If you’re a local office worker or business participating in the 21st annual Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work® Day on Thursday, April 24, there are resources available to help make the day a success for all.

“Plant a seed, grow a future,” is the theme for the event, which is designed help girls and boys discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work, family life and community, says Carolyn McKecuen, executive director of the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation.

In all, more than 37 million youth and adults spend the day together for the event. Each local business and school district has their own guidelines for local participation.

The annual event (originally the Take Our Daughter to Work program begun by feminist Gloria Steinem and Ms. Magazine) is designed to be much more than a career day where young people can shadow adults.

“Exposing girls and boys to what a parent or mentor in their lives does during the work day is important, but showing them the value of their education, helping them discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life, and providing them an opportunity to share how they envision the future and begin steps toward their end goals in a hands-on and interactive environment is key to their achieving success,” said McKecuen. “Each year, we develop new interactive activities and partnerships that will assist us in taking girls and boys to the future they dream of.”

The foundation’s web site http://www.daughtersandsonstowork.org/ has activities, suggestions and even gifts and t-shirts parents can use to help make the day a success.

The company ValueOptions, Inc. is also offering tips on how to manage the day: First, make sure your child wants to participate, and handle the logistics ahead of time. Ask colleagues to participate to explain what they do. Talk with your child about what to expect. Make it a special day by including your child in meetings and giving them special projects.