All - Leep Calendar

Volunteers Week falls during the first week of June. This event highlights the contributions of volunteers across the United Kingdom. Resource packs are available on the site for download to assist in hosting a local Volunteers Week event. Throughout the week, organizations recruit new volunteers and showcase the opportunities they offer.

Africa

Jun

Waffle Iron Day, Electric: June 29

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National Waffle Iron Day honors the electric waffle iron. Waffles have been around since the Middle Ages. Originally intended to be used in an open flame, the original design used two metal pans attached to a long pole, and the cake was cooked in between these pans in an open flame. Cornelius Swartwout patented the first stove-top waffle iron on August 24, 1869. There is no specific patent or product launch attached to this day. However, General Electric created the first electric waffle iron prototype in 1911, which went on sale in 1918.

Africa

Jun

War of 1812 Begins (1812): June 18

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June 18 marks the beginning of the War of 1812, the second war fought between England and the American colonies, lasting more than two years. Trade restrictions imposed due to the British-French War, the conscription of American sailors into the British Royal Navy, Indian allies, and the American interest in acquiring land in Canada were the primary drivers of the war. America's theme, "The Star Spangled Banner," was written during this war.

Africa

Jun

Waste and Recycling Workers Week: June 15-23

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WASTE AND RECYCLING WORKERS WEEK SHINING A LIGHT ON SANITATION HEROES Waste and Recycling Workers Week honors the vital, often overlooked contributions of the men and women who keep streets clean, waste managed, and neighborhoods safe. Founded in 2011 by John D. Arwood, a sanitation industry leader, the event originally began as Global Garbage Man Day. It expanded into a week-long tribute in 2019 to reflect the growing scope of the waste and recycling industry. Today, the observance raises awareness about the demanding nature of the job and promotes appreciation for those who perform it. Garbage collection is physically grueling and often hazardous. Workers operate heavy machinery, navigate dangerous roadways, are exposed to harmful substances and must work in extreme weather conditions. Yet their work is essential: timely waste removal prevents disease, reduces pollution, and upholds public sanitation—especially in urban areas where even a missed pickup can escalate into a health risk. RAKERS OF LONDON—PIONEERS OF PUBLIC SANITATION Long before modern garbage trucks and municipal waste systems, London relied on "rakers"—early sanitation workers responsible for clearing the city's growing waste piles. Active as early as the 14th century, rakers were among the first organized efforts to manage urban waste, and their work laid the foundation for modern public health and sanitation services. The name "raker" comes from their primary tool: a large rake. Rakers cleaned the streets of household refuse, horse manure, ashes, and other debris. In medieval and early modern London, people often dumped waste into the streets, where it would fester, attract vermin, and create noxious odors. Local parishes or wards hired rakers to clear the roads, typically once or twice weekly. They loaded the collected waste into carts and hauled it to designated dumping grounds outside the city, known as "laystalls." By the Tudor period, London's rakers had become part of a more structured waste management system. In 1543, the English Parliament passed laws requiring householders to keep the area in front of their homes clean and authorized rakers to enforce cleanliness. The growing urban population and increasing waste output made their job both essential and overwhelming. Rakers often worked at night or early morning to avoid traffic and congestion. Despite their importance, they occupied a low social status, enduring filthy and dangerous conditions. Rakers were exposed to disease, injury, and public disdain, and their work was physically punishing. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the job of the raker began to evolve with industrialization. As cities modernized, professional municipal services started to replace them. However, their legacy is an early example of organized sanitation in the Western world and a crucial step toward the clean, regulated cities we know today. AMERICA'S WASTE In 18th-century Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin initiated one of the first organized garbage collection services. By the 19th century, cities, including London and New York, developed municipal waste systems. Innovations like the rear-loading garbage truck in the 1920s revolutionized efficiency and safety. Despite these advances, the industry remains male-dominated. As of recent reports, roughly 87% of US garbage collectors are men, with women making up just 13% of the workforce. RECYCLING Recycling evolved across different cultures. As a concept, recycling dates back thousands of years. —Greece and Rome recycled and repurposed metals, melting and reusing them because of their high value. —Japan began paper recycling as early as the 11th century, recognizing the material's scarcity and worth. Organized recycling on a municipal level emerged in the late 19th century. Notable developments include: —London, 1860s: "Dust yards" were established to harvest ashes from coal fires for use in other products, including glass, ink, and cement. Workers also separated rags, bones, and metals for reuse or resale. —New York City, 1895: Became the first US city to mandate recycling, requiring residents to separate household waste into categories: ashes, food waste, and recyclables. Recycling gained significant traction during World War II when countries promoted recycling as a patriotic duty to support the war effort. Municipalities collected paper, rubber, and metals nationwide. Curbside collection started in Woodbury, New Jersey, in 1973. Germany's 1990s strict packaging and recycling laws provided the roadmap for national recycling systems used throughout the world today. RECYCLING BY REGION (2023) EUROPE —The European Union averaged 48% (High) Germany = 69%; (Low) Romania = 12%. —United Kingdom = 47.9 NORTH AMERICA —United States = 32% —Canada = 16% (2022. 2023 numbers not available). —Mexico = 7.6% SOUTH AMERICA —Brazil: 20.6% ASIA —Singapore = 52% —Taiwan = 55%. —India = 60% —China = 24.4% MIDDLE EAST —Middle East and North Africa (MENA) = 7% to 10%. OCEANA —Australia = 63% AFRICA —South Africa = 52% —Rest of Africa = 4% CONCLUSION Though one of the world's most grueling and physically demanding jobs, sanitation workers often encounter unexpected treasures. Reports include discarded valuables, vintage collectibles, sensitive documents, family heirlooms, and less desirable anomalies. No matter where you are, take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank those collecting your waste. Waste and Recycling Workers Week pays tribute to the essential workers. They sustain public health and the beauty of our modern life, and their work deserves respect, recognition, and year-round support.

