National Foster Care Month is a time to recognize the importance of foster care and support those involved in it. This month-long observance provides an opportunity to raise awareness of this global issue and its impact on children and families. During National Foster Care Month, we can learn about its history, how to get involved, what social media strategies are available for supporting it, other related holidays that bring attention to the cause, and resources for learning more about this important topic. Let’s take some time during May – National Foster Care Month -to show our appreciation and make a difference.
When is National Foster Care Month?
National Foster Care Month is observed each year in May. This year, National Foster Care Month falls on the month of May. National Foster Care Month was created to recognize fostered youth and draw attention to the need for more foster families across the United States. It’s a time for businesses and marketers to use their platforms to bring awareness to this important cause and support foster families in their communities. National Foster Care Month also provides a great opportunity for brands to demonstrate corporate social responsibility and help build strong relationships with customers. By engaging in activities that support National Foster Care Month, businesses can create positive experiences for customers and positively impact the lives of fostered youth.
History of National Foster Care Month
National Foster Care Month has been observed since 1988, when President Ronald Reagan declared May National Foster Care Month. Foster care is a system of government-funded services that provides temporary or permanent homes for children who have been removed from their biological families due to abuse, neglect, or other family crises. Every day, over 425,000 children and youth in the United States are living in foster care. In 2019 alone, nearly 442,000 children spent time in U.S. foster care, and over 130,000 children were waiting to be adopted. National Foster Care Month is an opportunity to honor these children and bring attention to the need for supportive families that are willing to open their homes to them. National Foster Care Month is also a chance to celebrate those who dedicate their lives to advocating for the safety and well-being of all foster care children.
How to Celebrate National Foster Care Month
Celebrating National Foster Care Month is a great way to show your support for foster families and the fostered youth in your community. There are lots of ways that individuals, businesses, and organizations can get involved in National Foster Care Month activities. Here are some ideas for how you can celebrate National Foster Care Month:
- Make a donation to an organization that supports foster care.
- Invite a foster family over for dinner or offer to provide childcare so they can spend some time together.
- Host a fundraiser or donate items to support National Foster Care Month activities in your area.
- Reach out to local legislators and encourage them to support foster care-related legislation.
- Participate in National Foster Care Month campaigns and activities online or on social media.
- Volunteer at a local foster care organization or provide mentorship to fostered youth.
- Connect with other National Foster Care Month supporters and share your stories of how you are supporting the cause.
- Share National Foster Care Month stories and activities with your family, friends, and coworkers to help spread awareness.
- Host a National Foster Care Month event in your community or workplace.
Businesses can also join in the National Foster Care Month celebrations by taking part in activities focused on helping foster youth and families. Here are some ideas for how businesses can celebrate National Foster Care Month:
- Make a donation on behalf of your business to an organization that supports foster care.
- Host a fundraiser or donate items to support National Foster Care Month activities in your area.
- Participate in National Foster Care Month campaigns and activities online or on social media.
- Provide free or discounted services to foster families in your community.
- Create a National Foster Care Month promotional campaign and donate proceeds to an organization that supports foster care.
- Offer employees paid volunteer time off to work with local foster care organizations or mentoring programs for youth.
- Host National Foster Care Month-related workshops or seminars at your business.
- Connect with National Foster Care Month supporters and share stories of how your company is supporting the cause.
By getting involved in National Foster Care Month activities, businesses can show their support for the foster families and youth in their area and help create a brighter future for them.
Social Media Post Ideas for National Foster Care Month
Social media is an excellent tool for raising awareness about National Foster Care Month and inspiring individuals to get involved in the cause. Use National Foster Care Month-themed content and hashtags to amplify your National Foster Care Month messages and draw attention to the cause. Here are some ideas for social media content during National Foster Care Month:
- Share National Foster Care Month stories and statistics on your timeline/feed.
- Post photos of National Foster Care Month events or activities that your organization has participated in.
- Encourage followers to get involved in National Foster Care Month by volunteering or donating to organizations that support foster families and youth.
- Ask followers to share stories of how National Foster Care Month has impacted their lives.
- Invite a guest speaker from the foster care community to share their story on your platform.
- Create National Foster Care Month-themed content that celebrates and showcases the importance of foster care.
- Post National Foster Care Month quotes to start conversations and inspire others to get involved.
- Share National Foster Care Month resources with your community and encourage followers to take action.
- Share statistics and infographics about the need for more foster families.
- Use National Foster Care Month hashtags to amplify National Foster Care Month messages on social media.
Writing social media posts for National Foster Care Month is a great way to show your support and raise awareness about the foster care community. Use these post ideas to get creative and make an impact on National Foster Care Month. Together, we can create brighter futures for foster care families and youth in our communities.
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Hashtags to Use During National Foster Care Month
Social media can be a powerful tool for engaging with National Foster Care Month supporters, sharing stories of impact, and inspiring others to get involved. To maximize your social media efforts, consider using relevant hashtags when creating content related to National Foster Care Month. Here are some National Foster Care Month-related hashtags to use:
- #FosterCareMonth
- #NationalFosterCareMonth
- #FosterCare
- #FosterCareAwareness
- #FosterFamily
Using these hashtags on social media will help draw attention to National Foster Care Month and encourage others to get involved in the cause.
