August is Appropos

A toddler playing in the fountain at a park in Santa Fe, New Mexico—Photo LD Lewis.

In August, we live through the Dog Days of Summer. It's hot and often humid, and those who can leave for better climates do. Down south, winter is in full force.

For August, I've collected an eclectic group of events for this issue, ranging from English tea, numeracy and Irish heritage to dog bones and the homeless. The deep dive is National Child Support Month.

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THEMES IN AUGUST

August is traditionally a vacation month in Europe, Canada and the Gulf States, where employees typically get 28 or more days off a year. This benefit is central to the Northern Hemisphere tourism industry. However, generous vacation time is not a given in all advanced economies.

By comparison, in the United States, you're lucky if you get five vacation days a year. Contract, part-time and most service employees rarely get paid vacation. Salaried employees often have vacation and sick leave combined by employers and sold as "personal days." Catch the flu? Lose most or all your paid (vacation) time off to sick days. Tip for the tourism industry: Unless self-employed, working Americans tend to plan vacations around the seven national holidays to extend their meager vacation allotment.

August is Back to School Month in much of the Northern Hemisphere. Back to school means focusing on preparation: eye exams, hearing tests, haircuts, dental visits, clothing, supplies, and signing up for extracurricular activities. Any company or organization supplying these products and services will experience a bump in business.

Teachers for all grades, including at university, post their wishlists for classroom materials and assistance on DonorsChoose.org. If you're looking for a tax deduction in the United States and a way to help a teacher in your community, this is how you do it.

The Democratic National Convention will command attention in the United States on August 19-22, and hopefully not because it drew attention the last time it was held in Chicago in 1968. Then, antiwar protests and violence marked it.

It's fire season, and we're approaching the apex of hurricane season in the Northern Hemisphere in September. Organizations that address natural disasters will be busy.

The Summer Olympics continue in Paris, France, through August 11. The Paralympics begin on August 28.

County and State Fairs, festivals and other entertainment venues also reign worldwide. If you're willing to get out and do it, there is lots to do.

August 30th marks the three-year anniversary of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan.

For additional August events, see my August 2023 and August 2022 issues

Please note: We're transitioning to a new content management system and server for LEEP Calendar. As a result, you may experience some technical issues when clicking through to events. It's been an interesting ride that is driving me nuts. I apologize in advance!

Let's start with a stunning tradition in Japan, the Obon Festival.

Releasing lanterns onto the water is a major part of the Obon Festival—Promptography LD Lewis.

OBON FESTIVAL

Dates: August 13-16, 2024

Location: Japan

Champion: Cultural Tradition. No Sponsor.

Buddhist cultures respect their ancestors, and the Bon Festival, Obon Festival, or Feast of Lanterns is one of the more spectacular tributes in the culture. Depending on location, this three-day celebration occurs around the fifteenth of August (in July if the region still adheres to the lunar calendar). Festivities include bonfires on hills and lanterns lit throughout the towns. Buddhists believe the spirits of the dead come back to earth during this time, and the lanterns and bonfires guide them home.

The Bon Festival Week in mid-August is one of Japan's three major holiday seasons.

Buildings are lit in pink and purple throughout Australia during EOS Awareness Week—Promptography LD Lewis

NATIONAL EOS WEEK

Date: August 4-10, 2024

Location: Australia

Champion: ausEE Inc.

In early August, landmarks and buildings in Australia are lit in pink and purple to raise awareness of eosinophilic diseases. National EOS Awareness Week is an Australian awareness campaign and research fundraiser.

The following is a description of what EOS is from the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders' press release:

"Eosinophils (pronounced "ee-oh-sin-oh-fills") are a type of white blood cell that helps our immune systems fight off infections and parasites. They also play a role in allergic reactions and inflammatory processes.

Symptoms of eosinophil disease may vary depending on the area of the body and age. Patients often embark on a long, frustrating journey of seeing many different specialists before a diagnosis is made. Although not commonly life-threatening, these chronic diseases require lifelong treatment and can cause debilitating symptoms. Most subsets of eosinophil-associated disease do not yet have an FDA-approved pharmaceutical indicated for treatment."

