Category: November Weeks

• BETTER CONVERSATIONS WEEK – Week of Thanksgiving

  BETTER CONVERSATIONS WEEK

  As Thanksgiving approaches, Better Conversations Week aims to help us have more meaningful conversations with the people in our lives.

  The week is ideally position during the week of Thanksgiving. As family’s gather, the holiday season ushers in anxiety for some who find small talk difficult. The week focuses on the awkward silences, the odd transitions, and topic starters. When we surround ourselves with small and large groups, sometimes even joining the conversation becomes tricky.

  Most of our conversations take place in casual settings. Most of us don’t speak in front of crowds for any length of time. However, talking to co-workers, family, and friends in a group can still be difficult for some.

  Some ways to get the conversation started include:

  Listen – While listening seems to be an obvious tool, it’s essential to a good discussion. If you tune out and don’t hear a question or another speaker’s story, you might be missing out. Of course, if you’ve listened to the story ten times before, be polite and allow others to hear it for the first time.

  Ask a question –  Around the holidays, there’s usually someone new added to the group. Even if there isn’t, there’s always something you can ask to get a conversation started. For example, asking a cousin if they know Aunt Jo’s secret to smooth mashed potatoes could garner stories, explanations, or even demonstrations. Anything could happen.

  Longer answers – One or two-word answers tend to feel abrupt. Lengthen your answer by using a couple of descriptive adjectives or adverbs. Expand the answer to two sentences to provide elaboration. By elaborating, you might engage more than one person, and spur-on new, more exciting topics.

  Offer assistance – Whether it’s in the kitchen or hauling chairs, conversations can begin with those enlisted to help. Busy hands allow a conversation to flow a little better, easing any nervous tension.

  Share something new – When exciting news or changes in lifestyle occur, they’re usually perfect tops of conversation. New hobbies, jobs, or travel generate topics of discussion.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #BetterConversationsWeek

  Get your conversation starters ready. Share your tips and experiences on social media using #BetterConversationsWeek.

  BETTER CONVERSATIONS WEEK HISTORY

  In 2002, Loren Ekroth founded Better Conversations Week the week of Thanksgiving to promote enjoyable and meaningful conversations between friends and family.

   

  October 25, 2019

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  National Day Calendar

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  November Weeks

• NATIONAL FARM CITY WEEK – Begins Friday Before Thanksgiving

  NATIONAL FARM CITY WEEK

  The Friday before Thanksgiving, National Farm-City Week recognizes the contributions farmers make to both rural and urban centers.

  Long before the founding of the United States, farms and ranches have been an essential part of civilization. Generations of farms continue to provide economic, environmental, health benefits to a developing country.

  Organizations across the country will recognize farmers and ranchers with educational forums, social media campaigns, and local events. Their contributions supplement the economy with jobs while providing bountiful crops to feed our population. From the crops and livestock, we eat to textiles, farmers fill demands in nearly every sector of the country.

  Farmers also benefit from urban centers. Distributors, restaurants, grocers, producers, and more provide expanded utilization of the farm product. Whether they provide food, medicines, or textiles to consumers, they have an economic impact in their city and the rural communities, too.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #FarmCityWeek

  Be thankful for the farmers and ranchers in our country. They continuously seek ways to improve farming methods while providing safe and healthful products. While we consider where the food on our table comes from this Thanksgiving, think about the impact of farms on your life.

  Learn more about farming and the mutual benefits they receive when doing business with merchants in the city.  No matter where we live, on the farm or in the city, a farmer touches our lives.

  Use #FarmCityWeek to give a shoutout to the farmers, ranchers, and merchants who support them.

  NATIONAL FARM CITY WEEK HISTORY

  A Joint Resolution by Congress on August 31, 1957, called for a presidential proclamation declaring National Farm-City Week. President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared the observance in October to recognize the contributions farms make to both rural and urban communities.

