Third Judicial Circuit Court
THE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION CALENDAR
The Third Circuit Court Diversity and Inclusion Team’s Mission: "We appreciate our common connection and respect our diverse and unique human experiences. We move forward as an inclusive organization as we provide accessible and equal justice."

The Court’s Diversity & Inclusion Team strives to ensure the values of its diverse bench, staff, and court users are acknowledged and reflected in our delivery of service as well as our work environment.

In that spirit, the team creates and shares a monthly list of various holidays and observations along with some celebration suggestions. We invite our work community and the community at large to contribute.
 

March 2022

Women’s History Month
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Irish-American Heritage Month
Deaf History Month
Self-Injury Awareness Day - March 1
World Teen Mental Wellness Day - March 2
Ash Wednesday - March 2
National Hospitalist Day - March 3
National Be Heard Day - March 7
International Women’s Day - March 8
National Working Moms Day - March 12
Freedom of Information Day - March 16
St Patrick’s Day - March 17
World Down Syndrome Day - March 21
Epilepsy Awareness Day - March 26
National Doctors’ Day - March 30

Local Activities and Highlights
 
Many local organizations host activities and play an ongoing role in holidays and observances listed above.
 
For Women History Month Activities, visit:

  • Michigan Women Forward at https://miwf.org/herstory/hall-of-fame/
  • Michigan Women Lawyers of Michigan at https://womenlawyers.org/
  • Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan at https://blackwomenlawyers.org/
 
Visit the Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers at http://irish-lawyers.org/. They will host their St. Patrick’s Day Parade Brunch on March 13, 2022 at Mario’s in Detroit.
 
Read about the various Michigan Historical Markers for the Michigan School for the Deaf, the Superintendent’s Cottage, and the Birthplace of the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf at https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=178343.

Facts about March (courtesy of National Day Calendar and Wikipedia):
Women’s History Month – March 1 – 31, 2022
 
Women’s History Month is a month-long celebration of women’s contributions to society and history that is observed during the month of March in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and is observed during the month of October in Canada. In the U.S., it’s been officially celebrated since March of 1987.
 
There are several ways to celebrate Women’s History Month. For instance, you can buy a book of stamps that commemorates notable women and perhaps use them to write to an old friend. You can also donate some money to your public library and instruct them to buy a book on women’s history, or even donate a book on women’s history yourself. You can also give your son or daughter the biography of a famous historical woman such as Gertrude Stein, Jane Addams, Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton or Ella Baker.
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – March 1 – 31, 2022
 
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month has been observed the month of March since 1987.
Each March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), and our partners work together to create a social media campaign that highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.
 
Founder: President Ronald Reagan on February 26, 1987.
 
Hastags:  #NationalDevelopmentalDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth and
                #DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth
 
Irish-American Heritage Month - March 1 – 31, 2022
 
Irish-American Heritage Month is celebrated by proclamation of the President and Congress in the U.S. to honor the achievements and contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants living in the United States. It was first celebrated in 1991. The heritage month is in March to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day. 
 
St. Patrick’s Day is a Roman Catholic religious holiday that honors the saint, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the early fifth century. It has developed in the U.S. as a celebration of all things Irish. 
 
Each year in March, the Irish Prime Minister visits the U.S. for St Patrick’s Day. A Shamrock Ceremony takes place in the morning at the White House where a crystal bowl containing shamrock is presented to the President in the Oval Office. This is followed by a Friends of Ireland luncheon hosted by the House Speaker. In the evening, a St. Patrick’s Day Reception takes place at the White House.
 
March is our opportunity to reflect upon this heritage, learn more about it, and celebrate what is a unique and brilliant strand of history.
Deaf History Month – March 13 – April 15, 2022
 
Deaf History Month occurs annually. This period of time, observed nationwide every year from March 13 through April 15, celebrates deaf history and, in particular, contributions made by the deaf community and the hearing impaired to American culture and society. 
Deaf History Month appears to have had its genesis March 13, 1996, when two deaf employees at Washington, D.C.'s Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library taught sign language to their colleagues. This occurrence evolved into a week of deaf awareness created by the library. Quickly, deaf awareness week evolved into a month-long period dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of the deaf community, this period quickly evolved to last a month. 
In 1996, the National Association of the Deaf suggested the week become a full-fledged month, and in 1997, the first annual, nation-wide National Deaf History Month was celebrated from March 13 to April 15. The popularity of Deaf History Month grew over time, and there is currently an effort underway by the American Library Association and the National Association of the Deaf to get the White House to declare it an official national event.
 
