number will invitees call?
5. Breakfast Food and Drink
Easy does it. Muffins and/or bagels, cheese or cream cheese optional, possibly some cut-up melon or citrus fruit, coffee, tea and fruit juice, cream/milk and sugar. Possibly a local retailer or coffee shop may be willing to make a donation. If you’re tight for cash, possibly a local service club or church will help. Will you need storage or refrigeration or help setting up tables? Do you have enough electric coffeemakers?
6. Other equipment
Make sure your video equipment is adequate well in advance of Sept. 9.

• Is your VCR working?
• Is your TV set or monitor large enough for the size of group you expect?
• If you’re expecting two dozen people or more, you may need two or more monitors hooked up to one VCR: this can be done easily with a splitter. Most audio-visual specialty stores can show you how it’s done.
• If more people than you expect turn up, simply hold two screening sessions. One group snacks and chats while the other group watches the video. Then they trade places.
  Your alternative is to rent a video projector and screen from a company specializing in video display or presentation rentals. This will cost about $250-$300 per day, and you will need to darken the room. Some colleges and universities have this equipment in screening rooms.

7. Media RelationsYou’ll find a sample media release, ready for you to personalize with local information. Make a list of all of the members of the media you would like to reach, particularly those whom you know personally. You should also prepare a list of individuals who are knowledgeable about FAS, and willing to talk to the media. These might include participants on your panel – parents, people with FAS, and professionals. The media release can be faxed, but make sure you have a person who will make follow-up phone calls. You will also need a media contact for any members of the press, radio or TV who want to know more.
8. OtherBells and carillons around the world will be ringing nine times at 9:09 a.m. in the international Bell Concordance, to remind the world that during the nine months of pregnancy, a woman should not consume alcohol. If there is a church bell in your community, you may want to speak to the minister or priest, to ask if it is rung manually. If so, we suggest you photocopy the material from the FASworld Report regarding the Bell Concordance, or download and print it from the website www.come-over.to/FASDAY/manual.htm , and invite the church to join in. If you live in a city which is lucky enough to have a carillon, get the name of the carillonneur and do the same. Gerald Martindale, carillonneur at Toronto’s Metropolitan United Church geraldm@planeteer.com> is building on last year’s concert of international lullabies and would be pleased to share this with other international carillonneurs.

• Make sure you have a guest book easily accessible as guests enter or leave. It would be useful to have someone stationed to remind people to sign the guest book and hand out FAS Knots as your guests arrive.
• The FAS awareness symbol, the FAS Knot can be easily made for about 8 cents each. They can be given away, sold for about $2-3 each, or you can simply have a cash box available for donations. Complete information on the FAS Knot can be found at www.come-over.to/FASDAY/manual.htm
  FAS Knots and the guest book can be placed on an information table, with other available material. The table can also include petitions your group wishes to support.

For suggestions for both U.S. and Canadian petitions, e-mail Bonnie Buxton at ogrady@axxent.ca.
For suggestions on posters and printed material you can download yourself, check out the website http://come-over.to/FASdisk/

#29 Days To FASDay - How to make a FAS Knot

TIE SOME FASKnotsand Pass Them Around Town or School

The FAS Knot – A Symbol for Our Time

(click here for directions they are easy to do and a great summer youth project!)

We have been pleased by the enthusiasm that volunteers from New Zealand to Arctic Alaska and Canada's northern territories of Yukon and Nunavut to South Africa have expressed for our unique, wearable symbol, the "FAS Knot." Each FAS Knot can be easily made in about a minute, for less than ten cents, and can be used as a fund-raiser ($2-$5 each) or given away as reminders of the work we all do to help prevent FASD.

This piece of knotted cord was designed in memory of Abel Dorris, 1968-1991, whose brief and poignant life resulted in the groundbreaking 1989 book about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, "The Broken Cord," written by his father, Michael Dorris, 1945-1997.

The broken cord may refer to the umbilical cord, the spinal cord, the nervous system, the cord between the generations, or the cable on an elevator. Michael Dorris wrote that if we back off on our children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effects (i.e. Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder), they will sink and crash like an elevator once the cable is snapped.

Years later, a loving community around the world reconnected the broken cord, and the FAS Knot is our symbol. The cord is tied in a square knot, sometimes called a reef knot, the favored knot for reconnecting a broken line or cord. The knot is stronger than the cord itself, and cannot be broken or snapped.

Click for full instructions here

To make the FAS Knot, we suggest an eight-inch piece of 3/16" white cord, available in most hardware stores for a few cents per foot. You make a circle approximately the size of your thumb, then tie right over left and under; left over right and under. It should look like two loops intertwined. (Volunteers in Germany and New Zealand use a thinner cord, and make a more discreet knot. The choice is up to you.)

