The Impact of Change by Rhett Hackett, President & Co-Founder of The Humanity Preservation Foundation I am often asked “how can we create change when it comes to the sexual abuse & molestation of children”. The answer is that you educate and build an army! You recruit from all areas and I can’t think of a better group than that of med students about to become doctors! On the edge of such an important month, Child Abuse Awareness & I can’t think of a better way to kick it off then lecturing for the 4th year in a row to med students at the University of Penn – Perelman School of Medicine. Students were provided with my personal story/journey of sexual abuse, appearance on Oprah, the launch of the foundation, and how they can make a difference as they take hold of their career and commitment to better the world as a doctor. The feedback was phenomenal during the presentation, Q&A afterwards, and then individual feedback post lecture as they exited. Comments ranged anywhere from the future docs to saying “That was the best lecture since starting med school” to hearing the personal testimony of folks that had also been abused and being there that day provided them with hope! Handshakes, pats on the back, and questions that will help set the groundwork for being vigilant in looking for the hidden signs of sexual abuse both as a child and an adult. The message detailed was listen to how your life speaks to you! If it doesn’t seem right or more importantly it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Sadly, there are no x-ray machines that show the past history of sexual abuse as many times it isn’t violent nor are there visible marks remaining. Certainly, adults suffering hide the invisible scars internally and it is quite possible that their visit to the their doctor as a result of a medical need comes from PTSD brought on by their childhood trauma and the poor individual has no idea the depth of their wound for they have hid behind the shame for so long! I would have to say that my highlight came when a student quoted words from my presentation in which I said that I hope that in their career when the time came they remembered what I had said and she said to me “it is a presentation I will never forget!” That is impact! That is how change is created! So how do we continue to generate it? Build an army! Take a good look at the pic above! Hello America! You are looking at the next set of doctors about to hit the world of medicine with a better knowledge of sexual abuse and violence than when they walked into that lecture hall! As they begin their journey, and step out into the world to help heal and protect I can’t help but think that someday, some poor kid is going to come before them and be saved because we managed to plant a seed of knowledge. As the saying goes, “He that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully” Yeah, that happened today 100+ times over with each and everyone of those students . . . a harvest! Welcome to Child Abuse Awareness Month 2016!!!!!
Invited Back to Barnegat High School
HPF was invited back to Barnegat High School this year to take part in the “Tell Us Your Story” program. Invited to speak at the pilot program last year to the junior class, this year, the program expanded to the entire student body and faculty! In two sessions, and over 1,000 students, HPF presented the personal story of co-founder Rhett Hackett and educated on the topic of interpersonal violence prevention in the areas of Child Abuse, Domestic Violence and Bullying! The session wrapped up with Q&A from audience members and the opportunity for some photo’s. This is how change occurs and as we tell our stories, and educate the public, we learn that we are not alone and that we can protect one another. If you are interested in having HPF come and speak at your school select the contact tab and reach out to us. We will be happy to sit down with you and discuss and execute a program that is best!
School Event: Barnegat High School
As the 2015/2016 school season gets ready to launch we want to remind people what HPF does! Last year we were excited to present to Barnegat High School as part of their very special program “Tell Us Your Story” . President and co-founder, along with Courtney Coe, Admin Coordinator attended and presented at the event. Students were provided with valuable information including statistics as well as information to help assist in preventing sexual assault from happening and what to do if they or someone they know has been a victim of sexual assault. The highlight of the event was listening to stories from the students as well as some one on one time to have some conversations! HPF is looking forward to coming back to Barnegat High School as well as being able to present in other schools during this upcoming school year! Remember – education is key to preventing sexual assault from happening! [fusion_gallery image_ids=”15,14,13,12″ layout=”” picture_size=”” columns=”4″ column_spacing=”10″ gallery_masonry_grid_ratio=”” gallery_masonry_width_double=”” hover_type=”” lightbox=”yes” lightbox_content=”” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” border_radius=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” /]
Perelman School of Medicine Invites Rhett Hackett
For the 3rd year in a row, and also in coordination with C.H.O.P, I had the pleasure of giving a presentation to first year medical students at the Perelman School of Medicine (University of Pennsylvania) on the topic of child sexual abuse (CSA). Each year it is my favorite group to present to and I love working with the doctors that coordinate the lecture. Educating future medical professionals on this topic, discussing the long term effects of CSA, and providing the opportunity for an open forum of Q&A is what takes awareness to action items. It also helps prepare them in the event they are the first to be told an individuals history of abuse. Additionally, we were able to discuss the reporting process, child advocacy centers [like the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance] and how that all works. The greatest compliment came after the lecture when a student came to me and said ” they appreciate text book learning and lectures but nothing stays with them more then to hear personal stories and be able to ask questions to a real person”! A clear reminder of answering life’s calling and the power we all have to change lives! ~ Rhett Hackett – President/Co-Founder