The United States holds its Eosinophilic event in May.

Give a Dog a Bone Week helps the unhoused care for their pets—Promptography LD Lewis.

GIVE A DOG A BONE WEEK

Dates: August 6-12, 2024

Location: United States

Champion: Pets of the Homeless

Fundraiser to supply food, care and medicine for pets of the homeless

Give a Dog a Bone Week seeks to raise awareness about homeless pet owners' challenges and to collect essential supplies and funds to assist them. The event highlights the deep bond between homeless individuals and their pets, emphasizing their role in providing companionship, emotional support, and security.

Statistics indicate that approximately 20-25% of homeless individuals have pets. These pets offer their owners unconditional love and a sense of purpose, making them invaluable companions. However, homeless pet owners often struggle to provide adequate food, shelter, and veterinary care for their animals. Give a Dog a Bone Week helps meet the immediate needs of homeless pets and raises awareness about the broader issue of homelessness and the importance of supporting vulnerable populations.

Temple Bar area of Dublin in the rain—Photo LD Lewis

NATIONAL HERITAGE WEEK

Dates: August 17-25, 2024

Location: Ireland

Champion: The Heritage Council

National Heritage Week aims to engage people of all ages in appreciating and preserving Ireland's diverse cultural, natural, and built heritage.

Since its inception in 2005, Heritage Week has grown into a major event, drawing participants from across the island. The week-long celebration includes activities designed to educate, entertain, and inspire.

Heritage Week involves the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, emphasizing the island's shared cultural and historical bonds. Various events encourage cross-community participation and collaboration. Each event preserves Ireland's heritage and encourages public involvement in conservation efforts. It also seeks to instill a sense of pride and ownership in Ireland's rich cultural legacy and promote sustainability and respect for historical and natural environments.

Can you make change without a calculator? That's numeracy. Since you're reading this, you have literacy—Promptography LD Lewis

LITERACY AND NUMERACY WEEK

Dates: August 29 - September 4, 2024

Location: Australia

Champion: Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation

Seeking to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes, Literacy and Numeracy Week engages students, educators, and communities in various educational activities. The event promotes the importance of these skills in achieving academic success and preparing students for future employment and personal growth.

Literacy is the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively. It involves understanding, interpreting, and engaging with written texts, enabling individuals to acquire knowledge, express ideas, and participate fully in society.

Numeracy, on the other hand, is the ability to understand and work with numbers. It encompasses a range of skills, including basic arithmetic, problem-solving, and the ability to interpret data, which are essential for managing daily tasks and making informed decisions.

Since its inception, Literacy and Numeracy Week has grown in scope and impact, which is crucial in promoting these essential skills and supporting educational development nationwide.

The Roma were singled out for extermination by the Third Reich and lost 25% of their global population in the Holocaust—Photo Creative Commons.

INTERNATIONAL ROMA HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

Date: August 2, [1944]

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Designated by the EU Parliament

Roma Holocaust Remembrance Day draws attention to the Roma survivors, who continue to struggle with persecution and prejudice in many parts of Europe and America.

The Nazi Holocaust targeted various groups of people whom the eugenics program designated poison to the race. Those targeted included one-quarter of the global Jewish population, over 75,000 mentally ill and disabled persons, people of color, 2.5 million Catholics and Poles, homosexuals, and the Roma (Romani). All those mentioned above were persecuted, interned, and killed. Roma, sometimes called gypsies, travelers, or Romani, like the Jewish population of Europe, lost 25% of their global population, amounting to 550,000 people.

And yet, they are rarely mentioned.

The Roma were singled out beginning December 16, 1942, when Gestapo commander Heinrich Himmler ordered the relocation of all Roma in European countries to the “family camp” of Auschwitz. The Roma wore black triangles on their sleeves and were rounded up, starved, and executed, often digging their graves before being shot or gassed.

With the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, more facts about the Roma Holocaust experience emerged. Researchers believe the actual number of Roma killed might be three times what they initially thought, around 1.5 million.

Afternoon tea is a cherished tradition in English culture—Promptography LD Lewis

AFTERNOON TEA WEEK

Date: August 12-18, 2024

Location: United Kingdom

Champion: Dine Time Ltd.

