Category: May

  • NATIONAL SAPPHIRE SEGULAH DAY | May 12

    NATIONAL SAPPHIRE SEGULAH DAY | May 12

    National Sapphire Segulah Day on May 12 is a day of gratitude for single parents of special needs children to remind them their service and sacrifices of love are seen, appreciated, and not in vain.

    #SapphireSegulahDay

    Single parents of special needs children deserve a day especially for them to celebrate the sacrifice they make every day caring for their child. The job is stressful, to say the least. Their days are busy, and so are their nights. Many go days with very little sleep, or no sleep at all. In addition, there is the endless advocating to make sure their child has access to services and support to help them live their best quality of life. Today, let’s show our gratitude for those single parents and let them know just how much we appreciate them.

    What does Sapphire Segulah Mean? 

    In the Hebrew language “Sapphire” means “Precious” and “Segulah” means “Peculiar Treasure.” While we refer to children that are born with disabilities as “special needs,” they are so much more. They are a combination of special, some peculiar, but all are a treasure. A Precious Peculiar Treasure.

    Most parents of special needs children don’t start out being single. In fact, many were in long-term marriages or relationships. Unfortunately, the new and unknown challenges of caring for a child with special needs often tests the strength and bonds of marriage and relationships. As a result, separation or divorce leaves one parent to care for a child with special needs. However, single parents have the strength to continue parenting alone because they know their Precious Peculiar Treasure is the most rewarding gift they will receive.

    Tips for Single Parents 

    Caring for children with a disability can be challenging, but very rewarding, too. By simply showing love and providing a positive environment, they are encouraging their child to thrive. Single parents can raise their treasure successfully.

    • Set up a routine for your child, including bedtime, meals, chores, homework, and quiet time.
    • Practice self-care to avoid additional stress, anger, or depression.
    • Encourage your child by supporting positive reinforcement and praise.
    • Keep your child’s environment full of structure, including a set of rules for reinforcement.
    • Be helpful, loving, and compassionate to your child, especially during times change.

    To be trusted with such a precious commodity, is indeed the highest honor, and one that is truly special. I wouldn’t change it for the world. ~La Dana Lucious on being a parent to her Precious Peculiar Treasure

    Words of Encouragement

    Being a single parent is a hard job. Being a single parent to a child with disabilities is a harder job. Sometimes, it may seem like nothing is going as planned. Remember, you are one of many navigating this adventure. In fact, you are a superstar to your child!

    You manage the life of a peculiar treasure normal parents could never imagine. You are a therapist, a doctor, a nurse, and friend to your child. You are appreciated and admired by those in your life who see you going above and beyond to provide care and comfort to your little treasure. The next time you feel overwhelmed, upset, or confused, think about the wonderful life you are providing your child.

    Today, we celebrate you! We want you to brag about the accomplishments you and your child have reached together. Share your passion to provide a stable and productive life for your child. You deserve to let the world know that even though you get tired, frustrated, and maybe upset, there is not a single mountain you wouldn’t climb to help your peculiar treasure feel love.

    SAPPHIRE SEGULAH CELEBRATION

    • Learn about resources through your local social service agency to help with your child’s needs.
    • Join an organization that supports single parents raising children with disabilities.
    • Accept help from family members when they offer.
    • Take time for yourself when possible to decompress and reset your mind.
    • Offer to clean, run errands, shop, or babysit to give single parents a break.
    • Get active in your local education system by volunteering your time.
    • Volunteer for your local Special Olympics or other activities that support disabled children in your community.
    • Send a note of gratitude to a single parent who cares for their special needs child.
    • Buy a gift card and offer to babysit for a single parent to allow them time away from the home.
    • Visit sapphire-segulah.com to learn more about the non-profit organization that is going the extra mile to support single parents of children with disabilities.
    • Share your story and photos of you and your special needs child on social media using #SapphireSegulahDay.

    FOUNDER 

    In 2022, National Day Calendar and La Dana Lucious of Great Exploit Ministries began working together to create National Sapphire Segulah Day. Each year on May 12, we use the entire day to show gratitude for the single parents of special needs children.

    Great Exploit Ministries is a non-profit organization offering ministry and advocacy resources to an ever-increasing population of single parents caring for their special needs children.

