Interaction Traction

Older Americans Month
2029-05-01 - 2029-05-31
When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as “Senior Citizens Month,” the prelude to “Older Americans Month.”
Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities.
Sourced from https://acl.gov/oam/history

Mental Health Awareness Month
2029-05-01 - 2029-05-31
The month of May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States since 1949. It was founded by the Mental Health America organization (then known as the National Association for Mental Health) in order to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illness, including conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Mental Health Month aims to raise awareness regarding the trauma and societal impact that mental illness can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities as a whole.
Sourced from https://www.lehighcenter.com/history/the-inspiring-history-of-mental-health-awareness-month/

Memorial Day (US)
2029-05-28
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2023 will occur on Monday, May 29.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Sourced from https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history

Canada Day
2029-07-01
Canada Day, formerly (until 1982) Dominion Day, the national holiday of Canada. The possibility of a confederation between the colonies of British North America was discussed throughout the mid-1800s. On July 1, 1867, a dominion was formed through the British North America Act as approved by the British Parliament. It consisted of territories then called Upper and Lower Canada and of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The act divided Canada into the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and it included provisions for other colonies and territories to join in the future, which made possible the growth of Canada into its present form. The act served as Canada’s constitution until 1982, and July 1 was celebrated as Dominion Day.
By terms of the Canada Act of 1982, the British North America Act was repatriated from the British to the Canadian Parliament, and Canada became a fully independent country. At the same time, the name of the national holiday was changed to Canada Day. It is celebrated with parades, displays of the flag, the singing of the national anthem, “O Canada,” and fireworks. When July 1 falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the following day.
Sourced from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Canada-Day

National Disability Employment Awareness Month
2029-10-01 - 2029-10-31, 2030-10-01 - 2030-10-31, 2031-10-01 - 2031-10-31, 2032-10-01 - 2032-10-31, 2033-10-01 - 2033-10-31, 2034-10-01 - 2034-10-31, 2035-10-01 - 2035-10-31, 2036-10-01 - 2036-10-31 and 1 more date
Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present, and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees.
Sourced from https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam

LGBTQ+ History Month
2029-10-01 - 2029-10-31, 2030-10-01 - 2030-10-31, 2031-10-01 - 2031-10-31, 2032-10-01 - 2032-10-31, 2033-10-01 - 2033-10-31, 2034-10-01 - 2034-10-31, 2035-10-01 - 2035-10-31, 2036-10-01 - 2036-10-31 and 1 more date
LGBTQ+ History Month was created in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri. In 1995, a resolution passed by the General Assembly of the National Education Association included LGBT History Month within a list of commemorative months. October was selected to coincide with National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11), which was already established, and the anniversary of the first march on Washington for gay and lesbian rights in 1979.
Sourced from https://www.ucf.edu/news/why-do-we-celebrate-pride-month-in-june-and-lgbt-history-month-in-october

Global Diversity Awareness Month
2029-10-01 - 2029-10-31, 2030-10-01 - 2030-10-31, 2031-10-01 - 2031-10-31, 2032-10-01 - 2032-10-31, 2033-10-01 - 2033-10-31, 2034-10-01 - 2034-10-31, 2035-10-01 - 2035-10-31, 2036-10-01 - 2036-10-31
Global Diversity Awareness Month celebrates the values, contributions, and diversity of cultures and communities around the world. By elevating diverse voices, you highlight the unique perspectives each individual brings to the table. Now, each October, many organizations choose to observe and celebrate Global Diversity Awareness Month by highlighting, honoring, and learning more about diverse customs, cultures, and experiences. By doing so, we gain a greater awareness of and appreciation for the unique backgrounds and identities of others and can better leverage diverse perspectives for greater innovation, problem-solving, productivity, and collaboration.
Sourced from https://wisediversity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Global-Diversity-Awareness-Month-Guide.pdf
