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The Basics
Premature birth is the number
one killer of newborns and a major cause of serious health problems.
It costs society billions of dollars each year. Half a million
babies are born prematurely every year, and the number is rising.
That is why the March of Dimes has designated November as
Prematurity Awareness Month and November 15th as Prematurity
Awareness Day -- to let us know that babies are in crisis and to
bring people together to help give all babies their nine months.
So what can YOU do? The idea is to engage in activities to help
celebrate the advances in prematurity research, educate local
communities about the prematurity crisis and advocate for a national
force of volunteers committed to helping save the lives of so many
vulnerable babies. And you can do this anytime of year, not just in
November.
The Possibilities
Now that you are familiar
with the basics of the Prematurity Awareness Campaign, the question
to ask is, "What can you do for pink & blue to help prevent
premature birth?" A good place to start is on the Team
Youth Web site under "Activities." You should also be sure to
check out the Prematurity
Awareness Day site.
The possibilities for your activities are virtually limitless,
and the suggestions below are just the tip of the iceberg:
Ribbon Lapel Pins: Make the fashion statement that saves
babies by wearing our pink & blue ribbon lapel pins! Order
your lapel pins
Letter to the Editor: A letter to the editor of your
local newspaper is an easy and effective way to tell your community
that premature birth is a serious problem that needs their
attention. For ideas and templates of sample letters visit the Team
Youth Web site and click on "Activities."
Big Changes with Small Change: Help support March of
Dimes research and ensure that all babies get their 9 months simply
by collecting your coins and depositing them at Coinstar coin-counting machines located at your nearby grocery store.
Pink & Blue on Buildings and Landmarks: What do pink
and blue lights say about your city or school? They say, "We care!"
Light your skylines pink & blue as a symbolic gesture of hope
for premature babies, to create a dramatic effect that raises
community awareness and generates media coverage. From bridges to
balconies and landmarks to lobbies, light the town pink & blue
to show you care. Don't forget your school buildings, statues,
stadium or mascot.
Banding Together: Join the March of Dimes in its
commitment to fight prematurity by creating
a virtual band in honor or in memory of a child you know who was
born prematurely or for any child who is special to you.
Pink & Blue Jeans for Babies: A successful March of
Dimes fund-raiser, Pink & Blue Jeans for Babies is conducted
independently in corporations, schools, and clubs and organizations
nationwide to raise prematurity awareness. Wear pink & blue
jeans for a day (or week!) at school and show your support by simply
purchasing a sticker, button or T-shirt to benefit the March of
Dimes.
Pink & Blue-minaria: Decorate your home,
neighborhood or school with pink & blue luminary bags. The pink
& blue paper bags stamped with the March of Dimes logo are a
wonderful way to spread awareness with a glowing impact. Download
the order form and order your bags today. |
Project of the
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