All - Leep Calendar

On May 2022, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 1 as World Seagrass Day to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts for seagrass ecosystems. Seagrasses are marine flowering plants found in shallow waters worldwide, forming extensive meadows that support biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services. Despite their significance, seagrasses are in danger, with approximately 7% of these habitats being lost annually. The combined pressures of coastal development, pollution, climate change, and unregulated fishing contribute to their degradation. Only a quarter of seagrass meadows fall within marine protected areas, highlighting the need for conservation actions. Seagrasses offer numerous benefits, including providing habitat for marine species, supporting fisheries, improving water quality by filtering pollutants, acting as carbon sinks, and protecting coastlines from erosion and storms. Raising awareness about their importance can drive efforts to conserve and restore these ecosystems, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals and international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Efforts to protect seagrasses can contribute to economic, societal, and nutritional objectives. Conservation and restoration initiatives are being implemented worldwide, with some projects recognized as World Restoration Flagships, exemplifying large-scale and long-term ecosystem restoration. Including seagrass management in sustainable blue economy strategies and promoting their inclusion in post-2020 global biodiversity frameworks further supports their protection and restoration. In summary, World Seagrass Day aims to highlight the significance of seagrass ecosystems, their current threats, and the importance of conservation and restoration efforts to achieve multiple environmental and development goals.

Africa

Mar

Self-Injury Awareness Day, Global.: March 1

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Self-injury Awareness Day (SIAD) is a global awareness day. Its purpose is to raise awareness about self-injury, what leads to it, and how to help people free themselves from this debilitating mental illness.

Africa

Mar

Sing with Your Child Month: March

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Music, especially singing, is something every child can do. Sing with Your Child Month encourages parents to bring in the fun of music and sing with their children. The event champion has an application you can use that makes this easy.

Africa

Mar

Social Work Month, Ntl. (CA): March

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Every year social workers throughout Canada celebrate National Social Work Month (NSWM) in recognition of the contributions of social workers to society. National Social Work Month gives all social workers in Canada an occasion to celebrate our social ideals and values and to tell the world around us that this is what we believe in. Each year has a different focus. See the Canadian Association of Social Workers for information.

Africa

Mar

Social Work Month, Ntl.: March

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Social Work Month is observed each March in the United States. American social work is a profession over 100 years old. Its purpose is to improve conditions and quality of life opportunities for everyone through service, dignity, and respect. The American social work profession was established in the late 19th century to ensure that immigrants and other vulnerable people gained tools and skills to escape economic and social poverty. The profession of social work: (a) helps people in their personal and interpersonal lives to achieve social improvement; (b) pursues social change to benefit various individuals, families, and communities. The policies and programs created by social workers throughout United States history seek to give more people, regardless of life circumstances, the opportunity to cope with and overcome obstacles.

Africa

Mar

Spring Weather Safety Day, Ntl.: March 1

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Thunder and lightning, rip currents, floods, tornados, and tsunamis are just some of the weather-related hazards which occur in the spring. National Spring Weather Safety Day is the annual day the National Weather Service seeks to educate the public about the dangers ahead and how to prepare for them. National Spring Weather Safety Day is one of four seasonal safety day campaigns sponsored by the National Weather Service each year.

