Category: October Month

  • NATIONAL CRYPTOCURRENCY MONTH | October

    NATIONAL CRYPTOCURRENCY MONTH | October

    The entire month of October is a celebration of cryptocurrencies and the cultivation of new economic growth opportunities they bring.

    #CryptocurrencyMonth

    Cyptocurrency is a class of digital currencies that exist outside the governance of any one country’s economy or government. While fiat currency is a system of money used and accepted in a particular country, cryptocurrencies are digital coins and tokens, minted electronically on a blockchain using cryptography. Cryptography is the science of protecting data by transforming it into a secure format.

    How does cryptocurrency work? All cryptocurrencies run and operate on something called blockchain. A blockchain is a record of transactions updated and held by currency holders that cannot be altered, deleted, or destroyed. Each transaction also affects succeeding transactions, which makes tampering with a previous transaction virtually impossible. This visibility establishes trust, accountability, and transparency.

    Can you buy things with cryptocurrency? Absolutely. Many cryptocurrency platforms allow you to use your digital funds to purchase items. For example, Expedia allows you to book a vacation for a small fee. Retailers are beginning to allow payment of goods using cryptocurrency. If you have a large amount of cryptocurrency in your digital wallet, you might be able to secure a home loan using your currency as collateral. Of course not everyone takes cryptocurrency as payment, but if you have PayPal, you can use your currency to pay for goods through their new service Checkout With Crypto.

    Crypto Facts

    • The first cryptocurrency purchase of a physical product was in 2010 for two pizzas.
    • A man in Wales accidently threw out his hard drive containing 7,500 Bitcoin (now worth millions) and is appealing to his local city council to excavate the landfill it ended up in.
    • It’s virtually impossible to ban cryptocurrency, but many countries have implemented strict regulations on exchanges.
    • In 2018, someone bought a CryptoKitty Dragon for 600 Ethereum valuing at $170,000. Amazingly, that same CryptoKitty now has a value of $1.5 million.
    • There are there more than 9,500 cryptocurrencies in existence today.

    There are thousands of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and others. The value of these assets is largely determined by how much people invest in them, and they hold the same value everywhere in the world.

    Top 3 Cryptocurrencies

    1. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency in the digital world making it’s debut in 2008 and still holding the #1 spot in cryptocurrency. Money transfer occurs through the bitcoin network of registered users. All transactions are verified and authenticated by nodes and recorded on the blockchain.
    2. Ethereum is the second largest open-source blockchain with a large variety of financial services. According to Ethereum.org, “While Bitcoin is only a payment network, Ethereum is more like a marketplace of financial services, games, social networks and other apps that respect your privacy and cannot censor you.”
    3. Tether is the largest stablecoin in cryptocurrency.
    4. Stablecoins differ from other cryptocurrencies in that their value is “pegged” to a particular fiat currency (for example, the US Dollar), so its value is as stable as the asset it’s pegged to. Tether and other stablecoins are used for lending and converting one crypto to another.

    ENGAGE IN THE CRYPTOCURRENCY WORLD

    • Take a class to learn about cryptocurrency.
    • Invest in cryptocurrency.
    • Learn the history of cryptocurrency, including who is credited with being the “founder” of this digital currency.
    • Teach a class to beginners if you are an expert cryptocurrency user.
    • Share #NationalCryptocurrencyMonth on social media.

    DIGITAL MONEY HISTORY

    In 2022, Guy Gotslak from My Digital Money and National Day Calendar created National Cryptocurrency Month to be celebrated each year the entire month of October. My Digital Money allows customers to invest cash or part of a self-directed IRA into cryptocurrency.

    The first mention of cryptocurrency appears in 1983 by David Chaum. After introducing his concept of encrypted electronic money in a conference paper, Chum began to develop a proto-cryptocurrency named Digicash. Using key encryption to withdraw money from a bank, Chaum successfully transferred money to a recipient without using a financial institution.

