November is National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), a public awareness campaign designed to “Shine a Light” on the experiences of runaway and homeless youth that too often remain invisible. It is also an opportunity to spotlight the resources available to support youth in crisis throughout the nation. As part of the campaign, individuals, organizations and communities across the nation are encouraged to work together to prevent youth homelessness.

National Runaway Prevention Month is spearheaded each year by the National Runaway Safeline (NRS), a national nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that runaway, homeless and at-risk youth are safe and off the streets, with the support of the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB).

If you are interested in becoming a partner, please fill out this form. Reach out to Rachel Reynolds, Outreach & Prevention Specialist at rreynolds@1800RUNAWAY.org or 773-289-1723 with any questions.

 #NRPM2019 EVENTS:

Facebook Profile Picture – November 1 – 30, 2019
The kickoff for NRPM will allow you to add a “Shine A Light” filter to your Facebook profile picture so you can show your support of runaway and homeless youth for the entire month of November.

To add the frame to your profile picture:

1. Go to https://www.facebook.com/profilepicframes

2. Type “National Runaway Prevention Month” into the search bar and choose the Shine a Light frame

3. Select the end of November after ” Switch back to previous profile picture” option

4. Click “Use as Profile Picture”

Education Week – November 4 – 8, 2019
During this week, the National Runaway Safeline will lead an online educational series to inform the public about runaway and homeless youth (RHY) issues. This will include providing current statistics, exploring what RHY means and what it can look like for individuals, and discussing the challenges of navigating different systems. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram ahead of time to join the conversation.

#NRPM2019 Twitter Chat – November 5 @ 3 PM EST
Join National Runaway Prevention Month partners for a live Twitter Chat to discuss runaway and homeless youth issues and how everyone can play a role in ending youth homelessness. Follow the discussion on Twitter with the hashtag #NRPMChat and follow NRS @1800RUNAWAY.

How to participate in the NRPM Twitter Chat:

1. Log into Twitter on Thursday, November 5 between 3:00 to 4:00 PM EST.

2.Type #NRPMChat into the search bar and select “latest” from the options that appear above the search results.

3.Respond to questions posted by @1800RUNAWAY, use the #NRPMChat hashtag and preface your answer with “A” + the question number (i.e. “A1: I think…”).

#NRPM19 Kick Off: Celebrating 45 Years of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
National and local leaders will come together to kick off National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM) and celebrate 45 years of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA). Guests will hear from a youth panel as they share their experiences on accessing services and how organizations, policies and individuals can best support youth in crisis. 

Watch the live stream here!

Wear Green Day – November 12, 2019
This is a fun and easy way for you to get involved and raise awareness for NRPM. Wear green and post your pictures on social media using the hashtag #NRPM2019.

Light the Night – November 19, 2019
Youth service agencies, community groups, and individuals across the country host candlelight vigils to “shine a light” on the issues and show solidarity with youth in crisis.

A Night to End Youth Homelessness

November 16, 2019:
Organizations across the nation are hosting events to raise awareness about youth homelessness. People are invited to host their own screenings of the Lost in America documentary and participate in the live event.

Sign up here to host an event in your community.

The History of National Runaway Prevention Month:

In October 2002, President Bush hosted the landmark White House Conference on Exploited and Runaway Children, where leaders from across the country convened to discuss issues and challenges related to the runaway and homeless youth crisis. What once was known as National Runaway Prevention Week was expanded into a month-long prevention and awareness campaign.

Over the years, members of Congress have taken steps to commemorate National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM); supporting and recognizing its goals and ideals by introducing both House and Senate Resolutions. Proud sponsors of NRPM resolutions have included Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL), Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX), Rep. Jon Porter (R-NV), Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY), Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Sen. Susan Collins (R- ME), Sen. Orrin Hatch (R- UT), Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AK)