Africa

Mar

Steroid Abuse Prevention Month: March

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National Steroid Abuse month occurs in March and brings awareness to parents and youths about the dangers of steroids. The awareness month was created by former steroid user and author of the book Steroid Deceit, Jeff Rutstein. What are the names steroids go by on the street? ________________ The Oral Street Names for Steroids Oxandrolone – Anavar – sometimes called “Var.” Oxymetholone – Anadrol – sometimes called “Drol.” Methandrostenolone – Dianabol – often referred to as “Dbol.” Methenolone – Primobolan – often called “Primo.” Stanozolol – Winstrol – often called “Winny.” Fluoxymesterone – Halotestin – often called “Halo.” __________________ Injectable Street Names for Steroids: Nandrolone-Decanoate – Deca-Durabolin – often called “Deca.” Boldenone-Undecylenate – Equipoise - often called “EQ.” Drostanolone – Masteron – only referred to by trade name. Nandrolone-Phenylpropionate – numerous common trade names – is often called “NPP.” Methenolone – Primobolan Depot – often called “Primo.” Trenbolone – no common trade name – Is often called “Tren.” Testosterone – insert brand – often called “Test.” Stanozolol - Winstrol Depot - often called “Winny.” __________________ In 1991 Congress added steroids to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Since then, possessing illegally obtained AAS merits a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a minimum $1,000 fine for first-time drug offenders. The maximum penalty for trafficking is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for first-time offenders.

Africa

Mar

Trisomy Awareness Month: March

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Trisomy Awareness Month raises awareness of trisomy, a rare condition in which a person has three copies of a chromosome in a cell rather than the usual two. Trisomy manifests differently depending upon which chromosome receives an extra copy. Trisomy 18, for example (when the 18th chromosome has a third copy), occurs in 1 in 7,000 live births. Trisomy 13 (13th chromosome having a third copy) happens in 1 in 10,000 live births. How these extra chromosomes affect individuals varies—additional and bigger heart chambers, ductus arteriosis, smaller or bigger sizes of different organs, etc.

Africa

Mar

Umbrella Month, Ntl.: March

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National Umbrella Month celebrates the parasol, sunshade, brolly, parapluie, rainshade, gamp, Bumbershoot, and umbrolly, better known as the umbrella. The umbrella as a sunshade dates back to ancient China, nearly 4,000 years ago. Using umbrellas for rain didn’t gain favor until the 1600s, and then it was only something women used. That was changed when Englishman Jonas Hanway defied convention and began carrying one everywhere he went in 1750s Europe. Practicality overcame vanity. By the end of the century, men and women regularly carried umbrellas to shield them from the rain. This event was created by Thomas Edward Knibb and is currently unsponsored.

Africa

Mar

Unplugging, National Day of: March 1/2

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National Day of Unplugging is a 24-hour period where people worldwide volunteer to unplug and live without technology from sundown on a Friday in March to sunset Saturday. What’s with the sundown-to-sundown timeline? The event was started by Reboot, a Jewish consortium of artists, writers, intellectuals, and others who explore what it means to be Jewish and Jewish culture. In the Jewish faith, events start at sundown. The Sabbath, the day of rest in the belief, always begins on Friday at sundown and goes until Saturday at sunset. It is outlined in the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) the Sabbath is to be kept holy as a day of rest and introspection to commune with God. What better time to unplug, relax, connect with family and friends and do something other than remain chained to technology?

Africa

Mar

Vaquita Month, Save the: March

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The vaquita is the most endangered marine mammal in the world. This exquisite porpoise with spot-dog eyes lives in the northernmost portions of the Gulf of California and averages four to five feet (1.5-2 meters) in length. Gestation is ten months, and a vaquita cow can only birth one calf a year, and that calf requires five years to mature to adulthood. Currently, ten vaquitas exist in the wild, with none in captivity. Since their discovery in 1958, their numbers have declined by 50 percent annually. Vaquitas face extinction due to illegal fishing. Like the pangolin, the vaquita's plight is due to poaching, in this case, for the totoaba, a similarly-sized fish. The totoaba's swim bladder is used in alternative medicines in China, and the rarity of the fish fetches a high price there. The illegal gillnets used to scoop up totoaba trap the vaquita underwater and, as mammals, cause them to drown.

