From Wrigley Field to Home Turfs Across the Country, America is "Going Green" for National Runaway Prevention Month

Multiple Events Bring Awareness to the Youth Runaway Issue

CHICAGO, Oct. 26, 2011  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Going green" typically means making eco-friendly choices, but in November it highlights the color and turns the spotlight on National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM).  NRPM is a public education campaign symbolized by the color green, and is spearheaded by the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) and the National Network for Youth to raise awareness about the youth runaway crisis in America and to educate people about prevention and solutions.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091019/NRSLOGO)

"The runaway issue has been a silent crisis too long, and this November we need to get Americans talking about it," said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director. "The truth is that prevention is possible and help is available."

To bring greater understanding of this problem, individuals and organizations throughout the country are planning activities during November, including:

• Social Media Day of Action: On Nov. 1, people are encouraged to wear green socks, upload photos of it to Facebook, and tweet these photos while using the hashtag #NRPM2011. NRS will tweet runaway prevention facts throughout the day and host a webinar on the long-term effects of running away, which will stream live at http://ustre.am/E3CP at 12:30 p.m. CT/1:30 p.m. ET. Questions for the panel can be tweeted with the hashtag #NRPM2011.
• Green Light Project: Americans can show support of runaway and at-risk youth by shining a green light on their front porches. This year, Wrigley Field in Chicago is getting involved and promoting 1-800-RUNAWAY and www.1800RUNAWAY.org on its marquee on Nov. 2. Agencies such as Family Connection, Inc., in Alabama and the Huckleberry House in Ohio will hand out green socks and light bulbs to community members.
• Spirit of Youth Benefit: This Chicago event is NRS' annual fundraiser to recognize individuals and organizations that help to keep America's runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the street. The 2011 Spirit of Youth award recipient is artist and civil rights activist Cyndi Lauper, who took part in last year's Green Light Project. The Cyndi Lauper True Colors Fund will be honored at the benefit on Nov. 18. This year's platinum sponsor is United Airlines, and the gold sponsors are Carlton Technologies, Chicago Tribune, Greyhound Lines and Radio Flyer.

For more information, visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org.

SOURCE National Runaway Switchboard