October 1 — First day of LGBT History Month
Celebrate the lives and achievements of people who have been marginalized because of their sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. GLSEN opens in a new tab and Welcoming Schools opens in a new tab offer resources for an inclusive and affirming curriculum.
October 2 — International Day of Nonviolence opens in a new tab
On October 2nd, we globally celebrate a Day of Nonviolence. The leader of the Indian Independence Movement and a pioneer of nonviolent resistance, Mahatma Gandhi, was born on this day.
October 5 — World Teachers’ Day opens in a new tab
Almost everybody has a favorite teacher, someone who went above and beyond to encourage you because they could see your potential. On October 5, take time to celebrate World Teachers’ Day — a global event launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1994.
October 9 — Indigenous Peoples Day opens in a new tab
Indigenous Peoples Day is a day that commemorates Native American peoples’ cultures and histories and acknowledges the discrimination the Indigenous people in this country have undergone. This holiday is celebrated on the second Monday in October, across the United States. Many states and cities are moving towards recognition of this day and choosing to observe it instead of Columbus Day. This is a day to learn, to observe, to reflect, to create, to connect through story and creation. It’s also a day to move beyond recognition and towards action and accountability.
The history of Indigenous people in the U.S. is tragic and poorly understood. There is the horrific legacy of entire cultures being violently and systematically eradicated. And then there are stories of survival, fortitude, and deep connection to the environment and other people. Of course, Indigenous history doesn’t begin or end with either of these stories.
October 9 — First day of Sukkot (beginning at sunset)
In Judaism, Sukkot is a seven-day harvest holiday commemorating the 40-year period in which the Jews wandered the desert.
October 11 — International Day of the Girl Child
On this day, we globally advocate for the rights of young girls around the world. This year, UNICEF is calling for action to “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being. Please refer to the UNICEF website opens in a new tab on how to take action.
