Advocacy is central to our Student Senate and we’d like to take some time to acknowledge some of the observances during the month of April. Here are just some of the ways in which we can begin to create awareness and advocacy during this month as well as learn about resources that are available.
Earth Day
Earth Day is on April 22nd, a day dedicated to the environment around us and the Earth around us. It is also a day to recognize the harms’ and issues we are facing within the environment. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970, after John McConell proposed that we have a day dedicated to honoring the Earth and the concept of peace.
This year, President Biden took an oath into Office, alongside Kamala Harris. They announced their priorities, with climate being one of those priorities. They hope to lead workers and businesses to a clean energy revolution.
You can help the Earth by:
- Picking up trash
- Recycle when possible
- Using less water
- Donate to organizations dedicated to helping the Earth
There are also many other options that you can do to help our Earth! To understand more about Earth Day, here are some resources.
World Autism Awareness Day
Autism Awareness Day takes place on April 2nd, and this year will be the fourteenth annual event. This is a month recognizing Autism and creating Autism-friendly events, with an ultimate goal to create support and inspire kindness among others. Autism Awareness is continued throughout the month of April.
So, what is Autism? Autism is a developmental disorder, behavioral and communicational, that impacts a person’s ability to navigate social interactions and causes repeated behaviors. In 1911, Eugen Bluer, used the word Autism to describe a number of words associated with schizophrenia, but not as extreme of symptoms as what we see within schizophrenia. We have now come a long way with that definition and have modified it to ensure that it, in fact, does paint an accurate picture on Autism.
Autism is currently 4.3 times more prevalent in boys than in girls, but we see that girls are underdiagnosed. Why? Girls don’t “fit” under the Autism stereotypes that have been created and are able to mask their symptoms. Each diagnosis of Autism is different; every person will be affected differently.
We take April 2nd as a chance to “Light It Up Blue,” through spreading and sharing kindness on social media, using the hashtag #LightItUpBlue sharing why you advocate for this world, supporting kindness by starting a fundraiser or going to a fundraiser. The final thing we see others do often on World Autism Day, is wear blue or turn a blue light on to exemplify their support.
Here are some videos about Autism.
Fast Facts About Autism (World Autism Awareness Day)
World Autism Awareness Week: A message to the public
World Health Day
World Health Day, is a day to look at the implementations of Public Health strategies and is created every year on April 7th. The first World Health Day was celebrated in 1948, when it was founded by the World Health Organization, otherwise known as WHO.
This day is observed by hosting conferences for healthcare workers, informational
displays for the public and marches regarding the different health issues we are facing
at the current point in time. Over the past year, we have seen a huge focus on the
Coronavirus through online forums, marches, informational displays and so much more.
In the past, there have been World Health Days’ with an emphasis on health insurance and mental health, there are no limitations to what we can honor. Last year, the emphasis was on nurses and midwives.
What you can do this year is this; and they are all COVID friendly!
- Organize a conversation through Zoom
- Read the themes that have been focused on in the past
- Thank healthcare workers all around the world - write them a note, create a post, send flowers to someone you know in the healthcare world
- And so much more...
The following videos honors healthcare workers all around the world.
World Health Day 2020 honoring nurses and midwives
World Art Day
World Art Day is a celebration and promotion of the development of art, by diffusion and enjoyment. This day is celebrated on April 15th every year. This date was chosen in honor of Leonardo da Vinci.
World Art Day is a day dedicated to reinforcing the links between society and art. Not only this, but to recognize the diversity in art and how each piece of art has its own unique characteristics.
What you can do this year to celebrate World Art Day:
- Post your favorite piece of art
- Create your own piece of art
- Promote artists and art gallery sites
Understand the significance of World Art Day with these videos.
World Art Day 2020: Date, History, Significance Of Day To Promote Creative Activity Worldwide
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