(Posted 2024 May)
If you visited a library branch or other Fairfax County facility during April, you may have noticed a sea of blue pinwheels flanking the entrance. These pinwheels were placed at locations across the county to designate April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, an annual recognition created to raise awareness and provide education and support to help prevent child abuse.
For those who want to do more to combat child abuse in our community, there are opportunities to get involved. One way is to volunteer with the Body Safety Program, a school-based program that focuses on building safety skills within a child by educating them to identify risks, empowering them to act if they are threatened or victimized, and providing five key body safety rules that are easy to understand.
68-year-old Georgia Hubert began volunteering with the Body Safety Program two and a half years ago. After retiring from a rewarding career with the U.S. Department of State, she felt that it was time for her to give back. She began volunteering with several nonprofit organizations, including Potomac Valley Pekingese Club and the Lions Club. Even with all her commitments, she sought a volunteer opportunity to help children and found the Body Safety Program on the Fairfax County volunteer website. After reading a description of the program, she thought it was perfect for her.
Like most adults, Hubert never took a body safety class as a child but recognizes how valuable it would have been. She believes that children growing up today need it more than ever, saying “I think it’s important. There’s so much out there on the internet now. These kids really need more guidance as to what they should be thinking of to be street smart.”
Since joining the program, she’s discovered that children are often unaware of even basic safety rules. Some of the things she’s heard from them include, I didn’t know I shouldn’t get in a car, even if it’s my neighbor.” “What do you mean it’s against the law to take pictures of somebody’s body?”
The Body Safety Program uses the curriculum, Childhelp® Speak Up Be Safe, to talk about child abuse with children in Pre-K to sixth grade. Volunteers are taught a curriculum for each grade level and can choose which grades they want to teach. Hubert is happy to teach all levels.
Although she was nervous teaching her first few classes, Hubert has settled in and is confident leading the program. She admits that her biggest worry had nothing to do with the topic or leading a class, saying “Technology was my biggest concern; not being in the classroom with kids who might be a little rowdy.” However, she discovered that classroom teachers and Fairfax County Children, Youth, and Families’ staff are happy to help troubleshoot any technology issues she encounters.
Although the classroom program lasts only one hour, Hubert believes that they accomplish a lot, saying, “I’m happy when I leave the class because they know all five rules.” The five Body Safety rules children learn are:
- It’s MY Body – Your body belongs to you.
- Ask an Adult if I’m Safe – Identify safe adults.
- I Have Choices – Know what to do if no safe adults are available.
- Tell Someone – Share uncomfortable feelings and situations with safe adults.
- It’s NEVER My Fault – Understand abuse is NEVER a child’s fault.
Hubert encourages older adults to join her in volunteering with the Body Safety Program. She has found the curriculum clear and easy to follow and the time commitment reasonable. Hubert also enjoys witnessing how the program empowers the students in the classrooms she visits.
To volunteer with the Body Safety Program, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have your own transportation to locations across Fairfax County.
- Be available during school hours.
- Commit to teach 4-6 classes a month for one school year.
We’d love to have you volunteer with us. Call 703-324-7459, email or learn more about our program.
By Gwen Jones, Golden Gazette Editor
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).