Afternoon Tea Week began in 2010 to promote neighborliness and common culture. The afternoon tea ritual holds a cherished place in British culture. This time-honored custom, often enjoyed between 3:30 and 5 PM, is more than a light meal; it reflects the nation's affinity for elegance and refinement.

PREPARING THE PERFECT CUP OF ENGLISH TEA

Properly preparing a cup of tea is an art form in England. The process begins with fresh, cold water brought to a rolling boil. Loose-leaf tea (2 grams per cup) is placed in a teapot and warmed with hot water before brewing. Boiling water is added to the damp tea leaves and set aside to steep for three to five minutes, depending on the desired strength.

Next, if desired, milk and sugar (or lemon for some) are added to the cup. This prevents the milk from scalding. Once added, situate a strainer over the teacup and pour the steeped tea into the stainer. The stainer will catch the loose tea leaves. After pouring the tea, stir it in a lateral motion from six to twelve back and forth with the concaved spoon facing you—not round and round, an action that splashes and fails to dissolve the sugar well.

Tea became the official court beverage in England around 1662 when the dowry of a Portuguese princess, Catherine of Braganza, included it upon her marriage to Charles II. The idea of afternoon tea originated with Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, around 1840.

Flags of the world

ANNIVERSARIES AND NATIONAL DAYS

CONFEDERATION DAY

• Switzerland (August 1, 1291)

CONSTITUTION DAY

• Equatorial New Guinea (August 15, 1982)

• Kazakhstan (August 31, 1995)

INDEPENDENCE DAY

• Afghanistan (August 19, 1919)

• Benin (August 1, 1960)

• Bolivia (August 6, 1825)

• Central African Republic (August 13, 1960)

• Chad (August 10, 1960)

• Congo (August 15, 1960)

• Côte d'Ivoire (August 7, 1960)

• Ecuador (August 10, 1809)

• Gabón (August 17, 1960)

• India (August 15, 1947)

• Indonesia (August 17, 1945)

• Jamaica (August 7, 1962)

• Kyrgyzstan (August 31, 1991)

• Moldova (August 27, 1991)

• Niger (August 3, 1960)

• Pakistan (August 14, 1947)

• South Korea (August 15, 1945/1948)

• Trinidad and Tobago (August 31, 1962)

• Ukraine (August 24, 1991)

• Uruguay (August 25, 1825)

NATIONAL DAY

• Singapore (August 9, 1965)

• Macedonia (August 2, 1903)

LIBERATION DAY

• Hong Kong (August 26, 1945)

Steeple chasing—Image Dana Hussain

GLOBAL SPORTING EVENTS AUGUST 2024

• America's Cup (Sailing): August 22 - October 12 —Spain

• Cowal Gathering (Specialty): August 29-31 —United Kingdom

• Grand Prix, Dutch (Auto racing): August 25 —Netherlands

• Great River Tug Fest (Specialty): August 8-10 —United States

• IAAF World U20 Championships (Multi-sport): August 27-31 —Peru

• Little League World Series (Baseball): August 14-25 —United States

• Paralympic Games (Multi-sport): August 28 - September 8 —France

• Summer Olympics (Multi-sport): July 26 - August 11 —France

• T-Rex World Championships (Specialty): August 17 —United States

• Torneo della Quintana (Jousting): August 4 —Italy

• Tour de France Femmes (Cycling): August 12-18 —France

• US Open (Tennis): August 26 - September 8 —United States

• World Bog Snorkeling Championships (Specialty): August 25 —United Kingdom

• World Dog Surfing Championships (Speciality): August 3 —United States

• World Rowing Championships (Aquatic): August 18-25 —Canada

DEEP DIVE FEATURED EVENT

The concept of child support goes back to antiquity and can vary from region to region—Promptography LD Lewis

NATIONAL CHILD SUPPORT MONTH

Dates: August 1-31, 2024

Location: United States

Champion: US Department of Health & Human Services

August marks Child Support Awareness Month in the United States, an initiative designed to raise awareness about the importance of child support and promote children's well-being. The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), a US Department of Health and Human Services division, champions the event. The month-long campaign seeks to educate the public about child support laws, emphasize the importance of parental financial responsibility, and encourage cooperation between parents and child support agencies.

