U.S. Flags with Intact Info Needed for GIAW, Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival

1500 hand-held U.S. flags are needed to pass out during Genital Integrity Awareness Week in Washington D.C. this year. Each flag has 2 patriotic-themed intact information sticker stapled to it (one per side) for awareness raising during this week. This year we will have "Defend HIS Freedom" on one side and "Watch American Circumcision on Netflix" on the other side of each individual flag.

Flags are *very* popular in Washington D.C. during the Cherry Blossom Festival, National Kite Festival, at the U.S. Capitol lawn, and at the White House where we march to on Saturday. We could pass out far more than 200 flags per day, but this is our goal to raise funding for, along with an extra 100 for the GIAW March (1500 total).

Frequently, chaperoned groups who will not allow students to take other intact materials from GIAW leaders will allow them to accept and take home flags (getting intact info into their hands)! It is very important to have enough of these U.S. flags (with stickers attached to each one) for every day during GIAW, and for use during the march.

At Amazon, flags are approximately $29 per set of 100. If you are able to sponsor one full day ($58), or one 1/2 day ($28) worth of flags OR any number of flags, small or large, we THANK YOU for your involvement and support of these pivotal GIAW items! To chip in here: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CA3SNG55J4MDU&source=url

Or via mail to:

GIAW / Saving Our Sons
P.O. Box 1302
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Sponsors will be listed here and at the permanent GIAW site by first name / last initial only, for privacy, or with your business name and link if you'd like to include this. If you would like to cover one specific day, the march, or stickers, please mention this in a note.

GIAW FLAG SPONSORS

MONDAY (GIAW Kick-off, 200 flags):
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TUESDAY (200 flags):
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WEDNESDAY (first day of Child Abuse Prevention Month, 200 flags):
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THURSDAY (200 flags):
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FRIDAY (and the Silent Survivors Stand, 200 flags):
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SATURDAY (and the March to the White House 200 flags):
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WHITE HOUSE (+100 flags):
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SUNDAY (and the GA Clothesline, 200 flags):
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FLAG STICKER SPONSORS

(3,000 vinyl, waterproof stickers for all flags needed)
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THANK YOU!!

Intact Info Flags for tourists headed to the U.S. Capitol

Virtually ALL passerbys request a flag or two to take home with them -- until we run out of supplies.

GIAW Intact Info Flags

Kids love to hand out flags during GIAW too!

Group of students takes home flags, bracelets, and cards from the U.S. Capitol during Genital Integrity Awareness Week 2019.

Many tourists stop to talk at the U.S. Capitol and take home a flag and information.

U.S. Flags with intact information attached are the perfect item to take home from a visit to the Capitol during Genital Integrity Awareness Week!

During GIAW at the Capitol we repeatedly hear, "I didn't know that..." while sharing information respectfully and providing materials for tourists to take home with them.

Even if someone is too timid to come up and chat, they can grab a flag with intact info to take along and read on their bus...

GIAW Leaders handing out flags at White House

Watch American Circumcision on Netflix stickers

Defend HIS Freedom stickers

Men at GIAW march to the White House: Shane, Brian, Glen, Andrew

Rosemary Romberg

Rosemary Romberg

02.27.1947 - 02.07.2020

It is with deeply heavy and grieving hearts that we pass along this note from Rosemary Romberg's husband, Steve. 💕

Rosemary has always been a steadfast comrade for the cause, supporter of Peaceful Parenting, Saving Our Sons, all The Intact Network chapters and leaders across the nation, and, more importantly, a kindred friend.

She is a 'regret parent' herself, who spoke compassionately with families about Keeping Future Sons Intact, and always shared her testimony authentically and honestly.

Rosemary remained steadfast in her faith, though storms would brew, and poured her heart into the Whole Christian Network's mission of reaching parents who otherwise thought they had to circumcise "because it's in the Bible."

