POSITIVE IMPACT! Tools for respecting differences 2016 CALENDAR SEE INSIDE! About this Calendar and Resource Guide T he Mountain States Region of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is proud to share our 2016 Positive Impact! Calendar and Resource Guide and hope you will take advantage of the valuable resources within its pages. After 12 years, with the support of our generous sponsors featured throughout the calendar, we are proud to continue to send copies of this great resource to schools, homes, businesses and community and civic organizations across Colorado and Wyoming. The pages within provide an opportunity for all of us to consider the complexities of acting as an ally. We often underestimate how difficult it can be to confront bias, bullying and bigotry. Therefore, this year’s calendar includes questions and suggestions to engage your neighbors, co-workers, family, friends and the youth in your life about how to act as an ally, considering safety concerns, the context and different strategies to employ. We must take notice of prevalent issues related to race and racism in our nation today including, but not exclusive of, the strife following the tragic hate crime at Charleston, South Carolina’s AME Church. We hope the resource “Empowering Kids in the Aftermath of Hate” (November) will help you to create explicit conversations with peers and with our youth to discuss these complex issues. “Books Can Shape our World” (May) offers another way to develop understanding and openness. Lastly, we also have included extraordinary youth-created artwork. ADL’s 2014-2015 No Place for Hate® student art contest winners created vibrant and imaginative artwork at all grade levels by responding to our theme “Imagine A World Without Hate.” Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the students that participated. For over 73 years in the Mountain States Region, ADL has led the fight to stop all forms of bigotry and prejudice through ADL’s mission, which has been the same since its inception in 1913 — to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all. We are glad you have joined ADL in this important effort to create more inclusive communities, classrooms and workplaces by proactively combating bias, bigotry and bullying. Neil Oberfeld ADL Regional Board Chair Scott L. Levin ADL Regional Director The Gill Foundation’s Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado proudly supports the ADL and its No Place for Hate program. For Colorado A Program of the Gill Foundation © 2016 Anti-Defamation League January 2016 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U DECEMBER 2015 “I raise up my voice, not so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard.” —Malala Yousafzai 3 4 5 FEBRUARY 2016 SMTWT F S SMTWT F S 6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 31 4 5 11 12 18 19 25 26 6 EPIPHANY 2 9 16 23 3 10 17 24 4 11 18 25 5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27 7 7 F R I 1 2 New Year’s Day TEMPLE DAY Buddhist 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30 Christian GURU GOBIND SINGH JI’S BIRTHDAY Sikh 10 11 12 CHRISTMAS Armenian Orthodox Christian 13 CHRISTMAS Eastern Christian 14 MAKAR SANKRANTI Hindu 17 18 19 20 21 NO NAME-CALLING WEEK January 18-22 WORLD RELIGION DAY Bahá’í 24 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S BIRTHDAY 25 26 27 MAHAYANA NEW YEAR (Buddhist) January 24-27 31 TU B’SHVAT Jewish UN HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 28 S A T No Place for Hate® Student Art Contest Winner Middle School First Place Winner — Ismael J., 7th grade, J Evans IB Middle School PROUDLY SPONSORED BY © 2016 Anti-Defamation League FEBRuary 2016 7 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U JANUARY 2016 SMTWT F S 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 31 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 7 1BLACK HISTORY VALENTINE’S DAY 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 SHROVE TUESDAY ASH WEDNESDAY 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 S A T MONTH Feb. 1-28 CLEAN MONDAY Eastern Christian NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY 8 LUNAR NEW YEAR 14 F R I 15 SUSAN B. ANTHONY DAY NIRVANA DAY RACE RELATIONS DAY Buddhist 21 22 Western Christian Western Christian PRESIDENTS’ DAY AYYÁM-I-HA OR INTERCALARY DAYS (Bahá’í) February 26-March 1 28 29 MARCH 2016 SMTWT F S 6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 31 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 “Every time someone gives you a formula for what you should be and what you should do, you should know they’re giving you a pair of handcuffs.” —Junot Díaz ¿Está listo para Are You Ready to ser un ALIADO? Be An ALLY? W A find other allies e often get messages that we need to do our part to be an ally. The reality is that it’s not always easy to know when and how to get involved. Here are some things to consider: What are your goals? Why are you getting involved? Keep three goals in mind: • De-escalate the situation: Get it to stop or cool off. • Support the target. • Keep yourself and others safe from harm. Are you prepared? Hopefully your involvement will have positive results, but it could lead to retaliation or an angry response. Consider the following: • Are you prepared to stand up for what you believe is right and hold your ground? • Are there others who will support your actions? • Do you know what to do if you become the target? • Are you capable of handling fallout, such as loss of friendship or hurtful comments? What can you do? Once you decide to get involved, you have options: • Support the target: get the target to a safe space; ask if they’re okay; offer solutions; go with them to get help. • Find other allies: enlist others to take action with you; there is strength in numbers. • Interrupt the cycle: refuse to forward/ laugh at/ “like” hurtful messages. • Confront the situation: make a strong statement to put an immediate stop to the bullying; challenge intentions; express how it feels; or point out consequences. From “Are you ready to be an ally?” For more information, visit www.adl.org/combatbullying menudo recibimos mensajes que nos dicen que necesitamos hacer nuestra parte para ser aliados. La realidad es que no siempre es fácil saber cuándo y cómo involucrarse. Algunas cosas para tener en cuenta: ¿Cuáles son sus metas? ¿Por qué se está involucrando? Tenga presentes tres metas: • Reduzca la intensidad de la situación: Deténgala o apacigue los ánimos. • Apoye a la persona objeto de intimidación. • Manténgase a sí mismo y a otros fuera de peligro. ¿Está preparado? Con suerte su implicación tendrá resultados positivos, pero podría llevar a venganzas o una furiosa respuesta. Considere lo siguiente: • ¿Está preparado para defender lo que cree que es correcto y para mantener su posición? • ¿Hay otros que apoyarán sus acciones? • ¿Sabe qué hacer si se convierte en el blanco? • ¿Es capaz de manejar las consecuencias, tales como pérdida de la amistad o recibir comentarios hirientes? ¿Qué puede hacer? Una vez decida involucrarse, usted tiene opciones: • Apoye a la persona que es objeto de intimidación: lleve la a un lugar seguro; pregúntele si está bien; ofrezca soluciones; acompáñela a buscar ayuda. • Encuentre otros aliados: reclute a otros para que actúen con usted; la unión hace la fuerza. • Interrumpa el ciclo: rehúsese a reenviar/reírse de/darle “me gusta” a mensajes hirientes. • Enfrente la situación: haga una declaración fuerte para poner fin inmediato a la intimidación; desafíe las intenciones; exprese cómo se siente o señale las consecuencias. De “¿Está listo para ser un ALIADO?” Para más información, visite www.adl.org/combatbullying PROUDLY SPONSORED BY © 2016 Anti-Defamation League MARCH 2016 