The temperatures are getting warmer, and the days are getting longer. Spring is finally here. It is a time for renewal and growth in all areas of our lives, including club work. How can we best continue to advocate for the youngest members of our community as we close out this club year?
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. According to the Center for Disease Control, child abuse and neglect are serious public health problems that can have long-term impact on current and future health, opportunity, and wellbeing. This month we are given an important opportunity to help ensure each child has the opportunity to grow up happy, healthy and prepared to succeed in all areas of life. So how do we get started?
Prevent Child Abuse America, a national organization dedicated to child abuse prevention, is a great resource for project ideas. Here are a few:
- Host a pinwheel garden in your community for Prevent Child Abuse America’s Pinwheels for Prevention These easy-to-identify, blue pinwheels serve as a visual reminder that childhood should be whimsical and fun for everyone.
- Use social media to promote Healthy Families America (HFA), Prevent Child Abuse America’s signature home visitiation program. HFA addresses the prevention of abuse and neglect by providing family-focused and empathic support in the home. This free program is available nationwide and helps prevent abuse and neglect, one family and one child at a time.
- Encourage club members and your community to participate in the Digital Day of Advocacy on April 27, 2022. Contact your lawmakers and urge them to reauthorize and increase funding for programs designed to prevent child abuse and neglect.
For more information and project ideas to help make the most of your advocacy efforts this month, visit the Signature Program section of the 2020-2022 GFWC Club Manual located in the digital library available on the member portal of GFWC’s website.
Christy Frisbee
GFWC-NC Juniors Special Program Chairman