Numbers Tell the Story during National Runaway Prevention Month in November

The National Runaway Switchboard and its Partners Bring Awareness to the Youth Runaway Issue

CHICAGO, Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), a public education campaign spearheaded by the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) and the National Network for Youth, raises awareness about the youth runaway crisis in America and educates people about prevention and solutions.  Numbers help put the youth runaway crisis into perspective this year. For example, between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away in a year, and 15 national partners and 81 community partners in 29 states are participating in NRPM this November.

"From runaway statistics to the number of organizations that can help, numbers tell the story of this silent crisis," said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director. "We encourage all Americans to pause this November to talk about the issue and realize that prevention is possible."

To bring greater understanding of this problem, individuals and organizations throughout the country are planning activities during November, including:

• Green Light Project: Green is the symbol of NRPM. Americans can show support of runaway, homeless and at-risk youth by shining a green light on their front porches, wearing a green lapel pin,  or participating in Green Sock Day. This year, Wrigley Field in Chicago is getting involved by promoting a NRPM message on its marquee on Nov. 8.
• Social Media Day of Action: On Nov. 1, NRS will share photos of NRPM activities and statistics and facts on the runaway issue via social media. Organizations nationwide can participate any day in November by wearing green socks, uploading photos of it to Facebook, and tweeting those photos while using the hashtag #NRPM2012.
• Spirit of Youth Benefit: This Chicago event on Nov. 2 is NRS' annual fundraiser to recognize individuals and organizations that help to keep America's runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the street.  Maree Bullock and Jimmie Alford will receive the 2012 Spirit of Youth award. They are long-time NRS supporters who have been extraordinarily generous in their gifts of time and resources to NRS and the youth who depend on the organization.  This year's gold sponsors are Allstate, Carlton Technologies, Chicago Tribune, Greyhound Lines, Radio Flyer and United Airlines.

For more information, visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org.

SOURCE National Runaway Switchboard