Child Support Awareness Month addresses parents' real challenges in meeting their support obligations. Economic hardships, unemployment, and legal complexities can make providing consistent support a daunting task for some parents. The campaign advocates for programs and services that assist parents in overcoming these barriers, such as job training, employment services, and legal aid.

WHY CHILD SUPPORT?

Child support is crucial because it ensures that children receive the financial resources they need for their health, education, and well-being. Adequate child support contributes to a child's ability to thrive by providing necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical and educational expenses. Child Support Awareness Month aims to highlight these benefits and underscore the positive impact that timely and consistent child support payments have on children's lives.

HOW CHILD SUPPORT IS DETERMINED

Child support is typically determined based on state guidelines that consider various factors, including the income of both parents, the needs of the child, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. Courts use these guidelines to establish a fair and equitable support amount that reflects both parents' financial capabilities and the child's best interests.

Statistics show that a higher percentage of men than women are required to pay child support. According to the US Census Bureau, about 85% of custodial parents who receive child support are mothers, while around 15% are fathers. This disparity reflects traditional custody arrangements, where mothers are more often the primary custodians.

GAY MARRIAGE AND CHILD SUPPORT

With the legalization of gay marriage, child support has indeed become an issue in gay households. Same-sex couples with children who subsequently divorce or separate face the same child support obligations as heterosexual couples. The principles of determining child support remain consistent, focusing on the child's best interests and the financial responsibilities of both parents. As with any family structure, ensuring that children in same-sex households receive adequate support is vital for their well-being.

HISTORY OF CHILD SUPPORT

The concept of child support has a rich and evolving history, reflecting changes in societal attitudes toward family, responsibility, and the welfare of children. Here is a brief overview of its historical evolution, a testament to the progress made in this crucial area.

ANTIQUITY

The idea of supporting one's offspring originate with ancient civilizations. For instance, Roman law required fathers to help their children financially. Similar principles existed in other ancient cultures, where familial obligations were deeply rooted in societal norms.

MEDIEVAL PERIOD

• ENGLAND—During the medieval period, the legal principle of parens patriae("parent of the nation") began to take shape. The Crown had a duty to protect children and others who could not care for themselves. This concept laid the groundwork for future child welfare laws.

19TH CENTURY

• POOR LAWS— During the 17th and 18th centuries, England's Poor Laws required that fathers of illegitimate children provide financial support to prevent the child from becoming a burden on the community. These laws influenced the early American colonies.

• UNITED STATES—English common law heavily influenced early American child support laws. However, during the 19th century, as divorce became more common, the need for structured child support systems grew. Initial laws were rudimentary and often left to the discretion of the courts.

20TH CENTURY

• UNIFORM RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT OF THE SUPPORT ACT (URESA)—In 1950, the U.S. passed URESA to address child support enforcement issues across state lines. This significant step ensured that non-custodial parents could not evade their obligations by moving to another state.

• SOCIAL SECURITY ACT AMENDMENTS (1975)—Title IV-D of the Social Security Act was amended to establish the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), marking a significant shift in policy by emphasizing the enforcement of support orders and the establishment of paternity.

LATE 20TH CENTURY REFORMS

• 1980s—1990s—Various reforms improved the efficiency of child support collection. These included wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and the revocation of professional licenses for non-payment.

• PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND WORK OPPORTUNITY RECONCILIATION ACT (1996)—As part of welfare reform, this act emphasized child support enforcement and required states to create centralized registries for child support orders.

21ST CENTURY

• TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS—The internet's advent and data sharing improvements have streamlined tracking and collecting child support. Electronic payment systems and databases have made it easier to enforce child support orders.

• INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS— Efforts address international child support issues, including the Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance, which the US ratified in 2007.

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

• EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS—As societal norms continue to evolve, so does the approach to child support. Issues such as the inclusion of same-sex couples, the equitable calculation of support payments, and the provision of support services for non-custodial parents remain central to ongoing policy discussions.