Deaf History Month, by design, spans three key events impacting the deaf community that occurred in American history:
- March 13, 1988 – Deaf President Now movement succeeds. King Jordan becomes President of Gallaudet University.
- April 8 – Gallaudet University founded. President Lincoln signed the charter in 1864 establishing a college for the deaf. This event is known as Gallaudet Charter Day and is usually marked with a luncheon and awards program at Gallaudet University.
- April 15 – American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, Connecticut, the first public school for the deaf, opened in 1817.
Self-Injury Awareness Day – March 1, 2022
 
Self-Injury Awareness Day on March 1st each year focuses on increasing education and support on a misunderstood problem.
 
When someone causes deliberate self-injury or harm, the action is an indication of emotional distress. According to research from the Journal of American Board of Family Medicine, approximately 4% of Americans self-harm, with a majority of those being college students. The day aims to help friends and family recognize the signs and help those in emotional distress find help. 
 
Hastags: #SelfInjuryAwarenessDay
World Teen Mental Wellness Day – March 2, 2022
 
According to the American Psychological Association, Gen Z has the worst mental health of any generation. However, teens are dedicated to making a difference. According to YPulse, 64 percent of Gen Z say they want to achieve a healthier lifestyle for overall happiness, including a stronger self-care routine. Also, 94 percent consider mental health very important to their well-being. Ultimately, raising awareness about mental health and the importance of self-care can help improve an entire generation’s mental wellness. 
 
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay
 
Hollister encourages teens around the world to use March 2nd as an opportunity to practice self-care, be kind to themselves, and remember that, while social media might portray a different story, it’s okay to not be okay. To help disrupt the teen mental wellness stigma, share your story or how you’re recharging on Instagram and Twitter with #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay.
Ash Wednesday – March 2, 2022
Ash Wednesday signals the beginning of Lenten season for Christians. It takes place 46 days before Easter and the day after Shrove Tuesday.
Ash Wednesday services focus on the death and repentance the ashes represent. In many churches, the ashes are made from the palm branches that are burned from the previous Palm Sunday service.

HOW TO OBSERVE ASH WEDNESDAY
Attend an Ash Wednesday service. Learn more about the history of Ash Wednesday. Share your Ash Wednesday events and services.
National Hospitalist Day – March 3, 2022 – First Thursday in March
National Hospitalist Day recognizes the contributions of more than 60,000 hospitalists nationwide on the first Thursday in March annually. Hospital medicine is one of the fastest-growing specialties in modern medicine, and those who practice it are known as hospitalists.

Hospitalists manage patient care throughout their inpatient stay and have been proven to reduce readmissions while also serving as leaders in quality improvement and patient safety. Drs. Lee Goldman and Bob Wachter first coined the term “hospitalist” in a New England Journal of Medicine article in 1996.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHospitalistDay
Learn more about the hospital medicine specialty and how hospitalists are transforming patient care by visiting the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) website: www.hospitalmedicine.org.
National Be Heard Day – March 7, 2022
 
Each year on the 7th day of March, National Be Heard Day encourages small businesses across the country to make their presence known. The day recognizes the over 145 million small businesses in the United States striving to be heard over the big-business-dominated noise. 
 
Around the United States, small businesses employ approximately 47% of the workforce. Standing out amongst the crowd can be a daunting task. But small businesses are unique in many ways. Not only do they supply cutting-edge services and products, but they also reinvest in small-town America and local neighborhoods in many ways. When small business owners live, work, and play in our communities, their dollars stay and grow. Many of these businesses create custom products solving unique problems for big businesses. Not only that, they support our schools in dollars, as mentors in the classroom, and on the field as coaches. 
 
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBeHeardDay
 
Join in this small business celebration! Whether you’re a business owner, shopper, or interested in growing your community, this day is for you. 
 
Small businesses, raise your voices! Let your communities hear you, your goals, and what you have to offer.
International Women’s Day – March 8, 2022
 
International Women’s Day on March 8th each year celebrates the social, economic, and political achievements of women around the world. The day also brings international awareness to gender parity. According to the World Economic Forum, global gender equality is estimated to be achieved by 2133.
Gender equality is the equal access to the same rights and opportunities regardless of gender. These rights and opportunities include:
 
-      Healthcare
-      Education
-      Employment / economic gain
-      Pay
-      Protection under the law
-      Right to vote
-      Free from violence
 
Holding Political Office: Just over 100 years ago, only .2 % of the United States Congress consisted of women. Actually, the 65th Congress was comprised of a single woman. In 1916, Montana elected Republican Jeannette Rankin as the first Congresswoman to hold a federal office. Fast forward to the year 2020 and women hold 23.7% of the U.S. Congressional seats. While that might seem like progress, according to United Nations statistics, the U.S. percentage matches exactly the worldwide average for women in political office.
National Working Moms Day – March 12, 2022

Every mom is a working mom. On March 12th, National Working Moms Day celebrates the breadwinners and the breadmakers, the educators and the role models, those resilient, inspirational fixtures in our children’s lives.

