Bikers Against Child Abuse
 | |
| Established | 1995 |
|---|---|
| Founder | John Paul "(The) Chief" Lilly |
| Founded at | Provo Utah, USA |
| Purpose | To create a safer environment for abused children |
| Website |
www |
Bikers Against Child Abuse International (BACA) is a 501-C-3 tax exempt organization (as opposed to motorcycle club) for the sole purpose of empowering children of abuse.
Introduction
BACA was founded in 1995 by John Paul "Chief" Lilly in Provo, Utah USA. Chief is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Play Therapist/Supervisor.[1] BACA is a U.S. Registered non-profit, 501-C-3 tax exempt organization with permanent and forming efforts in 48 states and 9 countries. In 2013 BACA reported a total revenue of $827,130, assets of $395,007 and no paid salaries.[2]
As a child therapist, Chief worked directly with children of abuse. He watched helplessly as many of the children would again be confronted by the perpetrator or were experiencing social anxieties due to the abuse they suffered. Drawing from his own childhood experiences, Chief knew children were safe around bikers and that the bikers would protect them. Skirting the rules of therapy, Chief invited some 40 bikers to the child's house for a barbecue. Later that day, the child's mother called to report that for the first time in months he was riding his bicycle around the neighborhood.[3] Using the progress the child had made as an example, Chief approached his biker friends about organizing and working together for the sake of abused children.[1][4][5]
History
Chief founded B.A.C.A. to satisfy a need in working with abused children. According to his own account found on the bacaworld.org FAQ page; those needs were:[1]
- A lack of child safety as the common methods often proved insufficient
- To provide funding for therapy when needed
Supporters
Anyone who desires to be involved with BACA must first be a supporter in good standing for a minimum of 1 year. Before becoming a supporter a person must be at least 18 years of age, fingerprinted and have an extensive background check performed according to local laws and customs and must own or have access to a motorcycle. Disqualifying events include convictions for domestic violence and child abuse. Other events may disqualify an applicant as determined by the Chapter Board (CB). Once completed the background check is reviewed by the CB for approval. Upon unanimous approval, the applicant is granted Supporter status within the local chapter. Supporters are identified by the small oval worn on the front of their "cut" as local laws allow. As a Supporter an individual is expected and required to attend at least 80% of all mandatory events as well as all other events as available. These events can include court appearances, child rides and monthly meetings and BACA 101. BACA 101 provides training on the Policies and Procedures of the BACA organization.
Mission Statement
Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.