Monthly Guide
Month-Long Celebrations
This is a brief overview of some of the notable events dedicated to awareness, education, and celebration of various groups and issues! Every month can be used for advocacy, education, and awareness!
Full Month Celebrations
January is recognized as National Mentoring Month and Cervical Health Awareness Month.
National Mentoring Month was established in 2002 by MENTOR, with the mission of coming together as a community to ignite those passions and help turn those wildest dreams into reality. By harnessing our collective voice, MENTOR advocates for mentorship, legislative priorities, and raises awareness for how one conversation, one experience, and one mentor can change a young person’s life. Learn more about National Mentoring Month here.
Cervical Health Awareness Month is an annual event to educate people on cervical health and cancer prevention. More than 11,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. The good news is that vaccination and regular screening can prevent the disease. During Cervical Health Awareness Month, help to educate people about the steps they can take to protect themselves and their loved ones from cervical cancer. Learn more about Cervical Health Awareness Month here.
February is recognized as Black History Month, National Women Inventors Month, and National Cancer Prevention Month.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. A theme for Black History Month has been endorsed by the American president every year since 1976, and the designated theme for 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts.”
National Women Inventors Month is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the achievements of women inventors throughout history, as well as inspiring future generations of female innovators. Many women inventors, whether famous or not, have made an enormous impact on the way the world works. And while women continue to be underrepresented in the STEM fields, all of these important women deserve to be honored during National Women Inventors Month! Learn more about Women Inventors Month here.
National Cancer Prevention Month is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness for and furthering the possibilities of cancer prevention. The federal government estimates that nearly 2 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) during 2023 and that more than 600,000 died from their disease. Research shows that more than 40 percent of these cases and nearly half of the deaths can be attributed to preventable causes – smoking, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and excessive exposure to the sun, among others. Learn more about National Cancer Prevention Month here.
March is recognized as Women's History Month, Expanding Girls' Horizons in STEM Month, and Endometriosis Awareness Month.
Women’s History Month was designated by presidential proclamation and is set aside to honor women’s contributions to history, culture, and society in the United States. Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. The National Women's History Alliance designates a yearly theme for Women's History Month, and the designated theme for 2024 is "Women who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion."
Expanding Girls' Horizons in STEM Month is all about helping young girls develop more interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) throughout their educational careers. According to the National Science Foundation, women make up only 28% of the workforce in science and engineering. Women of color are even more underrepresented. Learn more about Expanding Girls' Horizons in STEM Month here.
Endometriosis Awareness Month is a month dedicated to education and awareness of endometriosis, an inflammatory condition where endometrial tissue (tissue similar to the lining of the uterus) grows outside of the uterus. It is estimated that 1 in 10 AFAB (assigned female at birth) people have endometriosis. endometriosis is a complex hormonal and immune chronic disease causing multiple symptoms, including pain, which disrupt the lives of an estimated 89 million AFAB people. Learn more about Endometriosis Awareness Month here.
April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), Celebrate Diversity Month, and STD Awareness Month.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual event dedicated to education and prevention surrounding sexual assault. Sexual assault is an issue that affects individuals and even the entire community. The goal of SAAM is to raise awareness about sexual violence and to educate individuals and communities about their role in prevention. The theme of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024 is “Building Connected Communities.”
Celebrate Diversity Month was initiated in 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity of the world around us. It is a time to recognize and understand our differences, be it gender, race, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation, and other factors, while honoring the common essence of humanity. By appreciating our similarities and differences, the month aims to get people to foster a deeper understanding of others, regardless of who they are, what they are, or how they live. Celebrate Diversity Month coincides with Diversity Education Week, which occurs the first week of April. Learn more about Celebrate Diversity Month here.
STD/STI Awareness Month—observed every April—is an opportunity to raise awareness about sexually transmitted diseases, including their impact on our lives and the importance of STD/STI testing and treatment. STD/STI Awareness Month also provides the opportunity for us to normalize sexual health by reducing STD/STI-related stigma, fear, and discrimination. STD/STI Awareness Month also coincides with the CDC's STI Awareness Week, which will occur in 2024 the week of April 14-20.
May is recognized as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, Women's Health Awareness Month, and National Cancer Research Month.
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month aims to improve mental health outcomes to support better health and well-being for children and families across the country. The goal of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month is to help reduce stigma, share information, and advocate for better systems to provide mental health care for all. The National Institue for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ) aims to share resources that outline the significant role mental health plays in overall health and wellness, as well as strategies for promoting better mental health for mothers and birthing people, fathers, caregivers, children, and families.
Women's Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder to take care of your overall health and make it a priority in your life. This includes seeking medical help when you need it, but it also involves engaging in preventive care to keep you healthy, like scheduling checkups, examinations, vaccinations, living a healthy lifestyle, and more. The CDC estimates that around 15% of women over the age of 18 are in poor health. Women's Health Month begins every year on Mother's Day, followed by the CDC's National Women's Health Week, and continues through the rest of the month.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) initiated and supports National Cancer Research Month to highlight the importance of lifesaving research to the millions of people around the world affected by the collection of devastating diseases we call cancer. Thanks to spectacular advances made by cancer research, more than 18 million people in the United States and millions more worldwide are cancer survivors who are living with, through, and beyond their disease. Learn more about National Cancer Research Month here.