Her book, "Circumcision: The Painful Dilemma" was one of the first of its kind, geared to parents in hopes of exposing the myths, lies, and misconceptions surrounding #circumcision and paving the way to an intact future. In recent years, she placed her book online for all to read freely: https://circumcisionthepainfuldilemma.wordpress.com

Rosemary purchased the 1981 images from the Saturday Evening Post article on circumcision so they would never be buried and remain publicly seen for the realities of what circumcision is. In 2008, Rosemary shared these with SOS, and they remain a poignant part of genital autonomy history: http://www.savingsons.org/2008/08/saturday-evening-post-december-1981.html

In recent years, Rosemary traveled to DC to participate in Genital Integrity Awareness Week and other events we've co-hosted at the nation's capitol, and even when she was unable to attend, she steadfastly supported #GIAW and its mission. One year she sent a box of handmade bibs and ornaments (put together with love in Alaska) to share with Saving Our Sons families. She had several stampers with intact messages, that she used to plant messages everywhere she went - often between Alaska and Hawaii. 💜

There is so very much more to share and say about this beautiful, amazing, strong, compassionate and wise woman, but for now, tonight, our hearts and love and prayers go out to her dear family. Thank you so very much for sharing Rosemary with us over all these years. Our lives are forever blessed because of her.

“Our generation (I was born in 1947) grew up seeing the adult world as 'the enemy.' We were spanked if we did wrong. We were bawled out and told that we had no right to be frightened and reluctant if we were scared about going to the doctor or dentist. We grew up bullied, so thought that was what parenting was all about. It has taken us a lot of re-thinking and undoing to learn not to be as hard-hearted as our parents, teachers, and others had been to us. A child's feelings should never be invalidated." -Rosemary Romberg on peaceful parenting

Rosemary Romberg - snuggling Lindsey and Adam's sweet baby during a break in Saving Our Sons street education days during the American Academy of Pediatrics conference.

Also by Rosemary Romberg:

• Circumcision: The Painful Dilemma: https://circumcisionthepainfuldilemma.wordpress.com

• From Peaceful Birth to Circumcision Trauma: http://www.SavingSons.org/2018/01/from-peaceful-birth-to-circumcision.html

• Saturday Evening Post 1981 Circumcision Publication: http://www.SavingSons.org/2008/08/saturday-evening-post-december-1981.html

• What About Local Anesthesia? http://www.DrMomma.org/2013/02/what-about-local-anesthesia.html

Rosemary has materials at Keeping Future Sons Intact, the Whole Christian Network, Saving Our Sons, The Intact Network, and Saving Our Sons' Alaska and Hawaii chapters - all areas she helped with.

"The seeds of intactivism have been nourished and watered with the tears of regret parents." -Rosemary Romberg

Rosemary Romberg

Rosemary Romberg with fellow intactivists and friends.

"Be sure to tell people that's my wrist!" -Rosemary Romberg joked as the photo was snapped by Soleil Life photography.

Rosemary Romberg with friends and fellow educators.

One of the 3 stampers Rosemary had Saving Our Sons make for her that she took everywhere, stamping cash and post-its, and planting seeds along the way. She would send us reports of how many "seeds" she planted between Alaska and Hawaii whenever she made the venture.

Rosemary Romberg with fellow advocates - Washington D.C.

Rosemary and Danelle first met in 2005 while Danelle was authoring graduate research on genital autonomy. Over the years they regularly exchanged notes on peaceful parenting and how to most effectively reach new and expecting families.

Rosemary Romberg to those who belittle and attack 'regret parents.'

Rosemary Romberg and her dear husband, Steve Wiener.

Medical Professionals for Genital Autonomy materials were shared at a sidewalk stand for passing pediatricians. One AAP board member took materials into the conference hall and presented them to his colleagues after he had met with us for an hour. He recorded his presentation sharing MedPro materials with fellow physicians, and came back out to share the video and feedback with us. Most pediatricians are NOT in favor of infant circumcision.

Rosemary Romberg showing off her (intact!) David sculpture socks. Her shirt reads: Circumcision: the biggest lie in medical history. Socks photos by James Loewen.

Rosemary Romberg's intact Statue of David socks!