For the complete list of holidays to celebrate on social media in May, visit angiegensler.com/may-holidays
Other Holidays Related to National Foster Care Month
National Foster Care Month isn’t the only holiday raising awareness for the foster care community. There are other important holidays related to National Foster Care Month. Here are some other holidays related to National Foster Care Month that you can support:
National Adoption Day is celebrated annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of adoption and finding forever homes for children in foster care.
National Foster Care Awareness Week is held during the first full week in May and is dedicated to celebrating the foster care community, raising awareness about the importance of foster care, and honoring all those involved in the process.
National Foster Care Day is celebrated annually on the first Tuesday in May and is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the foster care community for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children in foster care.
National Adoption Month is celebrated in November and is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of adoption and advocating for better outcomes for children in foster care. National Adoption Month seeks to educate people on the rewards of adoption while also providing resources and tools to help those considering adoption proceed with confidence. National Adoption Month also recognizes adoptive families and celebrates the success stories of adopted children and families.
All of these holidays promote a greater understanding and appreciation for the foster care community. Spread the word about National Foster Care Month and these important holidays by sharing stories, resources, and activities on your social media channels.
For more holidays, download our free calendar with over 1,000 fun and unique holidays to celebrate this year. Head to angiegensler.com/holiday-calendar to grab your free copy!
Future Dates for National Foster Care Month
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 1st | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 1st | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1st | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1st | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1st | Monday |
| 2029 | May 1st | Tuesday |
How Can You Get Involved During National Foster Care Month?
During this month-long observance, there are numerous opportunities to contribute to the well-being of foster youth and their families. To contribute to National Foster Care Month, you can consider a variety of ways to support foster youth and their families.
Raising money to assist foster youth is a vital way of providing aid and backing for those who need it. Consider hosting an online fundraiser or virtual event that encourages donations from your social media followers. You could also create merchandise with proceeds going towards supporting foster care programs or organizations that work directly with these children and families.
Volunteering at local child welfare organizations is another great way to show your support during National Foster Care Month. Volunteers are frequently needed to assist with a range of tasks, such as mentoring kids, participating in activities, transporting people, and providing administrative help for local child welfare organizations during National Foster Care Month. Volunteering provides much-needed help while giving you the opportunity to build relationships with individuals who have experienced foster care firsthand.
Finally, if you’re feeling particularly passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children, then consider becoming a licensed caregiver yourself. Becoming a licensed caregiver involves completing training courses and meeting certain requirements set by state laws, but it can be incredibly rewarding when done right – both emotionally and financially. With proper preparation and guidance from experienced professionals, it’s possible to become an effective caregiver who makes lasting impacts on the lives of those they serve.
No matter which route you decide to take during National Foster Care Month, remember that every little bit helps. No matter how small, each action taken to aid foster care during this month can make a difference in someone’s life, so do not hesitate to contribute.
Resources For Learning More About National Foster Care Awareness
Resources for learning more about National Foster Care Awareness are abundant. For those with an understanding of the foster care system and a desire to effect change, resources are plentiful.
Books
Books exist which can provide an understanding of the complexities and difficulties faced in foster care. Some popular titles include “The Child Catchers: Rescue, Trafficking and the New Gospel of Adoption” by Kathryn Joyce; “Nobody’s Children: Abuse and Neglect, Foster Drift and the Adoption Alternative” by Elizabeth Bartholet; and “Lost Boys: Why Our Sons Turn Violent And How We Can Save Them” by James Garbarino. These books offer valuable insights on how to best support youth in care while helping them thrive as they transition into adulthood.
Organizations & Charities
Organizations such as The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) strive to ensure every child has a permanent family through adoption from foster care. They provide resources to help adoptive parents navigate their journey with ease while advocating for systemic change at both local and national levels. Additionally, Casey Family Programs work towards improving outcomes for vulnerable children across America by implementing research-based initiatives aimed at transforming systems of care so that all kids can reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstances. Furthermore, FosterClub grants young people ages 14-24 who have experienced foster care access to mentorships, scholarship opportunities, internship programs, and other resources designed specifically with them in mind so they may lead successful lives post-foster care placement.
Podcasts & Videos
In addition to print media and charitable organizations, podcasts such as The Adoption Connection, Fostering Change, and The Forgotten Podcast offer personal stories, advice, and resources to those who have been affected by foster care. Similar content can also be found on YouTube, which features videos of inspiring stories from people in the foster care system as well as helpful tips for caregivers.
Conclusion
National Foster Care Month is an important opportunity to show support for the foster care system and those involved in it. It’s a time to recognize and celebrate the hard work of all those involved, from foster families and youth to social workers and teachers. National Foster Care Month also offers us the opportunity to help create lasting change by supporting and advocating for those in the foster system. During National Foster Care Month, take some time to learn more about the system, engage with your community, share stories and resources about foster care awareness, and practice empathy towards those in need. Together, we can make a difference!
Celebrate this special day with us, and don’t forget to download our free holiday calendar for more fun and unique holidays to celebrate this year!