    In 2008, Satoshi Nakamoto (not his/her real name) introduced Bitcoin and information on how to operate it using blockchain technology. However, it is know Nakamoto would make reference to current economic conditions involving financial institutions, including bank bailouts. In fact, a headline in The Times ran announcing a new method to exchange currency without financial institution involvement. 

    Early exchanges of currency made a lot of money for people and their investments. Unfortunately, that money was sometimes associated with illegal activity, such as drug sales, prostitution, and theft. Luckily, like all technology, knowledge increases resulting in substantial improvements. Today, anyone can use cryptocurrency to secure their own financial portfolio.

  • NATIONAL NON-GMO MONTH – October

    NATIONAL NON-GMO MONTH

    October is a month of harvest and National Non-GMO Month promotes awareness about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). GMOs are also known as bioengineered crops and food. A GMO is an organism that has been genetically modified in a laboratory using bioengineering. GMO foods have been on the market since 1994, but food labeling regarding GMOs didn’t arrive until 2016.

    GMO Timeline
    • 1982 – The FDA approves genetical modified human insulin – the first consumer GMO product.
    • 1992 – FDA updates its policy to state that foods from GMO plants must meet the same safety standards as non-GMO foods.
    • 1994 – Calgene introduces the first GMO crop – the Flavr-Savor tomato.
    • 2003 – The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations develop international guidelines and standards for GMO food safety.
    • 2016 – The U.S. Congress passes the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law requiring labeling of genetically engineered foods.

    A variety of foods in the U.S. are genetically engineered and many of them are ingredients in the foods we eat. Some of the most common GMO crops are:

    • Soybeans
    • Corn
    • Sugar beets
    • Canola
    • Cotton

    But there are several more and the Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA maintains a list that consumers can review. The observance provides an opportunity to learn more about food labeling and to exercise their consumer choice.

    HOW TO OBSERVE – #NationalNonGMOMonth

    During Non-GMO Month, explore the food labels at the grocery store. Learn more about GMOs and their history. Share your experiences using #NationalNonGMOMonth. on social media.

    NATIONAL NON-GMO MONTH HISTORY

    The Non-GMO Project launched National Non-GMO Month in 2010 to raise awareness about GMOs, food choice, and labeling information.

     

  • FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH – October

    FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

    Filipino American History Month in October commemorates the earliest documented evidence of Filipinos in the continental United States. The observance also celebrates Filipino heritage and the contributions of Filipino Americans.

    The first Luzones Indios, or Filipino men, in the United States arrived at Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. A Spanish galleon named Nuestra Senora de Buena Esperanza carried Filipino crew members, Spanish soldiers among others. However, Filipinos immigrants would not settle in the U.S. until nearly 200 years later.

    Today, Filipino-Americans are an integral part of the fabric of America. Since the first settlement in 1763, Filipinos have contributed to the development of the nation. From industry to education, government and the armed forces, Filipinos infused their heritage with that of the American Dream. Notable Filipino Americans include:

    • Kiwi Camara – The attorney is known for being the youngest graduate from Harvard Law School at the age of 19.
    • Prince – The pop singer rose up the charts with hits like Purple Rain and Little Red Corvette.
    • Thurgood Marshall, Jr. – The son of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and Cecilia Suyat Marshall served as a White House senior staff member in the Clinton Administration.
    • Jose B. Nisperos – Nisperos became the first Asian to receive the Medal of Honor. He served as a member of the Philippine Scouts during the Moro Rebellion.
    • Tim Lincecum – The All-Star MLB pitcher won three World Series Championships during his career – all of them with the San Francisco Giants.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth

    All month long, explore Filipino heritage and culture. Discover their contributions to the growth of a nation. Visit museums and heritage centers. Read books about notable Filipino Americans or delve into film. We recommend:

    • Filipinos in San Francisco from the Filipino American National Historical Society and Manilatown Heritage Foundation
    • The Latinos of Asia by Anthony Christian Ocampo
    • Filipino American Lives from PBS
    • American Adobo directed by Laurice Guillen

    You can also share your Filipino heritage through art, music or cooking. When you do, be sure to use #FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth on social media.

    FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH HISTORY

    In 1988, the Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month to celebrate the contributions of Filipino Americans, their heritage and history. The U.S. Congress officially recognized the observance in 2009.

     

  • NATIONAL ECONOMIC EDUCATION MONTH – October

    NATIONAL ECONOMIC EDUCATION MONTH

    October is officially National Economic Education Month! The observance promotes the importance of teaching economics in our schools.

    Economics is all around us. It teaches us that scarcity forces everyone to make choices, and our choices come with costs. Students with a clear understanding of basic economic principles will be equipped to make educated decisions.

    By studying how our economy works, young people can also learn how to make efficient choices in managing their own scarce resources. Economic education involves teaching children decision-making skills they can apply to all areas of their lives. These same skills are necessary to make informed choices as engaged citizens.

    Preparing our children for success in life involves teaching them critical decision-making skills when they are young. Providing teachers with innovative and meaningful educational opportunities is one of the most important things we can do to ensure prosperity in our students’ lives and in our communities.

    Economic education must be established and maintained in our K-12 schools. Even young children are capable of learning basic economic concepts that help them understand their economic world.

    Economic education in our schools depends on K-12 educators being equipped with high-quality training. They also require resources to ensure students have equitable access to classroom experiences that develop the skills necessary to make informed choices as individuals and members of their community.

    HOW TO OBSERVE National Economic Education Month

    Throughout October, educators, families, and community leaders can promote economic education in many ways:

    • Families can have conversations about how they make decisions for their homes.
    • Teachers may invite community and business leaders to visit their students to share how their decision-making process compares to families making choices every day.
    • Business and government leaders can reach out to educators to offer help in promoting quality economic education in schools.
    • Teachers should visit gcee.org to learn about our economics competitions or register for a workshop.
    • Use #NationalEconomicEducationMonth to join the conversation and share your experiences with economic education.

    NATIONAL ECONOMIC EDUCATION MONTH HISTORY

    The Georgia Council on Economic Education founded National Economic Education Month in 2021 to promote the importance of economics in education and help prepare students for their economic roles as workers, entrepreneurs, consumers, borrowers, savers, and investors. Economic education holds the key to living productive lives. It is also essential for our economy to function at its fullest levels of productivity while maintaining its competitive advantages.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Economic Education Month in October 2021 and every October thereafter.

     

  • NATIONAL WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH – October

    NATIONAL WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH

    In October, National Women’s Small Business Month highlights the benefits and industry women bring to communities when they own a small business. With over 11 million (and growing!) women owning small businesses in the United States, there’s plenty of opportunities to get involved.

    Benefits of Women-Owned Small Businesses

    Throughout the month, organizations, businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs share resources and advice that support women-owned businesses. Like any small business, the benefits to a community are enormous. Locally owned small businesses bring revenue to communities. Small companies are more likely to support local organizations, schools and projects. They also provide a tremendous number of jobs, keeping local economies going and growing.

    When you include women in the small business factor, you increase business diversity. Did you know that 50 percent of women small business owners are women of color? Supporting women in small businesses also inspires young women in powerful ways. When they see other women succeeding, they’re motivated to succeed, too! In 2012, 44 percent of women small business owners also had children under the age of 18 in their household. That means, by supporting women-owned businesses, you’re also supporting families.

    Businesses owned by women come in all varieties, too. They pursue business in STEM fields, creative and consumer domains, and service-oriented professions. There’s really no limit to the opportunities available.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #WomensSmallBusinessMonth

    Whether you own a small business or are considering starting one, there are several ways to participate all month long.

    Attend or host an event

    Whether it’s a seminar, webinar, interview or workshop, these events promote healthy small businesses. They provide a wealth of information all business owners need to know. These events also offer resources specific to women-owned enterprises.

    Be a mentor to other women

    If you’ve already overcome the stumbling blocks of ownership, you’re one of the most valuable resources available to beginning business owners. Your experiences not only help pave the way for others, but your insight brings clarity and confidence to others.

