All - Leep Calendar

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week occurs during the first full week of May and is observed in Canada and the United States by various organizations. Children's Mental Health Day occurs on Thursday during the week. It is also known as the Green Ribbon Campaign, a positive message campaign designed to provide hope and funding for resources dedicated to children's mental health. In Canada, see Children's Mental Health Ontario for details.

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May

Eat What You Want Day: May 11

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Eat What You Want Day is a Wellcat Holiday. The meaning is exactly what it says: Eat whatever you want today. Banana Split for Breakfast? Go for it! Pancakes for dinner? Knock yourself out. A ten-course meal? Enjoy! Celebrate this day by eating whatever you want.

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May

Keffiyeh Day, World : May 11

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May

Performance Marketing Awards (UK): May 11

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The Performance Marketing Awards (PMA) feature the work of advertisers, publishers, media owners, agencies, networks, startups, technology providers, and individuals in the Performance Marketing sector active within the United Kingdom. Established in 2007, the awards feature over 30 categories of competition, ranging from technology platforms that provide an edge to creative promotions. The PMAs celebrate the evolving and innovative marketing industry, highlighting the challenges and achievements of brands, agencies, and supporting industries.

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May

Shireen Abu Akleh Day (2022): May 11

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Shireen Abu Akleh Day honors the men and women of the media who have lost their lives in the line of duty and falls on the anniversary of the assassination of American and Jordanian Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on May 11, 2022 THE DANGERS OF MEDIA WORK According to Reporters without Borders, an average of 80 journalists and media workers die doing their job each year, with 60% targeted for assassination for doing their job. The remaining 40% die due to unintentional causes, such as mortar shells and dangerous surroundings. Due to the drug cartels, Mexico continues to be the most dangerous country for media workers. Journalists face various risks and threats while carrying out their work, which is crucial in providing information and holding power to account. Their pursuit of truth and reporting can make them targets for violence, censorship, and intimidation. Here are some of the dangers journalists often face: Physical Violence: Journalists frequently face physical violence, including assault, kidnapping, and murder. They often find themselves caught in the crossfire of conflicts, covering war zones, political uprisings, or organized crime activities. Journalists are sometimes deliberately targeted due to their investigative work, exposing corruption, human rights abuses, or organized crime networks. Repression and Censorship: Many journalists face repression and censorship by governments or other powerful entities. Governments may enact laws or regulations to control the media, restrict freedom of expression, or silence dissenting voices. Journalists critical of the authorities often become targets of harassment, legal action, or imprisonment, leading to self-censorship and a chilling effect on investigative reporting. Online Threats and Harassment: With the rise of digital media, journalists face increasing threats online. They are often harassed, cyberbullied, doxxed (releasing private information), or hacked. Trolling and online abuse can have severe psychological and emotional impacts on journalists, leading to self-censorship or leaving the profession. Targeting of Journalists in Conflict Zones: Journalists reporting from conflict zones face significant risks. They operate in dangerous environments with active armed groups, insurgents, or military forces. They are vulnerable to being targeted for their reporting, as conflicting parties may perceive them as threats or propaganda agents. Impunity and Lack of Justice: One of the significant challenges is the high level of impunity surrounding crimes against journalists. Perpetrators often go unpunished, which fosters an environment of fear and further endangers journalists. The lack of justice creates a cycle of violence and intimidation, deterring journalists from pursuing essential stories. Nonviolent Pressures and Threats: Journalists may face nonviolent pressures such as defamation lawsuits, economic pressures, or threats to their reputations. Influential individuals or corporations may use their power to undermine journalists' credibility and discourage critical reporting. Lack of Resources and Training: Journalists in many parts of the world work under challenging conditions with limited resources and inadequate training. Insufficient safety equipment, poor infrastructure, and lack of training on risk assessment and conflict reporting further increase their dangers. The safety and protection of journalists are crucial for upholding press freedom and the right to information. International organizations, NGOs, and press freedom advocates continue to work towards improving safety protocols, advocating for legal protections, and raising awareness about the importance of protecting journalists worldwide. ABOUT SHIREEN ABU AKLEH Shireen Abu Akleh was born in Amman, Jordan, in 1965 and held American and Jordanian citizenship. Her reporting significantly influenced Middle Eastern politics and human rights, particularly regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestine. As a journalist in the Middle East for 25 years, she covered various issues, including politics, human rights, and social issues. She worked for multiple media outlets, including Al Jazeera, where she was one of the first women to work as a field reporter. In addition to her journalistic work, Abu Akleh has written several books, with "Hussein and Abdullah: Inside the Jordanian Royal Family," an inside look into the Jordanian royal family and the politics of Jordan, as her most widely read. Abu Akleh spoke out against the Israeli occupation of Palestine and called for a peaceful resolution. She was murdered while covering a story in the Occupied West Bank for Al Jazeera on May 11, 2022, by an Israeli sniper who killed her with a bullet to the head.

