National Make A Difference to Children Month is observed in July. The month raises awareness about the vulnerability any child in the world can face if they do not have the right person in their lives to guide them. Children, being pure of heart and still lacking experience about life, need guidance to choose the right paths. Oftentimes such guiding figures can be parents, older siblings, teachers, or other types of guardians. However, it also happens that many times children do not have such mentors, and this can put them in harm’s way. A study shows that children are more likely to pursue higher studies if they have mentors and ideals in their lives. Children are the future of the world, and this is why it is important to make a positive difference in their lives.
History of National Make A Difference to Children Month
The grassroots movement behind the National Make A Difference to Children Month was started in 2006 by Kim Ratz. Being a child advocate, Ratz wanted people to recognize how making a difference in children’s lives can lead to a better society in the long run. His focus was directed towards parents, teachers, care providers, and the general public who cared about children. Ratz’s targets ranged from children in orphanages and shelter homes to homeless children and children in abusive households. While it was a noble cause, many believe it was not useful because of the huge amount of children who needed help. Ratz insisted that the amount of children needing help is not the issue. The issue is how many people are willing to come forward and help at least one child.
Ratz emphasizes making an effort to change the lives of children. These children can be your own kids, your neighbors’ kids, or the kids who are friends with your children. You can start by trying to understand the problems plaguing the children. It could be as simple as help needed with studies or just taking some time out of your schedule to spend with them. It could also be something complex like mental/physical issues or financial strains. Whatever the case is, you can start helping a child and making a difference in their lives by finding different ways to help them. If the issue is something you cannot help with, you can get in contact with people, be it counselors or welfare organizations, who have the skills and resources to help. Taking the first initiative is a positive start, so don’t feel daunted by the ‘impossibility’ of aiding a child.
National Make A Difference to Children Month timeline
The English Parliament passes the first child protection law called the ‘Children’s Charter,’ which helps the state to intervene between parents and their child in case the latter is found to be in danger at the hands of the former.
The U.N. General Assembly passes the Declaration on the Rights of the Child.
Dr. C. Henry Kempe’s paper ‘The Battered Child Syndrome,’ leads to the American Congress creating guidelines for physicians to identify and report any signs of child abuse and neglect.
After the inquiry into the murder of a three year old, an audit is released stating that half of the children at the risk of abuse and neglect do not receive protection of any kind.
National Make A Difference to Children Month FAQs
When is National Make A Difference to Children Month?
National Make A Difference to Children Month takes place in July every year.
When did the child welfare system begin?
The child welfare system started in 1935 when the Social Security Act was passed.
In what century did child welfare agencies become active?
It is unclear as to exactly when many of the child welfare agencies became active, but most of the organizations started gaining momentum during the 19th and 20th centuries.
How To Observe National Make A Difference to Children Month
Talk to a child
One of the best ways to help make a difference in a child’s life is to get to know them better by understanding their needs. In many cases, all a child requires is the attention and time of someone as it makes them feel heard and cared for. So, talk to the children in your life, and spend time with them.
Vow to protect children
If you see abuse or neglect happening to a child around you, you can help them by stepping in or informing the authorities. But always make sure that you are aware of the situation between parents and their child before you take any action. Context is important.
Donate to children’s trust
Find child welfare organizations and trusts and donate to them. You can also spread the word about them by talking to your friends and family, and encouraging them to donate, too.
5 Facts About Child Welfare That Will Blow Your Mind
1 million children face abuse/neglect
Around one million children in America are victims of abuse and neglect every year.
20,000 foster children age out
Every year, at least 20,000 children age out of the foster care system.
More vacancies in welfare than in childcare
There are more staff vacancies in child welfare agencies than in child-service agencies.
Loans holding back social workers
More social workers are willing to work for child welfare organizations if their loans are forgiven.
Less than 40% of professional workers
Estimates have shown that less than 40% of child welfare workers are professionals who are aware of the ins and outs of their field.
It’s a celebration of children
It’s a celebration of children
Children are the epitome of innocence and purity. It is our duty to protect them and give them a life that allows them to flourish and thrive in all sectors of life. Childhood is an amazing part of the human experience, and no human should lose out on the essence of what it means to be a child.
It’s a celebration of the future
One of the reasons we get out of bed every day is the hope of a better tomorrow. It is essential to understand that our tomorrow is tied to our children. If we can provide a better life to our children, we are automatically working towards making a better future for ourselves and the generations to come.
It’s a celebration of positivity
Hope breeds positivity, and it is this message that National Make A Difference to Children Month addresses loud and clear. No matter how dark the days may seem, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Whether you walk, run, or crawl towards it, you will reach it eventually, and it is this positivity that all humans, especially children, need.
National Make A Difference to Children Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | July 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 1 | Saturday |
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