INTERGENERATION MONTH

Intergeneration Month is an annual designation observed in September.

Setting aside time for family in today’s world is challenging,  but spending time with family both young and old sets a positive message as children, grandchildren and so on see the examples of family.  As they age into adulthood they will use that foundation. 

They will draw on the experiences they had and build more in the generations to come.  Communication passed down through generations tells of our past and prepares us for the future.  In our family love is given unconditionally and I’m so glad it was.  Many of my peers were not as lucky. I wouldn’t change places with anyone. Not for all the riches in the world.

HISTORY

In 1987, Fountain Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with a Board of Trustees, was formed by Sandy Kraemer, a Colorado Springs attorney, to research intergenerational issues. The resulting research identified the need to set aside a time each year to focus on intentionally connecting generations to better communicate age-related gratitude and needs.

To fulfill this need, in the year 2000, Fountain Institute changed its name to “Intergeneration Foundation” and launched “Intergeneration Day” worldwide, the first Sunday in October (later designated September). The research proved overwhelmingly correct, as 42 state governors proclaimed Intergeneration Day, plus scores of organizations joined in including American Library Association, American Association of Museums, American Council of Life Insurers, National Easter Seals, Centura Health, Microsoft Corporation, Stanford University Center on Longevity, plus uncountable community organizations and families.

While support for Intergeneration Day has verified the need to annually set aside time to intentionally connect all ages, further research showed organizations and families were not planning or staging “IG Events”. Two primary reasons were identified: (1) a single Day was too short to stage events; and (2) the Day competed with other established times, such as Grandparents’ Day – the first Sunday after Labor Day.

The need to annually set aside a time to intentionally connect generations is clear. In 2012, Intergeneration Foundation experimented with expanding Intergeneration Day to Intergeneration Month to increase the time for planning and staging “IG Events.” The response has been compellingly positive. After considering other months, research shows September to be the preferred month.

Intergeneration Day, started in the year 2000, is merging into Intergeneration Month: September. Intergeneration Month will be promoted in the United States, and worldwide as a time to intentionally connect generations and stage intergenerational events. Grandparents’ Day will be a kick-off “IG Event” for Intergeneration Month in the United States and Canada. Please participate to make the strengths of each generation meet the needs of all generations.

http://intergenerationmonth.org/contact.html

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CELEBRATE

Use #IntergenerationMonth to post on social media.

ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH

May has been designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Across the nation, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders contribute to a rich and deeply rooted heritage.

Whether speaking to first, second, third, or fourth-generation immigrants, their impact is powerful and inspiring. From migrant laborers to inventive trailblazers, the month is a time to acknowledge their hardships, culture, achievements, and beliefs.

ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH HISTORY

Congress first passed a joint resolution in 1978 authorizing the President to proclaim a week-long celebration of Asian and Pacific American heritage. President Jimmy Carter’s proclamation took place on March 28, 1979, and the first Asian and Pacific American Heritage week took place the week of May 4, 1979.

In 1990, the proclamations expanded to a month-long observance. In 1992, Congress passed legislation recognizing the previous proclamations and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and annual designation in May.

President Obama’s proclamation in 2009 expanded the observance to include Pacific Islanders.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #AsianAmericanAndPacificIsanderMonth

  • During the month, attend celebrations and special exhibits taking place at museums, libraries, and universities across the country.
  • Get reading about Polynesian history and the Aloha State.
  • Watch a documentary about the transcontinental railroad. Learn about the working conditions for many Asian Americans.
  • Take a class in Japanese Washi papermaking.
  • Learn to make Pho.

Use #AsianAmericanAndPacificIslanderMonth to share on social media.

NATIONAL VET GIRLS RISE DAY

On February 19, National Vet Girls RISE Day recognizes the immense dedication of the nearly 2 million U.S. veteran women.

On National Vet Girls ROCK Day, not only is it a day to recognize women veterans, but it’s a day for women veterans to support one another and to share resources, build relationships and spread awareness concerning the needs of women veterans

The willingness of America’s [Women] veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. ~Jeff Miller

Since the Revolutionary War, women have served in the armed forces, and many have not been recognized for their service. Today, the contributions of nearly 2 million women veterans deserve acknowledgment. National Vet Girls ROCK Day celebrates the bonds they formed and their experiences through military service.

While we can never truly repay the debt we owe our heroes, the least we should do for our brave veterans is to ensure that the government takes a proactive approach to delivering the services and benefits they have earned, so they can access the care they need and so richly deserve. ~Kirsten Gillibrand

Like thousands of military personnel, support transitioning from military to civilian life develops both their professional and personal success. Honoring their accomplishments, skills, and essential contributions both in the military and civilian fields elevate the place of the woman veteran to her proper position.

From the world wars of Europe to the jungles of the Far East, from the deserts of the Middle East to the African continent, and even here in our own hemisphere, our “women” veterans have made the world a better place and America the great country we are today. ~ John Hoeven

HISTORY

About Vet Girls Rock

Vet Girls Rock founded National Vet Girls Rock Day on February 19, 2019, to bring awareness to the contributions of women veterans to the United States military and to provide an opportunity for women veterans to celebrate the bonds they formed during their service.

Vet Girls RISE, an initiative under Active Veterans With Answers, founded in 2017, Vet Girls RISE serves as a resource and knowledge stream for women veterans. With the struggles of transitioning from military to civilian life; Vet Girls RISE was created to educate, enlighten, and support women veterans through professional and personal growth that improves awareness, potential, and identify talents. Women veterans who miss that camaraderie can find it in Vet Girls RISE.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Connect with other women veterans for camaraderie and support on National Vet Girls RISE Day. Join a VGR meetup at various designated restaurant locations throughout the United States and affirm your support of women veterans.

Tell us about your favorite woman veteran and use #VetGirlsRISEDay to share on social media. Follow AVWA and VGR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for upcoming AVWA and VGR events. (@avwaorg and @VetGirlsRock1)