Public town-hall meeting to be held in Castlegar re: Facebook/LG issues
By Kyra Hoggan
Community leaders from a variety of organizations met May 26 to discuss next steps in managing a situation brought to light when two local men penned a how-to guide for getting “little girls” to have sex.
Representatives from Castlegar and District Community Services Society (CDCSS), RCMP, Ministry of Child and Family Services, Victim Services, Safe Homes, Women’s Outreach, Mental Health, Men Speak Out, Crown Counsel , Public Health and more gathered to discuss the fall-out of ‘Deflowered in Seconds’ and a local “LG” subculture among vulnerable youth. Leanna Kozak, of CDCSS and Victim Services, said the group was seeking broad-based, community-wide solutions. “We came up with several suggested plans of action, but haven’t settled on specific options yet,” she said. “It needs to be long-term. It’s not one of those things where you can do one event and the problem’s gone.” The next meeting is slated for June 16. In the interim, James McFaddin, men’s outreach coordinator for CDCSS, is planning a public town hall meeting to inform the public, provide advice for parents, and brainstorm around solutions. City councillors Kevin Chernoff and Deb McIntosh have already agreed to take part, and McFaddin said he’s hoping to enlist more councillors, as well as school representatives, police, etc. “It’s so everyone can get an understanding of what’s going on,” he said. “And I think, seeing all these community leaders taking a stand will help empower residents to take a stand, too.” A specific date and venue for the meeting have not yet been determined, but The Source will post details as soon as they are available.
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