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May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to uplift, educate, and support your school community by recognizing the importance of mental well-being. As students, we often balance academics, extracurricular activities, jobs, social lives, and family responsibilities. It’s easy to become overwhelmed, especially without the right tools and support. Prioritizing mental health is essential for personal growth, academic success, and fostering a positive school environment. Raising awareness, providing support, and promoting resources can help break the stigma around mental health and create a school culture where every student feels seen, heard, and cared for. This month, let’s work together to create spaces where mental wellness is celebrated and where students know they are never alone! Here are some service ideas to help you get started.
Community Wellness Event – Host a school-wide wellness fair offering activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Partner with local mental health organizations to provide mental health screenings, mindfulness exercises, therapy service information, crisis hotline resources, etc. Consider hosting mini-sessions on stress management, healthy coping skills, self-compassion, and balancing school and life. Help students build their own toolbox of strategies to support their mental health daily.
Mental Health Awareness Spirit Week – Organize a spirit week that focuses on bringing attention to mental health. Activities could include: positive affirmation table, gratitude wall, myth vs fact game (correct misconceptions about mental health), and wellness challenges that promote healthy habits!
Here are some sample spirit week themes to go along with activities:
– Monday: Get Moving Monday (focus on physical wellness)
– Tuesday: Wear green for mental health awareness
– Wednesday: Wellness Wednesday (practice mindfulness)
– Thursday: Tye Dye Day (to represent the different emotions we feel)
– Friday: Feel-Good Friday (random acts of kindness)
Host Art Therapy or Mindfulness Sessions – Create spaces where students can unwind, reflect, and express themselves creatively. Host after-school or lunchtime workshops featuring:
– Painting
– Journaling
– Music therapy
– Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing sessions
Consider charging a small admission fee and donating proceeds to local mental health organizations, giving back to the community while spreading awareness.
Start a Peer Support or Mentoring Program – Strong, supportive connections are a foundation of good mental health. Launch a peer mentoring program where students meet regularly to share experiences, offer encouragement, build friendships, and create a listening community. Whether through structured mentoring or an informal buddy system, feeling connected can make all the difference in a student’s mental wellness journey.
For more tools and ideas on how to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, check out:
This May, let’s lead compassionately, advocate for mental health, and create a school environment where every student feels supported, valued, and empowered. Together, we can break the stigma and build a stronger, healthier community.
With the weather warming up and summer right around the corner, April is the perfect time to increase your commitment to service! April is also National Volunteer Month, making it an ideal opportunity to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism while getting involved in meaningful projects. This month’s bulletin is packed with resources to help you celebrate National Volunteer Month, lead impactful Earth Day projects, participate in a fun race for a good cause, and even become a lifesaver by hosting a blood drive!
April: National Volunteer Month – April is recognized as National Volunteer Month, a time to honor and celebrate the contributions of volunteers across the United States. This month encourages individuals to engage in volunteerism and acknowledges the profound impact that volunteers have on communities. In 2025, National Volunteer Week will be observed from April 20th to 26th, serving as a centerpiece for the month-long celebration of service. Explore ways to celebrate National Volunteer Month below!
https://nationaltoday.com/national-volunteer-week/
https://blog.collegevine.com/best-places-for-high-schoolers-to-do-community-service/
Giving Back: Earth Day Projects – Celebrate Earth Day (April 22nd) by encouraging students in your school to participate in environmental service projects that promote sustainability and community engagement. Organize activities such as planting trees, maintaining a local community garden, or conducting a clean up of local grounds and community parts. Consider partnering with local environmental organizations, park authorities, or community groups to identify areas in need of beautification or restoration. Students can also create educational materials that discuss the importance of resource and habitat conservation, recycling, and overall eco-friendly habits! Learn more about Earth Day initiatives below!
https://www.almanac.com/content/earth-day-date-activities-history
3k or 5k Walk/Run for a Charity or Non-Profit Organization – Spring has sprung, making it the perfect time to get people outdoors for a 3K or 5K walk/run to support a nonprofit organization or cause that aligns with your school’s mission. Proceeds can benefit a variety of organizations, from local initiatives to national charities. To boost engagement, consider offering both an in-person event and a virtual walk-a-thon option to allow participants to complete the distance in their neighborhoods while still supporting an amazing cause. Promote the event through social media and encourage participants to share their stories using a custom event hashtag. To add excitement, offer incentives for top fundraisers, creative costumes, or participants who complete the extra distance.
