I do think that time is a telling factor and it really sounds like your credibility is built up well. You seem like a really strong person to me. I think I feel better about myself when I do what I really think is the right thing.
I have found it hard though when wading against the tide, it is really like I am a bad person sometimes when really I am not. And that has sometimes made me a bit bitter and possibly (I don't like to admit it) I retaliate a bit. These days I am trying to relax with my way of being zealous about things and logically argue without emotion. I also try not to hold it against someone when they don't see my point of view (just feel sorry for them - joking!!!). Might be a bit harder in your case when the stakes are high though. But I think I get further when I don't react to the negativity. I have just found ways of not taking it personally, I figure that it is usually the other persons issues. Pardon me, but how anal is it for someone to be picking at grammar instead of the serious issue that you were working on, I do think that there is more of a worry on their end than on yours.
Anyway Equus I am sure you will work out how much you can bear and do and strive to achieve for these children. Really nice to know that there is a lot of serious effort out there.
peace and love,
Brigid