  • INTERNATIONAL BEING YOU DAY – May 22

    INTERNATIONAL BEING YOU DAY | MAY 22

    The International Being You Day on May 22 invites you to celebrate being you. During this day, you are invited to explore what it means to truly be you, beyond the projections of society and the need for perfection. It is your day to discover the beauty of you and your unique capabilities. The invitation also creates the possibility to celebrate everyone’s differences.

    #BeingYouDay

    Explore, Discover, Celebrate – International Being You Day

    In short, the International Being You Day is created for YOU, to celebrate YOU! What if, just for a day, you could ditch the judgment and have gratitude for yourself. What if you could start going from having a life run on autopilot to one of curiosity, joy, gratitude and presence.

    The focus of Being You Day includes:

    • Empowering you to know that your dreams of what is possible are way more valuable than fitting in.
    • Inviting people to embrace their unique capacities and get away from comparison and judgment as the deciding factors for happiness.
    • Inspiring people to use lightness, joy, and laughter as their guide to who they can choose to be, instead of all they should and should not’s of our age, race, cultures, and families.

    HOW TO OBSERVE BEING YOU DAY

    Set out on the adventure of Being You! Your invitation to explore International Being You Day is here:

    1. Do something today that you have always wanted to do but never dared to do! (What if your one day becomes today?)
    2. Tune in to Beingyouday.com to watch live interviews and videos about how to step into being even more of … you.
    3. Give yourself a judgment break! What if May 22 could be a day when you did not judge yourself for ANYTHING?
    4. Make a video or write a post about something you uniquely be or can uniquely do. What would people be surprised to know about you? #beingyouday.
    5. Write down 3 things that are DIFFERENT about you, that you are grateful for, and post that on social! Tag #beingyouday.
    6. Create your own “How to Be More of Me – Your Go-To List”– start a list of what gives you a sense of ease and joy and makes you relax into yourself.

    Invite others to join the movement on May 22nd. When you celebrate, use #BeingYouDay on social media.

    INTERNATIONAL BEING YOU DAY HISTORY

    In 2011, Dr. Dain Heer wrote a book called Being You, Changing the World. (A truly innovative toolbox for the seekers of the world.) Over the years, it became a bestseller; it was translated to over 17 languages and turned into a series of seminars and workshops with over 100 trained facilitators.

    It is becoming a being you movement, created by people’s demand to be themselves, their greatness, and their difference.

    With the international BEING YOU DAY on May 22, we create a space to explore, discover and celebrate each individual’s uniqueness, beyond right or wrong and the judgment.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first International Being You Day to be observed on May 22, 2021, and annually thereafter.

    “What if you, truly being you, are the gift and change this world requires!” Dr. Dain Heer

     About Dr. Dain Heer

    Dr. Dain Heer is an author, change-maker, speaker and co-creator of Access Consciousness, one of the largest personal development companies practiced in 176 countries. Heer has traveled the world for more than twenty years, sharing his unique insights on happiness, relationships, getting over the yuck and everything in between!

    Growing up in the ghetto in Los Angeles, Heer was exposed to constant abuse however he never chose to be a victim. In his talks and workshops, he uses a set of tools and provides step by step energetic processes to get people out of the conclusions and judgments that are keeping them stuck on a cycle of no choice and no change- leading them into moments of awe that they have the power to change anything.

    Keep up to date with Dain on Instagram and Facebook @dainheer. More at www.drdainheer.com

    Media Contact: justine@mckellmedia.com

     

  • INTERNATIONAL WORKERS’ DAY | May 1

    INTERNATIONAL WORKERS’ DAY

    May 1 is International Workers’ Day and we are honoring laborers and the working class from every corner of the world. Commonly referred to as Labour Day or May Day in many countries, International Workers’ Day celebrates hard working individuals everywhere. 

    #WORKERSDAY

    As we celebrate International Workers Day we are taking you back in time to learn about how the day came to be. We start our journey in 1760 at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Inventions such as the railroad, cotton gin, and electricity began to change society. As the Industrial Revolution grew and spread across the glob. Millions of workers were needed to fill positions in factories. Of course, people began to fill positions in hopes to make a better life for their families. Unfortunately, the reality of earning a paycheck became a harsh lesson for many.