   

  October 25, 2019

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  National Day Calendar

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  November Weeks

• NATIONAL BOOK AWARDS WEEK – Week Before Thanksgiving

  NATIONAL BOOK AWARDS WEEK

  Authors, publishers, critics, and readers look forward to National Book Awards Week each year. The celebration recognizes authors across five categories who represent the best of American literature.

  The week-long series of events focuses on up-and-coming authors, including forums, social festivities, and literature in America. Those who create and discover literature will continue to define it in the generations to come. Even though technology adds pressure to the print world, and fewer adults read as they did 50 years ago, books continue to be relevant. Whether they are in a digital format or print, Americans continue to read books — Albeit, fewer than they used to.

  7 percent of Americans read only digital books. – Pew Poll

  However, one bright spot in the reading world is young readers. More young adults and teens are reading books than older generations. They read in every format, too. Despite the release of the first e-reader in 1997, young readers still prefer printed books over digital. Interestingly, the Young People’s Literature category was added in 1996, recognizing the growing influence young readers have on literature.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #BookAwardsWeek

  View the long and shortlists of nominees. Explore past winners. Discover a new favorite author. Read! Use #BookAwardsWeek to share on social media.

  NATIONAL BOOK AWARDS WEEK HISTORY

  In 1950, the American Book Publishers Council, American Booksellers Association, and Book Manufacturers Institute established the National Book Awards. Since then, the National Book Foundation was created and supports the event each year.

  Past Winners Include:
  2018 – The Friend, by Sigrid Nunez
  2004 – News from Paraguay, by Lily Tuck
  1999 – Waiting, by Ha Jin
  1975 – The Life of Emily Dickinson, by Richard B. Sewall
  1970 – Them, by Joyce Carol Oates
  1955 – A Fable, by William Faulkner
  1953 – The Hero Of Our Time, by Vasco Praztolini
  1952 – From Here to Eternity, by James Jones

   

  October 25, 2019

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  National Day Calendar

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  November Weeks

• NATIONAL DONOR SABBATH – Two Weeks Before Thanksgiving – Friday through Sunday

  NATIONAL DONOR SABBATH

  National Donor Sabbath in November promotes awareness and education regarding organ donation. The observance takes place two weekends before Thanksgiving from Friday through Sunday to encompass the days of worship for major religions in the United States.

  The observance includes religious leaders, donors, recipients, medical professionals provide education and support regarding donation. They share resources regarding the different types of donations and the continued need for donors.

  The three-day observance also aims to dispel myths. Many hesitate to be listed as an organ donor out of a misunderstanding of religious beliefs. In the United States, nearly all religions support organ and tissue donation. They view donation as a final act of charity and a gift of life. The event offers an opportunity for faith leaders to council their members according to organ donation.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDonorSabbath

  Host an informational session at your place of worship. As questions of your faith leader. As a congregation, be prayerful for donors, recipients, medical professionals, families, and those waiting for a life-saving donation.

  Download helpful resources from Donate Life. Share your event or story using #NationalDonorSabbath.

  NATIONAL DONOR SABBATH HISTORY

  Donate Life supports this observance each year to help raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.

   

  October 24, 2019

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  National Day Calendar

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  November Weeks

• NATIONAL YOUNG READERS WEEK – Second Week in November

  NATIONAL YOUNG READERS WEEK

  National Young Readers Week challenges literacy to grow throughout schools everywhere. Grab a book in the second week of November and get reading!

  Reading supports language and literacy skills. The earlier parents read aloud to their children, the more it strengthens their brain development, too. Reading empowers. It allows children to explore, learn and answer all those nagging little questions.

  This week promotes improving literacy for children of all ages. The week demonstrates to youth the importance of reading. It also promotes a variety of media to choose from. Some children prefer reading magazines to books. Let them read! Bring newspapers into the home and read the latest community knows and discuss how it impacts them. Leave a variety of books around the house and encourage your young readers.

