Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month, observed each December, shines a light on a severe and often misunderstood form of depression that affects millions of people annually. Unlike the typical " winter blues," SAD is a clinical condition triggered by seasonal changes, most commonly during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Symptoms include persistent sadness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite or weight. While anyone can be affected, women and individuals living in northern regions are at higher risk. The condition is believed to be linked to circadian rhythm disruptions and serotonin and melatonin imbalances due to reduced sunlight exposure. Raising awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages those affected to seek support through light therapy, counseling, medication, or lifestyle changes.
Participating in SAD Awareness Month can be as simple as checking in on loved ones, advocating for mental health resources in your community, or making personal changes like increasing exposure to natural light, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and staying physically active. For educators and school communities, this month offers a timely reminder to recognize signs of seasonal depression in students and staff, especially as mental health challenges continue to affect youth in underserved communities. This aligns with the Riverside County Office of Education's Mental Health initiative, emphasizing equitable access to timely and effective mental health care. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or community member, acknowledging and addressing SAD is a meaningful step toward fostering emotional well-being and resilience year-round.
Events in Southern California: Please fill out the Awareness Suggestions form at the bottom of the page if you know of any related events.
Resources: Life with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - Mental Health America
Learn a Foreign Language Month
Learn a Foreign Language Month, celebrated each December, is a powerful reminder of multilingualism’s cognitive, cultural, and economic benefits in an increasingly interconnected world. Learning a second language enhances memory, problem-solving skills, and even decision-making abilities while fostering empathy and cultural awareness. This month is an invitation for the general public to explore new perspectives and connect more deeply with the diverse communities around them. In places like Riverside County and the broader Inland Empire, where over 40% of residents speak a language other than English at home, embracing multilingualism is not just enriching, it’s essential for building inclusive communities and meaningful relationships. Whether you’re a student, professional, or retiree, learning a new language opens doors to global understanding and personal growth.
Participating in Learn a Foreign Language Month can be as simple as downloading a language app, joining a local language exchange group, or watching films in another language with subtitles. For families, it’s a great time to explore heritage languages or introduce children to new cultures through books and music. Educators and community leaders can use this month to promote language programs and celebrate linguistic diversity in schools and neighborhoods. This aligns with the Riverside County Office of Education’s Competitive Edge initiative, emphasizing cultural appreciation and equitable access to opportunity. By learning a new language, individuals gain a valuable skill and contribute to a more inclusive and globally aware society, right here in one of the most linguistically rich regions in California.
Events in Southern California: Please fill out the Awareness Suggestions form at the bottom of the page if you know of any related events.
Resources: The Benefits of Learning Languages - Language Connects Foundation, Why Students Should Learn a Second Language — 7 Benefits.
Universal Human Rights Month (Month of December)
Universal Human Rights Month, observed every December, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948. This month serves as a global reminder that everyone, regardless of race, gender, nationality, or background, is entitled to fundamental rights such as dignity, freedom, and equality. For the general public, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the importance of these rights in everyday life and to recognize the ongoing struggles many communities face in securing them. In diverse regions like Riverside County and the Inland Empire, where cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity is a defining strength, Human Rights Month encourages residents to celebrate that diversity while advocating for fairness and justice in their communities.
Participating in Universal Human Rights Month can be as simple as learning about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, supporting local organizations that promote equity, or engaging in conversations about justice and inclusion. Schools, libraries, and community centers often host events or share educational materials that help people of all ages understand their rights and responsibilities. This observance also aligns with the Riverside County Office of Education’s Competitive Edge and Foster Youth Success initiatives, emphasizing equitable access to education and support for vulnerable populations. By taking action, whether through advocacy, education, or community service, individuals can help build a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Events in Southern California: Please fill out the Awareness Suggestions form at the bottom of the page if you know of any related events.
Resources: Human Rights Education and Training Materials and Resources, The Human Rights Education Series.
Inclusive Schools Week (December 5th through 9th).
Inclusive Schools Week 2025, observed during the first full week of December, is a global celebration of schools' progress in creating welcoming, equitable, and supportive learning environments for all students. This year's theme, "Children First," draws inspiration from the Maasai greeting Casserian Engeri, which translates to "And how are the children?", a powerful reminder that children's well-being reflects the community's health. The week encourages schools, families, and communities to reflect on how inclusive their environments are, especially for students who may be marginalized due to disability, language, socioeconomic status, or cultural background. While rooted in education, the message resonates far beyond the classroom: Inclusion is a shared responsibility that strengthens society.
