Toolkit
This toolkit was developed to help organizations and individuals plan and implement Youth HOPE Month awareness-building activities in local communities and on social media.
Video Resources for Partners
Not sure where to start? These quick videos will help you understand Youth HOPE Month, how to amplify awareness through social platforms, and how to use media relations to educate audiences about youth homelessness prevention.
Youth HOPE Month
Using Media Relations to Raise Awareness and Educate Audiences
Using Social Media to Engage, Educate and Empower Video
Webinar: Illinois’ Response to Youth at Risk of Homelessness
Lunch and Learn Webinars
The National Runaway Safeline will host Lunch and Learn webinars at 1:00 PM CT on November 6 and 20. This year the focus will be on how state and local agencies collaborate to serve runaway and homeless youth. NRS staff will be joined by industry leaders, and attendees will have an opportunity to engage with presenters during a Q&A session.
Illinois’ Response to Youth at Risk of Homelessness: Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS)
Thursday, November 6 at 1 PM CST / 2 PM EST
Learn how organizations across Illinois are working together to support youth at risk of homelessness and those experiencing homelessness. Speakers from Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY), Project Oz, and National Runaway Safeline (NRS) will share effective prevention strategies and collaborative approaches.
Presenters:
- Andi Durbin, CEO of ICOY
- Seth El-Jamal, Senior Director of Prevention & Intervention at ICOY
- Amanda Whitlock, CEO of NRS
- Brad Potts, Resource Supervisor & Crisis Services Coordinator at NRS
- Cheris Larson, Program Director at Project Oz
Innovative Practices to Address Youth Homelessness
Thursday, November 20 at 1 PM CST / 2 PM EST
Learn how organizations across Wisconsin are partnering to support youth experiencing homelessness and creating new and innovative programs such as the Home Base program to address youth homelessness. Speakers from the Boys and Girls Club, along with additional partners in the field, will present innovative ideas to address youth homelessness.
Presenters:
- Sarah Allen, Director of Programs at NRS
- Katie Van Groll, LCSW, Home Base Director at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley
- House of Hope – Green Bay
Social media kickoff graphics
Kick off Youth HOPE Month strong with ready-to-use graphics. These assets make it easy to spread awareness and invite your community to join the movement on November 1.
Virtual backgrounds
Download Youth HOPE Month virtual backgrounds to display your commitment in meetings, webinars, or virtual events. These backgrounds provide a simple way to raise awareness while you connect online.
Commitment cards
Use our printable commitment cards to declare why Youth HOPE Month matters to you. Share your card on social media to inspire others to take action and show solidarity with youth in crisis.
Press Materials
Access press materials, including press release and media advisory templates and a Youth HOPE Month fact sheet. These resources make it simple to connect with local outlets and raise awareness about youth homelessness prevention in your community.
Download Media Advisory Template and Sample Advisory
PROCLAMATIONS
A proclamation is an official document, typically issued by a government official to designate a specific day, week or month, or to commemorate an event or issue. Secure a proclamation for Youth HOPE Month using the materials provided.
LOCAL Landmark Lightings
Landmark lightings are a powerful way to shine a visible spotlight on youth homelessness. Use our template and tips to request a lighting in your city and help illuminate the cause.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
- Campaign Kickoff: November 1
- Wear Green Day: November 13
- Education and Resource Weeks on Social Media: Throughout November
- Light the Night Community Events: Throughout November
- Lunch and Learn Webinars: November 6 and November 20 at 1 PM CT (both focused on collaborative approaches to serving runaway and homeless youth)