National Runaway Prevention Month in November Shows the Importance of "Friends Helping Friends"

CHICAGO, Nov. 2, 2016 /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.  

"Family members, educators and peers all have different 'titles,' but when a young person is in a tough situation these people also fit the role of 'friend' who they can talk to for support, a listening ear and caring advice," said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director.  "Sometimes that guidance leads the youth to contact NRS, which is why this year's NRPM theme is 'Friends Helping Friends.'"

Between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away in a year, and if they all lived in one city, it would be the fifth largest city in the United States.  By participating in the following NRPM national activities, youth service agencies, community groups and individuals can show America's runaway and homeless youth that they are not invisible and they are not alone:

• Facebook Profile Picture on Nov.2: Add the NRPM filter available here to your profile picture. 
• Wear Green Day on Nov. 9: Take a photo wearing something green, the symbol of NRPM, and post it to social media with #NRPM2016.
• Candlelight Vigil on Nov. 16: Host a candlelight vigil in a neighborhood, school, place of worship, or other venue to show solidarity with youth in crisis.
• Selfie Sign Day on Nov. 23: Download the "Selfie Sign" at 1800RUNAWAY.org, take a photo with it, post it to social media using the caption "This is how I have helped a friend...," and encourage others to share a story of how they have helped a friend. 

Being a part of NRPM can also be as easy as a click, a 'like,' a 'share' or a retweet. NRS will disseminate data, stories, and other useful information on Facebook (facebook.com/1800RUNAWAY), Twitter (twitter.com/1800RUNAWAY) and Instagram (instagram.com/1800runaway/).

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