Africa

Jun

Watergate Break-in (1972): June 17

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Today is the anniversary of the beginning of the cover-up that brought down a President, the infamous Watergate scandal. The break-in occurred on June 17, 1972. The Watergate, the name of the condominiums and hotel where the event occurred, was a major political scandal in the United States in the early 1970s. It stemmed from a break-in at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, DC, on June 17, 1972, and the subsequent cover-up efforts by the administration of President Richard Nixon. Members of the Committee orchestrated the break-in to Re-elect the President (CRP), also known as CREEP, who were trying to gather intelligence on the Democratic Party's campaign strategies. The burglars were caught, and the investigation revealed that they had connections to high-ranking officials in the Nixon administration. As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that the Nixon administration had engaged in various illegal activities, including wiretapping, sabotage, espionage, and using secret slush funds to finance political campaigns. The President's involvement in the cover-up of these activities led to a series of revelations, congressional hearings, and legal proceedings. The scandal eventually led to the resignation of several key administration officials, including White House Counsel John Dean, Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman, and Attorney General John Mitchell. The White House's role in the cover-up was revealed through a series of tape recordings made by President Nixon himself, which he was ordered to release by the Supreme Court in a unanimous decision in the case United States v. Nixon. Facing impeachment proceedings and the likelihood of being removed from office, Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, becoming the first and only U.S. president to do so. Nixon was succeeded by Vice President Gerald Ford, who later pardoned Nixon for any federal crimes he may have committed during his presidency, citing the need for national healing. The Watergate Scandal significantly impacted American politics and public trust in the government. It led to the implementation of numerous political reforms, including establishing the Federal Election Commission, campaign finance laws, and greater congressional oversight of the executive branch. The scandal also spawned the suffix "-gate" to describe political scandals and controversies.

Africa

Jun

Waterloo (1815): June 18

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The Battle of Waterloo started on June 18, 1815, near Waterloo, Belgium. Its conclusion marks the end of French domination in Europe and the rise of the United Kingdom as a superpower. The Battle of Waterloo was fought between the French and Allied Seventh Coalition. Napoleon Bonaparte, considered one of the most brilliant war strategists of all time, led on the side of the French. The Duke of Wellington and the Prussian Gebhard von Blucher commanded the Allied Seventh Coalition, composed of Prussian, Belgian, Dutch, German, and British troops. The British ultimately exiled Napoleon to the island of Saint Helena in South Africa. He died at the age of 51 on May 5, 1821.

Africa

Jun

Wear BLUE Day: June 12

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National Wear BLUE Day is a Men’s Health Network fundraising initiative to raise awareness and funds for education about men’s health. Biological men are encouraged to get annual checkups, including testicular and prostate cancer screenings. Additional health issues with heightened occurrences in men include cardiovascular disease, skin cancer, lung cancer, diabetes, and gout. National Wear BLUE Day occurs annually on the Friday before Father’s Day during Men’s Health Week.

Africa

Jun

Wear it. Beat it. (UK): June

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"Wear it. Beat it," is a British Heart Foundation (BHF) promotion within the UK each year that promotes wearing red during the month to fund heart research. Get together with friends, family, and colleagues, and add red to the dress code. Whether it's a red wig, a scarlet dress, or a crimson tie, however, you decide to wear red, you'll be supporting our life-saving research. You can even go the extra mile by hosting a red bake sale, a red raffle, or a red fancy dress competition to raise some extra cash. In 2018, this event moved from a daily to a monthly event. The money raised supports BHF's life-saving research.

Africa

Jun

Western Australia Day (AU-WA): June 1

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Western Australia Day is a public holiday in the province of Western Australia, and it marks the 1829 formation of the Swan River Colony by European settlers.

Africa

Jun

Wianki Festival, Krakow (PL): June 20-21 (est)

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The Wianki Festival (Wreath Festival) is a Polish tradition from pre-Christian times featuring the floating of wreaths on the Wisla River in Krakow, Poland. It celebrates the summer solstice and honors Kupala, the goddess of love and the harvest. Additional traditions during the festival include getting your fortune told, jumping bonfires, fireworks, and concerts. The event later became a part of the Christian celebration of Saint John's Night. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Jun

Widow's Day, Intl. (1954): June 23

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International Widow's Day commemorates the plight of widows and children amidst poverty and injustice across the world. Recognized by the United Nations in 2010, International Widow's Day often includes awareness campaigns against ostracism, discrimination, and violence against widows and their children. The Loomba Foundation was the first organization to establish International Widow's Day in 2005. This day is significant to the organization's founder because June 23, 1954, was when Shrimati Pushpa Wati Loomba, the mother of Raj Loomba, became a widow. Widows suffer discrimination in many cultures, yet their plight is rarely recognized. The foundation wants to shed light on this situation. On June 22, 2010, the organization submitted a proposal to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. He ratified it, and June 23 became International Widow's Day by UN Resolution 65/189.

