Most people are well aware that April showers bring May flowers — but peonies and pansies aren’t the only things popping up this time of year. Playful pinwheels also abound.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Established in 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the month to acknowledge the importance of communities working together to prevent child abuse and promote familial well-being.

In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America launched its Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, alighting on the pinwheel as the perfect encapsulation of the carefree whimsy of a happy childhood. Since then, planting pinwheel gardens has become an important CAP Month tradition.

Each April, Children Trust Michigan’s Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day Rally on the steps of the state Capitol includes the “planting” of hundreds of pinwheels. Also highlighting the day are special addresses from legislators and presentations from CTM Prevention Partners. This year’s rally takes place at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 15.

We know not everyone can make it to Lansing for our rally, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show support for the cause. CTM has Prevention Partners across the entire state, each of which holds its own CAP Month observances. Check out our partner list to find the one nearest you.

Another way you can help raise awareness is by participating in Wear Blue Day Friday, April 4. Blue is the official color of child abuse prevention. By wearing it, we demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that all children grow up safe, healthy, educated and prepared to reach their full potential. Encourage friends, family and colleagues to join you and share photos on social media.

Even if you are unable to participate in CAP Month activities, you can still be a champion for children. The heart of prevention is in everyday choices to do good, whether that’s making a concerted effort to provide a child with emotional support or donating to your local food bank. Working together, we can combine simple acts of kindness into a transformative tide that lifts all Michigan children to a brighter future.

How to Help

Here are a few ways you can help Michigan children today:

1. Educate Yourself and Others: Education is the soul of CTM’s prevention efforts. We support parent education programs that focus on child development, personal safety education for children, and public awareness on how and where to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Sharing this information far and wide is one of the best ways to stop abuse in its tracks.
2. Volunteer Your Time: Volunteer with CTM’s Prevention Partners in your community. Your efforts can directly improve the lives of the children closest to home.
3. Advocate for Policies and Programs: Support legislation and initiatives that promote child abuse prevention and strengthen families. This can include funding for parental education programs and child advocacy centers.
4. Donate: Donating to CTM is one of the quickest, easiest ways to make a positive impact on children’s lives. Our activities cover everything from training Partners on the best prevention practices to providing them with resources that help ensure area families have enough to eat. There are several ways to give. Check them out HERE.