Participation in Inclusive Schools Week can take many forms, from hosting school-wide activities celebrating diversity to engaging in community conversations about equity and access. Individuals can take action by learning about inclusive practices, advocating for accessible public spaces, or simply listening to the voices of those who often go unheard. This observance aligns closely with the Riverside County Office of Education's Competitive Edge initiative, which promotes cultural appreciation and equitable access to opportunity, and the Foster Youth Success initiative, which supports students who often face systemic barriers to inclusion. Whether you're an educator, parent, student, or community member, Inclusive Schools Week is a chance to recommit to the idea that every child, regardless of background, deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued.
Events in Southern California: Please fill out the Awareness Suggestions form at the bottom of the page if you know of any related events.
Resources: Inclusive Schools Week, Inclusion in education: what you need to know | UNESCO.
Rosa Parks Day (December 1)
Her courageous act of civil disobedience, refusal to give up her seat on the bus,
set in motion the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Supreme Court decision in Browder v. Gayle (1956) that ruled that Montgomery's bus segregation laws were unconstitutional. Ms. Parks was fired from her job, and she faced retaliation from many people for her actions. She stayed in Montgomery until the boycott forced an end to all discriminatory practices on the bus lines. In 1980, Rosa Parks was the first woman to receive the Martin Luther King, Jr., Nonviolent Peace Prize.
Events in Southern California: Please fill out the Awareness Suggestions form at the bottom of the page if you know of any related events.
Resources: Beyond the Bus: Rosa Parks' Lifelong Struggle for Justice, Rosa Parks Collection: Telling Her Story at the Library of Congress, An Act of Courage, The Arrest Records of Rosa Parks
Founding of The First Gay Rights Group In the US (December 10, 1924)
The Society for Human Rights was founded by Henry Gerber in 1924 and is recognized as the first gay rights organization in America. Inspired by Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld’s Scientific-Humanitarian Committee in Germany, which aimed to overturn anti-homosexual laws, Gerber established the Society for Human Rights in Chicago. It became the first American organization advocating for homosexual rights and laid the groundwork for the modern gay liberation movement. The group published “Friendship and Freedom,” the country’s first documented gay civil rights publication.
Gerber faced significant challenges, as medical and psychological professionals were hesitant to support the cause due to concerns about their reputations, and many gay individuals were reluctant to join. The group's advocacy eventually created tension with the relatives of its few members, some of whom had families. After a series of arrests in the summer of 1925, the Society for Human Rights disbanded.
Despite this setback, its members went on to inform other gay rights organizations nationwide, including the Mattachine Society, founded in Los Angeles in 1950. Gerber later moved to New York City, where he continued to advocate for gay rights until he died in Washington, DC, in 1972. He witnessed Illinois become the first state to repeal its sodomy laws in 1962. In 1992, Gerber was posthumously inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, and his apartment on North Crilly Court has become a landmark in Chicago.
Events in Southern California: Please fill out the Awareness Suggestions form at the bottom of the page if you know of any related events.
Resources: First Gay Rights Group in the US (1924), Milestones in the American Gay Rights Movement.
December’s This Day in History (#tdih)
December 1, 1988 – Benazir Bhutto became the first woman to head a Muslim-majority country as Prime Minister of Pakistan, a moment often referenced in global pop culture and feminist music movements.
December 2, 1983 – Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video premiered on MTV, revolutionizing the music video industry and becoming the most iconic video ever.
December 10, 1948 – The United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
December 18, 1966 – Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Aired for the first time on CBS, it became a holiday staple in pop culture.
December 26, 1908 – Jack Johnson became the first Black world heavyweight boxing champion.
National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, recognized every November, serves as a powerful reminder of the more than 2.5 million youth in the United States who experience homelessness each year. These young people often face the loss of shelter and the erosion of safety, stability, and access to education. Many are victims of trauma, navigating life without consistent adult support, and are at increased risk for mental health challenges, substance abuse, and exploitation. The month is a call to action for communities, educators, policymakers, and the general public to acknowledge the systemic issues that lead to youth homelessness and to work collaboratively toward solutions.
