In 2019, SI SUPRT (Southeastern Illinois Substance Use Prevention, Recovery and Treatment) Council planned and held a National Night Out event in Eldorado to promote goodwill between citizens and law enforcement. It was a hit they wish they could do again! However, because of COVID-19 concerns at this time, they are preparing a virtual event and request the assistance of local police and fire departments as well as city councils, mayors and other entities that may contribute to the NNO message of civic safety and community health. For 2020, the National Night Out office recommended delaying events until the first Tuesday in October (October 6) which is when they plan to hold a virtual Zoom and Facebook live event, most likely from 6:30- 8 p.m.
SI SUPRT would like as much public service participation as they can generate in order to make a web-based event that will effectively share the message of NNO and the recovery supports we are building in our four-county service area (Gallatin, Hamilton, Saline, and White). They are hopeful that public service agencies will provide the bulk of the message of unity between police/public service and citizens that they want to spread in this virtual event.
You can participate in this four-county community event in a couple of ways.
1.) We invite your department/council to create a 2-4 minute video to share with us in advance of the event bringing to life one of the suggested themes below or something similar that you create.
2.) Do your song/skit/message live the night of the activity or present a poster or banner at that time.
What’s in it for you?
Benefits to your agency/council:
- Promotes general goodwill/community spirit
- Good publicity for your agency via our intended virtual event
- You will be associated as part of this great event that brings the community together around promoting good will and understanding of agencies, civic safety and support of recovery from alcohol and other drugs.
Themes to select from, or create your own:
- Police/public service agencies and community: We’re in this together
- We make our communities safe together
- Community safety is everyone’s job.
Deadline for submission of intent to participate and/or to give us synopsis of how you’ll participate (live, submitted video, etc., see form attached) is Thursday, September 24. Please contact Teri Cain (618-294-8322) with any questions or concerns or email at [email protected].
National Night Out (NNO) has been held annually since 1984, and is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States. National Night Out began simply with neighbors turning on their porch lights and sitting in front of their homes the first Tuesday in August. The first National Night Out involved 2.5 million residents across 400 communities in 23 states; National Night Out 2016 involved 38 million residents in 16,000 communities across the United States. The event is meant to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town watch, neighborhood watch, and other anti-crime efforts.
In addition to National Night Out, SI SUPRT is Speaking Up for RECOVERY! September 19, 2-4: Join their What is Recovery? Zoom Event. Follow & like us on Facebook: Southeastern Illinois Substance Use Prevention,Recovery&Treatment Council
September 22, 6:30-8:30: Jeff McPeek and Mark Sanders will share inspiration on recovery and changing intergenerational patterns of addiction.
SI SUPRT invites you to give a SHOUT OUT to Recovery!
Join their September Speakers and create your own Recovery SHOUT OUT with a Recovery Awareness ribbon , poster, or mask/bandana face covering.
Deadline for submissions is Monday, September 28. Original artwork with artist’s name, phone number and email may be sent via email to [email protected] or call the Recovery Resource Center, 618-294-8322, to arrange for your artwork to be submitted.
Winners will be announced at the National Night Out Zoom/Facebook Live event Tuesday, October 6, 6:30-8 p.m. (watch for information coming soon!) Please call Teri with any questions at 618-294-8322.
