North Dakota Residents Urged to Wear Blue in Support of Children and Families this April, 5 Child Abuse Prevention Month

NEWS from Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota

Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota invites people across the state to wear blue on Friday, April 5, to show support for children and families during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“Wear Blue Day is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to collectively and unequivocally draw attention to effective programs and policies that help children and families thrive,” said Jennifer Boub, project manager at Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota. “Additionally, by wearing blue, people throughout the state demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to our shared responsibility for the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of the children and families in our communities.”    

In addition to participating in this year’s Wear Blue Day, people are encouraged to take a picture of yourself, your colleagues, and/or your friends dressed in blue and share it on your favorite media platform using the #wearbluend and/or #greatchildhoods. Follow PCAND on Facebook to see photographs and news about child abuse prevention events from around the state throughout Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“Small steps can make a big difference in a child’s life,” explained Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota Executive Director Sandy Tibke. “We want to help people understand that it’s possible to do the things they love—cooking, making art and music, reading, or playing sports—and, at the same time, help families and their community thrive.”

In addition to wearing blue, Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota suggests the following to make a difference in a child’s life and help support parents while doing what you love:

• Volunteer for an after-school reading program or book club—you’ll help kids meet new friends and spark their imaginations, too.

• Give a new mom a break by bringing over dinner, offering to run an errand, or babysitting.

• Coach a youth sports team to teach kids the value of teamwork—they’ll learn how to trust teammates and themselves.

• Host a kid-friendly BBQ or organize a block party so parents can socialize without the stress of finding a sitter—social connections with other parents helps to establish a strong support network.

• Contact your elected officials and urge them to support policies and programs that promote safe healthy childhoods