by Autumn Sandlin-Moore, Operations and Communications Specialist
National Safe Place® (NSP) Week 2021 will take place March 21st – 27th. This week is celebrated annually during the third full week of March and seeks to increase awareness of Safe Place, build community support of Safe Place and licensed partners, and recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses supportive of Safe Place.
Everyone can celebrate NSP Week and support Safe Place through social media, volunteerism, donations, and other forms of outreach. Below are some ways you can amplify information about Safe Place during NSP Week and join us in working toward our vision of a world where all youth are safe.
1) Become a Safe Place® Ambassador. Safe Place Ambassadors are volunteers who are passionate about creating a world where all youth are safe. Ambassadors are committed to increasing awareness and education of the Safe Place program. All Ambassadors have access to outreach materials on the Ambassador Support Center and receive monthly communications from National Safe Place Network (NSPN) with ideas and ways to support Safe Place. Visit www.nationalsafeplace.org/safe-place-ambassador to read the Ambassador requirements and access the application.
2) Follow us on social media. The Safe Place Facebook and Twitter page is always sharing information about Safe Place and TXT 4 HELP and re-sharing important information from licensed Safe Place agencies across the nation. Follow, like us, and re-share any information to your own social media channels as an easy way to help spread the word about Safe Place.
3) Share information about TXT 4 HELP. TXT 4 HELP is a nationwide, 24-hour text-for-support service for teens in crisis. TXT 4 HELP can be used for the same reason a young person may go to a Safe Place site - abuse, bullying, family problems, depression, suicidal thoughts, and others. TXT 4 HELP counselors can provide support via text and can offer additional suggestions for immediate help regardless of where you are. NSPN Program Advocate Michelle Hurley recently held a Facebook Live session that can be viewed and shared here that shares important information about Safe Place and TXT 4 HELP.
4) Share Journey to Safety stories. NSPN has been sharing stories of youth who accessed help and safety through Safe Place and TXT 4 HELP in our Journey to Safety campaign. Sample social media posts and emails can be accessed at www.nationalsafeplace.org/journey-to-safety.
5) Donate. Consider supporting Safe Place by holding a birthday fundraiser or fundraising through any philanthropic clubs and organizations.. A donation of just $25 will support a youth seeking services through TXT 4 HELP. Donations can be made at www.nspnetwork.org/give.
NSP Week is a great time to share information about Safe Place and TXT 4 HELP. Choosing to participate in even one of the activities above will ensure that youth across the nation continue to receive important information about these programs and are reminded that there is always someplace to go…someone to help.