    Many employers treated their workers unfairly, forcing their employees to work under poor conditions for little play, not to mention extremely long hours. The working class needed someone to stand up for their rights, as the hardships of employment became unbearable for many.

    In 1864, the International Workingmen’s Association (IWA) in London formed with the intention of fighting for the rights for workers. Their belief was employees should work in safe conditions for good pay and not have to work extremely long hours. In 1871, workers in France were inspired by the work of the International Workingmen’s Association and followed suit, starting their own labor movement. Eventually, the labor movement around the world helped to create a 5-day workweek, paid holidays, and an 8-hour workday. Today, many workers around the world enjoy all the benefits that the labor movement fought so hard for.

    Goals of the IWA

    1. Shorter work hours.
    2. Safer work environment.
    3. Fair wages.
    4. Elimination of child labor.
    5. Ability for the state to regulate labor conditions.

    How Can I Celebrate International Workers’ Day?

    In honor of the working class, many companies around the world observe this day by giving their employees a day off. In addition, many trade unions and labor associations hold parades, rallies, and other kinds of celebrations in honor of their employees.

    Does Every Country Protect Worker rights?

    Unfortunately, many people in some countries are still fighting for workers’ rights, resulting in using International Workers’ Day as a day of protests, marches, and demonstrations. You can help spread awareness about this International Day on social media using with #WorkersDay.

    HISTORY BEHIND INTERNATIONAL WORKERS’ DAY

    1. The Federation of Organized Trade and Labour Unions of the U.S. and Canada said May 1, 1886 would mark the beginning of an 8-hour workday in 1884.
    2. On May 1, 1886, up to 500,000 workers in the U.S. went on strike in protesting poor working conditions.
    3. Haymarket Affair happened on May 4, 1886, after the peaceful protest of workers turned violent. As police attempted to break up the protesters, a bomb was thrown at them. Seven police officers died, along with four civilians.
    4. In 1889, an international organization for workers and socialists in Paris declared May 1st as International Workers’ Day. While most countries around the world celebrate on May 1, the U.S. and Canada hold their Labor Day on the first Monday in September.
  • INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY – May 22

    INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    Every year on May 22nd, the International Day for Biological Diversity seeks to increase awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues.

    #InternationalDayForBiologicalDiversity

    The term biodiversity stems from two different words: biological and diversity. It refers to the variety of life on Earth. The three types of biodiversity include:

    • Genetic diversity
    • Species diversity
    • Ecosystem diversity

    Biodiversity is very important for many reasons. It supplies the earth with clean water and oxygen. Biodiversity also enables plants to grow, which produces food for humans and animals. Other benefits of biodiversity is that it keeps pests and diseases in check and protects against flooding. It also helps to regulate the climate. Together, all of these benefits are known as ecosystem services.

    The health of the earth suffers when biodiversity decreases. It’s also true of humans. The less biodiversity, the poorer our health becomes. Some even believe that pandemics are related to the loss of biodiversity. Now more than ever, we need to spread awareness for the importance of biodiversity.

    HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

    Scientists, conservationists, and environmentalists hold an array of events on this day. These events include seminars, conferences, and roundtable discussions. The UN Secretary and the UN President give special messages to the general public. The UN also highlights stories and videos that discuss the importance of biological diversity.

    To participate:

    • Think about ways biodiversity affects your life.
    • Watch a movie that features biodiversity issues, such as Seven Worlds One Planet, River of Gold, Call of Life, and No Vacancy.
    • Learn ways you can help to protect the earth.
    • Donate to a conservation organization like The Nature Conservatory or The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

    Spread awareness for this day on social media with #InternationalDayForBiologicalDiversity or #IDB.

    INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY HISTORY

    The UN General Assembly created the International Day for Biological Diversity in 1993. The original date was December 29th. Due to the busy holiday season, many countries could not focus their time and energy on planning events for this day. In 2000, the UN General Assembly changed the date to May 22nd.

    Some of the most recent themes have included:

    2020: Our Solutions Are In Nature
    2019: Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health
    2018: Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity
    2017: Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism
    2016: Mainstreaming Biodiversity; Sustaining People and Their Livelihoods
    2015: Biodiversity for Sustainable Development

  • INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIVING TOGETHER IN PEACE – May 16

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIVING IN PEACE

    Every year on May 16th, the International Day of Living Together in Peace urges people to live in a united and peaceful way by listening to, respecting, and appreciating others.

