2016 NATIONAL AND YMCA SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR
Promote the Y’s Impact and Engage Community
NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS OR EVENTS
Leverage these national campaigns and initiatives promoted by YMCA of
the USA to drive local awareness, using promotional tools and resources
on the Brand Resource Center and Yexchange.org/PublicRelations.
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS OR OBSERVANCES
Promote these holidays and observances to tell the Y’s story,
inspire engagement and generate buzz.
JANUARY
1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
National Mentoring Month
FEBRUARY
15
National Advocacy Days
Black History Month
18
22-24
New Year’s Day
Presidents’ Day
American Heart Month
The Y.™ For a better us.™
YMCA CONNECTION
Communicate how the national holidays and observances featured in this calendar connect to the Y’s history and cause.
Demonstrate how the Y is so much more.
WEBSITE
The Y is a connector and convener, providing support and resources to make a healthy lifestyle permanent.
Kick off the new year sharing tips for making living healthier simple and sustainable.
During National Mentoring Month, encourage adult role models in your Y community to become mentors to
help youth succeed and achieve. Promote success stories.
nationalmentoringmonth.org
Presidents’ Day is a good time to promote youth education, civic engagement and leadership programs for
kids and teens.
Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week, now Black History Month, while residing at the
Wabash YMCA during the 1910s. In recognition, highlight the achievements and contributions of
individuals from diverse backgrounds.
africanamericanhistorymonth.gov
On Read Across America Day, build awareness of the benefits reading can have on youth development;
share ways to make reading fun!
nea.org
MARCH
2
American Diabetes Association Alert Day
National Nutrition Month
During National Nutrition Month, connect people to a healthy lifestyle by sharing ways to make healthy
eating simple and sustainable.
National Women’s History Month
By 1946, women accounted for 12 percent of YMCA members. As part of our diversity and inclusion
efforts, celebrate National Women’s History Month by honoring the roles of women in the movement.
Youth Art Month
During Youth Art Month, promote the value of arts education in Y programs and how it helps youth
discover and master their skills and talents.
arteducators.org
The American Heart Association’s National Walking Day encourages people to take at least 30 minutes out
of their day to get up and walk. This is a good opportunity for Ys to host local walking events and promote
physical activity programs.
startwalkingnow.org
On Global Youth Service Day, promote Y programs that connect young people to service-learning
opportunities benefitting their personal development.
gysd.org
During National Park Week, raise awareness of Y programs that connect youth to the outdoors.
Also, encourage families to visit the nation’s parks!
nationalparks.org
On Earth Day, demonstrate social and environmental responsibility by promoting your Y’s green initiatives.
Connect youth to environmental camps and programs that support a healthy environment.
earthday.org
Minority Health Month
National Minority Health Month provides the opportunity to highlight your Y’s efforts to raise awareness and
narrow the health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minorities.
minorityhealth.hhs.gov
National Volunteer Month
During National Volunteer Month, connect people to the community through service projects that inspire
giving back; thank and recognize volunteers.
22
Read Across America Day
APRIL
6
National Volunteer Week
15-17
10-16
30
Healthy Kids Day®
Summer Learning Loss Prevention
Promotion
National Walking Day
Global Youth Service Day
16-24
National Park Week
22
Earth Day
451540 10/15
2016 NATIONAL AND YMCA SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR
Promote the Y’s Impact and Engage Community
NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS OR EVENTS
Leverage these national campaigns and initiatives promoted by YMCA of
the USA to drive local awareness. Use promotional tools and resources
on the Brand Resource Center and Yexchange.org/PublicRelations.
MAY
Water Safety Promotion
Healthy Aging Promotion
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS OR OBSERVANCES
Use these holidays and observances to tell the Y’s story locally,
inspire engagement and generate buzz.
8
Mother’s Day
8-14
National Women’s Health Week
21
Armed Forces Day
30
Memorial Day
25
National Senior Health and Fitness Day
The Y.™ For a better us.™
YMCA CONNECTION
Communicate how the national holidays and observances featured in this calendar connect to the Y’s history and cause.
Demonstrate how the Y is so much more.
