Citizen Corps supports weekly and monthly outreach themes which encourage and promote civic engagement, public safety, preparedness, resilience, and volunteerism.
The outreach themes are intended to be used as an opportunity to jump start work with additional Citizen Corps Affiliates and Partners on promoting awareness, planning events, and media outreach to strengthen community preparedness at the state and local level.
Local Citizen Corps Councils and partners may contact local representatives from the organizations below to learn how the community can benefit from involvement, reach out to citizens about participation, and involve the local media in distributing information on these events.
These events will help raise awareness for local Citizen Corps activities and ultimately increase community preparedness, training, and volunteer participation.

The following are the upcoming events for October:

• Crime Prevention Month: More than twenty-five million Americans are victims of crime each year. October is Crime Prevention Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the practice of crime prevention while promoting awareness of important issues such as victimization, volunteerism, and creating safer, more caring communities. The month-long recognition highlights successful crime prevention efforts on the local, state, and national levels. Visit the “What You Can Do” webpage of the National Crime Prevention Council to find out how your community can support this month’s efforts to combat crime. Also, participate in Celebrating Safe Communities to kick-off Crime Prevention Month on October 1-3, 2009 (see below).
• Diversity Awareness Month: October is Diversity Awareness Month. Consider meeting with area minority leaders – in businesses, schools, churches, and local organizations – to discuss their role in promoting community preparedness and Citizen Corps. You can also organize public speaking opportunities or radio interviews for leaders in your community to promote increased participation in preparedness from across the diverse sectors of your community. Visit the website for the National Resource Center on Advancing Emergency Preparedness for Culturally Diverse Communities for additional ideas, training materials, and resources.
• National Cybersecurity Awareness Month: This October marks the fifth annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The Department of Homeland Security's National Cybersecurity Division (NCSD) is once again actively engaging public and private sector partners through events and initiatives to increase overall awareness and minimize vulnerabilities. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a campaign designed to educate all citizens and key public and private sector partners on cyber threats and how to safeguard themselves at home, work and school. Visit the DHS Cybersecurity Awareness Month webpage to learn more about how you can help contribute to your community’s cybersecurity awareness.
• Celebrate Safe Communities (October 1-3, 2009): The National Sheriffs' Association (NSA), the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) are teaming up on Celebrate Safe Communities (CSC), an exciting initiative designed to help local law enforcement agencies and their community partners kick off events for Crime Prevention Month! Visit the NCPC webpage to see CSC In Action and learn how to get involved.
• 28th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend (October 2-4, 2009): This year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Fire Administration will recognize the 28th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on October 2-4, 2009. Plaques with the names of more than 3,300 firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty will surround the memorial in Emmitsburg, MD, which was established in 1981. Visit the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend website for more information on this important event to honor America’s heroes.
• Fire Prevention Week (October 4-10, 2009): Fire Prevention Week 2009, sponsored by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), focuses on burn awareness and prevention, as well as keeping homes safe from the leading causes of home fires.  Visit the NFPA's Fire Prevention Week website to see more about what fire and life saving educators will be doing to promote fire safety this week, and learn how fire prevention focused outreach and education can be conducted in your community.
• America's Safe Schools Week (October 18-24, 2009): Join your local school district and the National School Safety Center in observing America’s Safe Schools Week. The goal for this campaign is to motivate key education and law enforcement policymakers, as well as students, parents and community residents, to vigorously advocate school safety. Work with your local educators, policymakers and community at large to support local school safety efforts. To find out more visit the National School Safety Center.
• National School Bus Safety Week (October 19-23, 2009): The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) promotes National School Bus Safety Week the third week in October. During this week, the NAPT hosts the National School Bus Safety Poster Contest, which allows students to artistically represent a safety theme and have a chance to win a prize. This nationwide contest for students in grades K-8 is a great way to get youth involved in preparedness and safety education in their own education institutions. This year’s theme, "Avoid Harm, Obey the Stop Arm", and the winning poster can be seen on the National School Bus Safety Week website.
• National Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31, 2009): The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA. The National Red Ribbon Week, sponsored by the National Family Partnership (NFP), is an ideal way for individuals and communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse. The NFP helps citizens across the nation come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and drug-free, through parent training, networking and sponsoring the Red Ribbon Campaign. Visit the NFP’s National Red Ribbon Week website for more information and resources.
• Make a Difference Day (October 24, 2009): Each year, the Points of Light Institute/Hands on Network sponsors Make A Difference Day. This year marks the 18th year for Make A Difference Day, which will be celebrated on the fourth Saturday of October. Last year, more than three million people served on the 2008 Make A Difference Day. The day connects people with opportunities to serve, increases the strength of communities and promotes civic engagement. Anyone can participate in this national day to help others. Visit the Make a Difference DAYtaBANK to find an opportunity in your community or engage your Citizen Corps Council or partners in continuing their service to the community through a project.

A complete list of weekly and monthly outreach themes for 2009 is available at www.citizencorps.gov/news/themes.shtm.

Sincerely,

The National Office of Citizen Corps
FEMA Community Preparedness Division