Uncategorized - Safe Surfin Foundation | Protecting Our Youth Online Since 1998

Tazewell Moose & Safe Surfin’ Team Up for Child Safety

The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office recently received a state-of-the-art EZ Child ID compact mobile system, thanks to a generous donation from the Tazewell Moose Lodge 198 and the support of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation. This cutting-edge system, distributed by Safe Surfin’, allows the Sheriff’s Office to take a child’s fingerprints, multiple photographs, and a voice recording, then provide it to parents on a flash drive or through a downloadable app. Importantly, no information is retained by the Sheriff’s Office, ensuring privacy while giving parents a vital tool to assist law enforcement in case of emergencies.

Behind the Scenes

Safe Surfin’ Around the Nation

Safe Surfin’ Foundation had the honor of attending the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Exposition, where over 16,000 law enforcement professionals gathered to showcase the latest innovations in public safety.

Eddie Worth, our Executive Director, engaged with attendees through roundtables and presentations, sharing our mission and exploring partnerships to protect kids online. This impactful event highlighted the importance of collaboration in building safe communities, and we were thrilled to be a part of it!

IACP Conference Wrap-up

Style with a Purpose

Did you know you can support our mission by purchasing Safe Surfin’ merchandise through our Bonfire store? From shirts to hoodies, our gear lets you proudly show your commitment to promoting cyber safety while helping fund our educational programs and outreach efforts. Every purchase directly supports our work in protecting communities and empowering individuals online. Visit our Bonfire store today and make a difference with style!

Link to Bonfire Store

Volunteer Spotlight

Buddy and Brenda Franklin

Buddy and Brenda Franklin Safe Surfin’ Foundation Territory Managers.

This month, we’re shining our Volunteer Spotlight on the incredible Mr. and Mrs. Franklin! All the way from sunny Florida, this dedicated duo surprised us with a visit to our Virginia headquarters. After countless hours of working with them over the phone, I was absolutely ecstatic to finally meet them in person and put faces to their names!

Their unwavering commitment to our mission and their generous hearts make them invaluable members of the Safe Surfin’ family. We are so grateful for their hard work, enthusiasm, and the joy they bring to everything they do. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin, for going the extra mile—literally and figuratively—to support us!

Check out the wonderful photos from their visit above!

Tips & Advice

Having strong communication lines open with your kids will lessen the chance of them “sneaking” behind your back. Good discussion and parental involvement will also make it easier for them to approach you for help with an online problem should the occasion arise.

Additional Resources

Spotlight on Child Recovery: NCPTF’s Recent Success

This month, we’re excited to share a remarkable story of how a collaborative effort spearheaded by the National Child Protection Task Force (NCPTF) and a partner agency resulted in a major victory for missing children and their families.
Through a 10-week operation, the team assisted law enforcement using advanced tools and multi-agency teamwork to recover over two-thirds of the missing children in the targeted area. Using cutting-edge intelligence tools like open-source intelligence (OSINT) and data-driven methods to generate actionable leads that helped law enforcement locate and rescue these children.

This operation embodies technology’s critical role in modern child protection, enabling agencies to track digital footprints and generate actionable insights faster than ever before. By embracing innovation and fostering meaningful partnerships, NCPTF continues to pioneer new ways to protect vulnerable children and reunite them with their families.
NCPTF’s successful partnership exemplifies the power of teamwork in child protection!

Behind the Scenes

Safe Surfin’ In Action

24 August 2024 — #MooseProud & #safesurfinproud to say that we helped protect 50 kids with the EZIDs at the Rockingham Moose Lodge NC 1838 Non-Profit Organization today. Thank you for inviting us to your Back to School Bash and the great hotdogs. Thank everyone for your help. We could not have done it without your help.

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Making A Difference

Cop-in-a-Box (CIAB) Program

At Safe Surfin’, we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, and we’re proud to share two recent successes that highlight the impact of our work.

In Burke County, Judy Jones reports an impressive 66 arrests and convictions thanks to using one of Safe Surfin’s innovative programs for fighting internet crimes, Cop-in-a-Box (CIAB).

These custom-built computers have helped local law enforcement catch and convict online predators, making communities safer for children and families—a game-changer in the fight against cybercrime.

EZ ID Program

Meanwhile, Billy Noah shared a unique milestone recently. He was able to ID his first newborn baby using Safe Surfin’s Child ID Kits, marking a crucial step in ensuring that children are properly documented and protected from the earliest stages of life. This small moment highlights the range of Safe Surfin’s reach, from cyber safety to identity protection.

These success stories are a testament to the dedication of law enforcement and individuals across the country who are using Safe Surfin’s tools to create safer environments for children. Together, we’re making strides in the ongoing battle to keep the internet safe.

Team Spotlight

Debbie Repass

Debbie Repass Safe Surfin’ Foundation Board Member.

Debbie worked as a paralegal in the areas of tax law, white collar crime, bankruptcy, real estate, litigation, labor law, employment law, and as a corporate in-house while employed by the federal government, a labor union at AFL-CIO headquarters, private corporations, sole practitioners, a credit union, and the White House during the Reagan Administration.

