Constructive activism: what can I do?

Constructive activism: what can I do?

ICSA Annual International Conference: Manipulation and Victimization Montréal, Canada; July 5-7, 2012

Abstract

Colon, Michele  Newton, Tyler; Grosswald, Paul

Constructive activism: what can I do?

Families affected by controversial groups often feel helpless and frustrated concerning the plight of their loved ones.  Constructive activism is a productive way to channel these feelings, to increase the amount of information publicly available about a group, and ultimately to prevent others from becoming victims.  Controversial groups go to great lengths to eliminate any negative information about them (Singer, 2003), which creates an even greater need for public information.  This workshop will cover methods that families can use to inform the public about controversial groups in their area, what type of information should be made available, and the potential legal pitfalls they can face while speaking out.  Constructive activismreempowers the family, enabling them to make a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of others. 

This workshop will cover the following topics:

1. Topics covered by Ms. Colon (the Why):

• The importance of making information that is critical of the group available to the general public.  Cults do not disclose the group’s true requirements, expectations, and agenda at the time of recruitment (source).  Making this information available to others will allow people to make an informed decision about whether or not they will become a member of the group.  This information will also help people leave who are questioning their membership in a controversial group.

2. (the What):

• The importance of networking.
• How different people bring different resources to the table.
• The importance of numbers, and how a support group can also serve as a resource pool.
• The importance of providing historical information about the group.  Pointing out how the group’s doctrine or practices have changed over time demonstrates that the group is not subject to the strict rules that the members are expected to adhere to.  Documentation of failed apocalyptic predictions and contradictory statements found in the group’s own literature are the best tools.  We will cover challenges that may be faced in obtaining literature, and how these can be overcome.
• The importance of former member testimony.  A collection of personal accounts from former members will provide the most accurate description of what the group is really like.  While reading the former members’ personal accounts, current members of the group will likely be able to identify with the struggles of group membership, thoughts of leaving, or beingdisfellowshiped by the group.  We will discuss anonymity and challenges in finding former members and family members willing to post their stories online.
• The importance of showing how behavior within the group fits the definition of a cult.  We will cover drawing comparisons to various thought-reform models described by Lifton, Singer, Hassan, and the like, and common cult replies and how to handle them.
• The importance of researching publicly available records.  Finances can often be the exit ramp necessary for a questioning cult victim.

3. Topics covered by Mr. Newton (the How):

• Cover the basics of setting up a Web site or blog to publish information about a group.  Can even a small site be effective?  What is the best way to get started?  How do you expand if need be later?  How to back up your site and why.  How to contact persons of interest in foreign countries if the group is based overseas.  How do services such as Skype and Google Translate help make this possible by bridging language and distance barriers? Show examples.  Briefly explain online privacy.  Briefly cover what a “WHOIS” search is and what it discloses.  Discuss what to consider when selecting a hosting company.  What is an IP address and how can it be used?  How can these controversial groups obtain and use this information to their advantage?  Discuss how to block your IP address.  The importance of aliases for former members and family members of current members when posting on public forums. Briefly cover Web site optimization (Google Analytics, stat counter, etc.).  What does this information tell you?  How does it guide you to proceed in respect to what information is popular and most relevant to your readers?
• Briefly cover how to have tracts or pamphlets cheaply and professionally made by online retailers.  Offer key points on maintaining a scholarly approach. The importance of peer review of online content when possible.  
• The importance of professionalism in journalism.
• Going door-to-door.  Often, people are unaware that there is a controversial group operating in their neighborhood.  Empowering the neighbors with knowledge of what is happening in their town increases pressure on the group. Cover strategies for talking with neighbors and getting others involved.

4. Topics covered by Mr. Grosswald (the Legal):

• Legal implications of activism.
• What is libel and defamation?
• What lengths do cults go to in order to silence their critics?  How can you protect yourself?  Cite examples.
• Should you be concerned about being sued for posting information online?
• How to find an attorney if need be.  Typical costs, and how to avoid legal troubles.

A practical approach for law enforcement when dealing with cultic groups

ICSA Annual International Conference: Manipulation and Victimization
Montréal, Canada; July 5-7, 2012 - more information


Abstract

Mark  Roggeman   

Many people who have had an experience with cults because a relative became involved have been disillusioned when they have asked law enforcement for help.  The response they usually get is that there is not much that can be done unless there is illegal activity.  The concern is that the police may be interfering with the freedom of religion.  In the present day, police departments are successfully using problem-solving models through the Community Policing model.  This model can also be implemented when a questionable group comes to the attention of local police departments. 