https://www.grassrootsunwired.com/5k-fundraiser/
https://www.walkathonvirtual.com/how-do-i-start-a-virtual-walk/
Work with your local Red Cross organization and host a Blood Drive! – Partner with your local American Red Cross chapter to host a high school blood drive and make a direct impact on the lives of patients in need. Blood drives play an essential role in ensuring that hospitals maintain a steady supply of blood for patients! The Red Cross provides all necessary resources, including promotional materials and donor guidelines, to ensure a successful and safe event. Hosting a blood drive also promotes civic responsibility and service, empowering students to become advocates for public health while fostering a sense of community. Learn how to organize a blood drive with the Red Cross using the link below!
With the Spring Equinox around the corner and warmer days ahead, March is the perfect time to spring into action! Give back to your community by organizing a Spring Cleaning Day, College & Career Prep Workshops, or a Flower Gram Fundraiser. These initiatives promote community engagement, volunteerism, and environmental sustainability as we step into the new season. Don’t be a late bloomer—start making a difference today!
Spring Cleaning Day – Give back to your community by organizing a Spring Cleaning Day! Partner with local parks, schools, or community centers to clean up outdoor spaces. Volunteers can pick up litter, pull weeds, and refresh public areas to create a cleaner, more welcoming environment. This is a great way for student leaders to make a visible impact and promote environmental responsibility. Check out the resource below on how to host a community clean-up!
Spring Garden Project – Partner with schools, community centers, or local gardening clubs to establish or maintain a community garden. Volunteers can help plant, water, and tend to garden beds while promoting sustainability, healthy living, and food security. Consider hosting gardening workshops to teach others how to grow fresh produce or plant flowers to beautify public spaces. Check out the resources below on starting a community garden and hosting gardening workshops!
Spring Forward: College & Career Prep – March is the perfect time for students to prepare for their future! Work with your SGA to host college and career prep workshops covering resume building, mock interviews, networking, and financial aid. Organize a resource fair with professionals and local businesses to provide mentorship and career guidance. Seniors can lead a college application workshop for juniors, offering advice on essay writing, school selection, and navigating the admissions process. Utilize the resources below on how to host college and career fairs!
Flower Gram Fundraiser – Organize a Flower Gram Fundraiser where students can send flowers and handwritten notes to friends, teachers, or staff. Offer an option to donate grams to nursing homes, hospitals, or shelters to brighten someone’s day. Proceeds can support local nonprofits or student scholarships, proving that small acts of kindness can create lasting change.
This month, let’s come together to celebrate kindness, compassion, and community with a variety of service initiatives! From spreading love in your school and local community to celebrating Black History Month, there’s something for everyone to get involved. Check out the website for heartfelt service ideas for February!
Love in the Community
Letters of Love: This Valentine’s Day, spread kindness and love with your entire community! Set up a station at school or a local community center where participants can write uplifting and encouraging messages. These messages can be delivered to nursing homes, hospitals, and other community organizations to bring smiles and hope to individuals, helping them feel the love this season!
Community Mural: Consider working with art students and art organizations to create a school mural to show what you “love” about your school community!
Pet Love for Shelters: Show love to furry friends by organizing a collection drive for pet food, blankets, and toys to benefit local animal shelters. Consider hosting a pet adoption awareness event to help shelter animals find their forever homes.
https://myanimals.com/latest-news/help-them-out/how-to-support-animal-shelters/
https://purpose.firstservice.com/how-to-host-a-pet-donation-drive/
Random Acts of Kindness Week (Feb. 11-17) – Celebrate kindness by organizing a Kindness Bingo challenge that encourages small but impactful actions. Participants can complete tasks like leaving a positive note for a stranger, holding the door open for someone, or giving a compliment to a friend. This is a great way to promote a culture of compassion in your school community and inspire others to pay it forward. Consider giving the winner a prize to increase participation!
https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/
Super Bowl Sunday Food Drive – Combine the excitement of the Super Bowl with a chance to give back! Host a food drive to collect canned goods and non-perishable items to donate to local food banks. Encourage friendly competition by dividing participants into “teams” to see who can contribute the most. Consider creating a points system that correlates to the amount of cans donated! If you can’t organize a food drive, consider donating some of your time on “Soup-er Bowl Sunday” to volunteer at a local soup kitchen!
