Autumn is here, so get cozy and learn more about the wide variety of holidays, awareness campaigns, cultural celebrations, and November Days to Remember!
Native American Heritage Month
In November, we celebrate and honor the history, culture, achievements, and contributions of the country’s original Americans. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth – learn more here.
National Family Caregivers Month
This annual month of commemoration and action is promoted by the Caregiver Action Network. They state that the goals of this month are to:
- Raise awareness of family caregiver issues;
- Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers;
- Educate family caregivers about self-identification; and
- Increase support for family caregivers.
This year, CAN is urging caregivers to #BeCareCurious. Learn more here.
Transgender Awareness Week, TBD
Normally observed during the week leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance, the emphasis is on supporting transgender and other gender non-conforming people through increased visibility and advocacy. #TransWeek #TransWk
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 16 – 24
Sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, over the course of this week agencies, groups, and individuals come together to educate the public, provide services to the community, and brainstorm solutions on how to lower the rates of hunger and homelessness in this country. Learn more on the official site.
Friday, November 1
Dia de Los Muertos/Festival of the Dead
This multi-day celebration commemorates those who’ve passed on. This year, spare a thought for the scores of women throughout history whose real-life stories of whimsy, woe, and achievement were rarely covered by media or history books. Check out the New York Times’ series Overlooked. This series features obits of some of the world’s most accomplished – and overlooked – women.
National Geographic Includes Picture of Bare-Breasted Woman for First Time (1896)
Last year, National Geographic published an entire issue focusing on race. They also discussed the impact of their articles and oft-cited images of naked or nearly-naked Black and Brown women. This came more than 100 years after the first such image was published on this date in 1896.
National Authors Day
On this November day to remember, show some love to your favorite authors, and say thank you to them by doing a little writing yourself: send an email, a Tweet, or even write a letter. Share the love by hosting a book club or other gathering to acknowledge the impact your favorite author’s words have had on your life. #NationalAuthorsDay
Saturday, November 2
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists
A sobering fact – in nine out of ten cases of murdered journalists, the killer (or killers) go unpunished. This failure to enact justice is called “impunity.” The United Nations has designated this day to advocate for an end to impunity and to support journalists here and elsewhere that are facing threats of violence. #TruthNeverDies
Thursday, November 7
Magic Johnson announces he is HIV-positive.
In 1991, basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson made shockwaves worldwide when he announced that he was HIV-positive. His public announcement, and the trials and tribulations that followed helped to lessen cultural taboos around HIV/AIDS. Learn more about the amazing documentary on the days leading up to his historic public statement.
Wednesday, November 13
World Kindness Day
Created 21 years ago by a coalition of kindness-focused NGOs from around the world, Kindness Day asks people to do their part to make their patch of the world a little better, whether that’s through paying it forward, donating time or money, or just greeting others with a smile. Couldn’t we all do with a little more kindness these days? #KindnessDay
Friday, November 15
National Philanthropy Day
The purpose of this day is to recognize the work of the fundraising and philanthropic community and acknowledge the impact these efforts have made to Americans from all walks of life. #NationalPhilanthropyDay
Saturday, November 16
International Day for Tolerance
Established by the United Nations in 1996, the goal for this day is to work toward greater intercultural understanding and recognize and celebrate diversity.
Sunday, November 17
International Students’ Day
On this day in 1939, Nazis in Czechoslovakia executed nine university students who participated in anti-Nazi demonstrations. After closing all the universities in the country, Nazis then rounded up more than 1,200 university students. Ultimately, these students were sent to concentration camps. International Students’ Day is observed to commemorate their lives. It’s also a day to celebrate the diversity present at universities all over the world.
Monday, November 18
American Education Week, November 18 – 22
The National Education Association established American Education Week in order to “celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education.” While this event doesn’t focus on sex ed specifically, you can use this week to learn more about and advocate for age-appropriate sex education in schools.
The American Woman Suffrage Association is formed.
On this day nearly 150 years ago, a group of five men and women founded this organization dedicated to working for women’s suffrage efforts on the state level. Learn more about this pioneering organization.
Tuesday, November 19
International Men’s Day
International Men’s Day is dedicated to:
- Improving gender relations;
- Providing positive role models to those identifying as boys or men; and
- Raising awareness around the mental and physical health of men and boys.
Organizations and groups may hold special activities and events around these topics.
Wednesday, November 20
Transgender Day of Remembrance
According to the Human Rights Campaign, in 2017, at least 29 transgender/gender non-conforming people were killed in the U.S., with this fatal violence disproportionately affecting women of color. On the Transgender Day of Remembrance, we honor the memories of all people in this country and around the world who were killed due to anti-transgender prejudice. #TDOR #TransgenderDayofRemembrance
National Entrepreneurs Day
Celebrate entrepreneurs today! From the person opening a franchise to someone operating a home-based business, today is the day to honor the resourcefulness and drive present in entrepreneurs of all kinds.
Monday, November 25
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, November 25 – December 10
November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, kicks off the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which works to “challenge violence against women and girls.” The campaign runs from today until Human Rights Day on December 10th.
Tuesday, November 27
Shirley Chisholm Day
This day recognizes this influential advocate and barrier-breaker. Brooklynite Chisholm was not only the first African-American woman elected to Congress, in 1972 she became the first African American candidate from a major political party to run for president, as well as being the first woman to make a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Friday, November 29
Black Friday, a.k.a. “Buy Nothing Day”
Embrace your do-gooder spirit and begin your winter holiday shopping season by participating in “Buy Nothing Day.” Taking place every year on Black Friday, go against tradition today and buy …nothing. Instead, consider donating to an awesome sexual/reproductive health nonprofit on #GivingTuesday.
Saturday, November 30
Small Business Saturday
So you went against tradition Friday and didn’t buy anything. But you still have some holiday shopping to do! On the 30th, consider spending your hard-earned dollars to support small, sex-positive businesses.
Do you have any November Days to Remember that are especially important to you? We can help you incorporate it into your content calendar. Give Twanna a shout.