The Blue Ribbon Campaign: A National Child Abuse Prevention Symbol
The Blue Ribbon Campaign: Blue Ribbons Make a Difference!
Every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment to grow, dream, and thrive. The Blue Ribbon Campaign is a powerful reminder that protecting children is a shared responsibility and one that belongs to each of us. Originating from a grandmother’s heart-wrenching loss, the blue ribbon has become a national symbol of the fight against child abuse.
The mission of the Blue Ribbon Campaign is to raise awareness, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate those who work tirelessly (often quietly) to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through stories, symbolism, and real action, we want to foster a culture where every child’s safety is a shared priority.
The Blue Ribbon Campaign reminds us that child protection is not only the work of professionals, but it’s also the work of individuals and communities. Whether you are a:
- A teacher noticing changes in a student
- A neighbor offering support to a struggling family
- A coach who listens and encourages
- A community leader who promotes safe spaces
- Or a concerned citizen who speaks up…
You have a role. You are part of the solution. #ProtectPAKids
History of the Child Abuse Blue Ribbon
When you look back in our nation’s history, many of the changemakers are often grandmothers! While her name is not commonly known, Bonnie Finney is one of those changemakers.
In 1989, Finney tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her minivan as a way to honor her grandson, Michael Wayne “Bubba” Dickenson, who tragically lost his life because of the abuse he endured. Bubba was 3 years old when he was found in a horrific state: bound and beaten in a weighted toolbox at the bottom of a local Norfolk, Virginia canal. Bonnie tried desperately to intervene during his young life because she knew that Bubba and his siblings lived in an abusive home.
While Bonnie’s efforts to stop her grandson’s abuse did not work, local businesses, schools, churches, and social service agencies began displaying the blue ribbon as a way to spread awareness about child abuse prevention. From town to town, state to state, the blue ribbon became a national child abuse awareness symbol.
In the four decades that have passed, Bonnie’s work to educate communities inspired a movement with April becoming National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In fact, the blue ribbon continues to be the international child abuse awareness symbol.
The Blue Ribbon and PFSA
When Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA) was launched in 1979 as Parents Anonymous of Pennsylvania, the topic of child abuse was rarely discussed openly. We pride ourselves on having been one of the first organizations in the Commonwealth that publicly advocated for stronger child abuse prevention laws, and we demanded that our leaders and institutions addressed the issue head-on. Since then, we have seen enormous strides in our state, but there is still more work to be done.
One of the ways that PFSA advocates for child abuse prevention is through education. That is why our logo centers on the blue ribbon, the symbol of child abuse prevention. We firmly believe that each and every single one of us has a role to play in preventing child abuse. For us, the blue ribbon is personal. Wearing the blue ribbon is a visual way for individuals to demonstrate that they are taking a stand against child abuse and encouraging others to do the same.
As a leader in protecting Pennsylvania’s children against child abuse, PFSA works year-round to educate communities and advocate for at-risk children. We have distributed thousands of blue ribbons, a national child abuse prevention symbol, to private and public organizations, agencies, individuals, and government leaders for decades. It continues to be a way for us to raise awareness about child abuse prevention, and the importance of every individual taking action when something does not seem right. Chances are if you have seen blue ribbons, blue flags, and billboards for #ProtectPAKids across the Commonwealth—that’s us!
Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids
As part of the Blue Ribbon Campaign, PFSA proudly honors Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids. These champions are individuals from across Pennsylvania that go above and beyond the call to prevent abuse and uplift vulnerable children. Blue Ribbon Champions are the heart of this campaign. Their stories inspire, educate, and empower others to act.
Each year, Blue Ribbon Champions are nominated by their peers and selected by an independent panel of judges. Selected champions may include:
- Professionals in education, healthcare, and social work
- Volunteers who give time, care, and resources
- Everyday heroes who step in when it matters most
Every April, PFSA honors the individuals who are selected as Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids with a ceremony at the Harrisburg Capitol. We recognize these individuals because of their exceptional contributions to preventing childhood neglect and abuse. If Contact PFSA to learn more about nomination periods and requirements.
Blue Ribbons vs. Pinwheels
Both the blue ribbon and pinwheel are powerful symbols in child abuse prevention, each carrying distinct meaning.
The blue ribbon, introduced in 1989 by a grandmother honoring her grandson lost to abuse, is a personal call to action. It reminds us that everyone has a role in protecting children and highlights the serious reality of abuse.
The pinwheel, in contrast, symbolizes hope, joy, and the ideal of safe, healthy childhoods. Its bright, spinning design promotes prevention through community awareness and engagement.
Together, these symbols reflect the full scope of the movement by acknowledging the seriousness of abuse while promoting a hopeful, united vision for children’s well-being.
Ways to Get Involved!
There are many ways to get involved with the Blue Ribbon Campaign. Whether you want to learn more or actively participate, there are options for everyone! Here are just a few ways you can get involved:
- Wear and Share the Blue Ribbon
Pin it to your shirt, bag, or car. Post it online. Let the world know you stand for child safety. - Nominate a Champion Help honor someone who is making a difference. Submit a nomination for a Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids at www.pafsa.org (please check open nomination periods).
- Host a “Turn PA Blue Day” Invite your school, office, or organization to wear blue and raise awareness on a dedicated day in April.
- Share Stories Use social media to share stories of hope, healing, and heroism with hashtags like #ProtectPAKids.
- Learn and Advocate Attend or request trainings, read materials, and speak up when something feels wrong. Awareness is protection.
