2005 Year in Review

Celebrate National Family Week 2005

For many American families, family and community connections are becoming less and less strong. Opportunities for families to come together are limited by such reasons as family mobility, geographic distance, hurried lifestyles and divorce. University of Illinois Extension would like you to join in celebrating National Family Week, November 20-26, 2005.

National Family Week was started in 1968 by an Indianapolis teacher and school administrator named Sam Wiley, in an effort to promote, strengthen, and support strong families. It is celebrated each year during the week of Thanksgiving with the theme of Connections Count, and is promoted by the Alliance for Children and Families.

University of Illinois Extension has been active in providing educational research and information to parents and community members on the impact of family and community connections for our lives. One resource for parents is a website developed by the University of Illinois Family Life team. Parenting 24/7 can be found at Parenting 24-7. This website offers research-based information and support from fellow parents along with fact sheets and commentary on issues of concern.

Another popular website for building strong connections in families and communities is Character Development. This website is for parents, teachers, and community members who work with young people to promote positive character development.

As you connect with your family this year during Thanksgiving Week, take time to acknowledge the relationships and services that have helped your family prosper. For information on organizing a community event during family week call the Alliance for Children and Families at 800-221-2681 or go on-line at National Family Week. www.nationalfamilyweek.org. For more information on educational programming available to families through University of Illinois Extension, contact your local office and ask about family life programs.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
November 7, 2005