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U FEBRUARY 2016 APRIL 2016 SMTWT F S SMTWT F S 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 2 9 16 23 3 10 17 24 4 11 18 25 5 6 12 13 19 20 26 27 6 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 7 1 2 3 7 F R I 4 S A T 5 NINETEEN-DAY FAST (Bahá’í ) March 2-20 NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH March 1-31 8 9 10 11 12 16 17 18 19 25 26 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY MAHA SHIVARATRI Hindu 13 14 15 ST. PATRICK’S DAY Christian 20 VERNAL EQUINOX PALM SUNDAY Christian 27 EASTER Christian 21 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION 22 NOWRÚZ Zoroastrian 28 23 PURIM Jewish HOLI Hindu HOLY THURSDAY MAGHA PUJA HOLLA MOHALLA Buddhist 29 24 30 Christian Sikh 31 CESAR CHAVEZ DAY GOOD FRIDAY Christian “If you can’t change your fate, change your attitude.” —Amy Tan No Place for Hate® Student Art Contest Winner Middle School Runner Up — Angel P., 8th grade, J Evans IB Middle School PROUDLY SPONSORED BY The Arapahoe High School Community Fund Honoring Claire Davis © 2016 Anti-Defamation League APRIL 2016 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U MARCH 2016 “The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day; a movement is only people moving.” —Gloria Steinem SMTWT F S 6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 31 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 MAY 2016 SMTWT F S 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30 3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25 31 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 F R I 1 2 S A T 7 14 21 28 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 RAMA NAVAMI Hindu VAISAKHI 17 18 19 20 Sikh DAY OF SILENCE 21 22 23 FESTIVAL OF RIDVÁN (Bahá’í ) April 21-May 2 THERAVADA NEW YEAR (Buddhist) April 22-23 24 25 26 27 28 PASSOVER/PESACH (Jewish) April 23-30 ARMENIAN MARTYRS’ DAY 29 30 Books can shape our world. What have you read lately? Los libros pueden dar forma a nuestro mundo. ¿Qué ha leído últimamente? B ooks are a powerful and accessible way to bring up topics such as bias, bullying, identity, culture/heritage, the Holocaust, and more with youth. Books have the power to instill empathy, affirm, teach, transport and inspire action. What book has inspired you? Empathy: Books can foster empathy and understanding of other people and cultures. When children are exposed to other people’s stories, their motivations and feelings, they begin to connect with others on an emotional level, which is foundational for bridging differences. Self-Reflection: “Mirror” books provide affirmation to youth about their lives, their experiences, communities, feelings and more. Positive identity development is crucial during childhood. Choose books with diverse characters and experiences to ensure all children are represented. Teach & Transport: “Window” books teach children about aspects of life that may be unfamiliar. Poignant words and illustrations transport children into new realms, shedding light on and helping children gain comfort with differences. Action: Books create ideas. When children are faced with challenges, it can be difficult for them to know what to do. Books often resonate in ways nothing else does. As youth look for strategies to deal with teasing, bullying, bias and discrimination, books can help them learn how to advocate for themselves or how to be an ally to others. Stories about people who stand up to prejudice and injustice can inspire children to see themselves in others who have fought for justice. For a bibliography of books, visit “Books Matter” at www.adl.org PROUDLY SPONSORED BY L os libros son una poderosa y accesible forma de tratar con los jóvenes asuntos tales como el prejuicio, la intimidación, la identidad, la cultura/ herencia, el Holocausto y otros muchos temas. Los libros tienen el poder de infundir empatía, afirmar, enseñar, transportar e inspirar a la acción. ¿Qué libro le ha inspirado? Empatía: Los libros pueden fomentar la empatía y el entendimiento de otras gentes y culturas. Cuando los niños entran en contacto con las historias de otros, con sus motivaciones y sentimientos, comienzan a conectarse con ellos en un nivel emocional que es fundamental para superar las diferencias. Introspección: Los libros “espejo” proporcionan a la juventud seguridad sobre sus vidas, sus experiencias, comunidades, sentimientos y más. El desarrollo positivo de la identidad es crucial durante la niñez. Elija libros con personajes y experiencias diversas para garantizar que todos los niños estén representados. Enseñar y transportar: Los libros “ventana” enseñan a los niños sobre aspectos de la vida que pueden ser desconocidos para ellos. Las palabras y las ilustraciones conmovedoras transportan a los niños a nuevos mundos, aclarándoles y ayudándoles a sentirse cómodos con las diferencias. Acción: Los libros crean ideas. Cuando los niños enfrentan desafíos, puede ser difícil para ellos saber qué hacer. Los libros a menudo resuenan como ninguna otra cosa. Cuando la juventud busca estrategias para enfrentar las bromas, intimidación, prejuicio y discriminación, los libros pueden ayudarles a aprender cómo defenderse a sí mismos o cómo ser aliados de otros. Las historias sobre personas que enfrentan el prejuicio y la injusticia pueden inspirar a los niños a verse a sí mismos en otros que han luchado por la justicia. Para la bibliografia sobre libros, visite “Books Matter/Los Libros Si Importan” en www.adl.org Elisa Moran and Gary Kleiman © 2016 Anti-Defamation League MAY 2016 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U 1 INTERNATIONAL WORKER’S DAY 2 5 CINCO DE MAYO 6 7 S A T YOM HASHOAH ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH May 1-31 8 4 3 7 F R I Jewish WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY ASCENSION DAY Christian 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 MOTHER’S DAY 15 BUDDHA DAY WORLD DAY FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY FOR DIALOGUE AND DEVELOPMENT Buddhist PENTECOST Christian 22 23 24 25 26 ASCENSION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH Bahá’í 30 MEMORIAL DAY 28 LAG B’OMER DECLARATION OF THE BAB Bahá’í 29 27 Jewish 31 APRIL 2016 JUNE 2016 SMTWT F S SMTWT F S 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 5 6 7 12 13 14 19 20 21 26 27 28 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25 “Every single soul is a poem.” —Michael Franti No Place for Hate® Student Art Contest Winner Upper Elementary School First Place Winner — Mauricio L., 4th grade, Madison Elementary School PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. PROUDLY SPONSORED BY © 2016 Anti-Defamation League 6 JUNE 2016 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U SMTWT F S SMTWT F S 1 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30 LGBT PRIDE MONTH June 1-30 MAY 2016 5 3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25 31 5 12 19 26 JULY 2016 6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28 6 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 31 7 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30 8 7 F R I 2 3 4 9 10 11 S A T RAMADAN (Islamic) June 6-July 5 12 ANNE FRANK DAY LOVING DAY 13 SHAVUOT (Jewish) 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 June 12-13 Race Unity Day FLAG DAY Bahá’í 19 20 JUNETEENTH WORLD REFUGEE DAY FATHER’S DAY SUMMER SOLSTICE 26 27 “Service is the rent that you pay for room on this earth.” —Shirley Chisholm ALL SAINTS DAY Eastern Christian BE AN ALLY! ¡SEA UN ALIADO! Take Action. Stop Bullying. Actúe. Ponga fin a la intimidación. 1. Support targets, whether you know them or not. Show compassion and encouragement to those who are targets. Let them know they aren’t alone. 