A special event is an activity that focuses on an important issue, such as child safety; celebrates success; builds a sense of community; provides a positive activity for youth to participate in; raises funds; or educates and enlists the support of community members on a specific topic. A special event can be a party, an information fair, a carwash for charity, a child safety day, a race, a street fair, or a community picnic. The only limit is your imagination! | . Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in action July 1999 NUMBER 07 Plan A Special Event What Is a Special Event A special event is an activity that focuses on an important issue such as child safety celebrates success builds a sense of community provides a positive activity for youth to participate in raises funds or educates and enlists the support of community members on a specific topic. A special event can be a party an information fair a carwash for charity a child safety day a race a street fair or a community picnic. The only limit is your imagination What Problems Do Special Events Address Special events address a variety of problems ranging from lack of community attention to a particular issue to a need for alternatives to gang- or drug-related behavior. These events can also provide publicity for worthy programs or recognition for achievements. If underage drinking after the prom is a problem an alcohol- and drug-free postprom party provides an alternative. A walk-a-thon to benefit a local charity similarly heightens awareness while raising funds for a deserving organization program or foundation. How Does a Special Event Prevent or Reduce Crime A special event can also help prevent or reduce crime in your school or community. For instance a 5K safety race in which participants secure sponsors and hand out crime prevention tips from the local police department will educate citizens on how to make their community safer and raise money for community crime prevention. An alcohol- and drug-free concert or a fundraiser for a youth community center will similarly rally the community around a cause and offer positive activities for young people. o - k dmln strafor Looking for an exciting new way to generate publicity raise funds or educate the public about an important community issue Then plan a special event A special event such as a walk-a-thon postprom party carwash picnic or fair offers