"Since babies have no words, we must speak for them. Their screams must be heard." -Rosemary Romberg

Karen (from Canada) and Rosemary Romberg (from Alaska) traveled the furthest to assist with this Saving Our Sons event.

Rosemary Romberg in response to men who say, "I was circumcised, and I'm fine!"
To the Happily Circumcised American Man:
http://www.savingsons.org/2013/06/to-happily-circumcised-american-man.html

Equal Rights for ALL Sexes - girls, boys, and intersex. Rosemary Romberg was a champion for genital autonomy of all human beings, and the genital integrity of minors. There truly is "No Medical Excuse for Genital Abuse."

In November 2015, Rosemary Romberg was able to meet Penn and Teller in person, and thank Penn Jillette for his continued outspoken advocacy for the genital autonomy of babies and children. She asked Saving Our Sons to add their names to this photo, and be sure to keep the message they BOTH share going forward. Penn & Teller's episode on circumcision aired in 2005 on "Bullshit" (Season 3, Episode 1). It is available to purchase for $1.99 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuRVDpsNMyo

Rosemary Romberg: I stand against ALL male, female, and intersex genital mutilation.

Rosemary Romberg and Danelle Day

Rosemary Romberg on the gentle post-birth time she wished she had with her babies.

Rosemary Romberg's t-shirt sports the well known quote: "Well behaved women seldom make history." Here with James Loewen, whose videos and photos touch countless lives. Watch his interview with Rosemary here: https://youtu.be/8LjEI9Z8N6k

"There is a growing acceptance of the fact that the body is designed correctly, as it normally comes into the world, and does not need to be surgically made different." -Rosemary Romberg

Whole Christian Network cards Rosemary chose to add her Peaceful Beginnings with Rosemary site to, in order to pass them out to everyone she met along her paths.

Are babies and children mere property, from which their parents can slice off pieces on a whim? Or are they human beings with rights, needs, and feelings of their own? -Rosemary Romberg

"In any other context, if someone were to forcibly restrain an infant or child, and do something to hurt their genitals, we would not hesitate to call this child abuse. What mystical, irrational, nonsense has caused us to consider this acceptable?" -Rosemary Romberg

"Only after learning facts piled upon facts did I fully realize the wrongness and absurdity of cutting the genitals of helpless, sensitive infants. It is a painful awareness, but one that so many of us, who at one time felt brainwashed to perceive circumcision as 'the norm,' have now awakened to the blatant reality of." -Rosemary Romberg

What we do in life, echoes in eternity. You've made a real, lasting difference, Rosemary!

Tips for Keeping Your Child Calm Amid COVID-19

It’s challenging trying to work from home and supervise your children during a pandemic. Most younger children might not understand what a pandemic is, they are just happy to see mom or dad home every day but, what about older kids? They aren't able to go to school, or even hang out with their friends. The last thing we want is our children to start having anxiety and stressing over the virus. Here are a few different ways to try to keep your child calm amid COVID-19.

Consider a holistic approach. 

What is CBD oil? “CBD” stands for Cannabidiol; it’s naturally found in cannabis plants. CBD doesn’t have THC, so it won’t give you a “high.” Although there’s more research to be done, some animal and human studies indicate that CBD oil may help reduce anxiety in both children and adults. In fact, preclinical evidence suggests that CBD oil may play a role in treating some anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress syndrome.

As always, you should speak to your doctor before adding a new product to you or your child’s daily wellness routine. The good news? CBD oil is available just about anywhere. In fact, you can buy CBD Oil online. What’s more? CBD comes in a variety of forms and products including capsules, topicals, or gummies. (It's also gluten-free!)

Take advantage of screentime. 

Right now, your kids are probably fighting over their tablets, aren't they? While we’re usually trying to pry our child’s fingers from their keyboards, now is the time to take advantage of screen time. Use social media as a way to boost your child’s social skills safely or take advantage of one or more of YouTube’s free fitness classes. Who knows? Engaging in some physical activities like yoga or dance videos might spark an interest in a new hobby even post-pandemic.

Just don’t forget to keep an eye on what they’re up to. You wouldn't want them watching the news where the issues of this virus are front and center.