2. Don’t participate. Do not respond, applaud, “like” or share. By refusing to join in, you send a message that bias and bullying are unacceptable. 3. Tell aggressors to stop. If it feels safe, tell the person behaving badly to cut it out. Let them know immediately or later during a private moment. 4. Be a role model. True allyship is an action, not a label. How do you model respect? Are you positive, negative or supportive of others? Do you gossip? Consider your language in all aspects of your life, including online. be a role model H ave you had a conversation with youth in your life about what it means to be an ally? Try these simple strategies to discuss how to be an ally to targets of name-calling, bullying and bias. Remember to always ensure safety is considered first when deciding the best way to respond. 5. Be aware of how you judge others. Appreciate people for who they are and don’t judge them based on appearance. Get to know people who seem different from you and learn from their perspective. 6. Engage in activism. Many are fighting back with organized efforts to confront bias and bullying, such as asking school administrators how they are upholding a school’s anti-bullying policy; starting their own social media campaign; involving people from across social circles; and educating others. For more information, visit www.adl.org/combatbullying ¿H a sostenido una conversación con los jóvenes en su vida sobre lo que significa ser un aliado? Ensaye estas sencillas estrategias para discutir cómo ser un aliado de quienes son objeto de burlas, intimidación y prejuicios. Recuerde — asegúrese siempre de que la situación es segura al decidir la mejor manera de responder. 1. Apoye a quien es objeto de intimidación, sin importar si lo/la conoce o no. Demuestre compasión y dé ánimo a quienes son blanco de otros. Hágales saber que no están solos. 2. No participe. No responda, aplauda, de “me gusta” o comparta. Al rehusarse a participar, usted envía el mensaje de que el prejuicio y la intimidación son inaceptables. 3. Pida a los agresores que dejen de hacerlo. Si se siente seguro, diga a la persona que se comporta mal que deje de hacerlo. Hable con ellos inmediatamente o más adelante en un momento de privacidad. 4. Sea un modelo de comportamiento. Ser un verdadero aliado es una acción, no una etiqueta. ¿Cómo se gana el respeto? ¿Es usted positivo, negativo o apoya a otros? ¿Es chismoso? Sea consciente de su lenguaje en todos los aspectos de su vida, incluso en línea. 5. Sea consciente de la forma en que juzga a otros. Aprecie a las personas por quiénes son y no las juzgue por su aspecto. Familiarícese con personas que parecen diferentes a usted y aprende de su perspectiva. 6. Dedíquese al activismo. Muchos están luchando con esfuerzos organizados para enfrentar el prejuicio y la intimidación, por ejemplo preguntando a los administradores de la escuela cómo están apoyando la política escolar contra la intimidación; iniciando su propia campaña en los medios sociales; involucrando personas de diversos círculos sociales y educando a otros. Para más información, visite www.adl.org/combatbullying PROUDLY SPONSORED BY © 2016 Anti-Defamation League JULY 2016 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” —Rumi 3 4 5 JUNE 2016 AUGUST 2016 SMTWT F S SMTWT F S 5 6 7 12 13 14 19 20 21 26 27 28 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 6 3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25 7 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 31 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 1 2 Islamic 8 9 MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB Bahá’í Islamic 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 27 28 29 30 DHARMA DAY Buddhist 24 25 26 31 ADA (AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT) DAY S A T LAILA AL-QADR EID AL-FITR INDEPENDENCE DAY 7 F R I No Place for Hate® Student Art Contest Winner Lower Elementary School First Place Winner — Addyson H., 2nd grade, Cottonwood Plains Elementary School PROUDLY SPONSORED BY © 2016 Anti-Defamation League AUGUST 2016 7 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U F R I SMTWT F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 JULY 2016 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 31 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES 14 15 TISHA B’AV OBON 21 22 Jewish 16 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 17 ULAMBANA Buddhist 23 29 30 19 20 26 27 RAKSHA BANDHAN Buddhist Hindu 24 25 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE SLAVE TRADE AND ITS ABOLITION 28 18 KRISHNA JAYANTI Hindu 31 SEPTEMBER 2016 SMTWT F S 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28 1 8 15 22 29 2 3 9 10 16 17 23 24 30 “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds.” —Bob Marley S A T Creating a Culture of Crear una cultura de responsible reporting denuncia responsable From a young age, adults send mixed messages, asking youth not to “tattle,” while also saying they should report bullying or hurtful behavior. This can be confusing and reinforces a culture of not reporting. One idea is to explain: “tattling”/ “snitching” is when you tell on someone to get them INTO trouble, while reporting is when you tell to get someone OUT of trouble. In order to create a safe place for youth to report bullying or cruel behavior, consider: • What systems can be put into practice that would encourage youth to report harmful behavior? • How might adults react or follow-up when a bullying incident is reported so youth feel that reporting had a positive outcome for them? • How and to whom can youth communicate their ideas about responsible reporting so that these ideas are heard and taken seriously? For more information, visit www.adl.org/combatbullying reporting isn’t tattling B eing an ally is not as easy as it looks. Simply asking our youth to “stand up” or to tell an adult about incidences of bias or bullying isn’t always enough. It’s critical to understand the challenges of reporting from their point of view. Research tells us that many youth choose not to involve adults when they witness bullying or cruel behavior for a variety of reasons, such as: • Not wanting to be a “snitch”; • Afraid of retaliation/social isolation; • Initially dismiss the problem as minor; • Aren’t sure who to tell; • Concerned involving an adult won’t actually improve the situation. S er aliado no es tan fácil como parece. Pedirles a nuestros jóvenes que “enfrenten” o informen a un adulto sobre incidentes de prejuicios o intimidación no siempre es suficiente. Es de vital importancia entender —desde el punto de vista de ellos— los desafíos de denunciar algo. Las investigaciones nos dicen que muchos jóvenes elijen no involucrar adultos cuando son testigos de intimidaciones o comportamientos crueles por una variedad de motivos, entre ellos: • No querer ser el “soplón”; • Miedo a venganzas/aislamiento social; • Inicialmente descartan el problema como algo de poca importancia • No están seguros de a quién informar; • Les preocupa que la participación de un adulto realmente no mejore la situación. Desde muy jóvenes, los adultos les envían mensajes contradictorios pidiéndoles que no “sean acusetas” y también que deben denunciar la intimidación o los comportamientos hirientes. Eso puede ser confuso y refuerza una cultura de la no denuncia. Una opción es explicarles que “ser acusetas”/“soplón” es cuando uno acusa a alguien para ponerlo EN apuros. Mientras que la denuncia, es cuando usted informa para SACAR a alguien del apuro. Con el fin de crear un lugar seguro para que la juventud denuncie la intimidación y los comportamientos crueles, tenga en cuenta: • ¿Qué sistemas se podrían implementar para animar a la juventud a denunciar los comportamientos hirientes? • ¿Cómo pueden los adultos reaccionar o hacer seguimiento