All - Leep Calendar

First run in 2015 and part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the United Nation's Global Road Safety week seeks to reduce and eliminate unnecessary traffic deaths and casualties the world over. Tactics include speed management, government leadership, improved infrastructure, vehicle safety standards, law enforcement and post crash survival. Someone in the world dies in a road accident every 23 seconds. The goal of road safety week is to cut this in half by 2020.

Africa

May

Stuttering Awareness Week, Ntl.: May 9-13

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National Stuttering Awareness Week in the United States is dedicated to building awareness of stuttering. More than 70 million people worldwide and three million people in the United States struggle with stuttering every day. “This week is a time for us to remind the world that people who stutter can achieve amazing things,” said Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. “Unfortunately, we still live in a world that allows stuttering to be mocked and ridiculed. The end result is that countless children who stutter face teasing and torment at school just because they speak differently.” Despite the great strides afforded the stuttering community by the movie 'The King’s Speech' and its accurate and moving portrayal of the effects of a severe stutter, Hollywood portrayed people who stutter in a negative light for decades. Persons who stutter were portrayed as deranged, violent or otherwise incompatible with the social norm. Some of these movies over the years have been Dead Again, My Cousin Vinny, Urban Legend and Primal Fear – just to name a few. One of the lead characters in the original mini-series of Stephen King's 'It' also struggles with stutter. A listing of “Famous People Who Stutter” is available here: http://www.stutteringhelp.org/famous-people-who-stutter

Africa

May

Women's Check-up Day, Ntl.: May 9

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Sponsored by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women’s Health, National Women’s Checkup Day occurs during Women’s Health Week each year. Women are encouraged to visit their health care provider for their annual checkup or well-woman visit to: 1) Discuss your health habits, family history, family planning, and more. 2) Get or schedule necessary screenings and exams. 3) Set health goals, such as weight loss and exercise.

Africa

May

Work at Home Moms Week: May 9-15

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Juggling children, work and home, a mother's work is never done, and doubly so when she works from home. This week is about honoring all the moms out there that make money from home, whilst juggling family and house. Annually the week following Mother's Day.

Africa

May

Clean up Your Room Day: May 10

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Welcome to National Clean Up Your Room Day, a favorite with parents and a not-so-favorite with kids. This is an unofficial holiday without a sponsor has grown through organic popularity. National Clean Up Your Room Day is a great time each year to get organized, remove toys that aren’t used anymore, outgrown clothes and prepare for a garage sale. It just could be an extra incentive for your child if they were able to sell or donate what they no longer use and use that money (or the value given as a tax write off) to purchase something they do want…like the latest video game or…? Parents enjoy the day! The room will stay somewhat clean for at least an hour or two!

Africa

May

Confederate Memorial Day (US-NC, SC)(1863): May 10*

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Confederate Memorial Day is celebrated in most of the former states of The Confederacy on different days of the year. In some cases like Georgia, it is no longer referred to as Confederate Memorial Day, rather as 'state holiday'. It is an official state holiday in most and honors the men who died fighting for The Confederacy during the American Civil War, 1861-1865. Dates are as follows: Alabama, Georgia: 4th Monday in April Mississippi: Last Monday in April Florida: April 26; Tennessee, Kentucky & Louisiana: June 3, Jefferson Davis's birthday 1808 North & South Carolina: May 10, Anniversary of the death of General "Stonewall" Jackson in 1863 Texas: January 19, Birthday of Robert E. Lee 1807; Due to the 400 year legacy of slavery (ending in 1865) and state supported racial segregation (ending in 1964), this event is highly contentious and seen as a celebration of racism by many critics. Detractors insist this plays into existing racism and celebrates white supremacy and slavery. Proponents for the observance month insist that the Confederacy played a part in shaping who we are and the ramifications as well as contributions continue today. To deny a portion of our past, good and bad, is selective censorship. This month can also be used to explore the unspoken but oft felt prejudices and perceived reality that political correctness squelches. Whether you side with the detractors or the proponents, the best way to acknowledge this month is to spend some time reading the actual Constitution of the United States and learning history. History, not social studies. A great place to start is with Howard Zinn’s Peoples’ History of the United States, which some states, including Arizona, have tried to ban from their schools. Why? Because it is a history of the American people, not the leaders and looks at the nation from the perspective of the 99%, the immigrants, migrant workers, women, religious minorities, slaves, the common man."

Africa

May

65 Roses Month (AU): May

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Each May Australia observes 65 Roses Month, focusing on Cystic Fibrosis in Australia to highlight the growing need for awareness about cystic fibrosis (CF). The last Friday is 65 Roses Day. The disease is called 65 Roses by children with cystic fibrosis (CF) because it is easier to pronounce, (kind of like when a child says ‘butter footed’ instead of ‘bare footed’. The name stuck and is now the official nomenclature for Cystic Fibrosis. Throughout May in Australia volunteers and people with CF and their families unite to help shine a spotlight on what CF is and the progress being made toward a cure. The United States also observes Cystic Fibrosis Month in May. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that: Clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond. The symbol of Cystic Fibrosis is the 65 Roses Campaign.

