Calendar of Opportunities: Ways to get involved during key months

February:

In 2006, the first-ever National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week was held, reflecting a new nationwide initiative to increase public awareness and education of the prevalence of teen dating violence among our nation's teens.  On December 11, 2008, the Senate approved S. Res. 710 by unanimous consent, which declares the first week of February "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week." This week is an important time for MADE members to rally together and increase awareness on teen dating abuse.

Ways to get involved: Contact local middle and high schools to make sure they are addressing this week; if not, ask if you can provide materials or make a short presentation on this issue. Ask your local PTA if you can present on this issue and MADE’s efforts.

April / May:

At the end of the school year, many high school teens prepare to go to the prom. This occasion can have high expectations and added pressure, and it is a perfect time to talk to your teens about abusive relationships. Abuse can appear in all forms; (physical, verbal, sexual, technological) so make sure your teens know all the facts before the big day.

Ways to get involved: Make an effort to talk to your teen and their friends, and let them know abuse can happen in many ways. If you are involved in planning for school activities leading up to the prom, provide materials on healthy relationships that other parents and educators can use as well.

May / June:

With Mother’s Day in May, and Father’s Day in June, this is the perfect time to recognize the hard work of moms and dads across the country that are uniting to show their support for teen dating violence education in schools.

Ways to get involved: Arrange a lunch or dinner with other moms and dads in your community to discuss new ways to expand the MADE community. Highlight other member’s hard work and brainstorm new ways to stay involved.

August / September:

With kids of all ages heading back to school, now is the time to get familiar with new teachers and classes that might be implemented in your local schools. It is also the time to be speaking with children about what a healthy relationship is. As they prepare for a new school year, make sure and give them all the information available on what is acceptable in a relationship.

Ways to get involved: Organize a going-back –to-school party and have tip-sheets on healthy relationships. By providing these materials, teens can learn the warning signs of an abusive relationship and even share with their friends. Also, contact your school to see if you can distribute information about MADE at a “Back to School” night.

October:

October is dedicated as Domestic Violence Month. While domestic violence can occur at any age, this is a good month to bring attention to the violence that is happening among our youth. According to a 2008 Liz Claiborne study, kids as young as 11 are now experiencing relationship abuse and violence. By continuing the conversation, MADE members can elevate this issue to a larger platform.

Ways to get involved: Start a blog. Every day in the month of October, make one post on maintaining a healthy relationship and why it’s important. Why is it important to educate our youth? Who are some of the local organizations in your community that are trying to make a difference? Interview your local community members and write about it. By creating voices that others can relate to, our message will become stronger.