In 1989, the Miss America Organization founded the platform concept, which requires each contestant to choose an issue about which she cares deeply and that is of relevance to our country. Once chosen, Miss Iron County will use their stature to address community service organizations, business and civic leaders, the media and others about their platform issue. Since 1989, Miss America titleholders have appeared at thousands of public speaking engagements and charitable events to generate awareness for a variety of causes, including homelessness, HIV/AIDS prevention, domestic violence, diabetes awareness, character education, literacy, etc. Please choose a cause that you can truly connect with. Think about personal experiences, needs in your community or issues that you feel need a voice.
PLATFORM EXAMPLE:
Name: Erika Hansen
Pageant : Miss Iron County 2010
Pageant : Miss Iron County 2010
Educating for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
I am one of the estimated 39 million survivors of child sexual abuse that exist in America today. Child sex abuse remains one of the taboo topics of our time, which once made it difficult for me to discuss my experience with anyone. When one considers that approximately one in three girls and one in six boys are sexually assaulted before their eighteenth birthdays, and that child sexual abuse has been reported up to 80,000 times a year, it is cause to wonder why this subject is so often ignored. I realize that it all comes to down to education. Barbara Streisand said "Once people are able to know, once they understand, they change (for the better.) They always have." If all Utahns, indeed if all Americans, understand the horror happening right now to children behind closed doors, and know what they can do to stop it, child sex abuse could be prevented.
Having survived and triumphed over my own abuse, I know that education is the key! It is one of the most powerful tools we have at our fingertips. As Miss Utah, I will teach people how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. I have seen tremendous success with my 3-step programs; one designed for children the other for adults. These programs present the three most important things adults need to do when they know of a sexual abuse case, and three equally important steps children can take if they are or become a victim. My programs also provide the top three places to seek help after abuse has taken place.
In every town, in every school, in every community in my state, I won't rest until each has heard my message and they are given the knowledge they need to stop child sexual abuse. I will change the public's attitude and behavior toward child sexual abuse by sharing my own personal story; how I was able to escape the abuse, and the keys I have utilized to be successful in every area of my life. I know that child sexual abuse will be readily discussed and recognized, and that is power! To shed the light of knowledge on such a dark and terrible thing as child sex abuse is to truly kill it at its roots. Child sex abuse thrives on secrecy, fear, deception, and shame.
My platform will not only move the Miss Utah Organization forward, but will also move the Miss America Organization forward by presenting a matter that is in dire need of worldwide attention. The median age for reported sexual abuse is nine years old. Think of the millions of nine-year-olds across this country right now who need our help this minute! The innocence of these children is being stolen and we must confront this problem head-on. I am currently a Steward of Children with the national Darkness to Light Foundation. Being Miss Utah would give me the opportunity to share my message at a state and national level, teaching all I can about child sexual abuse and how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly.
Having survived and triumphed over my own abuse, I know that education is the key! It is one of the most powerful tools we have at our fingertips. As Miss Utah, I will teach people how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. I have seen tremendous success with my 3-step programs; one designed for children the other for adults. These programs present the three most important things adults need to do when they know of a sexual abuse case, and three equally important steps children can take if they are or become a victim. My programs also provide the top three places to seek help after abuse has taken place.
In every town, in every school, in every community in my state, I won't rest until each has heard my message and they are given the knowledge they need to stop child sexual abuse. I will change the public's attitude and behavior toward child sexual abuse by sharing my own personal story; how I was able to escape the abuse, and the keys I have utilized to be successful in every area of my life. I know that child sexual abuse will be readily discussed and recognized, and that is power! To shed the light of knowledge on such a dark and terrible thing as child sex abuse is to truly kill it at its roots. Child sex abuse thrives on secrecy, fear, deception, and shame.
My platform will not only move the Miss Utah Organization forward, but will also move the Miss America Organization forward by presenting a matter that is in dire need of worldwide attention. The median age for reported sexual abuse is nine years old. Think of the millions of nine-year-olds across this country right now who need our help this minute! The innocence of these children is being stolen and we must confront this problem head-on. I am currently a Steward of Children with the national Darkness to Light Foundation. Being Miss Utah would give me the opportunity to share my message at a state and national level, teaching all I can about child sexual abuse and how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly.