    Sharpen your skills

    Any business person knows that it’s vital to keep learning and discovering. Whether it’s a new technology, legislation, or financial news, the business world is always changing. It demands we stay focused and aware of the changing business world. Improving our skills also provides us with more opportunities. Whether driving business into new areas or changing direction, growing our tools help us create a brighter future for our businesses.

    Join an organization

    Numerous organizations around the country support small businesses. By networking with other like-minded women, you’re not only able to learn about growing your business but you can also share your experiences and be a voice for others. Some organizations you may find helpful include the National Association of Women Business Owners, your local Chamber of Commerce, and the American Business Women’s Association. If local organizations are lacking in your area, help start one. Bring a chapter to your community and let the leadership begin!

    Discover other resources

    For example, the U.S. Small Business Administration includes an Office of Women’s Business Ownership that serves not only as a guide, but advocates for women business owners, too.

    Support a Woman-Owned Small Business

    Explore your community and shop at women-owned small businesses. You can even explore the small-businesses who Celebrate Every Day! For example:

    One of the most significant ways you can celebrate is by share information on social media, including this article. Use #WomensSmallBusinessMonth to post on social media.

    NATIONAL WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH HISTORY

    Since 2012, the Small Business Administration has be been supporting National Women’s Small Business Month by promoting events, webinars and giving a voice to women business owners. Each year, the organization hosts a variety of events recognizing women in small businesses.

  • WORLD BLINDNESS AWARENESS MONTH – October

    WORLD BLINDNESS AWARENESS MONTH

    October shines a spotlight on vision care during World Blindness Awareness Month.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than 314 million people in the world have a severe visual impairment, including 37 million who are blind. A shockingly 80 percent of blindness is preventable.

    The leading cause of preventable blindness is a bacterial disease called Trachoma. The infection impacts the vision of about 1.9 million people and is considered a public health issue. Another preventable cause of blindness is diabetic retinopathy. Disease management is key to preventing vision damage.

    The observance also brings awareness to the need for screenings to help identify vision issues. Early intervention can prevent loss of sight or slow the progression of a disease.

    Another goal of the observance to increase awareness of services for those with blindness. Throughout the month, organizations and clinics host events and promotions regarding vision health. In many countries, services and resources provide support so those with vision loss can lead independent lives. From rehabilitation to advocacy, these programs increase their opportunities.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #BlindnessAwarenessMonth

    Explore the vision observances during October. World Vision Day and White Cane Safety Day are two days to explore. Other ways to participate include:

    • Attend a webinar on vision care and blindness.
    • Make an appointment with your vision care provider.
    • Offer improved access for those with low vision in your place of business. For example,
      • offer Braille menus and pamphlets.
      • label all buttons and links on your website so they can enable software that magnifies or reads the label aloud.
      • don’t distract assistant dogs. They are working.
      • keep walkways clear. Don’t run cords across pathways.
      • use contrasting colors for doorways.
      • include Braille signage for exits and bathrooms.
    • Host a fundraiser or make a donation to an organization that supports research battling vision loss.

    Use #BlindnessAwarenessMonth to share on social media.

    WORLD BLINDNESS AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this awareness observance.

     

  • DYSAUTONOMIA AWARENESS MONTH – October

    NATIONAL DYSAUTONOMIA MONTH

    Dysautonomia Awareness Month in October brings attention to disorders that impact the Autonomic Nervous System. The day also aims to improve support, research, and understanding of these conditions.

    The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) controls our body’s automatic functions – our heart rate, breathing, digestion, the production of bodily fluids such as sweat, tears, and saliva, and many other functions.

    According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 70 million people around the world are impacted by dysautonomia. This category of conditions is also called autonomic dysfunction or autonomic neuropathy.

    Because there are so many different types of dysautonomia, the symptoms vary from person to person. It can be a difficult decision to diagnose and often leads to other debilitating conditions. Symptoms may appear as the following:

    • low blood pressure
    • dizziness, fainting or vertigo
    • digestion issues
    • fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
    • weight loss
    • over or underproduction of bodily fluids
    • difficulty controlling body temperature
    • sexual response issues

    Currently, no cure exists for dysautonomia. However, depending on the type of dysautonomia, treatments are available. More research is needed to better diagnose and treat all forms of this condition.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #DysautonomiaAwarenessMonth

    Wear teal to show your support for those with dysautonomia. Learn more about the condition and support research into the causes and treatments for it. While you’re exploring, help others with the condition by being understanding. Change your online profile to teal to show your support, too. Attend a virtual conference about dysautonomia or host a speaker at work or your favorite organization. Use #DysautonomiaAwarenessDay or #DysautonomiaWarrior to share your story on social media.

    DYSAUTONOMIA AWARENESS MONTH

    Dysautonomia International founded Dysautonomia Awareness Month in 2012 to advance advocacy, research, and support for those who suffer from the condition.

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

  • NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION MONTH – October

    NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION MONTH

    October is National Fire Prevention Month and that means it’s time for us all to take the precautionary steps to prevent dangerous and life-threatening fires.

    According to the National Fire Prevention Association, the winter months see an increase in home fires, deaths and injuries. These are the months when we turn on the heat to keep our homes warm. While we need to keep our homes warm, there are steps we should take to prevent a fire.

    • Make sure your heating source is well maintained. Whether it’s a fireplace, wood stove, a furnace or electric heat, check the equipment before using or have them serviced.
    • Don’t store items near your heating source. Boxes, clothes, and other fuels may ignite if they are close.
    • Make sure draperies and furniture and other combustible items are kept far enough away from a heating source.

    Other causes of fire include:

    • Kitchen – It’s important to not leave burners or grills unattended. Make sure to use proper equipment and to keep dish towels, clothing and other items away from heating elements and open flame. Keep pets secured away from the kitchen, especially when you’re not home. They can inadvertently turn on burners.
    • Candles – Never leave a burning candle unattended. As an alternative, use battery-operated candles for ambiance.
    • Smoking – Unattended cigarettes or overly full ashtrays start fires. Curious children might play with matches or lighters. Keep them well out of their reach.

    More National Fire Prevention Month tips

    When it comes to keeping our families and homes safe, there are many other steps we can take to prevent fires.

    Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Place a fire detector every level of the home and test them monthly. Replace batteries annually.

    Get a fire extinguisher and make sure it’s not outdated. Most fire extinguishers have an expiration date. Place one on each floor of the house and in the garage, too. They truly are a lifesaver. We recently had a grease fire and the only thing that kept us from an uncontrollable fire was the fire extinguisher that we had handy. Flames shooting up from your stove or grill are a frightening experience, but you can avoid disaster! It’s also important to know how to use one.

    The National Safety Council recommends this acronym, PASS to remember the steps.

    • Pull the pin.
    • Aim low at the base of the fire.
    • Squeeze the handle slowly.
    • Sweep the nozzle side to side.

    Have an escape plan. Practice fire drills with your family and make sure everyone knows where to go depending on where the fire is in the home. Have at least two ways to get out of the house, too. Set a meeting place for everyone.

    In the event of a house fire, do not try to salvage items before leaving the house. Personal effects can be replaced, but lives cannot. Instead, keep valuable documents in a fireproof box for recovery later. Keep valuable documents in a fireproof box for recovery later.

    Throughout National Fire Prevention Month, take the steps to keep your home and family safe. Explore several other tips from the National Safety Council and the National Fire Protection Association. They offer valuable resources.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFirePreventionMonth

    Follow the tips listed above. Work with your family to implement safety precautions. Practice fire safety all year long and not just once a year. Share tips and resources with your neighborhood. Attend fire safety courses at work or in your community. Join the conversation by using #NationalFirePreventionMonth when sharing on social media.

    NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK HISTORY

    The National Fire Protection Association founded National Fire Prevention Week in 1922. The observance takes place the week of October 9th, commemorating the date of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. In later years, the organization expanded its efforts to include the entire month of October.

     

  • NATIONAL DWARFISM AWARENESS MONTH – October

    NATIONAL DWARFISM AWARENESS MONTH

    During October, National Dwarfism Awareness Month raises positive awareness on dwarfism, aims to dispel myths and misconceptions, and offers opportunities for people with dwarfism.

    An estimated 30,000 people in the United States are born with some type of dwarfism. Internationally, the number grows to 651,000. From person to person, the type of dwarfism takes on different forms. And while there are over 200 distinct forms of dwarfism and skeletal dysplasia, rarely do the conditions affect cognitive abilities.

    “People with dwarfism are no different than any other person. We may just need a well-placed stool. Our members are children, college students, business professionals, doctors, engineers, mechanics, artists and teachers. We can do anything an average-height person can do.”

    Lois Lamb, LPA President and a person with dwarfism.

    While most people with dwarfism are no taller than 4′ 10″ when they reach adulthood, they typically range in height from 2’8″ to 4’5″. Approximately 80 percent of people with dwarfism have average-height parents and siblings.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #DwarfismAwarenessMonth

    The observance encourages us to learn more about dwarfism. Support organizations that increase awareness, offer services and support to the those with dwarfism. Encourage your state to declare October as National Dwarfism Awareness Month. As of 2020, the following states have already issued a declaration: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico.

    Other ways to join the observance include:

    • Host an event. It can be a fundraiser, educational event or a celebration.
    • Write an article or broadcast a story. Whether it’s a news article, podcast, or an interview, sharing positive stories offers the opportunity to dispel misinformation and bring the people to the forefront.
    • Read about dwarfism. Learning more about the people who live in a world bigger than them gives us all perspective.

    As you participate, be sure to use #DwarfismAwarenessMonth or #NationalDwarfismAwarenessMonth when sharing on social media.

    NATIONAL DWARFISM AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY

    In 2011, the Little People of America organization declared October as National Dwarfism Awareness Month. Through annual campaigns, the organization promotes positive stories of the dwarfism community. While raising awareness, the campaign encourages others to celebrate those in the community and to share their experiences.

     

  • NATIONAL ADD/ADHD AWARENESS MONTH – October

    NATIONAL ADD/ADHD AWARENESS MONTH

    In October, National ADD/ADHD Awareness Month presents opportunities to eliminate the myths and share the facts about Attention deficit disorder and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

    While most children with either ADD or ADHD first present with symptoms between the ages of 3 and 7 years, many go undiagnosed. Others are misdiagnosed.

    Both children and adults have ADHD. While approximately 5% of the population may have the disorder (more according to the CDC), males are more likely to be diagnosed than females.

    Different sources (CDC, add.org, addrc.org) list varying causes of ADHD. Some list brain injury and exposure to environmental causes. Other sources dispute these causes. However, all agree to a genetic component.

    Most with an ADD or ADHD diagnosis receive treatment with a combination of therapy and medication. Some may require medication throughout their life. However, depending on severity, others may be able to manage symptoms in adulthood without medication.

    Resources are available. The CHADD.org provides guides and access to information.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #ADDAwarenessMonth

    Learn more about ADD and ADHD. Understand that all of us find it difficult to concentrate from time to time. That doesn’t mean we have ADD or ADHD. However, for persistent and severe cases, testing is available to determine if you or your child may have this condition. Help is available from a variety of sources. Visit add.org or addrc.org to learn more.

    Help to dispell the myth that a child with ADD or ADHD is attention-seeking or just misbehaving. Their brains are wired differently. Share coping skills and ways to help children in the classroom, at home, and in their everyday environments.

    Share your experiences and support by using #ADDAwarenessMonth on social media.

    NATIONAL ADD/ADHD AWARENESS MONTH

    The Attentional Deficit Disorder Association promotes this awareness month each October helping to bring information, tools, and resources to those who need it most.