FARMINGTON — Community group Peace in Our Families seeks new members to help prevent violence and advocate for healthy relationships.

A meeting to share ideas on this year’s work is planned for 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, at the Franklin County Children’s Task Force. Community members and representatives from area organizations are welcome, said Judy Rawlings from Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services.

The group, formed in 1997, has focused on preventing violence in families and a community culture where violence of any kind is not acceptable, she said.

“It’s a lofty goal,” she said of the efforts of nearly 40 members who work to make community members more aware of violence, whether in the form of words or actual physical or emotional  violence.

With current budget cuts, representatives from four agencies, the Children’s Task Force, Safe Voices, SAVES and the Healthy Community Coalition, joined forces last year to coordinate their efforts and use their resources more efficiently, she said.

Their work has focused on violence-prevention education in schools. They have looked at the transition years (elementary school to middle school, middle to high school) and are gathering information to share with students and parents through brochures and events like parents night where the information can be shared.

They provide programming in schools and the community around bullying, harassment, sexual, dating and domestic violence and healthy relationships. Future plans involve addressing the cyber world with training for parents and educators, and providing an advocate for community members to share their thoughts and concerns, she said.

The group also sponsors the April march for a violence-free community, she said.

Community members and volunteers are welcome to participate with these endeavors or bring their own ideas to the meeting on projects to help reach community members, she said.

For more information about Peace in our Families, contact Rawlings at 778-9522.

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