Africa

Mar

Wheelchair Day, Intl.(1922/1929): March 1

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International Wheelchair Day began with Steve Wilkinson in 2008 as a way to celebrate people that live in wheelchairs and raise awareness about the challenges they face. Annually on March 1, it's on his late mother's birthday in 1929—and singer Michael Flanders, born March 1, 1922. Flanders depended upon a wheelchair after contracting polio in 1943. Wheelchairs originated in ancient civilizations. Rolling beds and chairs with wheels transported those with difficulty walking or standing. However, the modern wheelchair as we know it today did not begin to take shape until the 19th century. The first patent for a self-propelled wheelchair was filed in 1869 by Stephen Farfler, a wheelchair user. Farfler's design was a three-wheeled chair that the user could propel. It included a hand-operated brake and steering mechanism, an essential development in wheelchairs, as it allowed autonomous movement and control. In the early 20th century, improvements in materials and manufacturing techniques led to the development of more lightweight and maneuverable wheelchairs. New designs were comfortable, including adjustable footrests and armrests, padded seats and backrests, and improved suspension systems. During World War II, the need for mobility devices for wounded soldiers led to further advancements in wheelchair design. New materials, including lightweight metals and plastics, made it possible to create wheelchairs that were both durable and easy to transport. Wheelchair design continued to evolve, with new features and technologies that improved the comfort, safety, and mobility of wheelchair users. Electric-powered wheelchairs arrived in the 1950s. In recent years, new materials and technologies such as carbon fiber and 3D printing have created increasingly lighter, more durable, and customizable wheelchair designs. Today, wheelchairs are an essential tool for millions of people worldwide with mobility impairments. People of all ages and backgrounds use them, and they play a crucial role in enabling people with disabilities to live independent, active, and fulfilling lives.

Africa

Mar

Women of Aviation Week: March 1-7

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Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week (WOAW) is an annual global event that aims to raise awareness about the opportunities for women in the aviation and aerospace industries, as well as to encourage more women to consider careers in these fields. The event is typically held during the week of March 8th, which is also International Women's Day, and features a wide range of activities, including seminars, workshops, conferences, networking events, and flying experiences. WOAW was founded by Mireille Goyer, a pilot and aviation enthusiast, in response to the low representation of women in the aviation industry. The event has been celebrated since 2010 and has grown significantly over the years, attracting thousands of participants and supporters worldwide. The main objectives of Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week are to: Increase awareness about the history and contributions of women in aviation and aerospace. Encourage more women and girls to explore and pursue careers in these industries. Provide mentorship, support, and networking opportunities for women in the aviation and aerospace fields. Break down stereotypes and change perceptions about the roles women can play in these industries. Various organizations, institutions, and individuals collaborate to organize events during WOAW, including flight schools, aviation museums, aerospace companies, and professional associations. These events provide opportunities for participants to learn about the wide range of careers available in aviation and aerospace, as well as to connect with role models and mentors who can help guide and inspire them.

Africa

Mar

Women's History Month, Ntl.: March

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In 1986, 14 states declared March as Women's History Month, and Congress declared the entire month of March 1987 National Women's History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued annually, which honors American women's extraordinary achievements. Presidential Message 1980 President Jimmy Carter's Message to the nation designating March 2-8, 1980, as National Women's History Week. "From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often, the women were unsung, and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America were as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well. As Dr. Gerda Lerner has noted, "Women's History is Women's Rights." – It is an essential and indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision." I ask my fellow Americans to recognize this heritage with appropriate activities during National Women's History Week, March 2-8, 1980. I urge libraries, schools, and community organizations to focus their observances on the leaders who struggled for equality—Susan B. Anthony Stone, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, and Alice Paul. Understanding our country's true history will help us comprehend the need for full equality under the law for all our people. This goal can be achieved by ratifying the 27th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that "Equality of Rights under the Law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of sex."

Africa

Mar

Write a Letter of Appreciation Week: March 1-7

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When was the last time you penned a quick note to someone to show them your appreciation for something they did for you? If you're like most people, it has been a while. Take the first seven days of March as your opportunity to thank those who have gone the extra mile for you with National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week.

Africa