National Career Development Month, observed every November, is a nationwide initiative encouraging individuals of all ages to reflect on their career goals, explore new opportunities, and build the skills necessary for long-term success. Established by the National Career Development Association (NCDA), this month is not just for students or job seekers; it's a time for everyone, from seasoned professionals to those just entering the workforce, to engage in meaningful self-assessment and planning. With the modern job market evolving rapidly due to technology, globalization, and shifting economic demands, career development has become a lifelong process, not a one-time decision.
National Adoption Month, observed each November, is a powerful reminder of the thousands of children and youth in foster care who are waiting for permanent, loving families. With over 120,000 children in the U.S. foster system legally eligible for adoption, this month highlights both the challenges and the triumphs of adoption, particularly from foster care. It’s a time to celebrate families who have grown through adoption, honor the resilience of adopted youth, and raise awareness about the ongoing need for adoptive homes. It’s also an opportunity for the general public to understand the adoption process better, support adoptive families, and advocate for systemic improvements that ensure every child can thrive in a stable, nurturing environment.
Alzheimer's Awareness Month observed each November, is more than a campaign; it's a collective call to action. First designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, this month shines a light on the millions of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. With over 6 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer's and numbers expected to rise dramatically, the need for awareness, early detection, and compassionate care has never been more urgent. This month encourages the public to learn the signs of cognitive decline, support caregivers, and advocate for continued research and funding. It also helps reduce the stigma surrounding memory loss and dementia, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.
Unlike many awareness weeks or months focusing on a single issue, American Education Week broadly celebrates the entire educational ecosystem: students, teachers, families, and communities. It's a time to reflect on the foundational role education plays in shaping not only individual futures but also the health and progress of society. Initially launched in 1921 to address low literacy rates following World War I, the week now serves as a national recommitment to equitable, high-quality public education for all. It's not just about honoring schools; it is about recognizing education as a shared responsibility and a public good that benefits everyone, whether you're a parent, employer, neighbor, or student.
World Kindness Day, celebrated annually on November 13, is more than a feel-good observance; it’s a global movement rooted in the belief that small, intentional acts of kindness can transform communities and improve lives. Established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, the day encourages individuals, schools, and organizations to promote compassion, empathy, and unity across all walks of life. Kindness offers a powerful antidote in a world often marked by division and stress. Research shows that kind actions uplift others and improve the giver’s mental health by reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness and connection. Whether holding a door open, writing a thank-you note, or simply listening without judgment, kindness fosters a sense of belonging that’s essential for individual and community well-being.
The International Day of Nonviolence, observed on October 2, marks the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, world-renowned leader of India’s nonviolent independence movement and global symbol of peaceful resistance. Designated by the United Nations, this day honors Gandhi’s belief in truth, dignity, and nonviolent protest as a force for social and political change.
National Financial Planning Month, observed every October, serves as a vital reminder of the importance of financial literacy and proactive money management for individuals and families across the United States. While April is officially recognized as National Financial Literacy Month, October’s focus on financial planning complements this by encouraging people to assess their financial goals, create or revise budgets, and make informed decisions about saving, investing, and debt management. For educators, this month is a powerful opportunity to integrate real-world financial skills into the classroom, helping students understand the long-term impact of their financial choices. According to the National Financial Educators Council, financial education reduces stress, improves decision-making, and fosters economic stability.
National Bullying Prevention Month, observed every October since 2006, is a nationwide campaign that raises awareness about the profound and lasting impact of bullying on children, families, and communities. Spearheaded by organizations like PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, the month promotes kindness, acceptance, and inclusion as powerful tools to combat bullying in all its forms, verbal, physical, social, or digital. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, bullying can lead to serious mental health consequences, including anxiety, depression, school avoidance, and even suicidal ideation. These effects are not limited to the classroom; they ripple into homes, communities, and the broader social fabric.
Global Diversity Awareness Month, celebrated every October, invites individuals, schools, and communities to reflect on the richness of human cultures, identities, and experiences worldwide. This observance honors our unique backgrounds, like cultural traditions, languages, worldviews, and lived experiences. It encourages respectful dialogue, mutual understanding, and inclusivity.
Mental Illness Awareness Week, observed annually during the first full week of October, is a national campaign focused on education, support, and reducing stigmatization of mental health conditions. Led by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), this week shines a spotlight on the millions of people living with mental health disorders and emphasizes the importance of accessible care and open conversations.
International Teachers’ Day, celebrated on October 5, honors the educators who serve as mentors, leaders, and role models in schools and communities around the world. This day is an opportunity to express gratitude for the essential work teachers do every day to create engaging, equitable, and supportive learning environments.
