Global Community Engagement Day promotes active community engagement and addresses societal challenges that enhance communities' well-being. The event began in South Australia, a state known for its progressive community involvement and social planning approach. South Australian community leaders and organizations emphasized the need for a dedicated day to celebrate and promote the principles of community engagement. Community engagement is a dynamic process involving working collaboratively with groups affiliated by geographic proximity, special interests, or similar situations. The core principles of community engagement are essential for ensuring that this process is effective, inclusive, and sustainable. These principles include: 1) Inclusivity and Diversity—engaging various voices to ensure processes reflect the community and incorporate a broad spectrum of perspectives and experiences. 2) Openness and Transparency—transparency builds trust and ensures that the community understands how their input is used and their needs are addressed. 3) Mutual Respect and Recognition—respecting all participants' knowledge, insights, and values form the basis of a productive engagement. 4) Purposeful and Outcome-Oriented—clear objectives and focus on achieving tangible outcomes that benefit the community through realistic goals and working collaboratively. 5) Empowerment and Capacity Building—building the community's skills, knowledge, and confidence, ensuring all participate fully. 6) Collaboration and Partnerships—engaging stakeholders, pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise. 7) Flexibility and Responsiveness—adapting to the changing needs and circumstances of the community by being responsive to feedback and willing to adjust strategies. 8) Sustainability and Long-term Commitment—planning for outcomes and ongoing involvement to ensure lasting benefits for the community. 9) Accountability and Feedback—regularly evaluate and respond to participants to maintain accountability. 10) Integrated and Holistic Approach—adapting interconnections among various community issues to increase engagement and seek solutions. Each of the above guides the planning, implementation, and evaluation of engagement activities, ensuring people are respectful and effective while communities thrive. Global Community Engagement Day serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the results achieved when communities work together towards common goals. Today, Global Community Engagement Day is recognized globally, with various events, workshops, and activities organized to mark the occasion. These events often focus on sharing best practices, showcasing successful community projects, and exploring new ways to engage citizens in decision-making processes.

Africa

Jan

Compliment Day, Ntl.: January 24*

06:20 AM | -

National Compliment Day was created in 1998 by two women, Debby Hoffman and Kathy Chamberlin of New Hampshire, to demonstrate that there is more to happiness in giving than receiving. The objective of the day is to complement at least five people. National Compliment Day is a day to focus on the positive and find something good in everyone you meet today. Everyone appreciates compliments, yet they are often hard to come by. National Compliment Day is one of two compliment days. World Compliment Day occurs in March.

Africa

Jan

Conconully Outhouse Races (US-WA): January 18-19

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The Conconully Outhouse Races are the original wooden privy races and an annual winter event in the town of Conconully, Washington. They offer a unique, whimsical take on traditional winter sports. Characterized by camaraderie, competition, and a good dose of humor, the event is as much a part of the town's identity as its mining history. The tradition started in 1983 and continues annually over the Martin Luther King weekend. In this peculiar race, teams consisting of two pushers and one rider compete against each other on a snow-covered Main Street, propelling homemade outhouses mounted on skis. The outhouses are uniquely designed and decorated according to specific rules. Each racing privy must have a toilet seat and a roll of toilet paper and be at least six feet tall from the base to the structure's highest point. However, these requirements leave room for creativity, creating various colorful and imaginative outhouses. The race is split into several categories: Men's, Women's, and Co-Ed, with trophies and bragging rights up for grabs. The pushers' speed, the rider's skill, and the quality of the outhouse's construction all play a role in determining the victors. Despite the chilly weather, spectators line the race route, enjoying the spectacle, local food, and winter festivities. 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

Jan

Confederate Heroes Day (US-TX)(1807): January 19*

06:20 AM | -

On different days, Confederate Memorial Day is observed in most former states of The Confederacy. In some cases, like Georgia, it is no longer referred to as Confederate Memorial Day but rather as a state holiday. It is an official state holiday that honors the men who died fighting for The Confederacy during the American Civil War, 1861-1865. The 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 in 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 insist that the Confederacy played a part in shaping who we are, and to deny a portion of our past, good and bad, is selective censorship. Both sides have points. Confederate Memorial Day can be used to explore the unspoken but oft-deployed prejudices, which are real. It also opens discussions of extreme political correctness, which squelches debate and is equally intolerant. Whether you side with the detractors or the proponents, the best way to acknowledge this day is to spend some time reading the Constitution of the United States and learning history. History, not social studies. History teaches the how and why; social studies do not. 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 the history of the American people, not the leaders, barons, and wealthy. It looks at the nation from the perspective of the 99%, the immigrants, migrant workers, women, religious minorities, Native Americans, slaves, and the common man. The Confederacy existed, and it impacted and continues to impact American history. Ignoring it doesn't make it go away, and squashing debate on it doesn't work. Learning about it and understanding the whys and hows is the best defense against a second tearing asunder. Listen/Watch Howard Zinn's Peoples History of the United States: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCHuPpyoyBQ&list=PLCtsSTwQSIOKrtS_vyTAVuWLGnCB7Dbs8.