Africa

May

ALS Awareness Month: May

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ALS Awareness Month in the United States occurs each year in May. Its purpose is to bring awareness to the disease and help raise funds to find a cure. ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a neurodegenerative disease. This fatal disease affects the nerve cells (motor neurons) that control a person’s muscles. As neurons deteriorate, the brain loses the ability to start and control voluntary muscle movement. This is why people with ALS often lose the ability to speak: the disease slowly paralyzes its victims eventually taking away the ability to breath. ALS was first discovered in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. It would be another 70 years before most people had heard of the disease. In 1939 Lou Gehrig ended his career due to it. Lou Gehrig was a professional baseball player from 1923-1939. He died of ALS in 1941, just 17 days shy of his 39th birthday. Today, there is still no cure for the cruel disease that took his name — and life.

Africa

May

Cheese Month, American: May

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No, this isn’t about the cheese that isn’t a cheese, the chemical laced processed stuff that is commonly referred to as American, that is given out at food banks or goes under the brand name Velveeta. This is about real cheese made in America. American Cheese Month is a celebration of North America’s delicious and diverse craft cheeses, its farmers, cheesemakers, retailers, cheese mongers and chefs who bring cheese creations to your table. Its purpose is to: Recognize and raise awareness of the quality and diversity of American cheeses; Support and promote great cheese, local foods, family farms, traditional cheese making methods, and sustainable production models; Generate funding for the American Cheese Education Foundation to support critical industry research, education, and scholarships. Previously held in October.

Africa

May

Anxiety & Depression Awareness Week, Ntl.: May 1-7

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National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week occurs during the first full week of May. It is estimated that 40 million Americans suffer from an anxiety disorder and over 20 million battle depressive illness, costing the economy billions of dollars each year. However, the economic costs are inconsequential compared to the cost in human suffering. This focused event begins at the start of National Mental Health Awareness month each year and is focused on helping individuals suffering from anxiety and depressive disorders find treatment.

Africa

May

Arthritis Awareness Month, Ntl.: May

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The Arthritis Foundation sponsors National Arthritis Awareness Month each May. Though most people associate arthritis with aging, the fact is it affects all ages. Two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65 and some of the most serious forms of arthritis occur in teenagers or people in their 20s and 30s. Arthritis Awareness month is a multi-year campaign geared at debunking the myths of arthritis. This includes The Faces of Arthritis campaign featuring public service ads focusing on the harsh realities of arthritis and dispelling the common stereotypes often associated with the disease. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States and affects 50 million people, twenty-percent of the population or one in five adults. “Arthritis is common, costly and painful, and people think that there is nothing you can do about it. Misconceptions around the disease contribute to millions living with arthritis pain and the persistent attitude of complacency toward the disease and its impact,” says Arthritis Foundation Vice President of Public Health Policy and Advocacy, Dr. Patience White. The United Kingdom has an arthritis care awareness week in mid-May and Canada has set aside September as its arthritis awareness month. The US Arthritis Foundation also sponsors Juvenal Arthritis Month in July.