A simple approach that officers can take is to visit a group and let them know who they are and that they are there to assist them.  They can let the group know that the department is there to protect them from those who might dislike the group or who possibly threaten to cause harm.  The connection that results could possibly cause authorities to become aware of the group’s behavior, so that the authorities may be able to observe any changes that might occur relative to the group that could signal a violation of the law or even harm to the members.

Law enforcement, both local and federal, most often become involved with cults after a tragedy occurs, such as suicide, involvement in financial fraud, or a case that affects children through neglect or abuse, including sexual violations.  Most of these groups probably will never do anything that attracts the attention of law enforcement.  The problem is that illegal activities that are not known to anyone outside the group do go on because of the group’s isolation from the rest of society.  This kind of situation is one in which officers become effective in gathering intelligence by getting to know the group. The result is that officers may become aware of illegal activities.  I personally had members of a group in southern Colorado reach out to me because they did not know anyone one else outside the group.  Through this connection, authorities learned that children had died, they believe, because medicine was denied as a result of the group’s belief that to take medicine reflected a lack of faith.

An article on cultic groups in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin of September 2000 stated accurately that the potential for violence on behalf of members of biblically driven cults is determined almost exclusively by the whims of the cult leader.  Therefore, effective intelligence and analysis of such cults requires an extensive understanding of the cult leader.

To address the concern of authorities about violating the protection of individuals’ freedom of religion, officers need to be concerned only with behavior that may be harmful to people both inside and outside the group.  Granted, the beliefs may be the cause of the harmful behavior, but only the behavior is the cause for concern.

A personal perspective of residential treatment for the survivor of a cult or abusive relationship: thoughts, stories, and experiences as a support staff and a counselor

ICSA Annual International Conference: Manipulation and Victimization
Montréal, Canada; July 5-7, 2012 - more information
Abstract

Greg  Sammons   

This presentation will benefit mental health professionals, survivors of cults or survivors of abusive relationships, clergy, educators, students, and anyone else who is interested in learning about the model used in the treatment program developed at Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center.

Attendees will step away from this informative meeting with the knowledge of various dynamics of the treatment model utilized over a 25-year period.  The speaker will discuss the challenges of operating a small nonprofit agency, including the day-by-day coordination of training, and providing a treatment team for the best client care.  The presentation will include discussion about following up on the countless inquiries that come in day after day, and preparing workshops and other educational pieces that cater to the individual needs of each client. These topics will be presented to give conference participants an idea of what it takes to run a residential treatment facility that uniquely specializes in treating the cult survivor.

The presenter will also discuss the approaches of Wellspring’s short-term residential program vs. its treatment on an outpatient basis for the cult survivor.  Participants will get an opportunity to glimpse the perspective of cult recovery from someone who has worked full time in the field of recovery.  There also will be a discussion of how Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center networks with the academic community to continue research.  The speaker will talk about some of the strategies survivors and families can incorporate to begin the recovery process.  This session will be a positive and exciting report of what works in helping individuals begin their healing and recovery, and what is expected in the future of cult recovery at Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center.

ICSA Annual International Conference 
Manipulation and Victimization 


Montréal, Canada
July 5-7, 2012 /5 au 7 juillet 2012


Abstract



A new and unique attempt by The Almost Daily Cult Newspaper (Daily Cult News) of journalism concerning cults, religion, and spirituality The Almost Daily Cult Newspaper (Daily Cult News) is a news blog officially recognized as news media by Google News, which specializes in the issues of social problems concerning cults, religion, and spirituality. This publication was founded on Oct 1st, 2009, by Yoshiro Fujikura, a Japanese journalist who has zealously provided much coverage in this field. There are nine correspondents including Fujikura, all of whom are volunteers. Not all of the groups or individuals covered by the Daily Cult News are necessarily considered cults, because this paper handles all topics concerning the friction between religion, spirituality, and society. The Daily Cult News believes that wit, humor, and sarcasm, in addition to earnest coverage leveled at issues often passed over by conventional media, will help to foster and refine “cult-watch culture” among “Netizens.” One such attempt was the conferment of the “gluttony demonstration.” In September, 2011, the members of Unification Church were protesting against the article in the magazine Weekly Bunshun about fasting, so the members of the Almost Daily Cult Newspaper indulged in gluttony in front of the protesting fasters, saying, “Stop fasting!” After our protests, the UC placed Yoshiro Fujikura and Eito Suzuki on their “Wanted List” and distributed the list amongst their branch organizations. Also, Fujikura’s house was searched and raided by the police because a cultic group filed a charge that the Daily Cult News had infringed on their copyright. Although the nature of the topic attracts criticism and occasional pressure, the Daily Cult News continues to make a stand for free speech in the areas concerning cults, religion, and spirituality.