Author: B4U_ACT

New Report on Injustices Facing MAPs and Professionals

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Today, B4U-ACT published a new report on injustices experienced by minor-attracted people and professionals within the mental health system and academia. This report was written and compiled by the MAP Mental Health and Human Rights Study Group, a working group consisting of ten therapists, researchers, and minor-attracted people. The group was formed in November of 2023 as a result of a discussion at a monthly meeting of B4U-ACT’s Dialog on Therapy.

Over the next several months the group solicited stories from MAPs, clinicians who work with them, and scholars who study their lives about injustices and unfair treatment they have faced. After collecting these stories, the group developed this document to educate professionals and the public about these injustices and the widespread impacts they have.

Our hope is that this document provides insight into the unique challenges and stigma facing people attracted to children and adolescents and the professionals who work with this population, and becomes a foundation for future work to address the systemic and structural restrictions which produce these issues.

View Report as PDF

B4U-ACT also wishes to express our deep gratitude to the minor-attracted people, mental health professionals, and researchers who shared their experiences of injustices, discrimination, harassment and other mistreatment over the course of the project. This report would not have been possible without you.

MAPs Wanted for Study on Emotional Response

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Participants are needed for a new research project being conducted by the William A. Percy Foundation. The study aims to understand emotional reactions in individuals with different sexual orientations in terms of both age and gender preference.

People who are citizens or residents of the United States, identify as being attracted to minors, and have not committed a contact or enticement sexual offense are eligible to participate by completing an approximately 15-20 minute survey. Interested potential participants may click the following link to participate or learn more:

Go to survey

The researchers have provided the following message with additional information about the study:

The William A. Percy Foundation for Social and Historical Studies seeks your help in a study we are doing of emotional response in men who feel a strong sexual attraction to young people below the age of 18. For this particular part of our study, we are seeking men who experience this attraction, but have never actually committed a contact or enticement offense as defined by the laws of their state. To qualify for participation, you must be either a U.S. citizen or resident over the age of 18. The survey instrument we use involves multiple choice answers and should take you about 15-20 minutes. You are guaranteed complete anonymity, but to maintain your anonymity, we are unable to offer any compensation. The Percy Foundation has a long record of supporting sexual and gender minorities, including those attracted to minors, with its research, public education, and prison outreach. We have made regular financial contributions to support B4U-ACT’s discussion forum. Please visit our website to learn more about us:

https://wapercyfoundation.org

Here is the link to our anonymous survey: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wapercyfoundation_qmee_survey

We thank you in advance for your assistance in helping us foster better public understanding of this population. This survey will remain open until May 15.

B4U-ACT Seeking Volunteer Executive Director

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As we continue to pursue our mission of improving public and professional understanding of people attracted to children and adolescents, and promoting compassionate and effective mental health resources for this population, B4U-ACT is seeking an Executive Director to help drive sustainable growth and provide leadership and expertise in nonprofit operations.

Through strategic leadership, financial stewardship, advocacy, public relations, and operations management, this position will be responsible for creating and executing long-term strategic plans to pursue B4U-ACT’s mission through continued partnership with mental health professionals, researchers, and minor-attracted people.

Position Overview:

B4U-ACT is seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Director to lead our organization, support our mission, and drive sustainable growth. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. This individual will be responsible for strategic planning, fundraising, building partnerships, supporting succession planning, and expanding our presence in public health and mental health spaces. The position is volunteer based initially, with the potential for compensation as funding permits.

Qualifications

  • Proven leadership experience in a nonprofit setting, with a background in mental health, advocacy, or a related field.
  • Skilled in handling sensitive topics with empathy, integrity, and confidentiality.
  • Demonstrated ability to secure funding, including grants and partnerships, to support nonprofit initiatives.
  • Visionary mindset with the flexibility and adaptability to navigate challenges in a growing organization.
  • Guide the organization in achieving its short-term goals and preparing for long-term succession planning.
  • Strong public relations skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated skills in building and managing a collaborative team of volunteers.

This role is an opportunity for a compassionate leader to make a meaningful impact in a complex and sensitive area. If you are a strategic thinker with the dedication to promote B4U-ACT’s mission, we encourage you to apply.

Inquire or Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and commitment to B4U-ACT’s mission. Please feel free to ask any questions about the position or the operations you would be managing. Applications and questions can be sent to careers@b4uact.org.

Full information about the position can be found here.