Black History Month Initiatives – Honor Black History Month by organizing projects that celebrate the achievements of Black leaders and innovators. Collaborate with your school’s Black Student Union to create educational posters, host a presentation/celebratory event, assemble a panel of black speakers, or organize a trivia activity to share knowledge and inspire awareness. Additionally, a book drive featuring works by Black authors or diverse characters can provide valuable resources to schools and libraries in underserved areas.
https://bestprojectideas.com/black-history-month-project-ideas-for-students/
https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/black-history-month-activities/
Kick-off 2025 with a commitment to kindness, service, and sustainability. Participate in MLK Day of Service, take on the 30-Day Kindness Challenge, and embrace eco-friendly resolutions through donation drives and community cleanups. Visit the website for inspiration on embracing the new year and all the opportunities it offers to give back and make a lasting impact!
Honoring Dr. King: MLK Day of Service – This January, honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day by joining hands to build the Beloved Community Dr. King envisioned through meaningful service and volunteerism. Partner with a local advocacy group to host a seminar on civil rights, offering participants the opportunity to learn about the history of social justice and explore ways to advocate for equality in their communities. Consider collaborating with groups like your school’s Black Student Union to spread awareness about the seminar and boost student engagement.
Follow up the seminar with a hands-on service project, such as volunteering at a food pantry or assembling care packages for those in need to put service into action.
Check out the resources below for more service opportunities and ideas for MLK Day. Whether you’re organizing a community-wide initiative or starting a personal project, you’ll find tools, tips, and inspiration to make an impact. You can register your service project with AmeriCorps, where they can help spread the word about your service project.
• Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service | AmeriCorps
• MLK Day Resources | AmeriCorps
New Year, New Opportunities: 30-Day Kindness Challenge
Start off the new year with kindness! The 30-Day Kindness Challenge is a simple but powerful way to brighten someone’s day while fostering compassion within your community. Share a calendar with daily acts of kindness, like writing a thank-you note, helping a neighbor, or donating to a cause. Encourage participants to track their progress and share their stories to inspire others. With small, intentional actions, we can kick off the new year by strengthening bonds and making kindness a resolution that lasts all year long.
• 30 Days of Kindness Calendar – Cultivate Goodness
• 30 Day Kindness Challenge (Printable) – Somewhat Simple
Refresh and Reuse: Green Year Resolutions Campaign
Kick off the new year focusing on sustainability, community giving, and eco-friendly habits by organizing and participating in donation drives, upcycling efforts, and environmental action to support those in need while promoting a healthier planet.
Donation & Reuse Initiatives: After the holiday season, focus on sustainability and giving back through a series of donation and reuse initiatives.
– Host a book drive: Set up collection bins in schools, libraries, or community centers, and partner with local shelters, foster care organizations, or literacy programs to distribute books to children in need. Consider hosting an AP/SAT prep book drive giving other high school students the resources they need to succeed.
– Organize a clothing swap or donation: Students and community members can trade gently used clothing items while highlighting the environmental benefits of reducing textile waste.
Eco-Friendly Resolutions:
– Pledge to Act: Launch a “Green Year Resolutions” campaign, encouraging participants to commit to simple sustainable actions like reducing plastic use, recycling, conserving energy, or planting trees.
– Community Cleanups: Pair the campaign with a cleanup event at a local park, school, or river to remove waste and beautify shared spaces.
– Upcycling Workshops: Host creative sessions teaching ways to repurpose items, such as transforming mason jars into planters, old T-shirts into reusable bags, or other innovative DIY projects.
By focusing on sustainability and community, these initiatives set the tone for an environmentally conscious and impactful year ahead.