cuando se denuncia un incidente de intimidación, de manera que los jóvenes sientan que la denuncia tiene un resultado positivo para ellos? • ¿Cómo y a quién puede la juventud comunicar sus ideas sobre la denuncia responsable, de manera que dichas ideas sean escuchadas y tomadas en serio? Para más información, visite www.adl.org/combatbullying PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Connie Burwell White & William White Foundation © 2016 Anti-Defamation League SEPTEMBER 2016 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U AUGUST 2016 “If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people.” —Virginia Woolf 4 5 6 SMTWT F S 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29 7 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 31 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 7 F R I 1 2 3 8 9 10 16 17 S A T 6 13 20 27 LABOR DAY GANESH CHATURTHI INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY Hindu 11 12 13 14 15 EID AL-ADHA (Islamic) September 11–14 PATRIOT DAY 18 CONSTITUTION DAY AND CITIZENSHIP DAY NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Sept. 15-Oct. 15 19 20 21 22 23 24 AUTUMNAL EQUINOX 25 26 27 28 29 30 OCTOBER 2016 SMTWT F S 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 1 8 15 22 29 No Place for Hate® Student Art Contest Winners Upper Elementary School Runner Up — Nikomy R., 3rd grade, Madison Elementary PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Lower Elementary School Runner Up — Staia Y- S., 2nd grade, Palmer Elementary PROUDLY SPONSORED BY The Curtiss-Lusher Family © 2016 Anti-Defamation League OCTOBER 2016 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U ““I try to teach through my opinions, through my speeches, how wrong it is to judge people on the basis of what they look like, the color of their skin, whether they’re men or women.” —Ruth Bader Ginsburg 2 3 4 5 6 7 F R I SEPTEMBER 2016 SMTWT F S 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28 1 8 15 22 29 2 3 9 10 16 17 23 24 30 HISTORY 1 LGBT MONTH NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH October 1-31 7 8 14 15 NAVARATRI (Hindu) October 1-10 MUHARRAM Islamic 9 16 ROSH HASHANAH (Jewish) October 3-4 10 11 12 INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY (Native American Day) COMING OUT DAY ASHURA Islamic YOM KIPPUR Jewish 17 18 19 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY 23 25 SHEMINI ATZERET SIMCHAT TORAH Jewish Jewish 30 31 DIWALI Hindu REFORMATION DAY Christian BANDI-CHHOR DIWAS Sikh HALLOWEEN DASSERA Hindu 20 SUKKOT (Jewish) October 17-23 21 22 28 29 BIRTH OF THE BÁB Bahá’í GUR-GADDI GURU GRANTH SAHIB Sikh 24 UNITED NATIONS DAY 13 26 27 NOVEMBER 2016 SMTWT F S 6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 “Community action is as valuable a principle on the international level as it has been domestically.” —Barney Frank S A T Empowering Kids in the Aftermath of Hate Fortalecer a los niños tras las secuelas del odio A The skills needed to dialogue effectively with children change as they grow. Each child develops differently and at their own pace. Consider these guidelines that are consistent regardless of age: • Treat all questions with respect and seriousness, no matter how difficult they may seem to you. Do not shush, ignore or dismiss them and actively listen. • Clarify the question, so that you understand what is being asked and why. • Answer questions as clearly and honestly as you can, using age-appropriate language and definitions. • Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Correct yourself if you give a “wrong” or incomplete answer. • Be alert to signs of upset, including withdrawal, lack of interest, acting out, fear of school or other activities. • Point out stereotypes on television or in a book and explain why it is unfair to stereotype. • Take appropriate action against prejudice and discrimination. Youth need to know that discriminatory behavior is unacceptable. From “Empowering Kids in the Aftermath of Hate.” For more information, visit www.adl.org/education-outreach PROUDLY SPONSORED BY C actively listen s parents and adult family members, we cannot assume that children are unaware of what is happening in their communities or the world around them. We need to ensure our children have opportunities to express their feelings, ask questions for understanding and to channel their feelings into positive actions in their own lives and communities. How can we begin and continue conversations about terror and violence with children? What can we say or do to help our children feel safe? omo padres y miembros adultos de la familia, no podemos asumir que los niños no son conscientes de lo que sucede en sus comunidades o el mundo a su alrededor. Tenemos que asegurarnos de que nuestros niños y niñas tengan oportunidad de expresar sus sentimientos, hacer preguntas para entender y encauzar sus sentimientos en acciones positivas para sus propias vidas y comunidades. ¿Cómo podemos comenzar y continuar las conversaciones sobre el terror y la violencia con los niños? ¿Qué podemos decir o hacer para que nuestros niños se sientan seguros? Las habilidades necesarias para dialogar efectivamente con los niños cambian a medida que ellos crecen. Cada niño se desarrolla de forma diferente y a su propio ritmo. Tenga en cuenta estas pautas que son consistentes sin importar la edad: • Trate todas las preguntas con respecto y seriedad, sin importar qué tan difíciles le parezcan. No las omita, ignore o descarte y escuche activamente. • Clarifique la pregunta, de modo que entienda lo que le están preguntando y porqué. • Conteste las preguntas tan clara y honestamente como pueda, utilizando un lenguaje y definiciones apropiadas a la edad del niño. • No le tema a los errores. Corríjase si da una respuesta “incorrecta” o incompleta. • Esté alerta a las señales de malestar, incluyendo aislamiento, falta de interés, mal comportamiento, miedo a ir a la escuela u otras actividades. • Señale los estereotipos en la televisión o en un libro y explique porqué es injusto estereotipar. • Tome medidas apropiadas contra el prejuicio y la discriminación. Los jóvenes tienen que saber que el comportamiento discriminatorio no es aceptable. De “Fortalecer a los niños tras las secuelas del odio”. Para más información, visite www.adl.org/education-outreach PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Heyman Family Fund © 2016 Anti-Defamation League NOVEMBER 2016 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U OCTOBER 2016 SMTWT F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 6 DECEMBER 2016 SMTWT F S 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28 1 8 15 22 29 2 3 9 10 16 17 23 24 30 31 7 1NATIONAL 2 3 4 5 10 11 12 14 S A T AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH November 1-30 ALL SAINTS’ DAY ALL SOULS’ DAY 8 9 Western Christian Christian VETERANS’ DAY ELECTION DAY 13 7 F R I 15 16 17 BIRTH OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH Bahá’í 18 19 25 26 AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK November 14-20 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE GURU NANAK DEV JI’S BIRTHDAY Sikh 20 21 22 23 TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE 27 24 DAY OF THE COVENANT Bahá’í THANKSGIVING DAY 28 29 30 “Everyone needs a strong sense of self. It is our base of operations for everything that we do in life.” —Julia Alvarez ADVENT Christian Creating Culture with NO PLACE FOR HATE ® H ow does a positive school culture happen in a school? There are many ways, but it starts with being intentional about your goals and specific with your actions. ADL’s No Place for Hate® Initiative provides a unique framework for schools to incorporate new and existing programs with one consistent message. It is designed to rally the