November is National Runaway Prevention Month. So, what exactly does this mean? Part of the answer is that we are asking you to help “shine a light” on issues impacting runaway and homeless youth by changing your Facebook profiles, posting selfies, joining our Live Twitter Chat on November 29, 2018, organizing events in your local communities and helping to share information and statistics.
All of these actions are critical for building awareness and engaging a broader community in this conversation. The other part of the answer is that National Runaway Prevention Month is and, should be for all of us, the kick-off to an ongoing effort to “shine a light” on the fact that 4.2 million homeless youth between the ages of 13 – 25 are 4.2 million too many. Recognizing that 1 out of 30 youth ages 13-17 will experience some form of homelessness over the course of the next year (including running away, being asked to leave home or couch surfing) is a call for alarm and action.
The month of November provides us with a collective opportunity to build momentum around these issues. Sharing information, resources and a call for action via social media, newsletters, community meetings, meetings with legislators and decision makers at all levels, and sharing the message over and over again is what National Runaway Prevention Month is all about.
Please join us in “shining a light” and making a difference in the lives of millions of youth who need our voices, our support and National Runaway Prevention Month.
Warm regards,
Susan Frankel
Executive Director
National Runaway Safeline