  Let them catch you reading, too! The benefits of literacy carry with us all through our lives. Share the skill that can’t be unlearned.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #YoungReadersWeek

  Schools across the country invite guess readers to join their classrooms. They’ll read and inspire children with tales, history, and more. Principals also take up the banner and read to their students just about anywhere in the school all day long as part of the Principal’s Challenge.

  Register your school and your event.

  Be sure to share using #YoungReadersWeek or #YoungReaders on social media.

  Educators and families, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for more ways to Celebrate Every Day!

  NATIONAL YOUNG READERS WEEK

  Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress founded National Young Readers Week in 1985.  The Book-It Program continues promoting the event each year as part of its numerous literacy programs and challenges.

   

  October 24, 2019

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  National Day Calendar

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  Art & Entertainment, November Weeks

• GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK – Week Before Thanksgiving

  GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK

  Global Entrepreneurship Week ushers in a celebration that engages collaboration on all levels of business. Get involved the week of the third Thursday in November.

  Each year, thousands of events around the globe will generate inspiration and motivate the next step for many participants. From start-up to design, growth, and diversity, mentors, investors, and policymakers in more than 170 countries connect with innovators and universities. These connections lead to advancements and contributions supporting entrepreneurship in communities all over the world.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #GEW or #GlobalEntrepreneurshipWeek

  Whether you’re seeking to start a business, hold valuable business skills and abilities, or are a policymaker, participate in #GEW. Find a local or international event. Podcasts, online workshops, and panel discussions make this experience accessible to everyone. Join the observance by hosting an entrepreneurship fair. Organize activities in your own downtown. Present your ideas and network with others around the world. Each event provides the opportunity to access tools, resources, and more.

  Find out more by visiting genglobal.org.

  Use #GEW or #GlobalEntrepreneurshipWeek to share on social media.

  GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK HISTORY

  In 2007, Global Entrepreneurship Network launched Global Entrepreneurship Week to advance opportunities for business startups in communities. In parts of the world, barriers prevent entrepreneurs from getting their ideas and products to market. Spreading the knowledge and skills to get a product to market clears the path and helps grow smaller communities.

   

   

  October 24, 2019

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  National Day Calendar

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  November Weeks

• NATIONAL HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK – Week Before Thanksgiving

  NATIONAL HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK

  National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week focuses on giving and caring the week before Thanksgiving. The observance serves as a reminder that hunger and homelessness don’t stop for the holidays. They continue all year long.

  As many gather with families, we take time to consider what they are thankful for. At the same time, many of us turn our thoughts to those in need.

  Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck. The struggle to keep the basic needs fulfilled is a daily obstacle. It takes only one misstep – an illness, injury or temporary job loss – to place many of us on the path to poverty, hunger, even homelessness. In the United States, 43.1 million Americans live below the poverty level. Of those, 1 in 5 are children living in poverty. Just over a half-million have nowhere to sleep at night.

  All year long, food pantries, shelters, and other service organizations need support. They provide food, secure places to sleep, and other aid to those who need it most. These organizations require financial and service donations. Whether they are providing meals, clean towels, socks, or a place to rest, they’re vital to communities. Their services connect people to resources they may otherwise go without.

  Supporting local organizations helps people find jobs, permanent homes, and treatment when needed.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #HungerHomelessAwarenessWeek

  Volunteer. Donate. Organize. All or any of these actions can help make a difference in a life. Spread the word about hunger and homelessness and how to help. Find out who and what your local organizations are. Use #HungerHomelessAwarenessWeek to share on social media.

  NATIONAL HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK HISTORY

  In 1975, Villanova University hosted the first National Hunger & Homelessness Week.  Since then, universities, colleges, high schools and organizations across the country host events in their community to increase awareness about the daily effects of poverty. Today, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness sponsor the observance each year.

   

  October 24, 2019

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  National Day Calendar

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  November Weeks

• AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK – Week Before Thanksgiving

  AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK

  Schools across the country participate in American Education Week during the week before Thanksgiving.