entire school around the goal of stopping all forms of bias and bullying. The No Place for Hate® Initiative is a year-long program, often student-led, with actively engaged adults, who work together to create community language, activities and opportunities to help your school foster a culture of respect and create a safe, bully-free learning environment for students at all grade levels. What’s the first step to get my school involved? • Register your school online: www.adl.org/noplaceforhatedenver. Throughout the school year, resource materials and support from ADL staff will be made available. ““I think it was just the chance for kids to feel that they all belong here. I had a real sense of community from our activities.” —Educator What are the other requirements for my school to be designated Wheeling Elementary School’s 2014-15 No Place for Hate® Coalition in Aurora, CO No Place for Hate®? • Create a coalition to oversee the implementation of your school’s anti-bias programs and projects. • Engage your whole school in signing ADL’s Resolution of Respect and display it in your school. • Complete three or more anti-bullying/diversity education activities within one school year. Visit ADL’s website, denver.adl.org, for a complete list of 101 Ways To Make A Positive Impact in Your Community. • Participate in one of the A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute training programs (programs designed for 30-35 student or 30-40 adult particiDurango High School, Durango, CO — involved with No Place pants). for Hate® for 8 consecutive years including 2015-2016 • Document all steps and activities by submitting the necessary forms to ADL, and receive a No Place for Hate® banner from ADL! The schools that benefit most from this Initiative make it visible and incorporate its message of respect into the fabric of daily school life and school culture. No Place for Hate® becomes, as one teacher describes, “the way we do things here.” For more information about No Place for Hate® visit: www.adl.org/noplaceforhatedenver or contact ADL’s office at 303-830-7177. © 2016 Anti-Defamation League DECEMBER 2016 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U “The ties that bind us are stronger than the occasional stresses that separate us.” — Colin Powell 4 5 NOVEMBER 2016 JANUARY 2017 SMTWT F S SMTWT F S 6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 29 30 6 1 8 15 22 29 2 3 9 10 16 17 23 24 30 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 31 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 6 7 13 14 20 21 27 28 7 1 2 9 BODHI DAY 12 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE 13 14 15 3 10 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY Buddhist 11 S A T INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISABLED PERSONS WORLD AIDS DAY 8 7 F R I 16 17 Christian MAWLID AL-NABI 18 19 MAWLID AL-NABI BILL OF RIGHTS DAY Islamic (Sunni) 20 21 Islamic (Shi’a) 22 23 24 29 30 31 WINTER SOLSTICE 25 26 27 28 CHANUKAH (Jewish) December 25-January 1, 2017 KWANZAA December 26-January 1, 2017 CHRISTMAS Western Christian WOUNDED KNEE DAY January 2017 7 S U N M O N T U E S W E D T H U 1 F R I 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 20 21 27 28 New Year’s Day TEMPLE DAY Buddhist 8 EPIPHANY Christian CHRISTMAS Armenian Orthodox Christian 15 16 17 18 CHRISTMAS Eastern Christian 19 NO NAME-CALLING WEEK January 16-20 MAKAR SANKRANTI Hindu 22 WORLD RELIGION DAY Bahá’í 29 MAHAYANA NEW YEAR 23 24 25 26 31 SMTWT F S DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S BIRTHDAY 30 Buddhist TU B’SHVAT Jewish DECEMBER 2016 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28 1 8 15 22 29 FEBRUARY 2017 SMTWT F S 2 3 1 2 9 10 5 6 7 8 9 16 17 12 13 14 15 16 23 24 19 20 21 22 23 30 31 26 27 28 3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25 “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” —Jackie Robinson S A T Calendar of OBSERVANCES T he increasingly pluralistic population of the United States creates diverse communities, student bodies and employees. To enhance mutual understanding and respect among the various religious, ethnic and cultural groups, the Anti-Defamation League offers this Calendar of Observances as a tool to increase awareness and sensitivity about religious obligations as well as ethnic and cultural festivities that may affect students, colleagues and neighbors. The calendar includes significant multi-faith religious observances of the major faiths represented in the United States. Thus, it can be used as a resource when planning school exam timetables and school activities, or when scheduling workplace festivities and community events. In addition, the calendar notes U.S. holidays that are either legal holidays or observed in various states and communities throughout the country. A third component is the inclusion of important national and international observances that may be commemorated in the U.S. The dates of secular holidays are based on the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly used for civil dating purposes. Many religions and cultures follow various traditional calendar systems that are often based on the phases of the moon with occasional adjustments for the solar cycle. Therefore, specific Gregorian calendar dates for these observances will differ from year to year. In addition, calculation of specific dates may vary by geographical location and according to different sects within a given religion. Bahá’i, Jewish and Islamic holidays begin at sundown the previous day and end at sundown on the date listed. ADA (AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT) DAY • Commemorates the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which guarantees equal opportunity for people with disabilities. ADVENT (Christian) • Advent is a season of spiritual preparation in observance of the birth of Jesus. In Western Christianity, it starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. In Eastern Christianity, the season is longer and begins in the middle of November. ALL SAINTS DAY (Eastern Christian) • In Orthodox churches observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost, it commemorates all known and unknown Christian saints. ALL SAINTS’ DAY (Western Christian) • Commemorates all known and unknown Christian saints. Eastern Christianity observes it on the first Sunday after Pentecost. ALL SOULS’ DAY (Christian) • Commemoration of all faithful Christians who are now dead. In Mexican tradition it is celebrated as Dia de los Muertos between October 31 and November 2, and is an occasion to remember dead ancestors and celebrate the continuity of life. ANNE FRANK DAY • Birthday of young Jewish girl whose diary describes her family’s experiences hiding from the Nazis through assistance of gentile friends. AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK • Celebrates public education and honors individuals who are making a difference in ensuring every child in the U.S. receives a quality education. ARMENIAN MARTYRS’ DAY • Memorializes the extermination of some 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923 in Turkey. ASCENSION DAY (Christian) • Celebrated 40 days after Easter/Pascha, it commemorates the ascension of Jesus into Heaven. ASCENSION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (Bahá’í) • Observance of the anniversary of the death in exile of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophetfounder of the Bahá’í Faith. ASH WEDNESDAY (Western Christian) • The first day of Lent for Western Christian churches, a 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter, not counting Sundays. ASHURA (Islamic) • A day of fasting observed on the 10th day of the month of Muharram to celebrate Moses’ exodus from Egypt. For Shi’a Muslims, it also marks the climax of the ten-day Remembrance of Muharram, which mourns the martyrdom of Hussein at the Battle of Kerbala in 680 CE. ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH • Recognizes the contributions and celebrates the culture of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. AUTUMNAL EQUINOX • The date when night and day are nearly of the same length. It marks the first day of fall. AYYÁM-I-HA OR INTERCALARY DAYS (Bahá’í) • The Ayyám-i-ha, or “Days of Ha,” are devoted to spiritual preparation for the fast, celebrating, hospitality, charity and gift giving. They are celebrated the four days, five in leap year, before the last month of the Bahá’í year. BANDI-CHHOR DIWAS (Sikh) • A commemorative occasion having no fixed date which occurs in October or November and celebrates the release of the Sixth Guru Har Gobind Sahib from imprisonment and coincides with Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. BILL OF RIGHTS DAY • Commemorates the signing into law of the ten original amendments of the United States Constitution in 1791. BIRTH OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (Bahá’í) • Observance of the anniversary of the birth in 1817 of Bahá’u’lláh, prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith, in Núr, Persia. BIRTH OF THE BÁB (Bahá’í) • Bahá’í observance of the anniversary of the birth in 1819 of Siyyid, “the Báb,” the prophetherald of the Bahá’í Faith, in Shíráz, Persia. BLACK HISTORY MONTH • Celebrates Black History and African American culture in the United States. BODHI DAY (Buddhist) • Also known as Rohatsu, it observes the spiritual awakening (bodhi) of founder Siddharta Gautama, the Buddha, ca. 596 BCE. Celebrated on the eigth day either of December or the 12th month of the lunar calendar. BUDDHA DAY (Buddhist) • Also known as Vesak or Visakha Puja, it marks the occasion of the birth, spiritual awakening and death of the historical Buddha. CESAR CHAVEZ DAY • Honors Mexican American farm worker, labor leader and activist Cesar Chavez (1927–1993), who was a nationally respected voice for social justice. © 2016 Anti-Defamation League CHANUKAH (Jewish) • Eight-day “Festival of Lights,” celebrating the rededication of the Temple to the service of God in 164 BCE. Commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek King, Antiochus, who sought to suppress freedom of worship. CHRISTMAS (Armenian Orthodox Christian) • Armenian Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on Epiphany, except for Armenians living in Israel, who celebrate Christmas on January 19th. CHRISTMAS (Eastern Christian) • Most Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas 13 days later than other Christian churches based on their use of the Julian rather than the Gregorian version of the Western calendar. CHRISTMAS (Western Christian) • Commemorates the birth of Jesus. CINCO DE MAYO • In 1862 Mexican forces defeated French occupational forces in the Battle of Puebla. CLEAN MONDAY (Eastern Christian) • The beginning of Great Lent for Eastern Christian churches, which starts 40 days before Orthodox Easter (Pascha), counting Sundays. DAY OF THE COVENANT (Bahá’í) • Day of the Covenant is a festival observed to commemorate Bahá’u’lláh’s appointment of His son, Abdu’l-Baha, as His successor. DECLARATION OF THE BAB (Bahá’í) • Commemoration of May 23, 1844, when the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í Faith, announced in Shíráz, Persia, that he was the herald of a new messenger of God. DHARMA DAY (Buddhist) • Also known as Asala Puja, it commemorates the historical Buddha’s first discourse following his spiritual awakening. DIWALI (Hindu) • Also called Deepavali, “Festival of Lights,” it celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S BIRTHDAY • The birthday of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is celebrated on the third Monday in January. EASTER (Christian) • Known as Pascha in Eastern Christianity; celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. COMING OUT DAY • Encourages honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Commemorates October 11, 1987, when 500,000 people marched on Washington, DC, for gay and lesbian equality. EID AL-ADHA (Islamic) • The “Feast of Sacrifice” concludes the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), and is a three-day festival recalling Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. CONSTITUTION DAY AND CITIZENSHIP DAY • Commemorates the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1787. Also honors all who have become U.S. citizens. EID AL-FITR (Islamic) • The “Feast of the Breaking of the Fast” marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting from dawn until dusk. Date listed is according to the moonsighting calendar. DASSERA (Hindu) • Anniversary of the day when Rama killed the evil demon Ravana. Also known as Durga Puja, which celebrates the goddess Durga. DAY OF SILENCE • Students take a day-long vow of silence to protest the actual silencing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students and their straight allies due to bias and harassment. ELECTION DAY • A day set by U.S. law for the election of public officials. EPIPHANY (Christian) • Known as Theophany in Eastern Christianity, it celebrates the manifestation of Jesus as Christ. In addition, the Western Church associates Epiphany with the journey of the Magi to the infant Jesus, and the Eastern Church with the baptism of Jesus by John. FATHER’S DAY • Children of all ages show appreciation for their fathers. FESTIVAL OF RIDVÁN (Bahá’í ) • Annual festival commemorating the 12 days when Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith, resided in a garden called Ridván (Paradise) and publicly proclaimed His mission as God’s messenger for this age. The first (April 21), ninth (April 29), and twelfth (May 2) days are celebrated as holy days when Baha’is suspend work. FLAG DAY • Anniversary of the adoption of the Unites States flag by Congress in 1777. GANESH CHATURTHI (Hindu) • Celebrates the birthday of Ganesha, the elephant-deity. GOOD FRIDAY (Christian) • Observed the Friday before Easter, it commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus. Known as Holy Friday in Eastern Christianity. GUR-GADDI GURU GRANTH SAHIB (Sikh) • Since 1708, Sikhs have accepted Sri Guru Granth Sahib as their eternal Guru that holds the spirit of all Ten Gurus of the Sikhs. They consider Guru Granth Sahib to be a spiritual guide not only for Sikhs but for all of mankind; it plays a central role in guiding the Sikhs’ way of life. GURU GOBIND SINGH JI’S BIRTHDAY (Sikh) • Guru Gobind Singh was the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs who initiated the Sikhs as the Khalsa (the pure ones) and is known as the Father of the Khalsa. GURU NANAK DEV JI’S BIRTHDAY (Sikh) • A very important holiday in the Sikh faith as Guru Nanak Dev’s was the First Guru of the Sikhs and the Founder of Sikhism. He was born in mid-November; the holiday is celebrated according to the lunar date. HALLOWEEN • The eve of All Saints’ Day. HOLI (Hindu) • Also called Holaka or Phagwa, this festival celebrates spring and commemorates various events in Hindu mythology. HOLLA MOHALLA (Sikh) • An annual martial arts parade historically coinciding with Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. Celebrations related to Holla Mohalla may be held in various locations over several weekends preceding the actual date of the holiday. HOLY FRIDAY (Eastern Christian) • Observed the Friday before Pascha, it commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus. Known as Good Friday in Western Christianity. HOLY THURSDAY (Eastern Christian) • Celebrated on the Thursday before Pascha commemorating the Last Supper, at which Jesus and the Apostles were