Ever since the invention of motherhood, mothers have been innovating, creating, and developing. They strategize and organize, never stopping until the work is done. And through each evolution, we know mothers keep pace with the changing world. Working moms invest in our communities because their small businesses thrive there. We can never celebrate them enough, no matter how many cookies they make or how much bread they bring home.

That’s why National Working Moms Day celebrates every mom. Whether you recognize a marvelous working mother in your life or you reflect on your accomplishments as a working mom, join in the celebration!

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorkingMomsDay
National Freedom of Information Day – March 16, 2022
 
March 16th recognizes National Freedom of Information Day annually during Sunshine Week. It also commemorates the birthday of President James Madison. Madison earned the name the Father of the Constitution and was the foremost advocate for openness in government. Additionally, historians hail Madison as instrumental in drafting the United States Constitution and the leading advocate and author of the Bill of Rights. Madison held individual rights and freedom of information in high importance.
 
HOW TO OBSERVE #FreedomOfInformationDay
 
The day reminds us that the Freedom of Information Act offers us a tool to keep us informed. While a request can be made for any record, personal records require permission from the party in question. Check out the FAQ from FOIA.gov. 
 
Learn more about the Freedom of Information Act and how it impacts your rights. Visit the FOIA.gov website to read more about the act. Exercise your rights to access certain unrestricted documents. Learn how to access and request records. 
St. Patrick’s Day – March 18, 2022
 
St. Patrick’s Day kicks off a worldwide celebration also known as the Feast of St. Patrick. On March 17th, many will wear green in honor of the Irish and decorate with shamrocks. According to lore, the wearing of the green tradition dates back to a story written about St. Patrick in 1726. St. Patrick (c. AD 385–461) used the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity and worn green clothing. And while the story is unlikely to be true, many will revel in the Irish heritage and eat traditional Irish fare, too. 
 
HOW TO OBSERVE #StPatricksDay
 
Remember to wear green. Read up about St. Patrick’s Day and cook up an Irish feast! Use #StPatricksDay to post on social media.
World Down Syndrome Day – March 21, 2022
 
World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st gives people with Down syndrome and their advocates a voice and an opportunity to be heard. It’s a day where we assemble and organize activities to promote public awareness for the genetic disorder. The goal is to educate others on the importance of supporting our friends and family who have directly and indirectly experienced life with Down syndrome.
 
Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions globally and commonly affects learning styles, physical characteristics, and overall health. In order to ensure proper growth and development, social learning programs are required to integrate anyone who has Down syndrome.
 
Every year, their voices grow louder, and they influence government policy, becoming more empowered. Through events around the world, people with Down syndrome can ensure their own advocacy and be included in their communities.
 
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldDownSyndromeDay
 
Check to see if your local school is offering any volunteer opportunities in their Integrated Learning Center. Join local events or share yours.
Epilepsy Awareness Day - Purple Day – March 26, 2022
 
Epilepsy Awareness Day on March 26th aims to increase the public’s knowledge of a neurological condition affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide. Also known as Purple Day, people are encouraged to wear purple in support of epilepsy awareness. 
 
The neurological condition, epilepsy, impacts the central nervous system causing seizures and other symptoms. The types of seizures vary depending on the cause and type of epilepsy.
National Doctors Day – March 30, 2022
 
On March 30th each year, National Doctors Day honors the professionals for their dedication and contributions to society and the community. Their dedication puts the patient first time and again. On National Doctors Day, we say “thank you” to our physicians for all that they do for us and our loved ones.
 
Healthcare today is more complex than ever. With more advancements, tools, and information at their fingertips, doctors have an overwhelming job to diagnose and treat their patients every day. This is the day to honor the ones who see us 365 days a year. In every city and hospital, in our military, and in our rural communities, doctors pave the way to better healthcare for their patients. ‘
 
On February 21, 1991, President George H.W. Bush proclaimed National Doctors Day to honor the Nation’s physicians for their dedication and leadership.
The Diversity & Inclusion Plan can be found on the Court’s website or clicking below.