Days to take note of in…December
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It seems these days there’s always a reason, cause or campaign to be celebrated, reflected on or remembered whether it be locally, nationally or across the world. But sometimes it can be a little overwhelming knowing what day is what, (besides the obvious day of the week)…Each month we’re going to make it just that little bit easier for you so you know what to expect for the month ahead starting with this one—December!
World Aids Day -Yesterday (1 December)
What is it? World AIDS Day is one of the most globally recognised events of the year.
Why is it important? It is celebrated across Australia to raise awareness in the community about the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery – 2 December
What is it about? While slavery is often recognised as an institution confined to history, bonded labor and trafficking continues to affect millions globally.
Why is it important? Join the United Nations to help fight the fight against contemporary forms of slavery.
International Day of People with Disability – 3 December
What is it? International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations sanctioned day aiming to promote and support those who experience disability.
Why is it important? The day also looks to increase awareness of the need for integration of people with disabilities in every aspect of life.
International Day of the Volunteer – 4 December
What is it? International Volunteer Day (IVD) is about recognising the contribution made by volunteers to communities around the world.
Why is it important? IVD is celebrated with thousands of volunteers getting involved in a range of events all aimed at highlighting the role of volunteers in their communities.
World Wildlife Conservation Day – 4 December
What is it? This global occasion provides everyone with the opportunity to learn more about wildlife conservation and to be part of the solution to wildlife crime. But it’s important to know that it’s is not just the animals that are suffering.
Park rangers get killed on a regular basis by poachers they’re trying to stop, and the local economies of entire towns and villages suffer terrible damage once enough wildlife is wiped out to make them irrelevant as wildlife tourism destinations.
Why is it important? A call to action was put out by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2012 to raise awareness and engage conservationists on Wildlife Conservation Day and to be part of the solution to wildlife crime.
How can I participate? You can help raise awareness and contribute to the conservation and protection of endangered species such as elephants, rhinos and tigers at World Wildlife Conservation Day website.
World Soil Day – 5 December
What is it? An annual celebration of the brown sticky stuff that gets walked all over your prized cream carpets. In all seriousness this day aims to conquer our ignorance of the importance of soil in the environment.
Why is it important? Soil is one of the most significant parts of our ecosystem, contributing to our food, water and energy and playing an important part in reducing the impact of climate change. While it’s unlikely we’ll start to send Hallmark cards to each other wishing ‘Happy Soil Day’, we can learn to appreciate the important role soil has in our lives.
International Civil Aviation Day – 7 December
What is it? International Civil Aviation Day promotes the importance of Civil Aviation in both the social and economic development of nations around the word.
Why is it important? With airline safety a topic of much current attention, this day highlights the vital requirements for safety, efficiency and regularity in international air transport.
Letter Writing Day – 7 December
What is it? Letter Writing Day is a reminder to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with loved ones and friends with the simple art of letter writing. Email, text messaging and instant communication are incredible tools, but lack the personal touch of a handwritten letter.
Why is it important? When was the last time you put pen to paper to get in touch with someone? Dust off your writing paper, pens and envelopes and try writing a letter in place of emailing or phoning on Letter Writing Day. And perfect timing for Christmas too!
International Anti-Corruption Day – 9 December
What is it? Each year corruption accounts for mammoth losses to GDP around the world. International Anti-corruption Day was launched in 2003 by the General Assembly of the United Nations as a way of raising awareness of corruption and highlighting the role of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing it.
Why is it important? International Anti-Corruption Day aims to raise public awareness of corruption and the need for business will-power to promote promote accountability and transparency. Our intolerance towards corruption has grown and is evidenced by the increasing number of politicians and chief executives who are being tried and convicted for the crime.
International Mountain Day – 11 December
What is it? International Mountain Day is a UN-organised event dedicated to raising awareness of the importance and value of mountains from an ecological and economical perspective.
Why is it important? Did you know that more than half the world’s fresh water originates in mountains? International Mountain Day is an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build partnerships that will bring positive change to the world’s mountains and highlands.
International Shareware Day – 13 December
What is it? International Shareware Day was created to remind shareware users about the value they’ve gained through their use of these programs, most of them for free or ridiculously low fees. And to perhaps inspire them, in the spirit of the upcoming festive season especially, to send off a few payments to the authors of their favorite shareware apps.
Why is it important? Just as you would leave a tip in a restaurant where the waiter or waitress was courteous, informative and brought your order quickly, so should you reward the efforts of the designers and creators of your favourite programs with a donation, however small. We should remember never to take anything for granted, or we may suddenly find ourselves paying for every little app and program we need, and we definitely need an increasing amount of them!
Worldwide Candle Lighting Day – 14 December
What is it? This day first began in 1997 as a small remembrance and has since spread worldwide as a day on which people around the world gather to light candles for children who have died and to show they will always be loved and never forgotten.
Why is important? Worldwide Candle Lighting Day is a celebration of solidarity and memory, and whether lighting a candle at home, or joining a gathering, it is a way to show love and community.
International Migrants Day – 18 December
What is it? International Migrants Day supports the protection of the fundamental rights of all persons, regardless of their migration status, as guaranteed by international law.
Why is it important? Migrants Day is a celebration of the 232 million people who’ve said to themselves ‘I’ve had enough of this place’ and hopped on an airplane clenching a one-way ticket. Migration is a positive and empowering experience and contributes to both economical growth and human development. For many people, however, migration will bring human rights violations and exploitation.
International Human Solidarity Day – 20 December
What is it? Launched in 2006, International Human Solidarity Day celebrates a concept which has defined the work of the United Nations and is indispensable in the realisation of successful international relationships this century.
Why is it important? Pay too much attention to the daily news cycle and it’s easy to begin thinking there’s more that divides global communities than unites them. Governments are reminded of their commitments to international agreements on the need for human solidarity as an initiative to fight against poverty.
National Leftovers Day – 26 December
What is it? National Leftovers Day helps to combat the hundreds of millions of dollars worth of food thrown away over the Christmas and New Year period.
Why is it important? This day encourages you to make sure you cut down on Christmas waste this year by reusing and correctly storing your leftover Christmas treats. As well as making the most of leftovers, Australians can also reduce their festive food impact on their wallet by sticking to their shopping lists & budget!
Festive Recycling – 26 December to 1 January
What is it? Between Christmas and New Year, Australians produce more recycling than any other time. For that reason Planet Ark and Australia Post are encouraging everyone to be clean and green this festive period.
Why is it important? Festive Recycling helps reduce the environmental and financial impact of these festive activities. There are heaps of simple things you can do to have a fun during the green festive season – just check out the PlanetArk for the 12 DOs of Christmas.
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