New Beginnings is partnering with National Runaway Safeline (NRS) to raise awareness and “Shine a Light” on the experiences of runaway and homeless youth. November is our opportunity to highlight the resources available to support youth in crisis throughout Maine and the nation. As part of the campaign, individuals, organizations, and communities across the nation are encouraged to work together to prevent youth homelessness.
New Beginnings November E-vents
Tuesday, November 10: Wear Green Day- This is a fun and easy way for you to get involved and raise awareness for NRPM. #NRPM2020.
Thursday, November 12: Watch Party and Q&A of “The Homestretch” from 6:30-8p with Q&A to follow. Can’t make it to the watch party? Stream the movie anytime between now and then, just reserve your spot today.
Thursday, November 19: 12-1p New Beginnings Virtual Open House Q&A to follow
A special THANK YOU to the City of Lewiston for lighting up Lewiston City Hall green instead of its usual blue in support of RHY Month! Be sure to look around town for New Beginnings street side NB banners at Main Street and Pine Street in Lewiston.
What Can You Do to Raise Awareness?
Each November, New Beginnings joins the National Runaway Safeline, National Network for Youth, and many organizations across the county in raising awareness about the issues faced by runaway and homeless youth (RHY). You can, too!
5 easy things anyone can do to raise awareness this November:
1. Turn on a green light. Put a green bulb in your porch light, or green holiday lights in your window to show support for Runaway & Homeless Youth.
2. Speak out online. Add a frame to your Facebook profile picture.
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”
3. Attend an event. Join our virtual film screening and Q+A of “The Homestretch” November 12th. Special thanks to Kartemquin Films and Clark Insurance for co-sponsoring the event. If that day doesn’t work for you, you can watch the film anytime from November 1st to the 12th and then join us for the Q+A on November 12th. Be sure to Reserve Your Spot to get the link to the movie.
4. Wear green. Wear or post a photo of yourself wearing green on Wednesday, November 10th (or any day this month) and make sure and tell people why you support RHY and ending youth homelessness. Post your photos to our Facebook page and be sure to use #NRPM!
5. Give. Make a donation or give in-kind goods during November in honor of RHY Month. Turkeys or other holiday foods and gifts are always appreciated this time of year! More ideas on our donation pages.
What else can you do to help?
- Organize a Donation Drive: New Beginnings is always looking for groups and individuals that want to sponsor donation drives to collect items for the youth we serve, especially for the Holidays.
- Become an Advocate for Homeless Youth: Talk to your elected officials! Share with them how concerned you are about the issues facing homeless youth. Ask your state elected officials to maintain or expand funding for homeless youth programs, health care for young adults, and housing for formerly homeless and low-income families.
- Spread the word: Talk to your friends and family about the issues. Distribute information about New Beginnings in your community. Speak up for runaway and homeless youth all year long!
#NRPM2020 National Events
Facebook Profile Picture – November 1, 2020
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. We will make the link available for this closer to the date.
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 2 – 6, 2020
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.
Twitter Chat and Resource Day – November 5, 2020 at 3 PM ET
Discuss issues related to runaway and homeless youth and showcase the resources you offer young people in crisis. These are the Twitter Chat Questions. Follow along and participate in the chat @nn4youth, @1800RUNAWAY, and use the hashtag #NRPMChat
Wear Green Day – November 10, 2020
Dress in green to show your support for ending youth homelessness and post a picture, message, and the hashtag #NRPM2020 on social media to crease visibility of NRPM.
2019 Data Report Launch November 16, 2020
The release of the 2019 Data Report from Chapin Hall with feature a presentation of key findings on youth homelessness in America and a Q&A with NRS.
Light the Night Community Events – November 17, 2020
Host events to “shine a light” on the issues and show solidarity with youth in crisis. In compliance with local community guidelines, events may be limited in size and/or held virtually. Past events, such as tree lighting and candle lighting ceremonies, can be modified for 2020.
Prevention Roundtable – Monday, November 23
This facilitated discussion, with a panel of expert presenters, will focus on Q&A, prevention strategies that work, and how to move the dialogue forward.
Youth Roundtable – November 30, 2020
This event will feature a panel of young people with lived experience who have used or are currently using FYSB funded services.