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. #NRPM2021.
Wednesday, November 17: 12-1p: Join our Board and staff for a sneak peek of our new PSA and Q&A.
Monday, November 22: Youth Voices PSA release!
What Can You Do to Raise Awareness?
Hang our poster at your Business or Organization!
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 the “Shine a Light” filter to your Facebook profile picture, or post with the Instagram and TikTok filters to show your support of runaway and homeless youth for the entire month.
3. Attend an event. Go to www.1800runaway.org/prevention-education/nrpm to find a list of all the national events going on!
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.
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!
- Learn: Get the facts about youth homelessness.
- Listen: Check out these short video conversations led by young people experiencing homelessness. These are produced by Point Source Youth, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness
- Watch: Below you can find a list of documentaries about youth homelessness that we encourage you to watch this month:
- Shelter: This film tells the stories of youth at an emergency shelter.
- American Street Kid: This film follows several young people, who reveal how they became homeless and discuss their daily struggle to survive on the streets of Los Angeles.
- The Homestretch: This film follows three homeless teens as they fight to stay in school, graduate, and create a new life.
- Lost in America: The world’s wealthiest country has 4.2 million homeless teenagers. Director Rotimi Rainwater, along with the help of celebrities and politicians who have been homeless themselves, take a large-scale issue down to a very personal level.
#NRPM2021 National Events
Social Media Blast – November 1, 2021
The kickoff for NRPM will allow you to add a “Shine A Light” filter to your Social Media profile picture so you can show your support of runaway and homeless youth for the entire month of November.
Education Week – November 1 – 5, 2021
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.
Resource Day – November 2, 2021
Throughout the day, NRS will highlight valuable resources available across the nation. Organizations are encouraged to talk about their programs and services on social media. Let’s show runaway and homeless youth that they are not alone.
Twitter Chat – November 5, 2021 at 3 PM ET
Join NRPM partners for a Twitter Chat featuring a discussion about runaway and homeless youth issues and how you can play a role in ending youth homelessness.
Wear Green Day – November 10, 2021
Dress in green to show your support for ending youth homelessness and post a picture, message, and the hashtag #NRPM2021 on social media to crease visibility of NRPM.
Light the Night Community Events – November 17, 2021
Youth service agencies, community groups, and individuals across the country will host events to “Shine a Light” on the issues events to “shine a light” on the issues and show solidarity with youth in crisis.