  The week promotes collaboration between parents and educators. Across the country, schools host events under a theme proposed by the National Education Association (NEA). Within those themes, educators provide a look at their practices, technology, and goals.

  Throughout the week, schools involve their students in the celebration, too. Whether they design posters or demonstrate technology, their role is vital to recognize how far education has come. It also focuses on the needs of each community. While band students perform a concert, others will discuss areas that need improvement in their schools. Parents and guardians are encouraged to become more involved in supporting public education.

  The program also promotes the public education system – its goals, successes, and outcomes. Through the event, students and those who support them honor those who have made a difference in education.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #AmericanEducationWeek

  Learn what events your schools are hosting. Visit your child’s classroom and participate in the activities. Find out where your child’s educational system is headed. Learn how you can be a part of their goals. Dive into the technologies educators use to teach and inspire.

  Attend presentations honor those who’ve advanced education in your community. Get involved in your school. Fostering a network of support improves education for everyone.

  Schools, share your events and projects. Invite parents and guardians to attend. Welcome them to the celebration.

  Visit nea.org to learn more about opportunities for your school.

  AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK HISTORY

  After World War I, three organizations joined efforts to improve literacy and physical education across the country. Draft boards had reported that 25 percent of the drafted young men were illiterate and 29 percent unfit. Members of the American Legion, the U.S. Office of Education, National Education Association created a plan for a national observance. In 1921, they launched National Education Week during the first week in December.

  Since then, the focus of the observance has changed. Where once the celebration aimed to eliminate illiteracy and improve physical fitness, the week evolved to incorporate new themes and goals.

  DATES
  14-18 November 2022
  20-24 November 2023
  18-22 November 2024
  17-21 November 2025
  23-27 November 2026
  22-26 November 2027
  20-24 November 2028
  19-23 November 2029

   

  March 11, 2019

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  National Day Calendar

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  November Weeks

• GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK – Third Week in November

  GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK

  During the third week in November, Geography Awareness Week encourages us all to take more interest in our surroundings, how we impact them, and the impact our surroundings have on us.

  Consider what it takes to get from point A to point B in the desert versus the same challenge in a well-mapped city. Even if we are familiar with an area, circumstances may change quickly. Having both navigation skills and basic geography knowledge makes a difference in all our lives.

  But geography is more than places on a map or landscape to be studied. Geography includes the people who inhabit those places. How has the land shaped them? How have they adapted to the land?

  Like most sciences, technology keeps advancing geography in fascinating ways. And with it, technology is advancing careers in geography. One area that is growing is geographic information systems or GIS.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #GeographyAwarenessWeek #GeoWeek

  Geography offers many opportunities for learning and exploration. Organizers offer events throughout the week to help you engage in Geography Awareness Week. These experiences range from hands-on classroom activities to webinars and virtual discussions. You can also participate by

  • exploring geography careers.
  • joining an online discussion group.
  • sharing your experiences with geography.
  • introducing others to new technologies.
  • exploring new habitats.
  • taking care of your environment.

  Use #GeoWeek to share on social media.

  GEOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK HISTORY

  President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed Geography Awareness Week in 1987 to encourage broadened study of geography by everyone but especially the young.

   

  November 2, 2017

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  National Day Calendar

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  November Weeks, Technology & Communication

• DEAR SANTA LETTER WEEK – Second Week of November

  DEAR SANTA LETTER WEEK

  Every year, children around the world begin writing their letters to Santa to be sure they make it to the North Pole in time. The best time to start is the second week of November.

  HOW TO OBSERVE

  Help a child write their letter to Santa and get it in the mail.  Visit usps.com to find out where to send your child’s message and to get Santa’s response.

  HISTORY

  Within our research, we were unable to identify the founder of this observance.

  There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day with National Day Calendar!

  November 2, 2017

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  National Day Calendar

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  November Weeks