Mark your Calendars: 12 International Days That Should Not Be Forgotten
Written by Daniel MacGregor
Thumbnail Photo by Manasvita S on Unsplash
Photo by Manasvita S on Unsplash
It seems like every day of the year has significance. What was once a rare moment of reflection became a daily occurrence for everything from hot dogs to sparrows. If that sounds confusing, what I mean is that there appears to be an unending number of international days of observances pinned to a specific day of the year. Some of these are more recognized than others, such as International Mother Earth Day (April 22nd) and World Mental Health Day (October 10th).
Observation is not equal for all days, though, which is a shame because some of these lesser-known days bring attention to worthy causes and significant issues. Here we dive into the often messy world of observed days to find the overlooked yet essential days of observance - one for each month.
However, this does not mean there are no other days worth remembering. If you are interested in finding more days, useful websites include the United Nations, GKGIGS, Days of the Year, and this online collection.
World Braille Day (January 4th):
A vast majority of languages in our world are verbal. However, some people have impaired sight and for them, there is a tactile alphabet: Braille. Unfortunately, many often forget about the importance of Braille until they notice it on a sign.
This day is necessary because Braille allows people who are visually impaired to read. Moreover, the rise of audiobooks and other related mediums means there is less impetus to learn Braille. The Perkins School for the Blind outlines that this tactile alphabet is still vital despite new forms of accessibility (like screen readers). Braille is a way for a reader to comprehend the intricacies of written language: such as the different spellings of their, there, and they’re, or the exact use of commas, which is lost in most audio formats. For those interested in learning Braille, check out the resources at the Halifax Regional Library.
Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17th):
The world’s attention is often focused on international geopolitical conflicts or crises, especially during a global pandemic; however, between the cracks are billions of individual minor concerns requiring intervention. Often, random acts of kindness can ease these concerns - acts as small as complimenting someone’s shoes or helping someone with a flat bike tire. A foundation by the same name supports this particular day with a host of resources for those wishing to help, such as kindness calendars (monthly calendars with a kindness goal for every day).
World Theatre Day (March 27th):
It can be easy to think of theatre as something belonging to a by-gone age of entertainment involving Shakespeare and pre-industrial days. However, theatres are in every corner of the globe, from the jewels in cultural centres like New York City to the community theatres in small towns. Much like print newspapers, theatres have been facing stiff competition from other forms of entertainment, so much so that to even google the word “theatre” will mainly bring up movie theatres. The reasons for the importance of theatre have not changed, as attested by Acting Studio Chicago, which lists five of many reasons for the theatre’s continued importance. These reasons include its role in promoting societal change, such as plays like The Container, that takes place entirely in a shipping container to act as a dialogue on human trafficking. If you desire to support local theatre, Theatre Nova Scotia maintains a list of all current productions within the province.
International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace (April 24th):
By title alone, this day should hold significant importance; however, small states are often at a disadvantage when put up against the large militaries and strong economies of large nations. However, they do have a voice. Using diplomacy instead of violence and threats, nations can solve problems together regardless of their wealth or size, such as the Association of Caribbean States. It may seem impossible as an individual to support diplomacy; however, you can still do your part, as the lifeblood of diplomacy is non-profit organizations, and Volunteer Halifax has many organizations one can volunteer with.
International Nurses Day (May 12th):
Anyone who has gone to a hospital, clinic, or called 811 will have interacted with nurses. But their sacrifices are often overlooked, and these sacrifices are usually made in their pursuit to keep the public health system afloat. The Canadian Nurses Association has a whole webpage dedicated to the issues faced by nurses, including but not limited to shortage of personal protective equipment, ethical dilemmas, significant work-related mental health issues, and so much more. To provide support for Canadian Nurses, the Canadian Nurses Foundation has a Covid-19 Fund accepting donations.
World Blood Donor Day (June 14th):
Most of us may never need a blood transfusion, but for those unlucky few who will, their life depends on the kindness of others. Luckily, one organization is dedicated solely to fulfilling this demand: Canadian Blood Services (CBS). CBS provides a list of why donating is so important, such as the fact that donated blood only lasts 42 days, and that someone in Canada needs blood every 60 seconds. The CBS website also includes testimonies of those who either routinely or occasionally depend on this supply. To become a donor, visit the Canadian Blood Services website to book your appointment today!
International Day of Cooperatives (July 4th):
The pinnacle of the Cooperative Movement in Nova Scotia was in the 1920s, known as the Antigonish Movement. However, cooperatives are still a key component to life. Cooperatives are groups of individual consumers who jointly own a business, often in the form of cooperative banks or cooperative grocery stores. However, cooperatives are the quasi-socialist alternative to capitalist companies we know all too well but that receive little attention. Cooperatives allow local communities to focus on local needs, and for consumers to have direct agency over local businesses. Luckily, Halifax does not entirely lack cooperatives, such as The Grainery Food Co-op Ltd. and the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (August 9th):
The importance of this day goes without question yet the mainstream media and politics still overlook many Indigenous issues. This topic alone could fill dozens of books, from the impact of residential schools to the battle over moderate livelihood fisheries. Thus, both action and education are needed to lead to a better future. For self-learning, the government of Nova Scotia has created a library resource list with a host of resources. In this case, the best thing allies can do is educate themselves on Indigenous issues and support Indigenous communities when assistance is requested.
International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (September 7th):
Clean air should be something everyone has access to but this is not true for the entire world or even for most of Canada. For example, in Nova Scotia, coal is burned to meet energy demands. The Canadian Government notes that air pollution can negatively impact people with lung problems, heart problems, and older adults. To face this, we can make small changes, such as biking around the city or trying to switch to sustainable energy sources whenever possible.
World Post Day (October 9th):
With the pandemic forcing us to stay home, the reliance on online orders went through the roof. This led to increased demand on the postal system - a system often overlooked in the rise of the online world. Furthermore, as reported by the CBC, Canada Post is in a dilemma of decreasing business from traditional mail delivery, its role as a Crown corporation, and the dramatic increase in parcel deliveries. The importance of recognizing the role of Canada Post is to take advantage of the service which has delivered parcels and letters for decades at a time when there is competition from private courier companies.
World Science Day for Peace and Development (November 10th):
Science is at the forefront of mysteries of the universe, from well below the ocean to the far reaches of space. The idea is that science will unite the world, with the best example of this being the International Space Station, the home of astronauts from all over the globe. However, it is easy to overlook the countless infringements made by states on the peaceful development of scientific frontiers. Everywhere we look, the domains of science are at risk of being conscripted in order to enhance warfare. Space and Antarctica are two areas where states may militarise otherwise safe havens of scientific development.
World Soil Day (December 5th):
Dirt is everywhere, and it is commonly known as soil when used to grow crops for human consumption. Soil plays a vital role in sustaining human life, but it often gets taken for granted and is used unsustainably. As reported by the World Wildlife Fund, intensive agricultural practices and deforestation over the past century have caused soil degradation, meaning a loss of farmable land, increased pollution, and the spread of deserts. The actions available to protect soil are many, such as those offered by The University of Rhode Island that include gardening tips like mulching gardens and planting perennial plants instead of annual plants.
In conclusion, there are many ways to celebrate the many important days that fill our calendars. Even if you only take a short moment out of the day to commemorate the occasion, even a small amount of support goes a long way.