together for the last time before the Crucifixion. HOLY THURSDAY (Western Christian) • Also known as Maundy Thursday, it is celebrated on the Thursday before Easter commemorating the Last Supper, at which Jesus and the Apostles were together for the last time before the Crucifixion. HUMAN RIGHTS DAY • On this day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. INDEPENDENCE DAY • Anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY (Native American Day) • Celebrates and honors Native American history and culture. The second Monday of October is also marked as a U.S. federal holiday, Columbus Day. Many people are opposed to the celebration of a man who led and committed atrocities against Indigenous people. Some states and cities in the U.S. have officially changed the day to Indigenous People’s Day. Similarly, it is celebrated as Día de la Raza, “Day of the Race,” in Spanish-speaking countries and communities. INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION • Call to action to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination worldwide. © 2016 Anti-Defamation League INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY • Call to action for the eradication of poverty and destitution worldwide. INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE SLAVE TRADE AND ITS ABOLITION • Memorializes the tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade, coinciding with the anniversary of the uprising in Santo Domingo (today Haiti and the Dominican Republic) that initiated its abolition. INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE • Emphasizes the dangers of intolerance and is a call to action for the advancement of human welfare, freedom and progress everywhere, as well as a day to encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures and peoples. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISABLED PERSONS • Raises awareness about persons with disabilities in order to improve their lives and provide them with equal opportunity. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES • Celebrates the richness of indigenous cultures and recognizes the challenges indigenous peoples face today, ranging from poverty and disease to dispossession, discrimination and denial of basic human rights. INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY • Call to action for universal literacy. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY • Celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women worldwide. INTERNATIONAL WORKER’S DAY • Also known as May Day, it celebrates the social and economic achievements of workers worldwide. The day commemorates the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, in which police and protesters clashed following a workers’ strike for an eight-hour work day. INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY • Celebrates young people and the integral role they play in helping to create a world fit for children. JUNETEENTH • Originally commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865, it is now celebrated throughout the U.S. to honor African-American freedom and achievement. MAGHA PUJA (Buddhist) • Also known as Sangha Day, it commemorates the spontaneous assembly of 1,250 arahants, completely enlightened monks, in the historical Buddha’s presence. KRISHNA JAYANTI (Hindu) • Celebrates Krishna’s birthday, Vishnu’s eighth incarnation on earth. MAHA SHIVARATRI (Hindu) • Also called Shiva Ratri, it is the Great Festival of Shiva. KWANZAA • A seven-day celebration honoring African American heritage and its continued vitality. “Kwanzaa” means “first fruits (of the harvest)” in Swahili. LABOR DAY • Celebrated the first Monday in September in recognition of U.S. workers. LAG B’OMER (Jewish) • Celebrates the end of a divine-sent plague and/or Roman occupation during Rabbi Akiva’s lifetime (died c. 135 CE). LAILA AL-QADR (Islamic) • “The Night of Power” marks the night in which God first revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad. Often fixed as the 27th day of the Islamic month of Ramadan, Sunnis may also observe it on the 21st, 23rd, 25th or 29th. Shi’ites observe it on the 19th, 21st or 23rd of Ramadan. LGBT HISTORY MONTH • Marks and celebrates the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender people in the United States. LGBT PRIDE MONTH • Commemorates the anniversary of the June 28, 1969 Stonewall riot in New York City, the incident that initiated the modern gay rights movement in the United States. LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Pride Day is the last Sunday in June. LOVING DAY • Observes the anniversary of the 1967 United States Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia which struck down the miscegenation laws remaining in 16 states barring interracial marriage. LUNAR NEW YEAR • On this day Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese New Year are celebrated. MAHAYANA NEW YEAR (Buddhist) • In Mahayana countries, the New Year starts on the first full moon day in January. MAKAR SANKRANTI (Hindu) • Seasonal celebration recognizing the increasing length of days. MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB (Bahá’í) • Observance of the anniversary of the execution by a firing squad in Tabríz, Persia, of the 30-year-old Siyyid ‘Alí-Muhammad, the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í Faith. MAWLID AL-NABI (Islamic) • Celebrates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam. Shi’a Muslims celebrate it five days later than Sunni Muslims. MEMORIAL DAY • Initiated originally to honor the dead of the Civil War, this observance now pays homage to the dead of all U.S. wars. MILAD AL-NABI (Islamic) • Celebrates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam. Shi’a Muslims celebrate it five days later than Sunni Muslims. MOTHER’S DAY • Children of all ages show appreciation for their mothers. MUHARRAM (Islamic) • The month of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic liturgical year. The first day of the month, al-Hijra, remembers the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. It also marks the beginning of the ten-day Shi’ite Remembrance of Muharram, a period of intense grief and mourning of the martyrdom of Hussein, the son of Ali and grandson of Muhammad. NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH • Celebrates and honors the history and culture of Native Americans in the United States. NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH • Recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities. NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY • Commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in 1865. NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH • Celebrates the contributions, heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans. NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH • Honors women as significant agents of historical change. NAVARATRI (Hindu) • Nine-day festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. It worships God in the form of the universal mother commonly referred to as Durga, Devi or Shakti, and marks the start of fall. NOWRÚZ (Zoroastrian) • A traditional ancient Iranian festival celebrating the first day of Spring and the Iranian New Year. Also celebrated as New Year’s Day in Baha’i tradition (Naw-Ruz). NEW YEAR’S DAY • The first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, commonly used for civil dating purposes. NINETEEN-DAY FAST (Bahá’í) • Baha’is between 15 and 70 years of age do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset and set aside time for prayer and meditation. NIRVANA DAY (Buddhist) • Celebrates the day when the historical Buddha achieved Parinirvana, or complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body. Sometimes