In November, there are two celebrations that everyone may not be aware of, which speak directly to understanding and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe they both will make you smile!
November 13th is World Kindness Day
In a world that seems to be getting more and more divided, it can feel like there's not much you can do. And yet, we all know that doing small acts of kindness for strangers or people in need is one of the best ways to make the world a better place. It doesn't take much effort, but it has an incredible impact on those around us.
World Kindness Day was created to celebrate good deeds and act as an inspiration. On November 13th each year, people from around the globe come together to create a chain reaction of compassion by performing random acts of kindness for total strangers. This day was first launched in 1998 by The World Kindness Movement, an organization formed at a 1997 Tokyo conference of like-minded kindness organizations worldwide. There are currently over 28 nations involved with this event that isn't associated with any religion or political movement!
November 16th is International Day for Tolerance
Every year on November 16th, the International Day for Tolerance generates awareness of the dangers of intolerance. In 1996, the UN General Assembly invited UN Member States to observe the International Day for Tolerance on November 16th. This action followed the United Nations Year for Tolerance in 1995. In 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The UNESCO's Member States adopted a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance.
Among other things, the Declaration affirms that tolerance is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe.
Declaration on Principles on Tolerance:
"Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human."
In recognition of World Kindness Day and International Day for Tolerance, we encourage you to try a few of the seven ideas below as you do your part in celebrating diversity, kindness and tolerance.
- Send an uplifting text to a friend or family member.
- Let the guy merge into traffic with a wave and a smile.
- Include intentional moments of kindness, laughter and delight in your daily routine.
- Go slightly outside of your comfort zone at least once a day to make someone smile.
- Share a compliment with a co-worker or friend.
- Reach out to a family member you haven't spoken to in a while.
- Treat someone to a cup of coffee (a friend, a stranger, or even yourself).
Did you like these ideas? Share with us how you plan to celebrate World Kindness Day and International Day for Tolerance! There can be no shortage of ideas on how to lift one another up.
