Cities Plan National Family Week Celebrations
by Katie Meade
This year, cities throughout the country will host events to celebrate National Family Week, which takes place November 18-24.
Coordinated by the Alliance for Children and Families with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the premise of National Family Week is that children live better lives when families are strong, and families are strong when they live in communities that connect them to economic opportunities, social networks and services. NLC is one of more than 60 national organizations supporting National Family Week as an opportunity for community leaders to launch or highlight local family strengthening initiatives.
This year, cities such as Yonkers, N.Y., and High Point, N.C., are planning celebrations to foster community connections that support stronger families.
Yonkers, N.Y.
The Yonkers Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) is planning Family Day to celebrate, recognize and support the city’s children and families. ECI is a collaboration among the city, the board of education, service providers and local businesses focused on building a healthier community and promoting the well being of young children.
The event, which will be held at the Yonkers Riverfront Library, will feature more than 70 community-based organizations that will distribute information and discuss programs and services available in the community. There will also be an outdoor farmers’ market, public safety information and demonstrations and a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Mayor Philip Amicone and other local officials are planning to attend the event, which will include presentation of the National Family Week Advocacy award. The award recognizes an individual in the community who has significantly contributed to advocacy efforts on behalf of vulnerable children and families.
High Point, N.C.
The Family Service of the Piedmont will coordinate a number of events in High Point related to Family Week throughout November, including a series of advocacy training sessions for youth and adults that focus on how public policy is made, how to analyze policy issues that impact youth and families and how to be an effective advocate for youth. Several follow-up community forums will help city officials and other local leaders develop action plans to address community issues identified during the trainings.
Mayor Rebecca Smothers will present a Family Week proclamation at the city’s Family Informational Fair, which will feature exhibits on education, health and wellness issues, public safety, senior services and other topics. Following the informational fair, there will be an awards ceremony for the National Family Week Advocacy Award, Southside’s Family of the Year and awards for youth leaders.
Details: To learn more about National Family Week, visit www.nationalfamilyweek.org. For more information on NLC’s efforts to help city officials strengthen families, visit www.nlc.org/iyef/a_city_platform, or contact Michael Karpman at (202) 626-3072 or karpman@nlc.org.
|