celebrated on February 8. NO NAME-CALLING WEEK • Annual week of educational activities aimed at ending namecalling and bullying of all kinds. © 2016 Anti-Defamation League OBON (Buddhist) • Also known as Bon, the Japanese Buddhist festival honors the spirits of past ancestors. OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (Christian) • Celebrates the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary (by her title, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of Mexico and the Americas) before Juan Diego, an indigenous convert to Roman Catholicism, on the Mexican hill of Tepeyac in 1531. PALM SUNDAY (Christian) • Observed the Sunday before Easter/Pascha to commemorate the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Patriot Day • Patriot Day is an annual observance on September 11 to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. Many Americans refer to Patriot Day as 9/11 or September 11. PASSOVER/PESACH (Jewish) • The eight-day “Feast of Unleavened Bread” celebrates Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage. PENTECOST (Christian) • The seventh Sunday after Easter/Pascha commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and women followers of Jesus. Marks the birth of the Christian Church. PRESIDENTS’ DAY • Honors all past presidents of the United States of America. PURIM (Jewish) • The “Feast of Lots” marks the salvation of the Jews of ancient Persia from extermination. RACE RELATIONS SUNDAY • Created in 1922 by the National Council of Churches in recognition of the importance of interracial relations and learning. RACE UNITY DAY (Bahá’í) • Observance promoting racial harmony and understanding and the essential unity of humanity. RAKSHA BANDHAN (Hindu) • Also called Rakhi, this festival celebrates the protective relationship between brothers and their sisters. RAMADAN (Islamic) • A month of strict fasting from dawn until dusk in honor of the first revelations of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad. RAMA NAVAMI (Hindu) • Celebrates the birthday of Rama, king of ancient India, hero of the epic Ramayana, and seventh incarnation of Vishnu. REFORMATION DAY (Christian) • Commemorates the beginning of the Protestant Reformation in 1517. ROSH HASHANAH (Jewish) • Beginning of the Jewish New Year and first of the High Holy Days, which marks the beginning of a ten-day period of penitence and spiritual renewal. SHAVUOT (Jewish) • The “Feast of Weeks” celebrates the covenant established at Sinai between God and Israel, and the revelation of the Ten Commandments. SHEMINI ATZERET (Jewish) • “The Eighth (Day) of Assembly” is observed on the day immediately following Sukkot. SHROVE TUESDAY (Western Christian) • A day of penitence as well as the last chance to feast before Lent begins. Also known as Mardi Gras. SIMCHAT TORAH (Jewish) • “Rejoicing in the Torah” celebrates the conclusion of the public reading of the Pentateuch and its beginning anew. ST. PATRICK’S DAY (Christian) • Feast day of the patron saint of Ireland. In the U.S., a secular version is celebrated by people of all faiths through appreciation of all things Irish. SUKKOT (Jewish) • The week-long “Feast of Booths” commemorates the 40-year wandering of the Israelites in the desert on the way to the Promised Land. SUMMER SOLSTICE • In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year. It marks the first day of the season of summer. SUSAN B. ANTHONY DAY • Birthday of Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906), a pioneer in the Women’s Rights Movement. TEMPLE DAY (Buddhist) • Many Buddhists of all traditions pay their respects and pray for good fortune for the new year at the temple. THANKSGIVING DAY • Following a 19th century tradition, it commemorates the Pilgrims’ harvest feast in the autumn of 1621. THERAVADA NEW YEAR (Buddhist) • In Theravada countries, the New Year is celebrated on the first full moon day in April. TISHA B’AV (Jewish) • Mourning of the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem in 586 BCE and 70 CE. VALENTINE’S DAY • Celebrates the idea of romantic love. VERNAL EQUINOX • The date when night and day are nearly the same length. It marks the first day of the season of spring. VETERANS’ DAY • Honors the U.S. Armed Services and commemorates the war dead. WINTER SOLSTICE • In the northern hemisphere, the shortest day of the year. It marks the first day of the season of winter. WORLD AIDS DAY • International day of action on HIV and AIDS. TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE • Memorializes those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. WORLD DAY FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY FOR DIALOGUE AND DEVELOPMENT • Recognizes cultural diversity as a source of innovation, exchange and creativity, as well as the obligation to create a more peaceful and equitable society based on mutual respect. TU B’SHVAT (Jewish) • New Year’s Day for Trees, and traditionally the first of the year for tithing fruit of trees. Now a day for environmental awareness and action, such as tree planting. WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY • Serves as an occasion to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and as a reminder that many journalists brave death or jail to bring people their daily news. ULAMBANA (Buddhist) • Buddhist Ghost Festival. The unsettled spirits of dead ancestors are calmed with chanting and offerings to enable them to pass peacefully into the next world. WORLD REFUGEE DAY • Raises awareness about the plight of refugees and displaced persons. UN HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY • Annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust coinciding with the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp in 1945. UNITED NATIONS DAY • Commemorates the founding of the world organization in 1945. VAISAKHI (also spelled Baisakhi) (Sikh) • The festival which celebrates the founding of the Sikh community as the Khalsa (community of the initiated). On this day, Sikhs gather and celebrate Vaisakhi at their local Gurdwaras (Sikh house of worship) by remembering this day as the birth of the Khalsa. WORLD RELIGION DAY (Bahá’í) • Observance to proclaim the oneness of religion and the belief that world religion will unify the peoples of the earth. WOUNDED KNEE DAY • On December 29, 1890 more than 200 Lakota Sioux were massacred by U.S. troops at Wounded Knee in South Dakota. YOM HASHOAH (Jewish) • “Holocaust Remembrance Day” memorializes the heroic martyrdom of six million Jews who perished in the Nazi Holocaust. YOM KIPPUR (Jewish) • The “Day of Atonement” marks the end of the Ten Days of Penitence that begin with Rosh Hashanah. © 2016 Anti-Defamation League ADL information Marvin D. Nathan National Chair Neil Oberfeld Chair, Mountain States Regional Board Jonathan Greenblatt National Director Scott L. Levin Regional Director Kenneth Jacobson Deputy National Director Sue Parker-Gerson Associate Director Abraham H. Foxman National Director Emeritus Jeremy Shaver Assistant Director No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the ADL. Eric Horodas Chair, National Development Tara Raju Education Project Director ADL Mountain States Regional Office Nina Hanan Director, National Development Beth Yohe Director of Development Pamela Schwartz Chair, Regional Operations Committee Jodi Levine Assistant Director of Development Bob Wolfson Director, Regional Operations Mary Groote Office Manager Esta Gordon Epstein Chair, Education Committee This resource guide was prepared by the Anti-Defamation League’s Mountain States Regional Office in conjunction with the ADL’s National Education Division. © 2016 Anti-Defamation League. All rights reserved. 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