YOUR OPINIONS NEEDED!!!

[blinks]

Following on from the ridiculous Madeleine McCann thread, I need opinions and feedback on an idea for MNHQ.

I propose that Mumsnet somehow incorporates a topic or section that raises awareness of UK's missing children and young people. It could also be a place that highlights prevention strategies and general child safety. A different missing child could also be highlighted in each Mumsnet newsletter...

It would be brilliant to turn all of the negativity surrounding the issue into something positive in time for INTERNATIONAL MISSING CHILDREN'S DAY on the 25th May 2009.

It is vital, if this is to go ahead and become a reality, that as many mumsnetters as possible get behind it and either come up with some suggestions and feedback or get in touch with MNHQ yourselves to push it forward. It would be important to keep weird and unwanted attention away from such a section so that's a priority for MNHQ.

As parents wouldn't it be satisfying to offer a platform for those desparately seeking their lost children? If you think about how many members and lurkers there are, combined with the press attention Mumsnet gets- that's a pretty powerful force to make a bit of a difference rather than alot of hot air.

I'll post this in a few sections to see what people think.

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here's a link to missingkids.co.uk where there's info about International Missing Children's Day

I'm afraid I agree, mumofmonsters. Anything much more than cooperatively bumping appeals in already-existing topics, or adverts subsidised at the same rates as other 'good causes' adverts, would seem a bit arbitrary. There are a lot of good causes -- too many to single out this one for special attention.

And I don't really see much need for a special child safety topic either.

It is a well-intentioned idea, and I see the force behind it. But it doesn't feel quite right.

well thanks for your feedback anyway MOM and FW...

How about introducing a new topic for 'missing person appeals' but running it in a similar way to the classified ads section with a small charge to post a new thread?

May sound a little crass, but would hopefully eliminate the risk of malicious trolling.

I agree with mumofmonsters post at 13.19 today

There are loads of good causes we may or may not choose to support. Whilst I am very sympathetic towards any family who have a missing child as a cause its just another on a very long list of causes for me tbh

Also I never look at adverts
And almost never look at mn homepage

I did for a second think positively about a MN topic called - Missing children/people, but it would be such a target for trolls - I really cant see the point sorry

if mn couldn't afford to give up potential revenue, they could hustle for sponsorship. Adn the govt (whichever dept it was) might give a grant.

Love the idea ..sounds good..but as others have pointed out may not be as easy to achieve..goodluck

thanks MC+.