Get Ready for FASD Awareness Day 2003!

If you are like most other FASD Awareness Day activists, you don't have much time or energy. But have no fear - we have done the groundwork for you. Here are three things you can do now. It's really not that hard. Give it a try. Nothing to lose, right? If you think you are busy, look at how busy this Mom is. Three kids, two with special needs. If she can do it, you can do it too, can't you? Here's three easy steps we have outlined to get started:

 

(1) Pick a Partner! You don't have to do this alone. Grab your phone and call someone in your area. In the US? Lookie here: USA Directory Click on your state. Connect with someone. Here's support in Canada. Here's some international contacts. If you can't afford a phone call ourside your area, then email somebody. You don't have to do this alone. There's someone else out there who is willing to help. Ask and you just might receive!

(2) Pick a Reporter! Next time you read the local newspaper, pay attention to which reporters write about personal interest stories. Choose a reporter who seems to be sensitive to special family or children's issues, who will do a respectful interview with a family or spokesperson. This spokesperson doesn't have to be you, but it could be! We'll walk you through it - piece of cake. Write down the name of the reporter and find out the phone number and address of the newspaper. Later you are going to ask for an appointment and give them a press release. Would you like to conduct a 5-minute radio interview on your favorite radio station? Here is an interview script for you and a radio person or you can just read this one-person script.

(3) Pick a Project! Are you bookmarking everything? Keeping notes on file in your computer? Good! Set up a meeting (in person, by email, or on the phone) with the other contacts in your area. Think about what a difference YOUR part will make in preventing future cases of FASD or helping children and adults already affected! Don't forget to include at least one parent, one service provider (teacher, doctor, judge), and one government leader (legislator, head of local department of mental health or developmental disabilities or corrections). This will help you to bridge the information gap in your community! Now pick one (or more) of the following events to turn into a news story:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You know, you don't have to wait until September 9th to do this, because Every Day is FASD Awareness Day!

Now, did we make this easy for you or what? Go make that first phone call and you will be on your way!

Need more help? In Canada, call Bonnie Buxton and Brian Philcox in Toronto: (416) 264 - 8111 In the US, call Teresa Kellerman in Tucson: (520) 296 - 9172.


FASWORLD
FAS DAY
Last Update: July 4, 2003