Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to stand up and speak out, but too often it feels like we are preaching to the choir. Now is the time to say it louder for the people in the back. You need only to look at the media coverage associated with the words “child abuse or “child welfare” to see the need for greater awareness for prevention. There are few solutions included in those stories beyond monitoring whether reports are up or down.
And while connecting a child and their family to support through human services is life-saving, there is more than one narrative in this story. Ask yourself, how often are programs available to all children and families recognized for what they are – critical solutions to this heartbreaking problem? If you asked your neighbor what those solutions were, could they tell you how to create positive childhood experiences in your community or what the protective factors are? If you see a pinwheel planted in their front yard, the answer is likely yes.
That is why we coordinate this awareness effort in Colorado. And thankfully, it is not uncommon for organizations and people dedicating their careers to serving children and families involved in the child welfare system and helping survivors heal to advocate for what is needed to address issues leading to children and families floating downstream. Now is the time to double our efforts to not only advocate for adequate intervention, but also work to put ourselves out of business.
Our collective effort to scream the solutions and whisper the problem begins this Thursday, National Wear Blue Day. Hopefully, by the end of the month, with 40,000 pinwheels planted in front yards and neighborhoods throughout the state, more people will know how to plant the seeds for all children to grow up happy and healthy. And next year, the choir grows.
Pinwheels for Prevention® Giveaway!
Illuminate Colorado is giving away 40,000 FREE Pinwheels for Prevention® to inspire Coloradans to grow a better tomorrow for all children, together.
Enter the #GrowingBetterTogether Photo Contest!
Enter a photo for a chance to win a grant for your favorite Colorado nonprofit serving children and families! Photos with the most votes on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 1:00 pm (MTN) win the opportunity to select a Colorado nonprofit serving children and families to receive the following prizes:
1st Prize – $1000 mini grant
2nd Prize – $300 mini grant
3rd Prize – $200 mini grant
Use Pinwheels for Prevention®
- Give the pinwheels as a gift to another family to let them know you care
- Display them in the background of your virtual meetings
- Share pictures on social media #GrowingBetterTogether to promote positive childhood experiences
Ways to Get Involved
Follow #GrowingBetterTogether to Connect to the Movement in Your Community
Tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to Let Us Know You are Committed to #GrowingBetterTogether
Subscribe
Subscribe to Illuminate Colorado’s blog to find out about more activities planned for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
