Youth HOPE Month Toolkit 2026
This toolkit was developed to help organizations and individuals plan and implement Youth HOPE Month awareness-building activities in local communities and online.
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 101
Raising Awareness with an Influential Social Media Campaign
Raising Awareness through Community Engagement
Utilizing Storytelling to Amplify Awareness and Inspire Change
Lunch and Learn Webinars
The National Runaway Safeline will host Lunch and Learn webinars at 1:00 PM CT on November 5, 12 and December 3. 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.
Home for Every Child
Thursday, November 5 at 1 PM CST / 2 PM EST
Description TBD
Presenters:
- Kim Parker, Associate Commissioner – Family and Youth Services Bureau
Rural Homelessness: Highlighting Organizations supporting youth across rural America
Thursday, November 12 at 1 PM CST / 2 PM EST
Description TBD
Presenters: Sarah Allen, Director of Programs – National Runaway Safeline
Celebration of Youth HOPE Month
Thursday, December 3 at 1 PM CST / 2 PM EST
Description TBD
Presenters:
- Kim Parker, Associate Commissioner – Family and Youth Services Bureau
- Amanda Whitlock, CEO – National Runaway Safeline
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.
Mark Your Calendar
Wear Green Day is November 12, 2026!
On Thursday, November 12, 2026 join us for Wear Green Day — a day to stand up for youth experiencing homelessness.
Don’t forget to post your photos with #WearGreenDay2026 and #YouthHOPEMonth2026 to show your support.
Tag us so we can reshare your photos on our social media at
Let’s unite as a community, wear green, and shine a light on youth homelessness!
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 will be helpful when sharing stories and events with media in your local 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 12
- Education and Resource Weeks on Social Media: Throughout November
- Light the Night Community Events: Throughout November
- Lunch and Learn Webinars:
- 11/5/2026 – “Home for Every Child”
- 11/12/2026 – “Rural Homelessness: Highlighting Organizations supporting youth across rural America”
- 12/3/2026 “Celebration of Youth HOPE Month” – Virtual Awards Ceremony