• Organize a Book Drive – SMART Reading
• How to Host a Clothing Swap, to Make More Sustainable Fashion Choices
• Zero Waste DIY Workshop Ideas: Green and Creative Gatherings – Journey to Conscious Living
From sipping hot cocoa & ice skating to curling up by the fire & watching beloved holiday movies, many of us cherish the season’s festive spirit. It’s also the perfect time to spread cheer and make a meaningful impact in your community. This holiday season, get involved in service projects like a toy drive, adopting a family, or writing holiday cards for seniors. You can host festive events like breakfast with Santa or a Christmas fair to bring joy and support local causes. Your efforts will spread warmth, kindness, and cheer to those in need. Check out our resources below to help make your holiday project a success!
Toy Drive: Bring Joy to Children This Holiday Season!
Organizing a holiday toy drive is a meaningful way to spread cheer and brighten the season for children in need. If you’re working with your student government or community group, follow these steps to make your toy drive a success:
1, Set Up Collection Points: Place bins at accessible locations such as schools, businesses, community centers, or churches. Clearly label them and keep them in high-traffic areas.
2. Spread the Word: Use flyers, posters, and social media to promote the toy drive. Be sure to include key details like the types of toys needed, collection locations, and the deadline for donations.
3. Partner with Local Organizations: Work with groups like Toys for Tots, local elementary schools, or churches to distribute the toys to children in need.
4. Host a Sorting and Wrapping Party: If the toys need to be wrapped, gather volunteers to help sort, wrap, and prepare the gifts for delivery. Make it a fun and festive event with music and snacks!
By taking part in this project, you can bring smiles to countless children and remind them they are valued, cared for, and loved. Check out the resources below for tips and tools to help you organize a successful toy drive in your community!
Home – Toys for Tots
How to Organize a Successful Holiday Toy Drive in 7 Steps | DoJiggy
10 Best Toy Drive Programs To Make The Holidays Happy For Everyone
Adopt a Family: Make the holidays magical for a family in need!
Many organizations, schools, and shelters offer programs where you can “adopt” a family or child during the holidays. A great organization to partner with is the Salvation Army, which works with Walmart to set up Angel Trees at local stores. Through these trees, you can select a family in need and receive information about their holiday wishes, including sizes, favorite colors, and essential items. Another effective way to approach this project is by adopting a family as a group or club. You can pick a card from the Angel Tree and create a sign-up list for club members to donate one or more items. To make it more engaging, you could divide members into teams, each responsible for a different family, and even offer a holiday prize as an incentive!
This project offers struggling families the support and warmth of the community during the holiday season. Check out the resources below to learn more about how you can help!
Adopt a Family for Christmas – How to Give Back This Holiday Season
Angel Tree Program – Central Maryland Area Command
Writing Holiday Cards for the Elderly
The holidays can be a lonely time for elderly individuals, especially those in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. One simple yet impactful way to brighten their season is by writing holiday cards. Start by gathering supplies such as holiday cards, craft materials, and pens for a creative card-making session. Host card-making sessions during student government meetings or even during a general assembly! Encourage participants to personalize their messages with warm, encouraging notes filled with holiday cheer, along with drawings, stickers, or festive designs to add an extra touch of joy. Finally, coordinate with local nursing homes or assisted living facilities to ensure the cards are delivered safely.
Check out the resource below on how to successfully implement a holiday card campaign!
How to Make Cards for Seniors & Nursing Home Residents – Little Red Window
Christmas-Themed Community Events – Bring your community together with festive celebrations that give back!
1. Breakfast with Santa: Host a pancake breakfast where families can meet Santa, take photos, and enjoy holiday activities. Charge a small fee or collect donations to fund local charities or service projects and include craft stations, cookie decorating, or a toy collection point.
2. Christmas Fair: Set up booths for games, crafts, and holiday-themed vendors. Include a raffle or silent auction with proceeds going to a local cause. Offer activities like ornament making, gingerbread decorating, and festive music performances.
3. Holiday Movie Night: Host an outdoor or indoor screening of a classic holiday movie. Provide hot cocoa and popcorn for attendees. Collect donations of toys, food, or funds as admission to support a local charity/organization!
These events foster community spirit and create opportunities to give back while enjoying the holiday season. Check out the resources below on how to implement a holiday fair in your community!
