A Friday rally hopes to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect.

Friday is National Go Blue Day, which acknowledges the importance of families and communities working together to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families. Rep. Geran Tarr, D-Anchorage, is helping to organize the event along with the Alaska Children’s Trust and the Association for the Education of Young Children. Attendees of the really are asked to wear blue.

From 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., the block of Fourth Street in front of the Alaska State Capitol will be closed to vehicular traffic for the rally.

“You don’t have to be a parent to help keep children safe and healthy: simply starting a conversation or learning more about the issues faced by vulnerable children in your community will help make Alaska more responsive and prepared to address these challenges holistically,” Rep. Tarr said in a statement this week.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a nationwide effort to raise public awareness about and to take a stand against child abuse and neglect.