By choosing a cord instead of a ribbon, we are separating ourselves from all of the other campaigns. We are not just another cause trying to raise money - we represent those millions of individuals and their families who have gone unrecognized, unidentified, neglected on this continent and throughout the world.

The circle symbolizes the womb, a baby's head, the human brain, the earth. And we, a planet-size network of people who care about people living with FASD, are the knot that will make them whole. If women did not drink in pregnancy, FASD would be totally eliminated.

Our long-range goal is to rename this small piece of cord, "The FAS Not!"

The FAS Knot lapel pin is a more recent innovation and can also be used for fund raising. Many groups resell the pin for $5 or $6.

The pin is available for the low cost of C$3/pin for orders of 25 or more. Shipping is free for orders of 100 or more. The pin is white enamel with a faux gold edge and is approximately 1.8 cm wide. The FAS Knot lapel pin is a registered trademark of FASworld Canada. The lapel pin may not be replicated, copied or incorporated into any other design without specific written permission from FASworld Canada.

The original FAS Knot was designed by Bonnie Buxton and Brian Philcox, and is an official symbol of FASworld. You can find step-by-step photos above. We encourage groups supporting FASD endeavours to use it for promotion or fund-raising, and ask only that you notify us before doing so.

E-mail us at info@fasworld.comHow to Make a FAS Knot

THE FAS KNOT STORY

“A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
–The Bible, Ecclesiastes IV, 10

In 1999, volunteers from New Zealand and South Africa to Nunavut used the FAS Knot as a symbol of our worldwide campaign to inform the world about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and related disorders.
This piece of knotted cord was designed in memory of Abel Dorris, 1968-1991, whose brief and poignant life resulted in the groundbreaking 1989 book about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, The Broken Cord, written by his father, Michael Dorris, 1945-1997.
The broken cord may refer to the umbilical cord, the spinal cord, the nervous system, the cord between the generations, or the cable on an elevator. Michael Dorris wrote that if we back off on our children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effects, they will sink like an elevator once the cable is snapped. Ten years after Dorris’s book, a loving community around the world reconnected the broken cord, developing the FAS Knot as our symbol.
Each knot can be made easily and cheaply in less than a minute. The cord is tied in a square knot, sometimes called a reef knot, the favoured knot for reconnecting a broken line or cord. The knot is stronger than the cord itself, and cannot be broken or snapped. You may want to sell the knots for $2-$5, or ask for donations.
Volunteers in the U.S. and Canada generally use an eight-inch piece of 3/16" white cord, available in most hardware stores for a few cents per foot. Volunteers in New Zealand and Germany have made smaller, more discreet FAS Knots, using thinner cord. Make a circle approximately the size of your thumb (possibly smaller if you use a thinner cord), then tie right over left and under; left over right and under. Using a straight pin or safety pin, pin this to your lapel or other garment with the loop above and the knot below.
Step-by-step photos of the FAS Knot may be seen on the website at www.come-over.to/FASDAY/manual.htm
We have chosen a cord instead of a ribbon, to separate ourselves from all of the other campaigns. We are not just another cause trying to raise money -- we represent those millions of individuals and their families who have gone unrecognized, unidentified, neglected on this continent and throughout the world.
The circle symbolizes the womb, a baby’s head, the human brain, the earth. And we, a planet-size network of people who care about people living with FAS, are the knot that will make them whole. FAS is totally preventable. We must create a society in which everyone recognizes that there is no lower threshold for drinking in pregnancy. Our long-range goal is to rename this small piece of cord, “The FAS Not!”
The FAS Knot was designed by Bonnie Buxton and Brian Philcox, trademark pending.

Copy for FAS Knot Scroll (optional)
(You may want to print a one-page sheet, roll it up in a scroll, and tuck each one inside the loop of a FAS Knot. The sheet can contain information about the program, and also includes this information about the Knot.)

THE FAS KNOT
This piece of knotted cord was designed in memory of Abel Dorris, 1968-1991, whose brief and poignant life resulted in the groundbreaking 1989 book about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, “The Broken Cord,” written by his father, Michael Dorris, 1945-1997.
The broken cord may refer to the umbilical cord, the spinal cord, the nervous system, the cord between the generations, or the cable on an elevator. Michael Dorris wrote that if we back off on our children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effects, they will sink like an elevator once the cable is snapped.
The circle symbolizes the womb, a baby’s head, the human brain, the earth. And we, a planet-size network of people who care about people living with FAS, are the knot that will make them whole. FAS is totally preventable. We must create a society in which everyone recognizes that there is no lower threshold for drinking in pregnancy. Our long-range goal is to rename this small piece of cord, “The FAS Not!”

#31 Days To FASDay - Write a poem

Write a poem and speak out!

I have a dream ...

That one day little children will not be born with brain damage because of the alcohol they were fed before they were even borm.

I have a dream...

That one day persons with inivisible disabilities will not be treated second-class citizens, but will be able to participate in their local communities accepted in their differences

I have a dream...