National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week, the second week in September, raises awareness of the impact HBCUs have had in advancing educational access and equity for African American students and other underrepresented groups. These institutions have historically served as pathways to leadership, innovation, and cultural preservation.
Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 through October 15, honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. This celebration begins on the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries and continues through the middle of October to encompass the rich diversity and impact of the Hispanic community in the United States.
National Nutrition Week is observed during the first week of September and focuses on promoting healthy eating habits as the foundation for physical and cognitive well-being. Good nutrition is essential for learning, mental health, and emotional regulation—especially in children and youth.
National Arts in Education Week is celebrated during the second week of September and shines a spotlight on the importance of the arts in developing creative, confident, and culturally aware students. Whether it’s painting, dancing, acting, or composing, artistic expression plays a critical role in student development.
International Literacy Day, held on September 8, underscores the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right. Around the world and within our own communities, millions of children and adults still struggle with basic reading and writing skills, which limit their ability to learn, work, and fully participate in society.
National Wellness Month, observed every August, is more than a health campaign; it’s a meaningful reminder that wellness is a lifelong journey, not a one-time goal. In a culture that often glorifies being busy, this month encourages us to slow down and reflect on how we care for ourselves and each other. Wellness isn’t just about physical health; it includes emotional balance, mental clarity, social connection, and financial stability. Whether walking during lunch, setting boundaries around work, or simply checking in with a friend, small self-care acts can significantly change how we feel and function.
National Civility Month, celebrated each August, was established in 2014 by the International Institute for Civil Leadership to promote kindness, respect, and thoughtful communication in everyday life. Rooted in the Latin word civitas, meaning “the art and science of citizenship,” civility has long been associated with the values of empathy, honor, and social responsibility. This month serves as a reminder that civility is not just about politeness; it’s about how we engage with others, especially those different from us. It challenges us to listen actively, speak thoughtfully, and act compassionately in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), observed every August, is a nationwide effort to highlight the importance of routine vaccinations for people of all ages. Established to promote public health and prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, NIAM is a reminder that immunizations are one of the most effective tools to protect ourselves and our communities. For school communities, NIAM is a call to action. Schools are central hubs for learning and social development, and environments where contagious diseases can spread quickly if proper precautions aren’t taken. Promoting immunization helps protect not only individual students but also those who are medically vulnerable or unable to be vaccinated. Community members can also participate in local health fairs, donate to organizations providing vaccines globally, or start conversations that help dispel myths and promote science-based understanding. Every action, big or small, contributes to a healthier, more informed society.
National Simplify Your Life Week, observed during the first full week of August, offers a gentle but powerful reminder: we don't have to carry it all. In a world of packed schedules, constant notifications, and endless to-do lists, this week encourages individuals to slow down, and declutter, both mentally and physically, in order to make space for what truly matters. Simplifying can mean cleaning out a closet, turning off tech for an hour, letting go of unrealistic expectations, or setting boundaries that protect our time and energy.
National Nonprofit Day, observed annually on August 17, honors nonprofit organizations' vital role in strengthening communities, addressing social challenges, and filling critical service gaps. From food banks and youth programs to health clinics and educational initiatives, nonprofits are often the backbone of support systems that serve millions of Americans. This day commemorates the signing of the Tariff Act of 1894, which granted tax-exempt status to charitable organizations, a foundational moment that allowed nonprofits to grow and thrive. For the general public, it's a chance to recognize the impact of these organizations and the people behind them, many of whom work tirelessly to uplift others with limited resources. Many nonprofits are on the front lines of financial education, offering workshops, counseling, and resources to help individuals, especially those in underserved communities, gain the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions. To honor this day, individuals can donate to a local nonprofit, volunteer their time, or attend a financial literacy workshop. Small actions, like sharing resources or supporting youth-focused nonprofits, can contribute to a more financially empowered and equitable society.
National Grief Awareness Day, observed annually on August 30, is a vital reminder that grief is a universal, deeply personal experience that deserves recognition, compassion, and support. Established to normalize conversations around loss, this day encourages individuals and communities to acknowledge the many forms grief can take, whether from the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or significant life transitions. In a society that often expects grief to be brief or hidden, this observance challenges those norms by validating the emotional complexity of mourning and promoting empathy for those navigating it. For educators, parents, and community leaders, understanding grief is essential to support students and families and foster emotionally safe environments where healing can begin.