Do not let fear hold you back

I am writing here about one specific example; however, the principle applies to many situations.

I am a respite break volunteer at CHICKS and apparently quite a rare breed - the charity finds it difficult to attract enough male volunteers. This could be for a variety of reasons, one that has been suggested is that men are more likely to be afraid of being falsely accused of inappropriate behaviour with a child. We have seen recently how devastating being accused can be and that the damaged lasts even if the accused is found to be totally innocent.

I have been asking the people who I have talked to about volunteering if this is a fear they have and if it is a barrier to them volunteering. The answer has been a resounding yes. This disappoints me tremendously, but I totally understand it. 

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke 

The children who come on CHICKS breaks have all been referred by a professional, normally a social worker, and have something going on in their lives that is not good. Coming on break gives them a good experience and sometimes a much-needed self-esteem boost. Without a mix of male and female volunteers this good stuff could not happen.  

CHICKS have good safe-guarding procedures as you would expect. They are primarily there for the children’s protection, but they are also designed to protect the volunteers. People’s fears are understandable, and perhaps exaggerated by media coverage, but this should not stop good men stepping forward.

I am not religious but do have a knowledge of the bible (I was once a practising Christian and my grandfather was a vicar); it is significant that ‘Do not fear’ appears quite a few times. I like: 

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand

Isaiah 41:10