We tend to get pretty serious in this column each week. Overworked parents. Anxious kids. Hunger in America. All viable topics these.
This week, we decided to look at national observances in October, some serious, some lighthearted, some rather silly. These dates are actually approved by Congress to recognize, honor and acknowledge certain days, weeks and months, according to the Congressional Research Service.
“Wait, someone actually established National Grouch Day on Oct. 15?” you might ask.
Silly indeed, but yes. There are others, gleaned from the National Day Calendar: International Legging Day, Oct. 18; National Chocolate Cupcake Day, Oct. 18; National Chicken and Waffles Day, Oct. 20. These don’t really need defining, but the more serious October observances do. (This and other information that follows can be found on the National Day Calendar website at nationaldaycalendar.com.)
Let’s start with National Coffee With a Cop Day on the first Wednesday in October. As you know from coverage in The Sun Newspapers, this observance brings police together with their communities to build connections and camaraderie, both in South Jersey and across the country. Yes, it started with the familiar joke about officers and donuts, but since 2016, Coffee With a Cop has extended to all 50 states.
National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day on Oct. 2 encourages appreciation for the behind-the-scenes employees in schools and workplaces who are not always acknowledged. Their work can contribute to critical first impressions and the success of any business or organization.
National Stop Bullying Day is the second Wednesday in October. We know a lot about bullying and its damaging effects, but what you might not know is that the observance – which coincides with October as National Stop Bullying Month – is an idea that started with 18 sixth grade students in 2009.
Each year on Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day encourages not just stepping out of the closet but recognizing and raising awareness of the LGBTQ community. It was created in 1988, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
National Get Smart About Credit Day on the third Thursday in October promotes good credit habits in part by having volunteer bankers help counsel young people on the issue. It was established in 2003 by the American Bankers Association Education Foundation and offers tips on how to get out from under too much debt and even teach children to save.
A recent best-selling book called “The Anxious Generation” makes the case that kids and phones can be a toxic combination, that being glued to electronics has produced a generation of kids since the 2010 decade who no longer learn skills – such as physical play and socialization with others – that can help them become thriving adults.
Instead, they are lost in a miasma of addiction, loneliness and perfectionism. So National Youth Confidence Day every Oct. 20 was founded in 2018 to encourage healthy relationships between youth and mentors who are positive role models.
The National Day of the Deployed on Oct. 26 honors military personnel currently stationed around the world and also acknowledges the families they leave behind. One way to honor the observance is with care packages sent abroad via the website supportourtroops.org.
Finally, there is Make a Difference Day on the fourth Saturday in October. It encourages volunteerism and – since it began in 1992 – has become the largest national day of community service.