Africa

May

Asian & Pacific Islander American Heritage Month: May

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On October 14, 2009 President Obama signed an executive order that restores the White House Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to address issues concerning the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was first declared by President Roosevelt in 1942 following the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. The following is an excerpt from his speech: “…America's AAPI communities, we're talking about the industry and entrepreneurship of people who've helped build this nation for centuries: from the early days, as laborers on our railroads and farmers tilling our land, to today, as leaders in every sector of American life, from business to science to academia, law and more. We're talking about the creative energies of musicians like the singers Penn Masala -- we appreciate them -- who performed today. And we're talking about the competitive spirit of athletes like Wat Misaka, who played for the New York Knicks back in 1947 -- the first non-white player in the NBA -- and who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. Misaka is here as well today and -- where's Mr. Misaka? There he is. Thank you so much. (Applause.) We're talking about the public service of leaders like Secretaries Gary Locke and Steven Chu and Eric Shinseki and the folks on stage with me today. And we're talking about the courage and the patriotism and sacrifice of heroes like the members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team who served in World War II, including Terry Shima. Please give him a big round of applause. (Applause.) Mr. Shima is the Executive Director of the Japanese American Veterans Association, and we are grateful that he took the time to be here today. Some of their families had been interned. Some had been interned themselves. But they still insisted on fighting for America, and went on to become the most highly decorated unit of their size in history. And one member of the regiment, Private Jake Kirihara, whose parents were held in a camp here in America while he fought overseas, later said: '… even though this wrong was done to us, there was never any question whether America was my country. If America needed me to help, I'll do it.' So this proud tradition of service continues today in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world, carried on by folks like Tammy Duckworth, my dear friend who's here today. (Applause.) Tammy is a decorated member of our National Guard, a passionate advocate for our wounded warriors, who is now serving as our Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Veterans Affairs Department. I'm proud to have her on board and pleased that she could join us today. And on a personal note, when I talk about America's AAPI communities, I'm talking about my own family: my sister, Maya; my brother-in-law, Konrad; my beautiful nieces, Suhaila and Savita; and the folks I grew up with in Indonesia, and in Honolulu, as part of the Hawaiian Ohana, or family. Our AAPI communities have roots that span the globe, but they embody a rich diversity, and a story of striving and success that are uniquely American. But focusing on all of these achievements doesn't tell the whole story, and that's part of why we're here. It's tempting, given the strengths of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, for us to buy into the myth of the 'model minority', and to overlook the very real challenges that certain Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are facing: from health disparities like higher rates of diabetes and Hepatitis B; to educational disparities that still exist in some communities -- high dropout rates, low college enrollment rates; to economic disparities -- higher rates of poverty in some communities, and barriers to employment and workplace advancement in others. Some Asian American and Pacific Islanders, particularly new Americans and refugees, still face language barriers. Others have been victims of unthinkable hate crimes, particularly in the months after September 11th -- crimes driven by ignorance and prejudice that are an affront to everything that this nation stands for. And then there are the disparities that we don't even know about because our data collection methods still aren't up to par. Too often, Asian American and Pacific Islanders are all lumped into one category, so we don't have accurate numbers reflecting the challenges of each individual community. Smaller communities in particular can get lost, their needs and concerns buried in a spreadsheet. And that's why I'm signing this executive order today, reestablishing the advisory commission and White House initiative created by President Clinton 10 years ago. Because when any of our citizens -- (applause) -- when any of our citizens are unable to fulfill their potential due to factors that have nothing to do with their talent, character, or work ethic, then I believe there's a role for our government to play. Not to guarantee anybody's success or to solve everybody's problems, but to ensure that we're living up to our nation's ideals; to ensure that we can each pursue our own version of happiness, and that we continue to be a nation where all things are still possible for all people. That's the impact that our government can have…” President Barak Obama, October 14, 2009

Africa

May

Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month: May

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May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month as proclaimed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). May is peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers. The month is devoted to limiting exposure to allergens and helping people who have them manage them.

Africa

May

Auctioneers Week, Ntl: May 1-7

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The week, which will again feature a daily morning encouragement and reminder email from NAA leaders, will look like this: National Auctioneers Week and National Auctioneers Day (on Saturday) celebrate the Auctioneering profession and seek to educate the public on auctions. Each day has a different theme leading up to the last day celebrating the profession. Toolkits are available on the National Auctioneers Association Website. Daily themes during the week are: “Logo Monday” – Post the NAA Logo as your social media profile pic. Write a post about how excited you are that it is National Auctioneers Week. Tag it with #AuctionsWork and #NAAPro! “Teach ‘em Tuesday” – Highlight your commitment to continuing education as an NAA member and how your commitment puts the “Pro” in #NAAPro! Also, if it applies to you, take this opportunity to explain your designations. Tell people what those letters behind your name mean! “Walk The Talk Wednesday” – As an auction professional, you are an advocate for your community in many ways. Posting photos of you and your elected officials is always important, but this year, you also can clearly explain your community advocacy efforts and value through an NAA-supplied social media post! “Banner Success Thursday” – Show your clients love! Post photos and videos of your clients holding your “Success with our #NAAPro!” sign. Social media post: #AuctionsWork when facilitated by an #NAAPro! “Philanthropy Friday” – Nearly every auction professional is involved in his or her community’s philanthropic activities in some way, and an NAA member’s time, effort, and fundraising abilities are often sought after. Now, you can highlight your involvement and bring awareness to the groups you help throughout the year! Tag them in a post and tell your stories of how #AuctionsWork for so many great causes. “Celebration Saturday” – It’s National Auctioneers Day! Let’s honor your clients and customers by sharing a heartfelt message to them on your page. NAA will supply you with an example! And, cap off your post with a call to action or invitation to an upcoming auction, to do business, or to tour your auction company. Open those doors!

Africa

May

Barbecue Month, Ntl.: May

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Every May, to kick-off the summer, Americans celebrate National Barbecue Month. Whether you’re a sucker for tri-tip, or a master at grilling veggies, this is the month to take the kitchen outside and discover the delicious flavors of flame cooked food. Barbecue parties are a worldwide tradition, the great bringer together of families and friends. Every culture barbecues. Every culture loves to bbq and this is the month to celebrate it.

Africa