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National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

By Becca Stewart

The purpose of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day is twofold. 

First, to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS infection rates among adults aged 50 and older. In 2018, nearly 17% of all new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. were in adults over 50. On this holiday, organizations hope to bring attention to this issue, telling older adults that HIV can infect people of any age, at any stage of their lives.

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by Giving Back

By Becca Stewart

According to the latest census data, there are more than 62 million Hispanic Americans currently living in the country. Each of those individuals has roots that trace back to Spanish-speaking countries around the globe. Many families have passed down traditions through the generations, leaving a rich artistic and cultural legacy. We honor these traditions during Hispanic Heritage Month each year, beginning on September 15.

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World Suicide Prevention Day

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In 2003, the World Health Organization, in conjunction with the International Association for Suicide Prevention, designated September 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day. Now nearing its 20th year, World Suicide Prevention Day is a chance to shine a spotlight on mental health and suicide around the globe. It’s also an opportunity to bring awareness to organizations that address mental health crises and prevent suicide. 

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International Literacy Day

literacy

Literacy is the benchmark by which a healthy society is measured. Learning how to read and write isn’t just important in the classroom. Literacy impacts all facets of society, from healthcare to economic stability and beyond. In fact, experts use a country’s literacy rates to determine the overall “health and competence of communities.” 

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Celebrate Labor Rights on Labor Day

By Becca Stewart

Since 1894, Americans have celebrated Labor Day, a day to recognize the contributions of our country’s workers. Leading up to the creating of Labor Day, American workers struggled to make a decent living. During the height of the Industrial Revolution, many Americans – including small children – worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week, simply to afford basic necessities. 

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World Humanitarian Day

By Becca Stewart

human rights organizations

Every day, countless humanitarian workers serve fearlessly, striving to make the world a safer and more peaceful place. And every year, brave men and women die in this pursuit. On August 19, we honor and recognize those who put their lives on the line for others. World Humanitarian Day, established by the United Nations in 2009, memorializes the anniversary of the Iraqi UN headquarters bombing, where 22 people lost their lives. 

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National Immunization Awareness Month

By Becca Stewart

Perhaps more than any time in memory, vaccines are the main point of social discussion. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of vaccines and their ability to save lives. However, some remain skeptical – or even fearful – of vaccines. Years of disinformation have caused an entire generation that distrusts vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

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World Day for International Justice

By Becca Stewart

On July 17, 1998, an international coalition signed the Rome Treaty. This treaty created the International Criminal Court, a judicial body that protects and defends human rights worldwide. Specifically, the Rome Treaty promotes international justice and protects against four international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.

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Top-Rated Organizations Protecting Voting Rights in America

Photo Source: Photo by annie bolin on Unsplash

Over the last few years, voting rights have become a contentious issue in the United States. In 2021, bills advanced in many Republican-led states have sought to make it harder for people to vote in elections by reducing access to mail-in voting, polling places, and imposing I.D. requirements that are limiting for some populations. Research shows that voter fraud is very rare in America and yet this myth is perpetuated in the name of election security.

However, there are organizations working to help keep voting rights secure across the country. We’ve compiled a list of organizations doing important this important work.

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Recognizing National PTSD Awareness Day

By Becca Stewart

Most of us have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. While it’s often associated with military servicemembers returning from combat, PTSD can impact anyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. National PTSD Awareness Day, which takes place each June 27, aims to educate the public about the pervasiveness of PTSD worldwide.

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June 8 is World Oceans Day

By Becca Stewart

boy picking up trash near the ocean

The ocean is one common bond that connects all life on the planet. Its conservation is vital to life on earth – both above and below the water’s surface. For nearly 20 years, countries around the globe have come together on June 8 to observe World Oceans Day, a day to promote ocean education and take action to protect our planet’s waters. 

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Organizations Supporting Refugees: Donate During International Refugee Week

By Becca Stewart

Imagine being forced to leave your home. Imagine being so afraid for your life and the lives of your loved ones that fleeing your hometown, your friends, and even your country is the only option. While most Americans will thankfully never experience this terror, there are nearly 80 million forcibly displaced people on the planet today. International Refugee Week is a chance for all of us to learn more about those fleeing their home countries and take action to help every individual. 

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Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

By Becca Stewart

Dementia disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease and associated diagnoses, impact nearly 6 million Americans. While we typically associate dementia with aging populations, plenty of younger people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other dementias each year. Every June, the Alzheimer’s Association sponsors Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a chance to educate the public about dementia and offer resources for patients and their families.

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Top-Rated LGBTQ+ Organizations Fighting Discrimination

LGBTQ Community

Improving LGBTQ+ Equality

While LGBTQ+ rights have come a long way in America, there is still much room for improvement in equality. Across the nation, members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face discrimination in school, work, healthcare, and other aspects of their lives. Fortunately, many LGBTQ+ organizations are fighting discrimination in every community in America. These “Top-Rated” organizations below are the best nonprofits that support, empower and educate all citizens to create a safer and more equitable world for LGBTQ+ people.

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Raising Awareness on World Hunger Day

by Becca Stewart

Children eating

Every year, The Hunger Project hosts an event to raise awareness about worldwide hunger and poverty. On May 28, 2021, World Hunger Day marks its 10th anniversary. This year, World Hunger Day focuses on a holistic approach to ending hunger and poverty worldwide by creating sustainable solutions to help all people gain access to food, clean water, and the ability to provide for their families.

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National Mental Health Awareness Month: Organizations Making a Difference

By Becca Stewart

Millions of Americans live with mental illness. About one in five Americans has a diagnosable mental health condition, many of which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly half of all Americans will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. Yet, there are still many stigmas and misconceptions surrounding mental health. During National Mental Health Awareness Month each May, we highlight nonprofit organizations working to end the stigma and increase awareness.

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Why Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Means More This Year

by Becca Stewart

As we prepare to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month during the month of May, the holiday has a more somber and resolved tone this year. Since the spring of 2020, hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have risen more than 150%. Many experts blame the sharp increase on a fire of vitriol stoked by some of the nation’s political leaders – including the former president. This year, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month means something more. We can all celebrate the vital roles Asian Americans play in our society – and work to dismantle Asian hate across the nation.

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