POSITIVE RESULTS

My neighbors and I did not care for the alcohol billboard featuring a scantily clad woman near the road to our homes. We wrote the alcohol company, and included our signatures and addresses, stating that we did not want those kinds of pictures in our town. The president was very nice, later writing to each person asking if their needs had been met. That was six years ago, and they have never put up another billboard like that either by our homes or at the other end of town. — Susan H. Andersen, Preston, Idaho

DEEP SADNESS

A recent stake conference dealt with the subject of pornography. Several stories were related in a tasteful and anonymous way, illustrating the deep sadness that resulted from Internet pornography and other types of pornography. Results included no longer having the companionship of the Spirit, destroyed or damaged marriages, or perhaps being disfellowshiped and excommunicated.

Under the stake president's direction, the stake Relief Society president and her counselors compiled scriptures, prophets' statements, resources and other information related to this topic and put it in printed, bound form for each family to take home. — Kaye H. Babcock, Salt Lake City, Utah

COMMENDED MANAGEMENT

I was recently disturbed by the cover of a popular magazine that was on display at the grocery check-out stand. As I paid for my groceries, I calmly asked for a store manager and then politely but firmly reported my concern that the cover image was pornographic and offensive and had no place in a grocery store (or anywhere else for that matter). I was pleased that the manager and even the check-out clerk agreed. The manager promptly removed that issue from all displays.

I later wrote a thank-you note to the store management to commend them for helping our community stay morally clean. This may be a small victory, but from my experience and what I've heard from others, it really works. Sometimes, all you have to do is act and ask. — Jill Davis, Longmont, Colo.

AVOID TEMPTATION YOURSELF

Stay away from pornography. As I have committed to the Lord, I should not involve myself in any pornographic things and should always keep myself away from this kind of temptation which could damage my faith.

Always keep in mind that family is the most important in our lives. Be with them to share happy moments. — Kiw, Yih Min, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

WROTE LETTER

We received a subscription offer from a pornographic magazine in the mail a few weeks ago. We were about to toss it in the garbage when we thought about a better way to handle the situation so it didn't re-occur. We wrote the following letter to the magazine representative:

"To Whom it May Concern:

"I was very disappointed to receive a subscription card to your . . . magazine company. I think that pornography is degrading and an insult to our mothers, wives, sisters and beautiful daughters. I sincerely hope that I never receive any debasing material such as your magazine represents in the mail again.

"I believe in integrity in all things, therefore I hope that you will promptly remove my name from any list that your company may have or may associate with."

We hope that even this small effort will somehow make a difference. — Chris and Heather Moore, Aliso Viejo, Calif.

RAISE AWARENESS

Bishoprics and Relief Society presidencies in our stake met together during a bishop's council meeting to discuss preventing and responding to abuse and addiction. Priesthood and Relief Society lessons were given in our wards to raise members' awareness on this subject.

Materials used came from Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt's 1997 statewide Conference on Families during which community leaders were urged to more effectively address this hidden danger on the Internet. Other materials included statements from Church leaders and information on how to overcome sexual addiction.

Families should become aware of full Internet service providers that block undesirable sites. This helps eliminate the need for people to purchase blocking software. — Kathy Faerber, Murray, Utah

COMMUNITY GATHERING

Our community had an education night directed to teaching families about the harmful effects of pornography. We split into two groups, teenagers and adults. The adults participated in a panel presentation. The panel consisted of a national board member of American Mothers, the county attorney, a media specialist teacher, a law enforcement officer specializing in Internet crime, a sex addiction therapist, a professor of human development, our district representative, me and other American Mother members.

In a separate room, teenagers were addressed by a motivational speaker. They also participated in a pledge to abstain completely from all aspects of pornography.

Involved in the preparation were the mayor and city council, American Mothers, local PTA, school board, Lion's Club, the local youth council and young men working on their Eagle Scout awards.

Do your best. Heavenly Father will be your support. — Amy Fielding, Hyrum, Utah