Debbie was the President of a national paralegal association – the American Alliance of Paralegals. She has been a guest speaker at education conferences on ethics, the future of the paralegal profession, and paralegal regulation. Debbie has been published in various professional journals and bar and paralegal association newsletters. She also wrote a paper titled “The Ethical Wall – Its Application to Paralegals,” published by Westlaw, a legal research industry leader.

Debbie served on many community boards and committees in her native Washington, DC. She received an award for her dedication to Y-Me of the National Capital Area.

Debbie is a magna cum laude graduate of George Mason University with a degree in Legal Studies.

Meet the Safe Surfin’ Team

Tips & Advice

Kids need to learn good online safety habits and practice them consistently. Remember, they are not always going to be at home when they are online. Also, remember that services like Gmail and Yahoo! offer free email that they can access from any computer.

Additional Resources

Safe Surfin’ Foundation Sponsors Guild Hall Summer Gala in The Hamptons

Safe Surfin' Foundation Gala in the Hamptons

“The Safe Surfin’ Foundation proudly sponsored the annual Guild Hall Summer Gala, a longstanding tradition in the Hamptons, held on August 2, 2024. The event, known for its cultural significance and community spirit, was held entirely at Guild Hall, utilizing the museum, theater, and gardens for a memorable evening of art, dining, and entertainment.

The Safe Surfin’ Foundation’s full-screen advertisement was prominently displayed on rotation during the dinner under the tent, featuring the foundation’s slogan, ‘Because a child’s innocence can never be replaced,’ alongside the logo.”

Behind the Scenes

9 August 2024 —St. Jude Hope in the Hamptons

The nonprofit community gathered for an incredible evening at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s ‘Hope In The Hamptons’ Gala. We were thrilled to have our very own Eddie Worth, Executive Director, and Board Member/Skyll CEO, Graeme Page, in attendance, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and

support across our nonprofit sector!

This noteworthy event was created by a group of volunteers in the Hamptons community dedicated to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Finding Cures. Saving Children.

Seeing so many dedicated individuals passionate about making a difference and working toward our shared goals was inspiring. A huge thank you to the event organizers for hosting such a beautiful gala, and thank you to those who joined us to celebrate the impact of our collective efforts.

Together, we can create lasting change and empower those in need!

Don’t Miss This Exclusive Car Interview

“Thousands of individuals are using the Internet, online chat rooms, and more in an attempt to solicit underage kids for sex. Worse, some groups attempt what is known as “sextortion”, trying to bilk money from them as well.

Worth, along with Graeme Page, spoke to the Journal earlier this week as they were on the road to educate others about this monumental problem.”

Watch Now

Alleghany County Investigators Uncover Alleged Child Predator in Oklahoma

“An alleged sexual predator from Oklahoma is facing charges thanks in part to work done by investigators with Virginia’s Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office…

Law enforcement in Alleghany County was able to conduct the online investigation thanks to a laptop donated to them through a partnership with the Covington Moose Lodge and the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, intended to be used for the detection, location and prosecution of sexual predators in the investigation of Internet Crimes Against Children.”

Volunteer Spotlight

Jane Vaughan

Jane Vaughan Safe Surfin’ Foundation Committee Chair of District 10.

This month, we proudly spotlight this incredible volunteer who dedicates their time and passion to the Safe Surfin mission. Your hard work and dedication are key, helping us educate and protect children online every day. Thank you for making a real difference every day!

Tips & Advice

Video chat should be used to stay in touch with family and friends; not chatting with strangers. Never let your childplan a face-to-face meeting with someone they met online. If, for some reason, they absolutely must meet, then be sure you are present!

Safe Surfin’ Foundation Unveils ‘Deputy’ AI: First 911 for Online Child Crimes at 2024 SRLEEA Conference

From left: Safe Surfin’ Foundation Board Members Graeme Page, Sheriff Mike Brown, and Dr. Janet Brown

New Website Is Now Live

Our team is delighted to announce that our new website has been launched, thanks to the fantastic web design team behind the effort at KillerSpots Agency. With better navigation and more in-depth information and resources, we hope you love it as much as we do! While it may not be perfect, we’re continuously working on it.

We’d love to hear your feedback – so kick off your shoes, grab a snack, and look around. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Behind the Scenes

Special Training in Michigan

Dave Coffey, Regional Manager West, attended interrogation training in the Grand Rapids area. These techniques are used to obtain additional confessions to crimes and to incarcerate people longer. Donations from Moose and Safe Surfin’ made this training possible.

Be Featured in the New Photo Gallery

Please share your photos with us! We would love to add more pictures — EZ ID events, setups supporting Safe Surfin’, etc. — to the new photo gallery featured on our website. Send your submissions to [email protected] or text 540.855- 7432.

Team Spotlight

Graeme Page

Graeme Page Safe Surfin’ Foundation Board Member.

Graeme Page is the CEO and co-founder of Skyll, a company at the forefront of integrating AI with education to promote online safety. At just eleven, Graeme launched his first venture, Fallen Angel, which rapidly grew into a leading influencer marketing firm, working with clients like Disney, Warner Bros., Fashion Nova, Hinge, and Liquipel, and generating over one billion impressions per month on Instagram and Twitter.