    #InternationalDayofPeace

    They say that variety is the spice of life. Unfortunately, many people feel threatened by those who are different than them. While it seems like our nation and our world are more polarized than ever, the universe has a long history of racism, prejudice, and war.

    Following WWII, the United Nations (UN) began doing its part to build a sustainable world of peace instead of division. To do this, the UN has encouraged countries around the world to promote reconciliation and unity. Countries can achieve this goal by working with communities and faith leaders to foster forgiveness and compassion toward one another.

    Reconciliation can also be attained when individuals find peace with themselves and with others. Tips for doing this include:

    • Seek to love others instead of trying to control them.
    • Practice tolerance for others by appreciating their diversity and the choices they make.
    • Walk away when you are angry or are trying to win over a conversation.
    • Don’t compare yourself to other people.
    • Accept other people the way they are instead of trying to change them.

    Imagine what a peaceful world we would live in if everyone put all of these tips into practice.

    HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIVING IN PEACE

    Each year UNESCO organizes a variety of events around the world to observe this day. World leaders also give special messages of hope and peace. To participate:

    • Study some of the most peaceful countries in the world like Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, and Singapore.
    • Commit to making peace with yourself and with others.
    • Learn about famous world peacemakers, such as Tegla Laroupe from Kenya, Benazir Bhutto from Pakistan, and Susan B. Anthony from the U.S.
    • Read books that promote world peace including Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, World Peace: The Voice of a Mountain Bird by Amit Ray, and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

    Spread awareness for this day on social media with #InternationalDayOfPeace

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIVING TOGETHER IN PEACE

    Since the end of WWII, the UN has been working toward world peace. In their endeavors, the UN recognized the year 2000 as the “International Year for a Culture of Peace.” The years 2001 through 2010 were called the “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World.” Both of these events led to a new resolution which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 8, 2017. The resolution declared May 16th as the International Day of Living Together in Peace.

    Similar National Days

  • World Goth Day – May 22

    WORLD GOTH DAY

    Every year on May 22nd World Goth Day celebrates the Goth scene. The day also provides the opportunity to make Goth’s presence known to the rest of the world.

    #WorldGothDay

    When you see a person with pale skin wearing dark clothing, you might associate them with the Gothic subculture. Usually shortened as Goth, this subculture began in England in the 1980s. Goths are known to find beauty in things that other people consider dark. Because of their love for the dark side, some people misinterpret them as being evil. This is not the case, however, as Goths are not immoral.

    Unfortunately, Goths are very misunderstood. Other people might consider them depressed or a loner. However, this is not how Goths usually view themselves. They love to laugh, although not everyone understands their sense of humor.

    In the entertainment industry, there is an entire Gothic genre. Some of the most famous Goth characters in film and television include:

    • Eric Draven (The Crow)
    • Abby Sciuto from NCIS
    • Tina from Glee
    • Wednesday Adams of The Adams Family
    • Frederick from Frasier
    • Robin Daggers from How I Met Your Mother

    Goth has also heavily influenced the music scene, especially punk bands. Some of the most famous Goth bands include Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, London After Midnight, and the Cure. Common elements in Goth music include scything guitars, high-pitched basslines, and deadpan vocals. Besides music and film, the Goth subculture is also found in literature, fashion, and art.

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD GOTH DAY

    Goth parties, art and fashion shows, and concerts are popular events on this day. If you would like to take part in this day, you don’t have to dress in Goth. (Although you might find it fun to do so!) Here are some other ways to participate:

    • Read classic Gothic literature, such as Dracula, Jane Eyre, or Wuthering Heights.
    • Watch a movie featuring Goth characters, such as Edward Scissorhands or Beetlejuice.
    • Listen to Goth music.
    • Host your own Goth-themed party.
    • Make a donation to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which campaigns against image-based prejudice.

    No matter how you choose to celebrate the day, spread awareness by sharing #WorldGothDay on social media.

    WORLD GOTH DAY HISTORY

    In May 2009, a radio station in Great Britain was discussing music subcultures. From this discussion, Goth music DJs, Cruel Britannia, and Martin Oldgoth created World GothDay. They decided the day would fall on May 22nd. World Goth Day began in the United Kingdom and is now celebrated throughout the world.