November is National Runaway Prevention Month

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National Runaway Switchboard
What is National Runaway Prevention Month

November is National Runaway Prevention Month. It is a public education campaign spearheaded by the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) and the National Network for Youth (NNY) to:

* Increase the awareness of the issues facing runaways, and
* Educate the public about the solutions and the role they can play in preventing youth from running away

National efforts put a voice to this national problem. In October 2002, President Bush hosted the landmark White House Conference on Exploited and Runaway Children. Leaders from across the country convened to discuss challenges related to runaway youth that our nation must face today. The responsibility to protect America's young people is shared by all members of our society, by government at every level, and by parents in every home.

In the 109th Congress, members have taken steps to commemorate Prevention Month. Representative Jon Porter (R-NV) introduced House Resolution 484 on October 6, 2005, with six co-sponsors; including Judy Biggert (R-IL) and Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) to support goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month. Congressman Hinojosa presented his most recent endorsement on the floor of the House on October 25th.

Also, in October 2005, England's Children's Society invited NRS to speak with members of the British Parliament. Spurred by the priority the United States has placed on the needs of runaway and homeless youth, the Children's Society is calling on the British Government to set up a national network of shelters for runaway children – similar to the hotline and referral model used by NRS in the US.

When a youth runs away, the impact is felt throughout the entire community. All of us – individuals, businesses, community groups, teachers, elected officials, and human service agencies – are encouraged to participate in National Runaway Prevention Month. Working together to identify resources and to help youth develop life skills can make the difference between a youth running away, or a youth finding needed resources.

Visit the How to Support National Runaway Prevention Month section to learn how you can participate and observe National Runaway Prevention Month in your school, business, and community.

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How to Support National Runaway Prevention Month

Preventing youth from running away occurs in small towns and large metropolitan cities, in classrooms and boardrooms, around kitchen tables and in national agencies. Big and small, it’s the efforts of many that help youth remain safe in a stable environment.

There are a thousand ways you can participate. Click on a category below that suits you and see what you can do to spread the word in your community center, business, school, or home. Invite family and friends to join in.

Youth
Parents
Teachers
Law Enforcement Personnel
Community Organizations
Congregations
Businesses

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Green Light Project 2008

This November, showing your support for

runaway youth is as easy as flipping a switch! Porch lights across the country will glow green during November to raise awareness and show support for runaway youth.

You can become a part of the Green Light Project by distributing Green Lights in your community. The National Runaway Switchboard has created light bulb labels and posters which are customizable for your organization.



How to start a Green Light Project in your community:

1. Purchase green light bulbs - these are available at most local hardware stores. If you're interested in distributing in bulk - over 120 bulbs - click here.

2. Label the Bulbs - There are general and customizable light bulb labels available to download. You need to purchase 2"x4" labels (for example, Avery 5163 / 8163 Template). You can print the labels on your color printer or have them printed at a copying shop.

3. Distribute the bulbs - There are general and customizable posters available for you to distribute with your light bulbs. You can partner with local businesses to distribute, advertise, and display green light bulbs for greater impact.

4. Tell NRS about your Project - We want to hear about your Green Light Project! Email the Outreach Coordinator to share your green light goals, successes, set-backs, and results.



Download Green Light Project Tools



- Green Light Poster - General

- Green Light Poster - Customizable

- Green Light Labels - General

- Green Light Labels - Customizable

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Community Action Kit

The Community Action Kit provides a step-by-step approach to planning and implementing runaway prevention activities in your community. This kit contains ideas for promoting runaway prevention which can be used by parents, teachers, police officers, non-profits, governments, youth, coaches, and any other individuals or groups which are concerned about runaway youth. The Community Action Kit also contains a comprehensive guide to involving the media in your events which can dramatically increase the impact of your activity. You can download the community action kit by clicking on the link below.

Download the Community Action Kit Here