Child Advocacy Day
Aeries and auxiliaries are encouraged to host a Child Advocacy Day on May 1 of each year. This program is supported by the Grand Aerie and works to recognize the efforts local members put forth to honor youth of their communities.
Child Advocacy Day is a fun day for youth to enjoy and the community to educate and protect their children. The aerie and auxiliary schedule programs around safety, protection, prevention and other health and welfare activities. Events of the day may include fire safety in conjunction with the local fire department, DARE and other programs supported by the local police department, and finger printing, public and internet safety programs supported by other officials.
May 1 was selected Child Advocacy Day in honor of Past Grand Worthy President Edward F. Poss's claim that May 1 be recognized as Child Health Day in all aeries and auxiliaries. If May 1 is not available, child advocacy events held on any day between August 1 of the previous year and May 1 of the current year are still eligible for the competition.
Recognizing Local Aeries and Auxiliaries
Aeries and Auxiliaries participating in the Child Advocacy program are encouraged to submit an application to compete for an engraved plaque (to be displayed at the Aerie home) and a $3,000 Jimmy Durante Children's Fund grant to support of the youth activities within their local community.
Submission should include documentation on the event, including photos, newspaper clippings or radio announcements, recognition from local fire and police departments, recognition from local drug and child abuse programs, and other supporting material. Submit documentation to the Grand Aerie Programs department for judging and selection by June 1, 2008. All participating aeries and auxiliaries will receive a Certificate of Participation signed by the grand worthy and grand madam presidents.