The Third Circuit Court Diversity, Equity, 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, Equity, and 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.

We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we all must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” – Maya Angelou

MAY 2024

Month-long observances:

ALS Awareness Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Better Sleep Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

National Foster Care Month

Week-long observances:

May 5 – 11: National Pet Week

May 6 – 10: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6 – 12: Children’s Book Week and National Nurses Week

May 13 – 19: National Stuttering Awareness Week

May 15 – 21: National Vegetarian Week

May 1 – May Day

May 1 – National Interpreter Appreciation Day

May 2 – National Brothers and Sisters Day

May 5 – Cinco de Mayo

May 6 – National Nurses Day

May 7 – National Teacher Appreciation Day

May 7 – National Foster Care Day

May 9 – National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

May 12 – Mother’s Day

May 12 – National Mental Health Provider Appreciation Day

May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

May 17 – Malcolm X Day

May 18 – Armed Forces Day

May 19 – Stepmother’s Day

May 20 – National Women in Aerospace Day

May 20 – National Rescue Dog Day

May 21 – World Meditation Day

May 21 – Pesach Sheni (evening of May 21 to nightfall on May 22)

May 25 – National Missing Children’s Day

May 27 – Memorial Day

Source: https://www.today.com/life/holidays/may-holidays-and-observances-rcna76128

NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH

Started in 1988, the U.S. government has issued annual proclamations in recognition of National Foster Care Month, celebrated in May, to show appreciation and gratitude to foster parents across the nation. Foster care intends to provide a safe environment for children and youth who

temporarily cannot live with their families. Foster care is a part of the constellation of services provided to children and families by the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and

Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

How to Observe National Foster Care Month:

1. Spread the Word – educate people on the importance of the foster care system and how

much good it does for our nation’s youth. Get people to donate or consider foster care if

they have the means. The more eyes it reaches, the bigger chance you have at making a difference. Use the hashtag #DareToCare.

2. Donate to a Foster Care Fund – there are lots of places you can donate to, to get children

and youth out of a potentially harmful situation. Search for your local foster care services

and offer a donation today!

3. Wear Your Support – order official National Foster Care Month pins and ribbons from FosterClub. Some people also wear light blue shirts.

Source: https://nationaltoday.com/national-foster-care-month/

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH



Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 and was started by Mental Health America (MHA) (then known as the National Association for Mental Health).  The purpose is to raise awareness and educate the public about: mental illnesses, such as the 18.1% of Americans who suffer from depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder; the realities of living with these conditions; and strategies for attaining mental health and wellness.  It also aims to draw attention to suicide, which can be precipitated by some mental illnesses.  Additionally, Mental Health Awareness Month strives to reduce the stigma (negative attitudes and misconceptions) that surrounds mental illnesses. The month came about by presidential proclamation.

Free mental health toolkits are available online from Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness that offer additional information, resources, and how you can help.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_Health_Awareness_Month

MOTHER’S DAY

In the U.S., Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday of May. This year, Mother's Day is May 12. Mother's Day celebrations in the U.S. began around the 20th century, thanks to Anna Jarvis. Jarvis was the daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis, who was responsible for creating the Mothers’ Day Work Clubs. These clubs provided aid to mothers, teaching them childcare strategies. During the Civil War, the clubs also served as common ground for wives of the Union and Confederacy, promoting reconciliation, according to the History Channel.



When Ann Reeves Jarvis died in 1905, Anna Jarvis sought to create a holiday that honored the "sacrifices mothers made for their children." Three years later, in May 1908, Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother's Day celebration at a church in West Virginia. In the years following, she participated in a letter-writing campaign to push for Mother's Day to be adopted across the nation. By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson designated it a national holiday.



Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2024/04/11/when-is-mothers-day-2024/73053824007/

How to Celebrate Mother’s Day

1. Lend a Helping Hand

To honor Ann Jarvis' original vision, look for ways you can help out a busy mom in your life. Whether dropping off a meal for a hardworking mom or offering to help shuttle kids to and from school or sports practice, your mom friends will surely appreciate the extra support. If you're not sure how to help, that's okay too! Send a simple note with an open offer for anything she needs.

2. Send a Card

No matter if you're spending the day together or miles apart, Mom will love a thoughtful card on her day.

3. Start a New Tradition

It doesn't matter what you do, as long as you celebrate Mom. Consider starting a new tradition this year and plan a fun day together. Enjoy a game night with the whole family, help her organize the kitchen, or schedule a pre-summer pedicure—the two of you will look forward it year after year.

4. Surprise Her with a Gift

This Mother's Day, surprise mom with a special gift that feels like it's been made just for her. Pick up a self-care kit for the Mom that deserves a spa day (or grab her a gift card to her favorite local spa), whip together a spread of impressive chocolate and cheese pairings, or DIY a sweet and sentimental gift she'll cherish forever.

5. Share a Meal

We're all about a delicious Mother's Day brunch, but you don't have to limit yourself to waffles and pancakes. Instead, spend the day cooking together (you can even plan a virtual cooking date if you can't celebrate in person) or treat mom to her favorite local restaurant.

Source: https://www.bhg.com/holidays/mothers-day/mothers-day-traditions/when-is-mothers-day/