You engage with many people through the course of your work. Whether working with staff within your organization, volunteers or the general community, remember to recognize that parenting and family life can be difficult for everyone at times.

• Check in with mothers and fathers to see how they are doing and offer support where you can. This is an important connection for all families and individuals.
• If your organization’s work focuses on engaging children and teens, make it a point to talk with the kids you’re in regular contact with. It can be hard to talk about some subjects, particularly those related to bullying, abuse, depression and stress, but bringing these issues out into the open can help forge positive connection.
• Work with your board or staff to actively foster a culture of caring, empathy and respect throughout your organization.

Your organization already works for the benefit of others—but depending on your mission and purpose, finding ways to take a stand against child abuse and neglect may feel a bit out of scope. There are ways to incorporate proactive measures into the work you already do—here are some suggestions:

• Bolster a sense of community among your members. If you do not already do so, consider starting family-friendly events or offer volunteering opportunities that families can join together, either by starting your own or by partnering with other organizations’ existing events.
• Through the course of your work with the community and your organization, you meet many families and individuals who are committed to their civic duty and concerned about the welfare of our community. Share the Pinwheel Project as a resource that they can share with others who may need guidance or advice.
• If you are looking for ways to help staff at your organization, please see our Businesses section, which provides actions for employers.

Participate in “Pinwheels for Prevention,” a national movement held during Child Abuse Prevention month in April. Each year, organizations, businesses and individuals plant “gardens” of blue pinwheels, a symbol of a safe and carefree childhood, as a public commitment to supporting public policies that support families and children and the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Provide training to your organization’s staff about how to communicate with and support parents and caregivers in their work:

• Frequently train staff to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect and in reporting.
• If you work with children or families, be sure staff are informed about and use trauma-informed practices.