A guide to PTA Events: Our Top Christmas Fair ideas 2024
Your Survival Guide to Planning a Community Christmas Festival – Purplepass
As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the profound impact that gratitude can have on our lives and our communities. Thanksgiving is not just about gathering around the table; it’s an opportunity to cultivate a spirit of giving. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply sharing kindness, each act of generosity helps strengthen our community bonds and fosters a culture of compassion. This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate not only what we have but also the joy of sharing it with others. Explore our service ideas to help you embrace the spirit of giving this season!
Canned Food Drives and Meal Kits – This Thanksgiving, think about how you can support your local community by donating or serving food. Team up with your student government to organize a campaign focused on collecting canned foods for those in need. To encourage participation, consider a friendly competition among classes to see which can donate the most food items during a canned food drive. Another option is to host a meal preparation event where student volunteers come together to package Thanksgiving meals for families in need. Collaborate with local food banks or community organizations to identify families that would benefit from your support. If time is limited for a food drive, look for volunteering opportunities at local soup kitchens or shelters to serve meals to the homeless. Every effort counts in making this giving season brighter for our community! Check out the opportunities and resources below to learn more.
Holiday Food Bank Volunteer Opportunities | Feeding America
Host a food drive with Feeding America | Feeding America
Operation Turkey | Feeding the less fortunate on Thanksgiving Day (Operation Turkey is an organization that is centered around feeding the less fortunate on Thanksgiving Day)
Homeless for the Holidays – Assemble hygiene kits for students in need through the Student Homeless Initiative Project (SHIP), which collects essential hygiene items for students in Frederick County. The collection process starts in November and runs through the end of December. If you’d like to localize this effort in your county, consider implementing your own “Homeless for the Holidays” initiative. Set up donation boxes in your school or community where people can contribute items, and then assemble care kits for distribution. Alternatively, you can directly donate items to a local organization that supports youth in your area. Every contribution helps make a difference for those in need this holiday season! Check out the link below to learn more about the “Homeless for the Holidays” initiative based in Frederick County.
Winter Warmth Drive – As November arrives and the winter chill begins to set in, many individuals in our community may struggle to stay warm. Now is the perfect time to organize a Winter Warmth Drive to collect blankets, coats, gloves, and other winter weather essentials. By partnering with local shelters and organizations, we can ensure these items reach those in need before the cold season truly takes hold.
As leaves begin to turn and the temperature drops with the fall season, there are countless ways to engage your community! From Friday Night Lights to pumpkin lattes, many of us cherish this vibrant season. But what truly enhances the fall spirit is the opportunity to give back. Embrace the season of gratitude by organizing fall community events and volunteer opportunities for members of your community and school. Together, we can make a difference while enjoying all that fall has to offer!
Fall Festivities
Trunk or Treat Drive-Through With your student government, organize a Trunk or Treat drive-through for your school or local community. Encourage participants to creatively decorate their car trunks with Halloween-themed decorations to create a festive atmosphere for families. Kids can dress in costumes and stroll from trunk to trunk collecting candy. This event not only fosters community spirit but also offers a fun alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. To increase participation, consider reaching out to local elementary schools to spread the word. You might charge an admission fee or a fee for participants to set up their cars, allowing you to generate revenue that can be donated to your student government or a charity of your choice. Check out the link below on how to host a Trunk or Treat Drive-Through.
https://totsfamily.com/how-to-organize-a-trunk-or-treat-event/
Fall Festival Another great idea is to host a fall festival to spread seasonal cheer. Your student council can collaborate with local organizations to offer a variety of activities such as fall crafts, pumpkin painting or carving, sack races, and other fun games. Partnering with local businesses can also enhance the event by adding more activities and attracting attention. Explore the links below for inspiration on organizing a fall festival, including ideas and activities you can incorporate into your event!
How to Plan an Epic Fall Festival, with 15 Event Themes, Ideas & Activities | TicketSource
Creating a Fall Festival to Remember | Fall Event Planning Tips (funcrewusa.com)
Volunteer! If hosting a Trunk or Treat or fall festival isn’t feasible, consider encouraging your student government association to volunteer at existing community events. This is a wonderful way to demonstrate your commitment to service while still contributing to local celebrations.
