We Use a Faith-Based Approach
Churches are very effective at meeting the social and material needs of their members. Religious organizations can be major forces for mobilizing volunteers and changing the behaviors of community members. Stated simply, sacred places serve civic purposes.
We built Buckle Up for Life on the considerable authority that church leaders have within the Hispanic and African-American communities. With the help and support of faith leaders, we deliver − in an engaging, culturally sensitive and memorable way − important messages about staying safe in motor vehicles.
Our faith-based approach is designed to empower church leaders and members to make child- and adult-passenger safety a priority in their own communities, thereby reducing motor-vehicle injuries and deaths. Buckle Up for Life relies on strong partnerships with faith leaders throughout the country. Their leadership and support play a crucial role in the success of our work.
The Components
The Buckle Up for Life curriculum includes presentations for adults, teens and children. All participants learn why it’s important to wear a seat belt every time they ride in a car. Adults are also taught how to choose and install a car seat for their children, while teens learn about the dangers of distracted driving. Children benefit from a variety of interactive lessons that drive home messages about staying safe in motor vehicles.
At the end of the program, families that participated in the Buckle Up for Life activities are eligible to receive free car seats. During a church-wide car seat check, certified child passenger safety technicians will help install car seats and ensure that children are riding safely.
In addition, we provide churches with informational posters and tips for promoting motor-vehicle safety.