Therapy isn’t an adults-only club. 

If your child has a hard time expressing how they feel about things or has issues with communication, you may want to consider a child therapist. Taking care of your child’s mental health is just as important as looking after their physical health. While some children like to talk it out, others may hide behind a mask.

Before setting anything in stone, attempt to talk with your child to see how they’d feel about talking with a “new friend.” Let your child know it's OK to embrace their feelings and that they’ll be safe. 

Despite the pandemic, it’s not impossible to create a somewhat normal schedule. 

If you’re still scratching your head for ways to keep your child calm, try to distract them with a full and consistent schedule. Think about it: Your child is used to living on some sort of schedule during the school year, but now that there's been a wrench thrown into the mix, everything has gone a bit wonky.

For example, you could start the mornings out with a walk around the neighborhood after breakfast. This is the best way to get out and get some fresh air and clear their mind. In the afternoon, why not have them paint a picture. The children might also like using some chalk to draw on the driveway or sidewalk. Maybe pull out a big puzzle to really get them thinking.

Being a parent is hard (even when there’s not a pandemic going on), so give yourself a break. We’re all new to this stay-at-home lifestyle and we’re all in this together. Take things day-by-day and hope for the best. More importantly, do what’s best for your kids. Communicate with them and reassure them. If they have questions, be open and honest about what's going on, but assure them it's only temporary and things will get back to normal soon.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Child Amid COVID-19

Things are hard right now. Everyone is stressed out, worried, and afraid of what might happen next. People are staying home from work, and kids are staying home from school. While everything feels out of control, there's something we can control, and that's preventing the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home.

Unfortunately, it's not as easy as it sounds! Parents all over the US are now having to home school their children while keeping them occupied and safe. If you're worried about how to nurture your child during this crisis, you're not alone. There are a lot of things you can do to help them through this, such as new activities to taking walks with strollers for big kids.

Here are some tips for taking care of your child amid COVID-19

Get Outside 

Just because there's a shelter in place order doesn't mean you can't go outside! Being stuck indoors 24/7 is depressing, even for adults. Imagine how a child feels! Regular exercise is a great way to create some family time. Take family walks, while also practicing safe social distancing. Movement is great for older kids like pre-teens and teenagers, and strollers can be used for young children in case they tire out easily.

Thankfully, there are strollers for big kids out there, too! You'll find everything from double strollers to umbrella strollers on this list. Fresh air is invigorating and can do wonders for mental health. Adding in regular family walks or outdoor activities will do wonders for your kids.

Prevent COVID-19 

The best way to take care of your kids is to keep them healthy during this pandemic. According to the CDC, here are some steps you should take:

• Clean hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Avoid people who are sick (coughing and sneezing). 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (like tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, and sinks). 
• Launder items including washable plush toys as needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items. 

If your child is sick and on medication, make sure you continue to follow the directions from their doctor. Money can be tight right now for prescriptions, but there are places that can help that offer discount prescription cards. Most pharmacies accept it, and your prescription drugs could be discounted up to 50%. From the site, you can easily sign up and print out your discount card.

Keep a Routine 

All experts agree that keeping a routine is essential when you're home all day, especially for young children. From the Child Mind Institute, a schedule should mimic a school day or day camp schedule. It should change activities at predictable times and switch between play and study time. You can even get them involved in planning the next day's schedule to help them follow the routine. Schedule things they enjoy doing after the activities they don't enjoy. You can also take this time to teach them life skills, such as a cooking class or learning how to iron clothes.

Take Care of You 

Isn't it wild how kids can pick up on the slightest mood change in their parents? If you're stressed out and anxious, they're going to feel that too. You can't care for them if you aren't taking care of yourself. Talk to your friends and family, or even your therapist if you have one. Process your own feelings so you can help your children process theirs. Even on airplanes, you're told to apply your own oxygen mask before assisting others.

It's a very uncertain time right now, and there's not much that can be done. But you can take care of your family and create some fun memories along the way! So grab that jogging stroller and get some fresh air!