National Child Abuse Awareness Month: A Curated Toolkit to Effectively Advocate for Children

Children are some of the most vulnerable among us, and it’s our responsibility to figure out ways we can advocate on their behalf.

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, here are ways you can advocate for their right to safe, healthy, stress-free lives.

Tune In

One of the very first steps toward advocacy of any kind is through learning as much as possible about a particular issue. With countless accredited resources on the various issues children face from neglect, to sexual abuse, or malnutrition, it is easier than ever to become informed. Becoming knowledgeable about these issues can be a powerful tool in dismantling the things that enable these injustices to occur.

Research: Here are some useful external  tools to help you stay informed on the latest advocacy efforts on ending the issues, including:

Child Trafficking – ECPAT – USA

Child Abuse & Neglect – National Child Abuse Coalition

Child Hunger – No Kid Hungry

Speak Out

Although many already know about the various issues children face, they may not be necessarily be aware of the prevalence of these issues, or the extent of detrimental – sometimes lifelong – effects they have on children’s lives. Working to consistently spread awareness focused on a specific cause helps the public to collectively empathize and learn about the problems children sometimes have to endure.

Share: Here are a few different ways to spread awareness about important causes like that affect children:

Create a campaign : https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/communities/tools/

Invite leaders to speak

Utilize the power of media : https://www.stopitnow.org/about-us/news-room/media-for-prevention

Show Up

Having compassion for those in need is only a small part of advocacy – a much more substantial part is taking action. Research organizations that support child advocacy in your community and participate in volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, and donor drives to help carry forward the very same mission you’re passionate about.

Act: Here are some guides from providers (beyond Hoyleton) on how to get involved in some of the aforementioned causes:

Child Trafficking: Opportunities to Volunteer for Child Trafficking Causes

Child Abuse & Neglect: Use Tools That Help Pinpoint Where to Give

Child Hunger: Ways You Can Help End Child Hunger