Prevention of Child Abuse

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, ONE CHILD AT A TIME!

The National Exchange Club officially adopted the Prevention of Child Abuse as its National Project in 1979. This project was designed so that Exchange Clubs all across America could reach out to their communities to prevent child abuse. The National Exchange Club provides a variety of materials designed to help inform and increase awareness of child abuse and how it can be prevented. 

Through participation in the National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Exchange Clubs support and engage in a number of annual activities to heighten awareness of child abuse, partnering with local, state and federal agencies and child-related organizations to draw awareness and provide education for this national social crisis.

Four common areas of child abuse include physical, sexual, emotional and neglect. What can we do to help? Educating and reaching out to our communities and putting the awareness for prevention in the forefront. Awareness concerns also includes: 

Shaken Baby Syndrome – When a baby is vigorously shaken, the head moves back and forth. This sudden whiplash motion can cause bleeding inside the head and swelling that increases pressure on the brain, resulting in injury to the baby. Head trauma is the leading cause of disability among abused infants and children.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – the leading cause of mental retardation. FAS  is a cluster of birth defects that develop in infants of women who consume alcohol beverages while pregnant. 

Project Safe Childhood is a unified and comprehensive strategy to combat sexual exploitation of minors with partnerships with the United States Department of Justice.

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The following are various project ideas that can help your Exchange Club make a significant contribution in the area of child abuse prevention.   These projects enable you to make a hands-on difference in your community. Join the movement to be child advocates and demonstrate our care with good deeds and good actions!

Time out Teddy – The National Exchange Club Foundation has adopted Time out Teddy as its national spokes bear to carry the message of good parenting across America. You can help by distributing brochures, posters, and t-shirts to educate both parents and caregivers on a more positive form of discipline (see available products at the National Exchange Club website).

Blue Ribbon Campaign – wear your blue on Monday; put a blue ribbon on your car antenna; wear your CAP lapel pin during the month of April.

Give out blue light bulbs to neighbors, family members, churches, club houses, etc., encouraging them to put them in their porch light to draw awareness of child prevention. 

Engage your local leaders – city managers, mayors, council members, delegates, senators, etc. to promote child abuse prevention at their public meetings.

Promote Educational Awareness – Print off the downloadable resources of guidance for parents for positive forms of discipline and understanding of  child behaviors at various ages and leave them in a laundromat, doctors or dentist offices, hospital waiting areas, the gym or coffee house so people can pick them up and share.

Rent a mobile billboard, or side of a busYou can have your club name (or several clubs combined) included. Let your message show.

Host a picnic lunch at a park or ice cream social and recognize the many children and neighbors who are good advocates for children. Share concerns about child abuse and encourage attendees to continue to be model citizens

Hold an essay or poster contest for school children with a positive theme. Coordinate with the media to get it recognized on TV or in the paper and online so people understand the awareness of Child Abuse Prevention and can see the talents of our wonderful children.

Create a CAP calendar, have children provide the artwork and include with each month a list of good tips in dealing with children, i.e. dealing with homework, chores, good study habits, etc.

Display literature on Child Abuse Prevention at local libraries. Ask the library to develop a reading list on child abuse and where help can be found. 

Partner with a local restaurant and have a percentage of sales for one night (or more) go to child abuse prevention. Can also ask to display a basket at their hostess station that includes lifesaver rolls attached to a brochure about Child Abuse Prevention. 

Recognize a house for child advocacy. Have a sign made up identifying your club and recognizing someone for their good work as child advocates. Example:   In our Child Abuse Prevention efforts, Peninsula Networking Exchange Club recognizes your good work as child advocates. THANK  YOU! You make a difference for children! (This sign can be moved each week or month to another recognized  home. This is similar to the signs outside homes for best yard awards).

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Please go to the National Exchange Club website for the Child Abuse Prevention link to get valuable downloadable resources – bulletins, helpful tips for raising children at all ages – infants, toddlers, preschoolers, elementary, middle and high school student needs that can be shared and disseminated.