April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Wearing Blue connects you with millions of others across the country who support child abuse prevention efforts, strong families, and healthy children. As part of Arden Shore’s community, you are already committed to Rebuilding Children’s Lives and making home a place where everyone can thrive. Wear Blue Day is another way to remind one another we’re in this together.
On Friday, April 1, show us your blue! Include this printout in your pic, tag Arden Shore, and help spread the word!
The Blue Ribbon
Blue ribbons and blue bows, often used and seen during April, are a traditional symbol of child abuse awareness. They remind us of the seriousness of child abuse and neglect, and the need for its prevention. Many communities across the country conduct Blue Ribbon or Blue Bow campaigns to draw attention to Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The Blue Ribbon Campaign began in Virginia in 1989 when a grandmother, Bonnie W. Finney, tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her van “to make people wonder.” The story she told to inquisitive community members was a tragic story about the abuse of her grandchildren, which ultimately led to the brutal death of her grandson.
The story of Bonnie Finney demonstrates the effect that just one person can have on raising public awareness of child abuse and in promoting its prevention. Since Bonnie Finney first tied that blue ribbon to her van antenna in 1989, millions of people across the country have participated in blue ribbon campaigns.
The Blue Pinwheel
PINWHEELS are the national symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention. The pinwheel represents our hope that every child will be raised in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment. It is also a call to action, encouraging people everywhere to recognize that children are our future and that we all have a role to play in keeping them safe. All children deserve great childhoods.