• ECONOMIC CHALLENGES—The economic hardships brought about by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the need for flexible and supportive child support systems that can adapt to changing circumstances.

Ongoing efforts continue to refine and improve the system to better serve the needs of children and families.

CHILD SUPPORT IN EASTERN vs WESTERN CULTURES

The approaches to child support in Eastern and Western cultures reflect broader cultural, legal, and societal differences. Broadly speaking, Eastern cultures focus on the "we" or communal interests, whereas Western cultures focus more on the "me" or the individual's needs and circumstances. International law and the challenges of a global society are blending these two approaches.

Here is a comparative analysis of how these regions handle child support:

WESTERN CULTURES AND CHILD SUPPORT

Europe, Russia, Oceana, and North America, with some crossover in Central and South America

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

• FORMAL LEGAL SYSTEMS—Western countries, particularly those in Europe and North America, typically have well-established legal frameworks governing child support. These systems often involve detailed legislation and formal court processes to establish, enforce, and modify child support orders.

• GOVERNMENT AGENCIES—In the U.S., for example, the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) oversees the implementation of child support laws, ensuring compliance through mechanisms like wage garnishment and tax refund interceptions.

WESTERN CULTURAL ATTITUDES SHAPING POLICY

• INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY—Western cultures often emphasize personal responsibility and the legal obligation of both parents to support their children, regardless of marital status or financial situation.

• SUPPORT MECHANISMS—A solid institutional support system, including legal aid, child support enforcement agencies, and social services, assists custodial parents in securing support.

CHALLENGES

• ENFORCEMENT ACROSS JURISDICTIONS— Ensuring compliance can be complex, especially involving parents in different states or countries.

• NON-TRADITIONAL FAMILIES—Adapting child support laws to accommodate diverse family structures, including same-sex couples and cohabiting parents, is an ongoing process.

EASTERN CULTURES AND CHILD SUPPORT

Middle East, Asia, and Africa, with some crossover to Central and South America.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR CHILD SUPPORT

• VARIED SYSTEMS—In many Eastern countries, legal systems regarding child support can be less formalized than Western counterparts. The extent of legal infrastructure and enforcement mechanisms varies widely across countries.

• TRADITIONAL PRACTICES—In some regions, child support might be governed more by customary practices, religious texts or tribunals, and community norms than formal legal systems.

EASTERN CULTURAL ATTITUDES SHAPING CHILD SUPPORT

• FAMILY-CENTRIC APPROACH—Eastern cultures often emphasize extended family responsibility, where the broader family network, including grandparents and other relatives, may contribute to child-rearing and financial support.

• COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY—Eastern cultures strongly focus on collective familial support, where the child's well-being is considered a shared responsibility among relatives rather than just the parents.

EASTERN CULTURE CHILD SUPPORT CHALLENGES

• ENFORCEMENT—Legal enforcement of child support can be challenging in places where formal systems are less robust. Social stigma often suffices in cultures where patriarchy and family lineage are essential. Cultural norms may also discourage formal legal action.

• ECONOMIC FACTORS—Economic disparities and lack of access to formal legal assistance can impede the ability of custodial parents to secure adequate support.

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Examples

1. JAPAN

LEGAL AND CULTURE BLEND—Japan has formal child support laws, but enforcement can be inconsistent. Cultural expectations often strongly emphasize family harmony, which can affect formal legal proceedings.

2. CHINA

RECENT LEGAL REFORMS—China's legal framework for child support has been evolving, with recent reforms to strengthen the enforcement of support orders. However, traditional family structures and reliance on extended family support remain influential.

3. INDIA

DIVERSE PRACTICES—India's approach varies significantly across its regions. While formal laws exist, many child support issues can be resolved through informal community or familial arrangements. The legal process can be lengthy and complex, often influenced by socio-economic factors.

CONCLUSION

Child Support Awareness Month underscores the importance of financial responsibility and the collective effort needed to support children's growth and development. It reminds us that child support is not just a legal obligation but a vital contribution to the future of the nation's children.

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The next issue will focus on events in September 2024. Please like and share; if you're not a subscriber, please join me by subscribing!

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Last updated: Oct 4th 2024