The following was an email sent to the board members and supporters of the Sheriff’s Community Impact Program from Founder Deputy Mike Saigeon… It was posted to our Facebook page on September 11th, 2015.The following was an email
Today marks the 14th anniversary of “9/11.” Today is an important reminder to all of us as youth advocates to take the time to educate our youth about the significance of this day fourteen years ago. In his book, Fear Less, Gavin DeBecker wrote:
“…denial can be seductive, but it has an insidious side effect. For all the peace of mind deniers think they get by saying it isn’t so, the fall they take when faced with new violence is all the more unsettling. Denial is a save-now-pay-later scheme, a contract written entirely in small print, for in the long run, the denying person knows the truth on some level.”
The point of my sending this letter to you today is two-fold: First, I wanted to convey to you, a board member (both current and past) and/or person who supports our youth, that what you do matters – It matters to me but more importantly, it matters to those youth/families we serve. I cannot thank you enough. That said, as we move towards SCIP’S fifth anniversary, I believe we as an organization have the responsibility to make sure we will always be there for our families. Our work must continue.
Secondly, As I am sure you are aware of, the entire Sacramento area jumped onto the world map after three of our own took quick and decisive action on a terrorist bent on mass killing. Today, we have an opportunity to reflect on a tragedy fourteen years ago while celebrating three individuals who represent a mindset that denial is not acceptable – Not on the world stage nor at the levels SCIP works on… The neighborhoods.
This brings me back to my opening remarks… Teach our youth about 9/11. Help our youth learn about empathy. Teaching young people about the historical significance of our past can lead to hope for our future. Our job as youth advocates is to build that hope into action. Denial cannot be a part of the equation, it only leads to victimization.
Thank you for all you do. I don’t say it enough but my appreciation for you and what you have done for SCIP and our community is ever present.