That one day predators and persecutors will not addionally victimize persons with fetal alcohol. That people will realize it is no joke. That the day - to - day struggle is real and cannot be kissed away, or bandaged or ignored.

I have a dream...

That one day we will see all people as mattering.

On September 9, 1999, Liz (age 13)
and Jodee Kulp spoke out about the
realities of FASD. 

As my daughter, Liz Kulp said,

"You can't be handicapped
if you are born like that. 
You just are."



And this beautiful poem by 

Faceless

By Jennifer Woodward

Peering into a shattered mirror, I try to find myself,

However, all I am is faceless.

I gave up searching because I am always lost.

You lost when you took away my mirror,

My only hope of learning, and living.

Why can you not fix me?

Oh, right how could I forget you did this to me?

I am trying to get over it, over you,

But finding broken pieces of my heart lying

Around me, reminding me of being not whole.

Looking at me in my mirror only leaves me scared and confused.

I cannot see me,

I am faceless.

The world does not see me,

They see a title.

Help me find myself,

Why must I grow knowing I am faceless?

$B!! (B

The face of FASD is sometimes faceless, silent as the world goes by not knowing that we exist. I want you to look me in the eyes and not shut me out, not forget about me. I am here. Maybe you need to look in your mirror.

$B!! (B

Written by: Jennifer Woodward

(Please use and give full credit to Jennifer) FASDay


Join 

#36 Days To FASDay - Need proclamation copy?

Did you get a proclamation from a city, county or state leader?

Here's an example of State Verbage -
but city proclamations are great too!


Office of the Governor

PROCLAMATION
*FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY*

WHEREAS, healthy children are the most important resource in the great State of (your city or state); and
WHEREAS, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the leading cause of mental retardation in (your city or state), the United States, and all of western civilization; and
WHEREAS, as many as 1 in every 100 individuals in these United States may be adversely affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol; and
WHEREAS, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Effects are a root cause of numerous social disorders, including learning disabilities, juvenile delinquency, school drop-outs, homelessness, unemployment, mental illness, and crime; and
WHEREAS, economists estimate that each individual with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Effects will cost the U.S. taxpayer nearly two million dollars in his or her lifetime; and
WHEREAS, people around the world will be observing International FAS Day on September 9, 20___, in order that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, (governor’s name), Governor of the State of (your state), do hereby proclaim September 9, 20___ as
*FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY*
in (your state), to promote awareness of the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol, to increase compassion for those individuals so affected, to minimize further effects, to ensure healthier communities across (your state) in the future.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of (your state)
______________________________ (Governor’s name)
GOVERNOR

DONE at the Capitol in (state capital) on this _______ day of _____________ in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and ___

ATTEST: ______________________________ (Name of Secretary of State) Secretary of State

#37 Days To FASDay - Send invitations

SEND INVITATIONS TO YOUR EVENT!

The Invitation can be simple to do.
This can be e-mailed, and personalized as much as possible -- e.g., add a note in your own handwriting.


Here is the link to E-Vite or post it on your FACEBOOK in events and add your friends

(Your letterhead and date)

Dear Friend,

In one “Magic Minute,” on September 9, at 9:09 a.m., you can help us begin to change the world.
Please join us for a breakfast video premiere on September 9, at 8:45 a.m., at (location) as we connect with others around the world who will be observing the second annual International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day.

Researchers now believe that as many as 1 in 100 North Americans are struggling with brain damage caused when their mothers consumed alcohol in pregnancy. This means that right here in (city, town, or region) of the (check number of babies born locally each year) 0000 babies born annually, about 00 will never reach the intellectual potential they possessed when they were conceived.

These children will be at high risk of mental retardation or learning disabilities, school drop-out, juvenile delinquency, alcohol or drug addiction, trouble with the law, incarceration, homelessness, and poverty. Nearly 100% will be diagnosed with mental illness during their lifetimes. Research indicates that each person living with fetal alcohol damage will cost the taxpayers about $2 million in his or her lifetime.

Our FAS Day program will begin with the reading of the civic/(state?) FAS Day proclamation, and then we will join numerous communities in this time zone, in the “Minute of Reflection.” On the ninth minute of the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month of the first year in this new Millennium, we will ask the world to remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should not consume alcohol. We also ask the world to remember those individuals who are struggling with the effects of maternal drinking before they were born.

We feel privileged to offer the premiere of the new (either: all-Canadian video, Different Directions: Understanding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, (24 mins.) (OR) "FAS: Everybody's Baby" (35 mins) distributed by Fasstar Enterprises and John Kellerman, a young man with FAS.

It will be followed by (keynote speaker or panel).

By learning more about FAS, you can help us to make a difference.

Please RSVP (name and number) before (date), and indicate how many people in your group will be attending.

Yours truly,
(Your name and position)