Stay timely and learn more about the wide variety of holidays, awareness campaigns, cultural celebrations, and days of remembrance taking place this month.
NOVEMBER 2018
Native American Heritage Month, November 1 – 30
In November we celebrate and honor the history, culture, achievements, and contributions of the country’s original Americans. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth
Movember, November 1 – 30
Recognized worldwide, Movember is dedicated to raising awareness around men’s mental and physical health, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide. #movember
National Caregiver Month, November 1-30
Thursday, 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. Honor the dead; check out the New York Times’ newly written obits of some of the world’s most accomplished – and overlooked – women.
National Authors Day:
On this day 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
National Cook for Your Pets Day:
Give your pets a healthy treat on this day by giving them food you’ve lovingly made yourself. Catsby and Fitzy think this day is great! #GoCookForYourPets
Friday, 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
Tuesday, November 6
Election Day:
It’s safe to say that the 2018 Midterm Election is one the most significant and wide-reaching elections in American history. Make sure your voice is heard – VOTE.
Wednesday, 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.
Saturday, November 10
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, November 10 – 18
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.
Sunday, November 11
American Education Week
November 12 – 16: 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. #AEW2018
Monday, November 12
Transgender Awareness Week
November 12-19: 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
Tuesday, 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
Thursday, 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
America Recycles Day
Friday, 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.
Saturday, November 17
International Students Day
Sunday, November 18
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 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, # Transgender Day of Remembrance
National Entrepreneur Day
Friday, November 23
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 (see the 27th).
Saturday, November 24
Small Business Saturday
Monday, November 26
Cyber Monday
So you went against tradition Friday and didn’t buy anything. But you still have some holiday shopping to do! On the 24th, consider spending your hard-earned dollars to support small, sex-positive businesses. Then keep your eyes peeled for the plethora of online-only specials from businesses of all kinds that will feature on the 26th.
Sunday, November 25
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
November 25 – December 10, 2018
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
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
#GivingTuesday
Rounding out the initial few days of the traditional winter holiday shopping season is Giving Tuesday (or #GivingTuesday as it’s more widely known). Recognized worldwide, #GivingTuesday turns the focus from shopping to supporting nonprofits and other charitable organizations during the last month of the year. Nonprofits often run giving campaigns on this day, and individuals and groups are encouraged to volunteer and donate. (P.S. – Does your organization want to create a #GivingTuesday fundraising campaign but is unsure about what to do? Read this.) #GivingTuesday
Friday, November 30
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.
