What is the Blue Ribbon Campaign ?

As a member of the local Kiwanis group I was on a committee for the Blue Ribbon Campaign. Kiwanis is a world wide service organization. The principle core of the Kiwanis mission is the belief that the most effective way to enhance a community is to enhance its children. They provide young people and adults with opportunities to perform community service and develop leadership skills. The Blue Ribbon Campaign  is a memorial to children who have been touched by abuse and neglect, and a reminder that everyone has a job to do to prevent the maltreatment of children.

In the spring of 1989, a Virginia grandmother began the Blue Ribbon Campaign as a tribute to her grandson. The 3-year-old died at the hands of his mother's abusive boyfriend. Since 1989, thousands of people nationwide wear or display the blue ribbon during April - National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month to create awareness of the need to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Child abuse can happen in any home, in any neighborhood, within any family. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reporting agencies nationwide received 2.9 million referrals for child abuse and neglect in 2003, and an estimated 1,500 children died from maltreatment.

Abused and neglected children do poorly in school, are more likely to become teen parents, and abuse alcohol and drugs. They are more likely to become criminals as adults and to suffer chronic health problems. Most children who are abused bear psychological scars - and in some cases, physical scars - forever.

Believe children are the future and when you see the blue ribbons please become aware of child abuse and prevention and keep kids safe !