Interview With A Biker Against Child Abuse

In 2006, when I first started volunteering my time combating child sexual abuse by means of awareness and preventative measures, I came across a group called B.A.C.A.: Bikers Against Child Abuse. As soon as I read their website and watched the informative videos, I was an instant supporter and dedicated fan.

It’s much like I am a fan of Andrew Vachss. I don’t consider Hollywood celebrities “fan worthy” because talented acting is in the eye of the beholder and merely opinion about what is really unimportant in the broad scheme of mankind. However, people who dedicate their time, money, and (trust me on this) peace of mind to fight the monsters who do the most horrific things to children most cannot imagine are truly worthy of fandom and hero status. In my book, anyway.

About a year ago, I was directed to B.A.C.A. Nation by a B.A.C.A. member, Zipper, who was at one time a member of the Pagan anti-child abuse group I created. I’ve listened to the show and watched the live feed at their site almost every Sunday since, popping into the chat room when possible.

Last Summer, I was fortunate enough to meet Guru, one of the creators of B.A.C.A. Nation and one of the D.J.’s, appropriately called The Four Horsemen. It was Guru who helped me find my nickname, Jade, to fit in a bit better with B.A.C.A. members, who all have road names for the benefit of the children they look over.  As Guru explained, “Road names are to make it easier for kids to remember who you are.”

As down to Earth and more lovable than a teddy bear he is, his dedication to seeing child abuse come to its long-overdue end is irrefutable and nothing short of a Knight in shining armor – complete with a steel horse – to every child who needs him.

Guru was kind enough to participate in my very first interview last week. This is the first of many as I have big plans for April, Child Abuse Awareness Month.

Thank you, Guru!

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JADE: What is your position in Bikers Against Child Abuse, B.A.C.A.?

GURU: First and foremost is as a chapter member. It is the first line of defense for a child. I have in the past served as a ‘primary’ (the primary contact or liaison between the child and the chapter and probably the most important position in B.A.C.A.). I have served as our Chapter’s Public Relations Officer, Chapter Web Admin, State Web Admin and currently serve as the International Events Coordinator.

JADE: How did you first hear of B.A.C.A.?

GURU: Through a co-worker and good friend, you know him as Caveman.

JADE: What compelled you to join B.A.C.A.?

GURU: B.A.C.A. was something larger than me that could utilize talents I have to benefit abused children. The kids are essentially defenseless and need folks to stand up for them; physically and emotionally. To remove the fear in their lives.

JADE: What are three things people should understand above all else about B.A.C.A.?

GURU: 1. B.A.C.A. is not a group of child advocates. We ARE Bikers and do biker stuff, talk like bikers, act like bikers and have enough sense to realize when those things are not appropriate – like when we are around kids.

2. While there are many worthwhile causes that people want us to become involved with, we mean no disrespect by declining – we have a very narrow mission that no one else can fill: ‘to empower children not to feel afraid of the world in which they live’. B.A.C.A. Members are always welcome to participate in outside activities as bikers who happen to be members of B.A.C.A..

3. It’s not about you, it’s not about me; it’s about the kids.

JADE: Since being part of B.A.C.A., what is one memory that stands out above most others concerning a child?

GURU: Hard to say… The look of relief on the young girl’s face on my first child ride. The Mom called the next day to say she had slept in her own bed and through the night for the first time in months. Powerful stuff…

JADE: Is there anything you would like to see B.A.C.A. become involved in that it is not currently doing?

GURU: No. As I said, we have a narrow mission. We strive to keep it from being diluted. We are not political in nature, not money oriented, fund raising is done to empower kids… Counseling mostly or some activity that empowers them – martial arts, art, writing. Different for each kid.

JADE: What is B.A.C.A. Nation?

GURU: It is four members of B.A.C.A. trying to help kids by making the public aware of – and the help B.A.C.A. can provide kids through this radio program.

JADE: How did you come up with the idea of a radio show dedicated to the spirit of B.A.C.A.?

GURU: Actually started out as a way to share info between the few B.A.C.A. chapters in the beginning. It has grown far beyond our original vision.

JADE: What would you like to see from B.A.C.A. Nation three years from now?

GURU: That B.A.C.A. Nation and B.A.C.A. would not HAVE to exist. That somehow child abuse in all forms had been eradicated. Barring that – for the show to continue to expand its reach in spreading the word that as individuals you can make a difference just by pointing a family in need towards the help B.A.C.A. can provide.

JADE: Do you have any message you would like to tell people – parents, guardians, children, or even abusers – about child abuse?

GURU: Child Abuse in all its forms is something that does not have to exist. It is not like cancer or other medical maladies that require incredible amounts of research to unlock the human genome to cure. Make a difference, say no! Walk away. Get help. And children are not equipped and do not have the life experience to be able to make a wise and informed decision about ‘consensual’ sex. They are kids for God’s sake, let them be that.