Rhyme With Reason

Help raise the confidence of kids in your community. Hold a poetry contest during April and encourage children to write about having high self-esteem. Have kids submit poems by the middle of April. Give each poet a “Kids Are Special” Message Lollipop and a “There’s No Excuse For Child Abuse” Awareness Satin Ribbon Bracelet. At the end of April, announce the winner of the contest and give him or her a special prize, such as two tickets to the movies or a baseball game.

Something Special

Take time during April to focus on the efforts and dedication of your social workers. Plan a special outing for them, such as lunch at a local restaurant. Before departing for the event, give each social worker a “Protecting Children Is Everyone’s Job” or an “I Make A Difference In The Lives Of Children” T-Shirt to wear.

Education And Eating

Children need to know what abuse is so they can take an active role in protecting themselves from it. To help educate them, give out some extra “homework” this Child Abuse Prevention Month. Send each child home with an “It’s OK To Tell!” Educational Activities Book and a “10 Ways To Teach Your Child Personal Safety” E-Z Stick Glancer. Tell children to read and do the activities in the Educational Activities Book and have their parents or guardians read the Glancer. Include a note for the children and parents (or guardians) to sign confirming that all reading was completed. Throw a pizza party for each class in which all the

Good Morning

Say “thanks” to your employees with a surprise breakfast during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Tell them there will be a morning meeting later in the week. When they arrive for the “meeting,” have orange juice, coffee, whole wheat bagels, fruit and other breakfast goodies for them. Allow time for socialization. At the end of the meal, make a short announcement thanking employees for their hard work. Then pass out “Protecting Children Is Everyone’s Job” or “Children Are Our Tomorrow, Care For Them Today” Lapel Pins With Presentation Cards.

Community Outreach

Partner with local businesses to spread awareness about child abuse and raise money for a charity or program that benefits children. At the end of March, drop off donation jars at businesses. Make sure each jar has a label that features information about Child Abuse Prevention Month and where the money will go. Give each business a bunch of “Teaming Up To Keep Kids Safe” or “There Is No Excuse For Child Abuse” Message Pencils that can be given to customers who make a donation.

Art With Heart

Art can heal and inspire. It can also brighten up a room. For Child Abuse Prevention Month this year, invest in some paint and paintbrushes, and recruit local students to paint a mural at your facility. Have students work on it during February or March so it’s finished by the beginning of April. Plan to unveil the mural at a special event. Invite all employees, the artists who worked on it and members of the community to attend. Serve refreshments and decorate your event area with Balloons and the Poster from our Child Abuse Awareness Pack.