Africa

Jan

Conscience Month, Ntl.: January

06:20 AM | -

National Conscience Month celebrates and raises awareness about the value of using your conscience to guide better decisions. Created by American Meditation Institute founders Leonard and Jenness Perlmutter, National Conscience Month will take place each January, beginning in 2020. During Conscience Month, observers are encouraged to explore more about their conscience — from what it is, how it works, to how to access it reliably. People who consult their consciences regularly experience more positive outcomes and find they can be happier and healthier in the long term. Contact the American Meditation Institute to learn more.

Africa

Jan

Cooperatives, Year of International: 2025

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UNITED NATIONS'

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF COOPERATIVES

The United Nations declared 2025 the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) to highlight cooperatives' role in socio-economic development, promote their formation and growth, and raise public awareness of their contributions to economic stability and community building.

OBJECTIVES

Raise Awareness—Increase public understanding of the benefits of cooperatives and their contributions to social and economic development.

Promote Growth—Encourage the formation and growth of cooperatives worldwide.

Strengthen Partnerships—Foster and enhance partnerships between cooperatives, governments, and other stakeholders.

Showcase Impact—Demonstrate how cooperatives improve people's lives and strengthen communities.

WHAT ARE COOPERATIVES?

Cooperatives are member-owned, member-controlled enterprises that operate for the benefit of their members through voluntary and open membership principles, democratic member control, economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training, and information, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for the community.

IMPACT ON LIFE AND ECONOMIES

Economic Stability—Cooperatives contribute to financial stability by creating jobs, supporting local economies, and generating income for their members.

Social Benefits—They provide benefits such as improved access to goods and services, enhanced social cohesion, and the promotion of democratic values.

Sustainability—Many cooperatives prioritize sustainable practices, contributing to environmental conservation and responsible resource management.

Empowerment—Cooperatives empower members by giving them a say in decision-making processes and enabling them to benefit directly from their enterprises.

HISTORY OF COOPERATIVES

The cooperative movement's roots are in the 19th century, although cooperative practices can be traced back to earlier times.

The modern cooperative movement began with the Rochdale Pioneers in England in 1844. They established the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, considered the prototype of modern cooperatives. Their principles, known as the Rochdale Principles, became the foundation for cooperative organizations worldwide.

The cooperative model quickly spread across Europe and North America, adapting to various economic sectors, including agriculture, retail, finance, and housing.

Throughout the 20th century, cooperatives expanded globally, especially in developing countries, to combat poverty, enhance food security, and provide essential services.

Today, cooperatives play a crucial role in economies worldwide, with millions of members benefiting from cooperative enterprises in diverse sectors such as agriculture, banking, health care, and energy.

The United Nations' International Year of Cooperatives in 2025 is pivotal for recognizing and promoting cooperatives' significant contributions to sustainable development and community well-being. This recognition continues to support cooperatives' growth and influence in the global economy.

Africa

Jan

Cordova Iceworm Festival (US-AK): January 25 - February 1

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Throughout the glaciers and ice in northern climates, worms thrive. They're an essential part of the ecosystem and enjoy freezing temperatures. Each year, the city of Cordova, Alaska, hosts the Cordova Iceworm Festival to welcome the little worms' emergence before the spring thaw. The tradition started with a single-day event in 1961. Today, festivities cover an entire week. 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

Jan

Corn Chip Day, Ntl.: January 29

06:20 AM | -

National Corn Chip Day is a day to acknowledge and honor fried or baked cornmeal, divided into bite-sized pieces, usually sold in bags and eaten alone or with a dip. Since 1932, people have been indulging in corn chips. It started when C.E. "Elmer" Doolin bought a bag of fried corn chips and realized he'd discovered gold. Doolin sold his mother's wedding ring and purchased the recipe, and he immediately began manufacturing them under the name "Frito." Ever since that day, we've been enjoying corn chips.

Africa

Jan

Cotton Bowl, Goodyear (US-TX): January 10

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THE SOFTER SIDE OF FOOTBALL: THE COTTON BOWL The Cotton Bowl, a revered institution in American college football, boasts a storied history that traces back to its founding in 1937. The brainchild of Dallas oilman J. Curtis Sanford, the inaugural game kicked off on January 1, 1937, at the Cotton Bowl stadium in Dallas, Texas. Originally conceived to bolster tourism in Dallas, the Cotton Bowl swiftly ascended to a position of eminence and influence within the college football community. Traditionally held on New Year's Day, the Cotton Bowl was one of the major bowl games, often featuring top teams from the Southwestern and Southeastern United States. Its importance grew as it became part of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) in 1998, aligning it with the national championship race and attracting higher-ranked teams. In 2014, the Cotton Bowl was anointed as one of the six esteemed bowls in the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, a testament to its enduring significance. It now takes center stage, hosting national semifinal games every three years in rotation with the other New Year's Six bowls: the Rose, Orange, Sugar, Peach, and Fiesta Bowls. This pivotal role in the CFP system underscores the Cotton Bowl's influence in determining the national champion. The competition typically features high-profile teams from various conferences, but the participants can vary depending on conference agreements and CFP selections. Historically, Big 12 and Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams have often competed in the Cotton Bowl. Still, introducing the CFP has broadened the pool of potential participants to include top teams from across the nation. The Cotton Bowl is not just a game but a celebrated event in college football, drawing large crowds and significant media attention. It symbolizes excellence and tradition in the sport, providing memorable moments and contributing to the cultural fabric of college football in America.