Cemetery Cleanup Gather a group to help clean a local cemetery, honoring the memories of those who have passed. Before organizing the cleanup, get permission from cemetery caretakers to understand the needs and the necessary supplies. This respectful activity not only enhances the appearance of the cemetery but also allows participants to pay tribute. Additionally, you can host a donation drive for flowers/wreaths so they can be placed at headstones. Check out the link below for practices on how to clean a cemetery/headstone!
Cleaning – Cemetery Conservators for United Standards (cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org)
Donate Costumes! Organize a clothing donation drive centered on collecting old Halloween costumes. By gathering gently used items, you can assist families in your community who may struggle to afford a costume. Consider marketing this initiative as a Halloween costume swap, allowing families to exchange costumes that no longer fit or are no longer needed. This idea ensures that everyone can find a costume they love, allowing them to participate in Halloween festivities without the financial burden. Check out the link below to learn how to host a Halloween Costume Swap!
How to Host a Halloween Costume Swap (greenchildmagazine.com)
As we step into September, it’s crucial to reconnect with our school environment to set the stage for a successful and fulfilling year. Building a strong, supportive community begins with each of us actively engaging in service. This month also serves as an important time to remember and honor the local heroes who have made significant sacrifices. MASC encourages school and regional student councils, as well as individuals, to extend their heartfelt gratitude to these dedicated members of our community. Local heroes include healthcare professionals, teachers, neighbors who go out of their way to help others, social workers, law enforcement officers, and members of the armed forces, among many others.
Honoring and Remembering Local Heros: On September 11th, 2001, our nation endured a tragic attack on the Twin Towers, claiming over 2,500 lives. Amid the devastation, countless first responders displayed incredible courage, risking their lives to save others. Today, we honor their sacrifice by transforming 9/11 into a day of service and unity. Whether volunteering, donating, or participating in community events, we can reimagine this day as one of hope and connection. YSA offers eleven reflections and project ideas to help us engage in meaningful acts of service, turning remembrance into a catalyst for positive change.
Supporting Students Mental Health: The school year can be a challenging time for many students, making it essential to focus on mental health and well-being. Here are some effective ways to help students manage stress and prioritize their mental health to ensure an amazing school year:
Stress Relief Workshops: Organize workshops that teach stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. Consider incorporating innovative approaches like therapy with dogs, which can provide additional relaxation and comfort.
Mental Health Awareness Campaign: Launch a campaign to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This can be done through social media and by hosting a dedicated Mental Health Awareness Week at your school. During this week, you could organize events and activities focused on mental health education and support.
Podcast on Mental Health: Create a podcast featuring personal stories related to mental health. This platform will allow individuals to share their experiences, fostering understanding and empathy while providing valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of mental health journeys.
By implementing these initiatives, you can help create a supportive environment that encourages students to prioritize their mental health and well-being throughout the school year. Check out the links for more ideas on how you can promote mental health in your community!
49+ Best Mental Health Project Ideas for Students: Artistry for the Mind (creativeprojectideas.com)
3 Mental Health Project Ideas for Students | EVERFI
Back to School Drives: Help make a difference in students’ lives this school year! Ensure that every student starts off on the right foot by hosting a school supply drive to collect notebooks, pencils, folders, erasers, and other essential school supply items – every contribution counts! Consider reaching out to teachers at your school to see what supplies they could use in their classroom for the upcoming year (some teachers will have wish lists). Check out the links below on ongoing drives, and also how to implement a school supply drive in your community!
• How to Start a School-Supply Drive for Your Community – Backpacks USA
• How to Run a Successful School Supply Drive (betterworld.org)
• Back to School Backpack Drive (nccf-cares.org)
• Operation Backpack® – VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas
Implement a Summer Reading Program: Start or support a summer reading program for children in your community, encouraging literacy and a love for reading. Check out the link below for tips on how to implement a successful summer reading program.
• Summer Reading Programs Tips and Themes (signupgenius.com)
Clean up your school’s campus: Organize a campus beautification project by gathering volunteers to help plant, clean weeds, and pick up trash around your school. Consider helping teachers set up classrooms and create engaging bulletin boards to inspire students on the first day of school!
