Community Awareness Ideas

We at loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline thank you for taking action in your community! You have shown that you understand how important it is to spread awareness of dating abuse. On this page you'll find different ways you can start making a difference.

Spread the Word at School

Your school is a great place to spread the word about dating abuse. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Download posters and quizzes from the loveisrespect.org resource center to pass out or hang at school.
• Write a story about dating abuse for your school newspaper or suggest the topic to the editor. Include referrals to www.loveisrespect.org in the article so that readers can get more information or help if needed.
• Organize a school wide assembly focusing on dating abuse. Invite speakers from local domestic or dating abuse programs. Involve a variety of clubs or groups at school. Ask the drama club to perform, the literary magazine staff to read poetry, and the band or individual musicians to play.
• Work with the art teacher or art students to create a visual statement against dating abuse. Consider a poster contest or other project that can be displayed at school.

 

Help Your Local Domestic Violence Program

Your community most likely has a local domestic violence program, and they always need help and support. Here are some ways you can chip in:

• Call loveisrespect, National Dating Abuse Helpline and ask a Peer Advocate to look up your local domestic violence organization.
• Call the organization and try to speak to the volunteer coordinator or shelter manager. Find out what sort of donations they need: clothes, household goods, toys, books, or other items.
• Organize a fundraiser or drive to collect the needed donations.
• If the program has a dating abuse program, ask about volunteering. If they don't have one yet, offer your help if they start one in the future.

 

Start a Dating Abuse Awareness Club

You can get your friends and peers active in preventing dating abuse by organizing an after-school club. How do you start? Here are some ideas:

• Find a teacher or staff member at school to act as the club sponsor and help you get started.
• Set up a booth or table with your club to pass out materials about dating abuse. Try to reach a variety of students. Consider setting up a table at lunch, a dance, game, or even a local health fair. Offer printed loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline materials from our resources section at the table.
• Create a service project for your club to complete each semester.

 

Spread the Word Online

The Internet is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal to spread awareness of dating abuse. Here are some ways you can get active:

• Post a loveisrespect.org badge from our Get Involved section in your MySpace profile or blog to show you support groups that work against abuse.
• Create a PSA, commercial, or video to share on YouTube or through your MySpace profile.
• Enter the loveisrespect.org Dating Bill of Rights video contest and post your video on YouTube and MySpace.
• Add the loveisrespect.org MySpace to your friends list.
• If you participate in any message boards or forums, refer other posters to www.loveisrespect.org if you think they need help with abuse in their relationships.