Want to get your school, team or youth group involved?

The House Of Ruth Maryland has several options for youth groups, children, and young adults engaged in Service Learning Projects or Community Service Requirements. Our opportunities give youth the chance to raise awareness about dating violence while simultaneously supporting the House Of Ruth Maryland.

Once you've filled out the form (click on the orange link at the bottom of this page) the House Of Ruth Maryland will schedule a "wrap-up" presentation for each group, where we can thank the group in person and present certificates (weekdays only).

Why Is Teen Dating Violence an important issue?

In 2003, a Baltimore-based Centers for Disease Control (CDC) funded a 5-year research project in which HRM was a partner, involving approximately 1,500 middle school students. This study revealed that 21-34% of students reported experiencing physical violence, and 35-40% reported perpetrating physical violence in a dating relationship. Abusive adolescent dating relationships set the stage for future abusive relationships perpetuating the cycle of violence.

Here's How To Get Involved:

Hold A Group Bake Sale: Your group can bake and sell goods with proceeds to benefit the House Of Ruth Maryland. Beforehand, group members can research dating violence, make informational index cards or bookmarks and include with each item sold. Topics can include warning signs, what to do if you suspect a friend is being victimized and how to get help.

Have A Special Outfit Day: This is a great chance to spend a day wearing something other than a uniform or the "same-old, same-old" to school. Advertise an "out of uniform" day where students can pay a small fee to wear their chosen attire. Beforehand, group members can research dating violence and create informational index cards or bookmarks - then distribute when students pay their fee.

Hold A Wish List Competition: Using House Of Ruth's wish List, select an item to collect, and encourage a competition between homerooms or grades to see who can collect the most items. Hold a pizza party for the winner! For a copy of our Wish List, just click on the menu to the left.

Letter Writing Campaign: Your group can help encourage their representatives to vote for a particular bill, or thank them for supporting domestic violence legislation that's already passed.This is a great way for students to get involved in community issues on the legislative level. For a list of bills that the House Of Ruth supports or opposes, click on "Legislative Alert."

To get started, click on this link, fill out the form and fax the form to (410) 889-9347 or scan it and email it info@hruthmd.org.