National Awareness Days:
National Nonprofit Day: Commemorated on August 17th, National Nonprofit Day recognizes nonprofit organizations and their ongoing efforts to serve the local community. There are several nonprofit organizations that you can support including (but not limited to) the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club of America, Red Cross, UNICEF, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society*. Many of these national organizations have local chapters across MD that offer volunteer opportunities. Check out the link below for more information about National Nonprofit Day!
• NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY – August 17, 2024 – National Today
*The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is currently accepting students for the ‘24-’25 Student Visionaries of the Year program. Participants embark on a 7-week journey to raise funds and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission while developing skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, and project management. For more information visit https://www.llsstudentvisionaries.org/
Women’s Equality Day: Celebrated on August 26th, Women’s Equality Day commemorates the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote in the United States. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate:
• Dive into resources about the suffrage movement and the 19th amendment
• Organize screenings of films or documentaries that highlight women’s stories, contributions, and struggles for equality.
• Launch a social media campaign to share facts, quotes, and stories about women’s achievements and the ongoing fight for equality.
• Partner with local organizations that support women’s rights and equality
Check out the links below for more information about Women’s Equality Day and how to support the ongoing movement for equality.
• WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY – August 26, 2024 – National Today
• Women’s Suffrage – The U.S. Movement, Leaders & 19th Amendment | HISTORY
• 25 Organizations Fighting for Gender Equality | Human Rights Careers
Summer is the best time of the year! We enjoy going on vacations, relaxing, and spending time with friends. During this season, we celebrate an important holiday: the 4th of July! The 4th presents opportunities to both celebrate and serve the community! Remember that anyone can make a positive difference, no matter how small an action may seem.
Reflecting on History and Celebration: Take a moment during this month to explore and take a deeper dive into the history of the 4th of July. This date is important because it marks the day the Declaration of Independence was passed by the Continental Congress in 1776. Beyond the celebrations, fireworks, and barbeques, the 4th of July offers an opportunity to reflect on both the triumphs and complexities of our nation’s history. By exploring various websites and watching informative videos, you can gain a deeper understanding of the historical events that shaped our country. With the information you learned, feel free to discuss it during barbecues or any fun summer events, to inform your family about the significance of this holiday. Check out the articles below to learn more!
• What Is the 4th of July? Meaning, History and Celebrations 2024 (rd.com)
• Fourth of July – Origins, Early Celebrations & Traditions | HISTORY
• For some Americans, July 4 is a time not to celebrate, but reflect | PBS News
• July Fourth and early Black Americans: It’s complicated | Cornell Chronicle
Celebrate Heroes: Independence Day is a perfect time to celebrate our local veterans and first responders for their incredible service and sacrifice. Whether through lively community events or appreciation meals, we can show our gratitude and let them know their efforts are deeply cherished. There are numerous ways you can show your gratitude:
— Create patriotic-themed cards and crafts: These colorful creations will bring smiles to the faces of heroes at local veterans’ homes, firefighters, police stations, and community centers. Use this opportunity as a chance to unleash your creativity while making a positive impact in your community!
— Assemble Care Packages: Fill packages with snacks, essential toiletries, and handwritten notes of appreciation for deployed service members. Partner with military support organizations to ensure that these care packages reach those who need a morale boost the most. Check out these military support organizations to see how you can help!
• Homepage – Operation Gratitude
• Care Packages – Support Our Troops
Be Prepared!: The spirit of July 4th celebrates unity and community, and being prepared for emergencies strengthens these bonds. Obtaining first aid/CPR certification not only equips us with essential skills but also fosters resilience within our neighborhoods. This July, help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer by attending or hosting training sessions in your local community to promote the learning of vital techniques to handle emergencies confidently. Check out the Red Cross website to find information for classes on first aid, CPR, and AED (offers in-person and virtual options). The Red Cross also has several resources regarding emergency preparedness.
• Red Cross Training | Take a Class | Red Cross
• How to Prepare For Emergencies | Be Red Cross Ready | Red Cross
Together let’s celebrate with peace of mind, knowing we’re prepared to keep our community safe and thriving.