Celebrating Donna Kshir: 30 Years of Advocacy
Episode Overview
Celebration of Donna Kshir's 30 years in advocacy. Discussion of 'Voices for the Voiceless' documentary. Challenges faced by advocates in public roles. Importance of public child abuse registry. The collective impact of decades of advocacy work.
"It's very important to me as a survivor of abuse to see somebody work so hard and care about children so much that you would give over half your life to this."
In this heartfelt episode of the Women Like Me Podcast, Laurie Ann Smith and Donna M. Kshir come together to commemorate Donna's 30 years of dedicated advocacy work. The discussion revolves around the recent premiere of the 'Voices for the Voiceless Advocacy Documentary,' which highlights the collective efforts of advocates like Donna, Lee Roberts, Michael Skinner, and Laurie Ann Smith. These individuals have tirelessly worked to raise awareness, prevent child abuse, domestic violence, bullying, animal cruelty, and promote human rights.
Donna reflects on her journey over three decades, emphasizing the importance of giving a voice to those who have been silenced, particularly children. The documentary serves as a testament to the power of advocacy and the impact it can have on society. Laurie highlights the cumulative experience of nearly a hundred years of advocacy among the four key figures involved in the documentary, underscoring the significance of their work.
The episode delves into the challenges faced by advocates, including public scrutiny and personal attacks, but emphasizes the resilience and dedication required to continue fighting for justice. A significant portion of the discussion is devoted to the need for a public child abuse registry, similar to Megan's Law, which would allow individuals to check if someone has committed a violent crime against a child.
Donna shares personal anecdotes, including her efforts to change laws and the support she received from various states. Despite facing rejection and challenges, her commitment to protecting children remains unwavering. The emotional toll of advocacy work is acknowledged, but the rewards of seeing positive changes and providing a voice for children inspire Donna and her colleagues to persist. Laurie and Donna invite listeners to engage with the documentary and join the conversation, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in advocacy.
As the episode concludes, Laurie expresses admiration for Donna's work and its lasting impact, not only on society but also on future generations who will recognize her contributions. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy, the challenges faced by those in the field, and the hope that drives them to continue their vital work.