His deep understanding of social media’s potential and risks fueled his passion for creating safer digital spaces, leading to the development of Skyll. This innovative platform offer an AI-powered movie game that educates teens on social media safety through interactive storytelling and decision-making, made available in schools across the United States. Based in Dana Point, California, and born in Toronto, Canada, Graeme’s career reflects his commitment to transforming the digital landscape into a secure environment for learning and interaction.

Tips & Advice

Monitor what your child is posting. Check out the photos they are sharing. Be aware of the clues in the photo. A picture of your daughter posing in her high school’s soccer uniform will make her an easy target for predators.

New General Federation of Women’s Clubs Collaboration Announcement

We are pleased to announce that David Coffey (Regional Manager West) has accepted an Honorary Chairman position with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. GFWC has an impressive 130-year history of advocating for the safety and betterment of global communities through service.

Dave will focus on working with their Legislative Action Center to accomplish shared youth awareness and Legislation/Public Policy goals. We are pleased to work aside their organization and to learn from each other. Dave looks forward to two years of growth and shared achievements toward a better, safer world.

SSF is honored by this appointment and Dave’s dedicated service to GFWC and the Juniorettes.

Visit GFWC.org

Behind the Scenes

3 April 2024 — SSF Board member Dr. Janet Brown and Board Chairman Sheriff Mike Brown pictured with Suzanne S. Youngkin, First Lady of Virginia.

3 April 2024 — Special Event to Combat Labor Trafficking: Retired Sheriff Mike Brown pictured with VA Attorney General Jason Miyares.

Volunteer Spotlight

Wayne Sealock

Wayne Sealock Safe Surfin’ Foundation State Chairman of Virginia.

Tips & Advice

Get to know your child’s online activities and friends. Regularly check the online communities your child visits: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Snapchat, Meetup, Tinder, Pinterest, Kik, Digg, Fark, Yik Yak, Ask.fm, and more.

Groundbreaking Partnership

Skyll partnering with Safe Surfin' Foundation

Safe Surfin’ Foundation has partnered with Skyll, an innovator in educational technology, to implement this advanced curriculum across the state. Skyll’s AI-powered, game-based learning platform will deliver the social media safety education as an interactive, gamified learning experience, personalized for each student. This approach leverages the power of storytelling and simulation to engage students in critical thinking about online safety.

Updates and News

3 April 2024 — Executive Director, Eddie Worth, proudly presents Coach Frank Beamer with an appreciation award for his exemplary support of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation and for serving on the advisory board.

13 April 2024 — Safe Surfin presented a workshop to students at the Virginia Beach State Leadership & Recognition Conference. Virginia FCCLA recently teamed up and entered into a partnership with the Safe Surfin’ Foundation.

Volunteer Spotlight

Judy Jones

Judy Jones Safe Surfin’ Foundation State Chair of North Carolina.

Tips & Advice

Supervise all internet-enabled devices. Cell phones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and game consoles all have Internet capabilities.

West Virginia Passes Internet Safety Bill

Governor Justice signs Internet Safety Bill

Governor Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 466 on Saturday, March 2nd, using Safe Surfin’ Foundation’s Cyber S.W.A.T. format. This bill makes internet safety education mandatory for grades 3-12, effective the 2025- 2026 school year. SSF is extremely pleased to be a part of this groundbreaking moment promoting peer-to- peer education on all aspects of internet safety.

Volunteer Spotlight

DeShannon Lott

DeShannon Lott, Safe Surfin’ Foundation Chairman of Mississippi, pictured with President Eddie Worth.

Tips & Advice

Talk to your children, no matter how young or old. Remind them that people are not always who they sat they are and no one they meet online is to be trusted.

SSF Hosts Members From The Virginia Department Of Education

Retired Sheriff Mike Brown, Dr. Janet Brown, President Eddie Worth, and Board members Debbie Repass and Eric Winkler with Safe Surfin’ Foundation recently hosted members of the Virginia Department of Education and the Pala Indian tribe at the ICAC Task Force command center in Forest, VA.

A presentation was presented by ICAC Commander Steve Anders explaining the importance of internet safety education throughout the country. Safe Surfin is working with the Virginia Department of Education to include its peer-to-peer program Cyber S.W.A.T. in all public schools in Virginia.

SSF Board Members Meet With WVSP To Discuss Senate Bill

Retired Sheriff Mike Brown and Dr. Janet Brown met with West Virginia state police superintendent Colonel J.C. Chambers and his staff to discuss Senate Bill 466 – Safety While Accessing Technology education program. Safe Surfin’ Foundation is working with several senators in West Virginia on this bill to make internet safety mandatory in all public schools with a full endorsement from West Virginia state police.

Pictured from left to right: Colonel J.C. Chambers, Captain L.J. Deskins, Sheriff Mike Brown, Dr. Janet Brown, Lt. K.D. Akers, Sgt. J. Brown and Sgt. F. Edwards.

Sergeant Brown and Lieutenant Akers are ICAC/CAC investigators. Sergeant Edwards is the Deputy Director of ICAC.

Category: Uncategorized