Africa

May

Twilight Zone Day (1908): May 11

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May

BaconFest (US-IA): May 12-13

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May

Be Kind Online: May 12

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Be Kind Online is a powerful engagement program for middle school youth, teachers, and families focused on creating inclusive communities online to reduce social isolation.

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May

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME/FM Awareness Day, Intl. (1820): May 12

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International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Fibromyalgia Awareness Day occurs each year on the birthday of Florence Nightingale (May 12, 1820). Nightingale was believed to have ME/CFS. The CFIDS Association of America champions the international day and week observed worldwide, most notably in England, South Africa, the US, Canada, and Australia. The purpose of the week and focus day are to draw attention to the illness, inform the public of their options should they be struggling with ME/CFS or suspect they have it, and raise funds toward finding a cure. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and debilitating chronic illness. This is a middle age disease, striking primarily women, people in their 30s and 40s during the prime of life. However, it can afflict any gender and any age. Over one million people in the US and tens of millions worldwide suffer. Symptoms include: Visual blurring, light sensitivity, and eye pain Difficulty maintaining an upright posture Dizziness, balance problems, and fainting Chills and night sweats Trouble sleeping Gastrointestinal disturbances Allergies and sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, medications Brain fog and cognitive impairment Gynecological problems, including PMS Irritability, depression, and mood swings The severity of ME/CFS varies greatly. About 25 percent of people with ME/CFS are disabled by the illness, and most symptoms are invisible to others. Common conditions that occur along with ME/CFS include: Fibromyalgia Orthostatic intolerance Irritable bowel syndrome Interstitial cystitis Temporomandibular joint disorder Chronic pelvic pain Multiple chemical sensitivity Studies show fewer than 20 percent of ME/CFS patients in the United States are correctly diagnosed. Diagnosing ME/CFS is challenging because there is still not one conclusive diagnostic test or biomarker. The cause is unknown, and no cure exists for ME/CFS. This event began in 1992.

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May

Finastic Friday, Sharks: May 12

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Sharks may be the most feared fish in the sea, but they're also very misunderstood. Fintastic Friday gives a voice to sharks and seeks to educate people on this necessary and beautiful creature. People kill over 100 million sharks annually, causing many species to hover near endangered or extinct. Fintastic Friday seeks to change the narrative around sharks and promote conservation in the decades ahead.

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May

Limerick Day (1812): May 12

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Limerick Day marks the writer's birthday, who popularized the whimsical poetry called the limerick. Edward Lear was born May 12, 1812, in Holloway, England, and became a prominent writer and illustrator. One of his most famous works is "The Owl and the Pussycat." (Listen to it here via Project Gutenberg https://www.gutenberg.org/e-books/23897) His first book was entitled "A Book of Nonsense." You can access all of his nonsense books via Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/e-books/13650 Lear passed away on January 29, 1888, at 75.

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May

Military Spouses Day: May 12

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May

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Today is the third quarter of the moon, meaning it is halfway between the full moon and the new moon.

Africa

May

Nurses Day, Intl. (1820): May 12

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International Nurses Day occurs on May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth (May 12, 1820 - August 13, 1910). Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing.

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