Africa

Jan

Cream Puff Day, (Profiterole) Ntl.: January 2

06:20 AM | -

National Cream Puff Day celebrates cream puffs! The cream puff, or the "profiterole" in French, is a pastry ball filled with a sweet filling such as whipped cream, custard, pastry cream, or ice cream. The words "cream puff" were first documented in 1604. In 1851, the pastry cream puff first appeared on an American menu.

Africa

Jan

Creativity Month, Intl.: January

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For one month each year, the world celebrates International Creativity Month, a month to remind individuals and organizations around the globe to capitalize on the power of creativity. Unleashing creativity is vital for personal and business success in this age of accelerating change. January, the first month of the year, provides an opportunity to take a fresh approach to problem-solving and renew confidence in our creative capabilities. International Creativity Month was founded by Randall Munson and is celebrated worldwide annually in January. Take advantage of International Creativity Month to refocus your attention and creatively improve your business and personal activities.

Africa

Jan

Crime Stoppers Month (CA): January

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Canadian Crime Stoppers Month honors Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers is a civilian, non-profit, charitable organization that forges alliances between community activists, the police department, and the media to reduce crime and keep neighborhoods safe. This month is about raising awareness of Crime Stoppers, recruiting citizen volunteers, and educating the community about best practices in safety and security. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police champion Canadian Crime Stoppers Month.

Africa

Jan

Croissant Day, Ntl.: January 30

06:20 AM | -

National Croissant Day celebrates the airy pastry called the croissant. A popular legend says croissants first appeared in 1683 in Austria. At that time, the Ottoman Empire besieged Vienna, Austria. Austria outlast the siege. Tall tales suggest they celebrated victory over the Islamic empire with crescent-shaped pastries. Why a crescent? It's the symbol of Islam—or is it? Here's the problem with that legend. The crescent and star were not associated with Islam until the late 1700s when the Ottoman Empire emblazoned their flag with the symbol. Before that, there was no universal symbol for Islam like the cross or fish in Christianity. The Star of David, likewise, is not an ancient symbol for Judaism. The star was adopted by the Zionist movement at the turn of the last century and represents a political movement associated with the faith. The star and crescent exist on artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age (3300 BC to 1200 BC). It is found on Roman coins, within the symbols of the Knights Templar, and in various Christian iconography. So if the legend about 17th-century bakers in Austria is incorrect, where did croissants come from? Croissants are the children of a 13th-century bread called the Kipferi, a crusted yeast bread baked in a 3/4 circle. The baking style required to make a croissant incorporates layers of yeast bread with butter folded on each other, then twisted. This technique first appeared in the late 1830s in France at August Zang's Pastry shop in Paris, the Boulangerie Viennoise. Zang was Austrian, so Austria is part of the story. Zang took his light-layered creation and folded its ends toward each other, forming the now iconic crescent shape. By 1869, the croissant made its way to breakfast tables throughout France and had become a staple. The puff pastry received one more boost in popularity when Charles Dickens mentioned it in his periodical "All the Year Round" in 1872. Now you know the brief history of one of the world's favorite carbs, the croissant, and the origins of religious trademarks. With today being Croissant Day, why not indulge in one yourself?

Africa

Jan

Cuckoo Dancing Week: January 11-17

06:20 AM | -

Cuckoo Dance Week is a tribute to the comedy team of Laurel and Hardy. Their theme song was called 'The Dance of the Cuckoos.' It's a week to rediscover the joy of the comic team during the seven days leading up to Oliver Hardy's birthday, January 18, 1892. Created by the late William T. Rabe.

Africa

Jan

Cuddle Up Day: January 6

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National Cuddle Up Day is your day to put the non-cuddling types in your life on notice and get them to step up their game. Or, you could cuddle up with a blanket on the porch before a fire or wherever your cuddle IQ takes you. Cuddling is an act of complete closeness and intimacy that even sex seems non-romantic and non-intimate compared to it. Cuddling is customary for most mammals and birds. At a primal, deep level, it provides comfort and joy. Cuddling displays and build trust and affection. The act of cuddling releases feel-good hormones, including Oxytocin and others in the brain. Cuddling makes us happier and relieves stress.

Africa