NEWS RELEASE
March 1, 1999
March is Parenting Awareness Month
Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr., today announced that March is Parenting Awareness Month. Parenting Awareness Month is a statewide campaign to promote awareness, education, and resources-through state outreach and local efforts-emphasizing the importance of effective parenting in nurturing children to become healthy, caring and contributing citizens.
"We are proud to partner with volunteers from across Michigan to promote Parenting Awareness Month," said Haveman. "Effective parenting takes time and practice. Parenting Awareness Month is a Michigan campaign to celebrate people raising children and promote resources to help with this important task."
"The heart of Michigan's Parenting Awareness Month campaign is local activity," said Parenting Awareness Month Coordinator Luanne Beaudry. "Communities throughout the state celebrate Parenting Awareness Month with parent fairs, conferences, local contests and a variety of other activities. They use the campaign to circulate resource lists and make parents aware of the education and support available to help with their important job of raising children."
Many communities have formed parenting Awareness Month coalitions in an effort to bring diverse people and resources together, for a focused and systematic approach to increasing parenting education and involvement in the community.
A statewide Parenting Awareness Conference will be held on March 13 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. at Holt High School, south of Lansing. This Practical Parenting Conference includes 30 workshops, resources and ideas to promote positive parenting and meet the challenges of parenting. If you register by March 8 costs are $15 individual and $25 family. Walk in costs are $20 individual and $30 family. To register or inquire about scholarships call Luanne Beaudry at 1-800-968-4968.
Parenting Awareness Month organizer packets, posters, matching bookmarks and technical assistance are provided at no charge to involve communities in the campaign. Information, assistance and opportunities to get connected with local efforts are provided through Prevention Network at 1-800-968-4968. Additional Parenting Awareness Materials can be ordered at no charge through the Michigan Resource Center at 1-800-626-4636.
Some Parenting Awareness Month activities include:
Allegan/Ottawa Counties, "Challenge of children" parenting conference, Holland. For information call 616-396-2301.
Genesee County, March 15, Teen Parent Conference sponsored by the Genesee Coalition on Adolescent Pregnancy, Parenting and Prevention. For information call Dorothy at 810- 591-4898.
March 24-25, Gang Violence Prevention Conference. For information call Phyllis at 810- 341-6775.
March 27, Parent University, Mott Community College Campus. For information call 810-807-8953.
Iosco County, Family Nights, "How Does Your Family Garden Grow" dinner and presentations. March 3-Tawas, March 9-Oscoda, March 11-Whittemore/Prescott and March 16-Hale.
Kalamazoo County, March 6, 2nd Annual Family Fun Fest, Crossroads Mall. For information call 616-373-5026.
Kent County, March 23, "Parents Summit, Applied Technology Center, Grand Rapids. For information call Anita at 616-452-3226.
Macomb County, March 6, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" parenting conference. Cost is $25 and includes breakfast and lunch. Information: 810-412-0088.
Oakland County, March 6, Family Matters Conference, Oakland Community College,
248-340-6962.
March 19, Family Expo and Oakland Parenting Awareness Month Family Friendly Business Awards Celebration, Summit Place mall. For information call Tracie at
248-477-6767.
Washtenaw County, March 3, "Teens Using Drugs: How to Know What to Do," presentations for parents and teens. Huron High School, Ann Arbor. For information call
734-973-7892.
Wayne County, March 27,: "Parenting Matters Expo" parenting conference at Cobo Arena. For information call Lisa at 248-540-6688.
March 6, "Healthy Babies, Healthy Families, Healthy Downriver" free parenting fair, Downriver Guidance Clinic, 734-287-1700.
To find out about other local activities call 1-800-968-4968 for the name and telephone number of your local Parenting Awareness Month Key Contact.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Geralyn Lasher
March 1, 1999 (517) 241-2112