Africa

Jun

Wimbledon (UK): June 29 - July 12

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The Wimbledon Championships, or simply Wimbledon, is the world's longest-running and most prestigious tennis tournament. First held in London in 1877, Wimbledon is one of four significant tournaments called The Grand Slam. The winners of these tournaments determine the top tennis players in the world. In addition to Wimbledon, the Grand Slam includes the Australian, French, and US Open. Wimbledon is unique because the tournament is played on grass rather than on a hard court. The first Wimbledon Championship began on July 9, 1877, and featured only men's singles Tennis. Women's singles were added in 1884, and ladies and mixed doubles in 1913. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Jun

Windjammer Days, Boothbay Harbor (US-ME): June 21-27

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Windjammer Days in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, celebrates the region's rich maritime heritage. The event features a variety of maritime-themed activities, including the centerpiece event, the "Parade of Sails." The Windjammer Days festival has been a tradition in Boothbay Harbor since the early 1960s and has grown to include a wide range of activities and events, such as: Parade of Sail: The main event, where windjammers and other sailing vessels parade through Boothbay Harbor, offering a unique and beautiful sight for visitors and locals alike. Concerts and Live Music: The festival often features live music performances by local and regional artists, with genres ranging from traditional maritime tunes to contemporary styles. Arts and Crafts Show: Local artisans display and sell their work, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and other handmade items. Street Parade: A traditional street parade occurs during the festival, featuring marching bands, floats, and local organizations. Fireworks: A spectacular fireworks display is held over the harbor, lighting up the sky and providing an exciting end to the celebrations. Boat Races and Regattas: Various sailing races and regattas occur during the festival, including races for small boats and other watercraft. Children's Activities: The festival offers a variety of activities and events geared toward children, such as face painting, games, and storytelling. Tours and Exhibitions: During Windjammer Days, visitors can take tours of the historic windjammers and other ships and attend exhibitions and lectures on maritime history and culture. The Windjammer Days festival is a popular event that draws visitors from all over the United States and beyond, offering a chance to appreciate Boothbay Harbor's maritime heritage, enjoy local art and music, and participate in various family-friendly activities. ABOUT THE PARADE OF SAILS, A GLOBAL TRADITION The Parade of Sails is a maritime event that showcases tall ships and other sailing vessels in a celebratory procession, often held as part of prominent maritime festivals or regattas. These events promote maritime heritage, foster international goodwill, and allow the public to learn about and appreciate historic and modern sailing ships. In a typical Parade of Sails, participating vessels sail in a coordinated procession, usually along a waterfront, allowing spectators to witness the beauty and grandeur of these ships up close. The parade often includes tall ships, which are large, traditionally-rigged sailing vessels, and other sailing ships, like classic yachts, naval vessels, and replicas of historic ships. Some of the most famous Parade of Sails events are part of larger festivals, such as: Sail Amsterdam, Netherlands: Held every five years, Sail Amsterdam is one of the most significant maritime events in the world, drawing millions of spectators and featuring hundreds of ships from around the globe. Tall Ships Races: Organized annually by Sail Training International, the Tall Ships Races are a series of races and events held in European waters that promote sail training and international friendship. OpSail: Short for Operation Sail, OpSail is an American event held periodically (roughly once a decade) to celebrate maritime history and foster international goodwill. The event has featured multiple parades of sails in various US ports, with the most recent one held in 2012 to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of the US national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." These events offer a unique opportunity for people to learn about maritime history, experience the beauty of sailing vessels, and engage with sailors from different countries and cultures. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Jun

Windrush Day (UK)(1948): June 22

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The Windrush Generation first arrived in Britain from the Caribbean on June 22, 1948, and would continue to migrate through 1971. Though invited, many were detained, denied health care and housing benefits, or deported. This event was first declared in 2018 after a public scandal hit the front pages earlier in the year. Arthur Torrington, director of The Windrush Foundation, stated upon the date's announcement, "It will cement in the national consciousness the important contribution of those who traveled from the Caribbean to Britain 70 years ago to build a better life and participate in making Britain a stronger nation."

Africa

Jun

Windsurfing Regatta and Music Festival, Worthington (US-MN): June 12-13

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The Worthington Windsurfing Regatta and Unvarnished Music Festival began in 1999. The festival consisted of a windsurfing competition during the day with a live (free) "unvarnished" music festival in the evening on Lake Okabena. The intent is to introduce a unique water sport focusing on our lake and to introduce the community to a candid style of music. The festival has been a big success, attracting windsurfers worldwide. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa