All - Leep Calendar

National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) is an annual campaign held in April in the United States to raise public awareness about sexual assault, promote education and prevention efforts, and support survivors. The campaign allows individuals, communities, and organizations to come together and take action against sexual violence. The goal is to create a safer environment and a culture that does not tolerate or condone sexual assault. SAAPM originated in the early 1970s when various local and regional events raised awareness about sexual violence. In 2001, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), working in collaboration with other organizations, formally established April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Since then, the campaign has grown into a national movement. Common themes and activities during SAAPM include: Educational workshops and presentations to inform communities about the prevalence and impact of sexual assault, consent, and bystander intervention. Social media campaigns amplify the message and encourage discussions on the issue. Fundraising events to support organizations that work with survivors and offer resources such as crisis hotlines, counseling, and legal assistance. Public demonstrations, marches, and rallies to show solidarity with survivors and demand change. Promoting resources for survivors, such as hotlines, support groups, and counseling services. Encouraging individuals to pledge to be active bystanders and intervene when they witness situations that could lead to sexual assault. NSVRC chooses a theme to guide the campaign's focus. These themes can vary but focus on sexual assault prevention and awareness.

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May

Shani Jayanti (H): May 16

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Shani Jayanti occurs on Vaishak Vadya Chaturdasi Amavasya, and Hindus believe that the god Shani was born on this day. Shani's furious nature means all the rituals honoring him must be strictly performed. On Shani Jayanti, devotees perform 'Shani shanti puja' and 'Shani thailabhishekam.' According to astrology, Shani is Saturn, a planet believed to influence people strongly. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

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May

Shavuot (J): May 22/23

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Shavuot (Shavuos), also known as the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost, is a Jewish observance on the sixth day of Sivan. It commemorates the wheat harvest and the day God delivered the Torah on Mount Sinai, which united the tribe of Israel. Part of the Shalosh Regalim, it is a Biblical festival that calls for pilgrimage; Shavuot wraps up with the Counting of the Omer. Shavuot and Passover are linked to each other. Passover recounts the sparing of death to the firstborn son of the Hebrews by God. Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah and the unity of the twelve tribes as one people serving God. Shavuot is celebrated as a single-day holiday in Israel. Traditions include women and girls lighting candles in the evening and public readings of the Torah at the temple.

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May

Shireen Abu Akleh Day (2022): May 11

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Shireen Abu Akleh Day honors the men and women of the media who have lost their lives in the line of duty and falls on the anniversary of the murder of American and Jordanian Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by an Israeli Occupation Forces sniper on May 11, 2022 THE DANGERS OF MEDIA WORK According to Reporters without Borders, an average of 80 journalists and media workers die doing their job each year, with 60% targeted for assassination for doing their job. The remaining 40% die due to unintentional causes, such as mortar shells and dangerous surroundings. Due to the drug cartels, Mexico continues to be the most dangerous country for media workers. Journalists face various risks and threats while carrying out their work, which is crucial in providing information and holding power to account. Their pursuit of truth and reporting can make them targets for violence, censorship, and intimidation. Here are some of the dangers journalists often face: Physical Violence: Journalists frequently face physical violence, including assault, kidnapping, and murder. They often find themselves caught in the crossfire of conflicts, covering war zones, political uprisings, or organized crime activities. Journalists are sometimes deliberately targeted due to their investigative work, exposing corruption, human rights abuses, or organized crime networks. Repression and Censorship: Many journalists face repression and censorship by governments or other powerful entities. Governments may enact laws or regulations to control the media, restrict freedom of expression, or silence dissenting voices. Journalists critical of the authorities often become targets of harassment, legal action, or imprisonment, leading to self-censorship and a chilling effect on investigative reporting. Online Threats and Harassment: With the rise of digital media, journalists face increasing threats online. They are often harassed, cyberbullied, doxxed (releasing private information), or hacked. Trolling and online abuse can have severe psychological and emotional impacts on journalists, leading to self-censorship or leaving the profession. Targeting of Journalists in Conflict Zones: Journalists reporting from conflict zones face significant risks. They operate in dangerous environments with active armed groups, insurgents, or military forces. They are vulnerable to being targeted for their reporting, as conflicting parties may perceive them as threats or propaganda agents. Impunity and Lack of Justice: One of the significant challenges is the high level of impunity surrounding crimes against journalists. Perpetrators often go unpunished, which fosters an environment of fear and further endangers journalists. The lack of justice creates a cycle of violence and intimidation, deterring journalists from pursuing essential stories. Nonviolent Pressures and Threats: Journalists may face nonviolent pressures such as defamation lawsuits, economic pressures, or threats to their reputations. Influential individuals or corporations may use their power to undermine journalists' credibility and discourage critical reporting. Lack of Resources and Training: Journalists in many parts of the world work under challenging conditions with limited resources and inadequate training. Insufficient safety equipment, poor infrastructure, and lack of training on risk assessment and conflict reporting further increase their dangers. The safety and protection of journalists are crucial for upholding press freedom and the right to information. International organizations, NGOs, and press freedom advocates continue to work towards improving safety protocols, advocating for legal protections, and raising awareness about the importance of protecting journalists worldwide. ABOUT SHIREEN ABU AKLEH Shireen Abu Akleh was born in Amman, Jordan, in 1965 and held American and Jordanian citizenship. Her reporting significantly influenced Middle Eastern politics and human rights, particularly regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestine. As a journalist in the Middle East for 25 years, she covered various issues, including politics, human rights, and social issues. She worked for multiple media outlets, including Al Jazeera, where she was one of the first women to work as a field reporter. In addition to her journalistic work, Abu Akleh has written several books, with "Hussein and Abdullah: Inside the Jordanian Royal Family," an inside look into the Jordanian royal family and the politics of Jordan, as her most widely read. Abu Akleh spoke out against the Israeli occupation of Palestine and called for a peaceful resolution. She was murdered while covering a story in the Occupied West Bank for Al Jazeera on May 11, 2022, by an Israeli sniper who killed her with a bullet to the head.

Africa

May

Shoes Day, Two Different Colored, Ntl.: May 3

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National Two Different Colored Shoes Day in the United States celebrates the uniqueness and diversity of humanity through the simple act of wearing different colored shoes on each foot. Created by Dr. Arlene Kaiser.

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May

Shrimp Day, Ntl.: May 10

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National Shrimp Day focuses on eating shrimp, but it is also an opportunity to consider the environmental impact of pollution, including oil spills, on the habitat of shrimp and the effect it has on the lives of those who make their living shrimping. Since the Deep Water Horizon oil spill in 2010, the Gulf Coast states producing American Shrimp have been struggling. Increased competition from South America and Asia and the destruction of the natural habitat have placed many shrimpers in dire financial situations. The habitat and the industry are slowly returning to normal due to the efforts of many in several states. Today is an opportunity to eat this beloved form of seafood and contemplate the effect of our activities and humans on the natural resources we need to survive.

Africa

May

Silver Star Families of America Day: May 1

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Silver Star Families of America Day began in 2004. The Silver Star Families of America's primary goal is to assist the American soldiers, wounded or who have fallen ill in the line of duty, as well as their families. The Silver Star is given to those injured or killed in combat. This day supports and advocates for them in educating their families and the public about their plight.

Africa

May

Sivan (J): May 17-June 15

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Sivan is a late spring or early summer month in the Hebrew calendar, and it is the ninth month of the civil year and the third month of the ecclesiastical year. The main holiday during this month, celebrated on the sixth day, is Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost.

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May

Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month: May

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Skin cancer affects people of all ages. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer over a lifetime; 13 million Americans live with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer, and nearly 800,000 Americans live with a history of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Skin cancer is a chiefly lifestyle disease and is highly preventable. The most common cause is exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. How to participate? Encourage families to adopt good habits together, like wearing sunscreen and limiting their time in the sun. Motivate teachers and administrators to teach kids about the harm of UV radiation and why it's essential to protect yourself. Identify youth leaders in your community who can talk to their peers about taking steps to prevent skin cancer. Partner with a local hospital, state fair, or similar organization to host a skin cancer screening event. Add information about skin cancer prevention to your newsletter. Tweet about Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. Host a community event where families can learn how to prevent skin cancer. Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month is a widely recognized event with non-profit, health care, and government support. Check local listings to find an event near you. Sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology, Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month occurs each May.

