We wish all October babies a happy birthday month with the Marigold and Cosmos Flowers.
Why do we have awareness months? Sometimes particular topics, cultures, and/ or people are not emphasized in mainstream society. An awareness month is an effort to counter this by focusing attention on the group. Sometimes we need to pay extra attention to counteract a lack of awareness.
October has multiple acknowledgments- we have highlighted several:
ADHD Awareness Month: This awareness month was created to educate the public about ADHD by providing reliable information based on science and peer-reviewed research.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Represented by a pink ribbon, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It encourages those who may be affected to work with their medical care provider(s) to assess their risk and get tested as needed. Early detection can save lives!
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: This awareness month reminds us to know the signs of domestic violence and to know where to find resources and supports. River Valley recognizes that domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, religion, ability, and other identities.
Filipino American Heritage Month: This October, we celebrate Filipino American Heritage Month and the many indelible contributions Filipino immigrants and their descendants have made to all aspects of our culture and society.
Italian American Heritage and Culture Month: Right here in Massachusetts in 1999, legislators officially recognized Italian American Heritage and Culture Month. Italian immigrants and their descendants continue to shape culture here and throughout the country.
Polish American Heritage Month: Anyone who has enjoyed a pierogi has experienced just one of the many cultural contributions Polish immigrants and their descendants have made. This month, we celebrate this and more!
LGBTQIA+ History Month: October also celebrates LGBTQIA+ History Month. Unfortunately, this history, like the history of many marginalized groups, goes untaught in far too many places. LGBTQIA+ people have always been here, helping to shape the course of history.
Some additional highlights from this month include:
October 9: Indigenous Peoples Day
October 10: World Mental Health Day
October 11: National Coming Out Day
October 20: International Pronoun Day
October 20: Diwali
October 26: Intersex Awareness Day
Consider subscribing to our Diversity Calendar for more…!
Monthly Acknowledgements are also listed in our Newsletter.
This acknowledgment project is an ongoing and constantly growing effort. It is not complete, nor will it ever be, and it takes all of us working together to help make it.