#United States #Tampa #Awareness Campaign #Foster Care #See Us Now

National Blue Out: Bringing Attention to Foster Children

On September 25, 2025, students from the See Us Now initiative are leading a national movement known as the National Blue Out. This campaign shines a light on the hidden struggles faced by hundreds of thousands of foster children across America. During National Missing and Trafficked Foster Children Awareness Week, this event aims to educate the public about the alarming realities that many youth in foster care encounter.

In a staggering statistic, more than 20,000 foster children go missing every year in the United States, with overwhelming evidence suggesting that many of these individuals can end up being victims of trafficking. The See Us Now organization was founded in direct response to these issues, spurring action aimed at advocating for safe and consistent housing for foster children.

In a show of solidarity, cities nationwide, from downtown Los Angeles to the vibrant streets of Miami, will light up in blue to bring awareness to this urgent cause. Seeing landmarks and community hubs bathed in blue highlights an issue that often remains obscured from public discourse.

Joining the mission, Lin-Manuel Miranda and his family have partnered with See Us Now to host a Hamilton Sing-Along event in Tampa. This event, which celebrates the spirit of community support, expects over 500 attendees, all donning blue attire to show their support for at-risk children. The event not only seeks to entertain but also serves as a platform where discussions about the critical need for better foster housing conditions will take place.

How to Participate in the Blue Out

To take part in this significant awareness event, individuals and businesses are encouraged to:

• - Wear blue on September 25 to show their solidarity.
• - Decorate homes and businesses with blue ribbons or lights to spread the message.
• - Share photos and messages online using the hashtags #seeusnow and #blueout to raise awareness.
• - Join the 'Where are you Tonight?' Pie Challenge where participants film a message while challenging others to do the same, all in the name of awareness for foster youth.

Kari Wagner, a co-founder of SUN and former news reporter, highlights the importance of turning the spotlight on foster children, stating, “Together, we can shine a light on the thousands of foster children who are often overlooked — and work toward a future where every child has a safe and supportive home.”

The See Us Now (SUN) initiative is dedicated to elevating the voices of foster children and advocating for systemic changes to ensure their safety and well-being. Efforts like the National Blue Out are crucial for bringing these vulnerable youth out of the shadows and into the public consciousness. Through advocacy events and community engagement, SUN seeks not only to inform the public but to spark meaningful change in the foster care system across the nation.

For further details on how to get involved, visit the See Us Now website or reach out to Nancy Mallory at Mallory PR at 916-718-3755.