National Runaway Prevention Month in November is "More than Meets the Eye"
The National Runaway Safeline and its Partners Bring Awareness to the Youth Runaway Issue
CHICAGO, Nov. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM) in November, the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) and its partners raise awareness of the runaway and homeless youth crisis and the issues that these young people face, as well as educate Americans about solutions and the role they can play in preventing and ending youth homelessness.
"This year's theme 'More than Meets the Eye' is designed to dispel stereotypes about runaway, homeless and at-risk youth by illustrating the essences of every young person," said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director. "These youth are daughters, sons, students… children. Let's focus on how to better serve these kids."
To bring greater understanding of this problem, youth service agencies, community groups, and individuals can participate in the following national activities on Thursdays throughout November:
- #TBT on Nov. 5: Post a picture of you as a teenager on social media for "Throwback Thursday," with the hashtags #irememberwhatitslike and #NRPM2015.
- "Wear Green" Day on Nov. 12: Green is the symbol of NRPM. Coordinate a 'Wear Green' Day, whether it is a t-shirt, tie or pair of socks, with your friends, coworkers or students. Take a photo and post it to social media with #NRPM2015.
- Candlelight Vigil on Nov. 19: Host a candlelight vigil in a neighborhood, school, place of worship, or other venue to show solidarity with youth in crisis.
- 'Give Thanks' Thunderclap on Nov. 26: On Thanksgiving, 'pay it forward' by participating in an NRPM online Thunderclap (https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/33434-natl-runaway-prevention-month) which is a tool that lets a message be heard when you and your friends say it together.
This year, the "Homestretch" documentary will receive the "Spirit of Youth" award at NRS' annual benefit that recognizes those who help to keep America's runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the street. The platinum sponsor is United Airlines. The gold sponsors are Chicago Tribune, Carlton Technologies, Greyhound Lines, Inc., Hugh M. Hefner Foundation, Ken Lavelle, Radio Flyer, Bonnie and Steve Wheeler, and Wolfort Family Foundation.
NRS makes more than 250,000 connections to help and hope through hotline (1-800-RUNAWAY), online (1800RUNAWAY.org), texting (66008) and offline resources. For more information, visit 1800runaway.org/runaway-prevention-month/.
SOURCE National Runaway Safeline
Share this article