APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS & PREVENTION MONTH
The Go Blue 4 WilCo Committee has great activities and events in store this month to raise awareness and advocate for child victims of abuse and violence. WCCAC CEO Kerrie Stannell says, “Go Blue is a time to shine a light on the agencies that work to brighten the lives of children in our WilCo community.” Throughout April, Go Blue 4 WilCo honors children served by advocates and law enforcement across the county.
GO BLUE!
In Spring 1989, a Virginia grandmother named Bonnie Finney tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her minivan in honor of her late grandson, who was a victim of child abuse. She chose blue to make sure no one would forget his bruises. Her mission was to send a message to the community that child abuse was, and continues to be a devastating plague.
The visibility of her blue ribbon and her mission grew and inspired a community-based effort to prevent child abuse everywhere. In the years since, child advocates have also adopted the pinwheel as a national symbol for child abuse awareness and prevention. It represents hope, health, and happiness, and serves as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to create communities that promote healthy environments for children.
Go Blue 4 Wilco committee is comprised of Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center, Bikers Against Child Abuse; Taylor, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock police departments; WilCo Sheriff’s Office, The Georgetown Project, CASA of Williamson County, and Juvenile Services. The Committee builds awareness events and activities that align with the national observance dedicated to awareness and prevention.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Celebrating and recognizing April has changed due to COVID. While these groups are typically visible in the Red Poppy Parade, and rest stop at the Red Poppy Bike Ride, most recognition has moved online.
You can show your support by following WCCAC on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for fun family activities, tips on how to talk to children about abuse, and participate in social media challenges.
Place pinwheels in your yard, wear blue, and send photos to Erin Langford, [email protected]. WCCAC will feature you on their social media pages. You can also purchase Go Blue! Blue ribbon window clings and t-shirts to show your support and dedication to keeping kids safe.
“GO BLUE” ART CONTEST
The Go Blue 4 Wilco committee is inviting all school-age kids to participate in an art contest.
Artwork may be submitted April 1-30 to [email protected] or [email protected]
The theme of the contest is “I matter because…”
The committee hopes to encourage greater awareness of child abuse and prevention, as well as engage kids in activities that promote self-esteem. GPD Officer Delta Jolly affirms, “We want kids to understand, while they may feel vulnerable after being taken advantage of, each child truly matters.”
The Georgetown winners in the Elementary, Middle, and High School categories will be featured on social media and in the June issue of the Georgetown View.
Officer Jolly says she hopes to have many submissions that can be reproduced on paper, but they are happy to capture any type of art in a photograph to share. She adds, “Whatever helps fuel creativity, functions as an outlet, and celebrates how much each child matters.”