Preschoolers, CA/N Team, Exchange Club plant pinwheels to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month
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ALPENA -- April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Alpena and Presque Isle Child Abuse and Neglect (CA/N) Prevention Team, along with the Exchange Club of Alpena, is spreading the message that everyone can help great childhoods happen in their community.
The CA/N Team and members have been planting blue pinwheels and banners around Alpena and Presque Isle to remind the community of what a crucial role every member of the community plays in helping to prevent child abuse.
The Exchange Club of Alpena has flags displayed at Mich-e-ke-wis and Washington parks, as well as at the Children's Advocacy Center. Also, a banner hangs across Chisholm Street, to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Research suggests that many people are already playing a role in preventing child abuse and creating great childhoods in their communities, they just don't realize it. A study commissioned by Prevent Child Abuse America shows that only 27% of Americans report that they are engaged in prevention. That same study showed that:
¯ 80% of Americans reported donating goods, money or time to an organization supporting children and families,
¯ 70% reported volunteering with children through places of worship, schools, and sports or academic clubs, and
¯ 56% provided mentorship to a child in their family, neighborhood, or community.
"These numbers show that many people are already involved in activities that prevent child abuse and neglect, they just don't realize it," said Tiffany Eddinger, Alpena CA/N Team president. "This April we are working to educate the public regarding how they are already helping to prevent child abuse, as well as offering some positive ideas about how we all can help children and families thrive."
In response to their research, the CA/N Team and the Exchange Club of Alpena are encouraging the public to learn more about how three specific actions -- mentoring children and parents, advocating for family-friendly policies, and donating time and money related to child abuse prevention while giving the public the tools and resources they need to get involved in these activities.
"Child abuse prevention is the national project for the National Exchange Club," said Stacee Martin, president of the Exchange Club of Alpena.
Some ideas that anyone can do to help prevent child abuse are:
¯ Volunteering to staff an after-school program such as at the Boys and Girls Club or other programs.
¯ Mentoring a new parent by reaching out to your neighbor and offering to help.
¯ Advocating for federal and state policies that support children and families, such as home visiting programs and paid family medical leave.
¯ Learning about abuse prevention curricula in place at local schools or churches and advocating to create one if there is not yet a program in place.
¯ Donating time to organizations that support children, such as by offering to be a free tutor or getting involved with a local mentorship program.
¯ Donating money or items to the local Alpena Baby Pantry, Children's Closet, or soup kitchen.
"We believe that we all play a role in the healthy development of children," a press release from the CA/N Team stated. "April is a time we like to remind our community of the important role that each of us plays in child abuse and neglect prevention. When you see a pinwheel this month, think of what you can do to help in your neighborhood and community."