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May

Sleep Month, Better: May

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Better Sleep Month is sponsored by the Better Sleep Council, a non-profit set up by the Mattress Industry. It seeks to assist people in getting a good night's sleep with tips, facts, and research. Sleep is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. Like eating right and exercising, sleeping well is essential to feeling your best during the day. It impacts your feelings, relationships, productivity, and quality of life. While you sleep, your brain works, consolidating the day's learning into memory and reenergizing the body. The average person needs 7-8 hours a night, but it differs for every person. Some people may need as much as ten hours a night, and others need much less. If you sleep longer on the weekends than during the week, you aren't getting the sleep you need every night. The Sleep Better Website has tips, research, tests you can take, and apps to help you sleep at bettersleep.org.

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May

Slider Day, Ntl: May 15

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National Slider Day celebrates the two-inch circumference mini sandwich invented by White Castle nearly a century ago. Typically a slider is a small hamburger, but it can be any type of round-roll mini sandwhich. The Library of Congress states the first hamburger sold in America was in 1900 by Louis Lassen, a Danish immigrant, and restaurateur in New Haven, Connecticut. White Castle hamburger chain states the hamburger is the invention of Otto Kuase of Hamburg, Germany. White Castle began in 1921. Who created the ground meat sandwich may never be known. The US government gives Lassen official credit because the first sale can be proved. What is known is that in 1904 at the St. Louis World's Fair, the humble hamburger sandwich caught the attention of the New York Tribune, gaining instant celebrity in American culture. Later, Roy Kroc would make hamburgers the definition of fast food affordable to the masses. During both World Wars, due to Germany being the enemy, restaurants referred to the beef patties as Salisbury steak, a hamburger patty without the buns drenched in gravy. Sliders are now a popular appetizer and can be found in most areas with local influences. This event was first celebrated in 2014.

Africa

May

Slugs Return from Capistrano Day: May 28

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Here is one of those curious holidays created by Thomas and Ruth Roy from Wellcat Holidays & Herbs—Slugs Return from Capistrano Day. In typical Wellcat fashion, this day is a parody of the Swallows Return to Capistrano Day. Swallows Day is celebrated with a big festival and a parade, to celebrate the swallows' return, even though there are almost no swallows left in Capistrano. Slugs on the other hand - there's plenty of them. And Thomas and Ruth decided that "speciesism" is not OK, and slugs should also have their holiday. Because, why not?

Africa

May

Smile Month, Ntl. (UK): May 15-June 15

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National Smile Month is the United Kingdom’s longest-running oral health campaign. Together with thousands of individuals and organizations, National Smile Month promotes three key messages: 1) Brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion with fluoride toothpaste; 2) Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks; 3) Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend. National Smile Month aims to improve oral health in the United Kingdom. Hundreds of events and activities throughout the country educate and engage local communities on the importance of a healthy mouth. It was created in 1976.

Africa

May

Solidarity with Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories, Week of: May 25-31

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The United Nations General Assembly champions The Week of Solidarity with Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories. This annual awareness campaign calls attention to the plight of people who lack self-governance, often due to decolonization. As of 2024, 17 territories continue to lack any form of self-governance. During this week, member States of the United Nations are encouraged to provide moral and material assistance to the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories. For a list of these locations, see https://www.un.org/dppa/decolonization/nsgt.

Africa

May

Sorry Day—Apology Day, Ntl. (AU)(1997): May 26

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National Sorry Day marks and remembers the mistreatment of Australia’s aboriginal people by the crown and government throughout history. May 26, 1997, is the anniversary of the delivery of the report “Bringing Them Home: a Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families” to the Australian Parliament. A year later, on May 26, 1998, the first Sorry Day was observed in Australia. However, a decade later, a public apology from the highest office would occur. On February 13, 2007, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia made the first public apology on behalf of the government to the indigenous people of Australia and its territories.

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