June is recognized as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and National Cancer Survivor Month.
LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for LGBTQ+ Americans. In June of 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBTQ+ Americans were commonly subjected. This uprising marks the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ+ Americans. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. Learn more about LGBTQ+ Pride Month here.
June is designated as National Cancer Survivor Month – with June 7 named National Cancer Survivors Day – to help raise awareness about living as a cancer survivor. This month is an opportunity for all 16.9 million cancer survivors across the country to celebrate their milestones and recognize those who have supported them along the way. It is also an opportunity for those who have not been affected by cancer to learn and understand the challenges that accompany survivorship.
July is recognized as Disability Pride Month and Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
In alignment with the July 1990 passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Disability Pride Month is celebrated every year in July. This observance aims to promote visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by those within the disability community. Using bold images and powerful words, disability pride awareness events and parades strive to educate and empower people with and without disabilities. Learn more about Disability Pride Month here.
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to bring awareness to the unique challenges that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States face when it comes to mental illness. In 2020, fewer than one in every two African American adults got care for mental health. In 2018, Asian Americans were 60 percent less likely to receive mental health treatment than non-Hispanic Whites. Obstacles for many include a lack of health insurance, less access to treatment, and stigma. Learn more about Minority Mental Health Awareness Month here.
September is recognized as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and PCOS Awareness Month.
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month honors those who have been lost to Gynecological Cancer, as well as survivors. The month focuses on the struggles of assigned female at birth (AFAB) people who have experienced gynecologic cancer and raising awareness of symptoms and warning signs. Gynecologic cancers encompass all cancers of the female reproductive system, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. All AFAB people are at risk for these cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2023 more than 106,000 AFAB individuals in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with a gynecological cancer, and more than 32,000 will die from one. Each gynecological cancer has different signs and symptoms, as well as different risk factors. Risk increases with age. Learn more about Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month here.
PCOS Awareness Month is an annual event recognized nationally to bring light to the struggles of those affected by the disorder. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a genetic, hormone, metabolic, and reproductive disorder that affects up to 15% of AFAB (assigned female at birth) people in the U.S. (over 20% in some parts of the world). It is one of the most common human disorders and the most common endocrine (hormone) disorder and cause of infertility in AFAB people. It can lead to lifelong complications, psychosocial disorders, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, endometrial cancer, and other serious and life-threatening conditions. The aim of PCOS Awareness Month is to help improve the lives of those affected by PCOS and to help them overcome their symptoms as well as prevent and reduce their risks for life-threatening related conditions.
October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).
Breast Cancer Awareness Month honors those who have been lost to Breast Cancer, as well as survivors. According to the National Cancer Institute, almost 298,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 43,000 will die of the disease in 2023. In addition, an estimated 2,800 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer and 530 will die of the disease this year. Breast cancer is the most common type of non-skin cancer in women in the United States, accounting for 15 percent of all new cases. Learn more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month here.
In 1994, a coalition of education-based organizations in the United States designated October as LGBT History Month. In 1995, a resolution passed by the General Assembly of the National Education Association included LGBT History Month within a list of commemorative months. National Coming Out Day (October 11), as well as the first "March on Washington" in 1979, are commemorated in the LGBTQ+ community during LGBTQ+ History Month. Learn more about LGBTQ+ History Month here.
In 1988, President Ronald Regan proclaimed October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This month also coincides with Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, observed on October 15th each year, and includes the International Wave of Light. In the United States, 1 out of every 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage, and 1 and every 160 pregnancies end in stillbirth. These numbers do not include infant death from preterm labor, diagnosis of life-limiting conditions, or SIDS. Despite those numbers, an estimated 50-80% of women who experience pregnancy after loss will become pregnant again within 12 months. Women who are pregnant again after a loss often report having higher symptoms of anxiety during their subsequent pregnancies compared to those who have not experienced pregnancy loss. It’s not just mothers who are affected; studies show that fathers too experience the emotional stress of pregnancy loss and anxiety of subsequent pregnancies. Learn more about Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month here.
First observed in October 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is held each October as a way to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence. During DVAM, victim advocates, allied professionals, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and the surrounding community come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence, celebrate the progress that has been made to end this epidemic, and connect with others working to create change. Learn more about Domestic Violence Awareness Month here.
November is recognized as Transgender Awareness Month, an opportunity to celebrate, honor, and stand up for our transgender, non-binary, and/or gender-expansive (TNG) friends, family, and neighbors as we work to raise awareness, foster understanding, and celebrate the trans community’s rich tapestry of experiences. This month is dedicated to education about transgender communities and important issues facing trans people. It culminates with the Transgender Day of Remembrance, a worldwide gathering of trans and allied communities to memorialize victims of anti-trans hatred or prejudice. Learn more about Transgender Awareness Month here.