WEBSITE
Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to promote togetherness. Promote Y family-time programs and activities
that help strengthen relationships.
During National Women’s Health Week, promote the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Connect women to key health, wellness and chronic disease prevention resources.
womenshealth.gov/nwhw
The Y’s support of the military dates back to the Civil War. On this day, thank military members and their
families. Promote services available to military families at your Y.
defense.gov/afd
On Memorial Day, honor service members who sacrficed their lives. This day also is commonly referred to
as the unofficial start to summer, an ideal time to connect youth to activities that foster social-emotional,
cognitive and physical development while school is out.
National Senior Health and Fitness Day is a great opportunity to promote older adult programming and
other health, well-being and fitness offerings for seniors.
fitnessday.com/senior
Graduations
During graduation season, raise awareness (and share success stories) of youth development programs that
nurture kids and teens from birth to career, helping them succeed in school and life.
National Water Safety Month
During National Water Safety Month, encourage parents and caregivers to teach their children safety
when in and around water. Share the Y’s water safety tips and connect youth to Safety Around Water
and swim lessons.
ymca.net/watersafety
nationalwatersafetymonth.com
Arthritis Awareness Month
Arthritis Awareness Month is a great opportunity to promote programs such as Enhance®Fitness to help
individuals reclaim their health.
arthritis.org
Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
As part of the Y’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, promote how the Y brings together individuals,
regardless of income or background.
asianpacificheritage.gov
National Physical Fitness
and Sports Month
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a great time to promote your Y’s efforts to inspire physical
activity and teach positive sportsmanship.
fitness.gov
National High Blood Pressure
Education Month
More than 67 million Americans have high blood pressure, but less than half have it under control. During
National High Blood Pressure Education Month, promote the Y’s chronic disease prevention efforts and
other healthy living programs that improve health.
cdc.gov/Features/HighBloodPressure
Older Americans Month
During Older Americans Month, promote programming and volunteer opportunities that benefit and connect
older adults to the Y.
olderamericansmonth.org
451540 10/15
2016 NATIONAL AND YMCA SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR
Promote the Y’s Impact and Engage Community
NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS OR EVENTS
Leverage these national campaigns and initiatives promoted by YMCA of
the USA to drive local awareness. Use promotional tools and resources
on the Brand Resource Center and Yexchange.org/PublicRelations.
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS OR OBSERVANCES
Use these holidays and observances to tell the Y’s story locally,
inspire engagement and generate buzz.
JUNE
13-19
Founder’s Day
17
The Y.™ For a better us.™
YMCA CONNECTION
Communicate how the national holidays and observances featured in this calendar connect to the Y’s history and cause.
Demonstrate how the Y is so much more.
WEBSITE
During National Men’s Health Week, promote the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Connect men
to key health, wellness and chronic disease prevention resources.
menshealthmonth.org/week
Summer Learning Day
On Summer Learning Day, promote how your Y fosters kids’ and teens’ social-emotional, cognitive and
physical development to alleviate the “summer slide” and keep kids’ learning while school is out.
summerlearning.org
Back-to-School/Afterschool promotion
LGBTQ Pride Month
Share opportunities at your Y that demonstrate how the Y is inclusive to the LGBTQ community.
JULY
4
AUGUST
7
SEPTEMBER
10-18
6
19
Father’s Day
Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
National Men’s Health Week
Independence Day
Friendship Day
National Welcoming Week
11
Grandparents’ Day
11
National Day of Service
and Remembrance
9/15 - 10/15
National Hispanic Heritage Month
22
Falls Prevention Awareness Day
28
Women’s Health and Fitness Day
Independence Day is an ideal time to host a service activity that connects and benefits veterans or current
service members.
In the spirit of Friendship Day, celebrate and promote the Y’s group programming as an opportunity to
make connections and build relationships that enhance well-being.
National Welcoming Week is a nationwide event that highlights the contributions of immigrants to American
communities. Promote your Y’s event or newcomer/immigrant programming.
welcomingamerica.org
Grandparents’ Day is a great time to promote the value of togetherness and family-time activities,
as well as the Y’s programs and activities for every life stage.
On the National Day of Service and Remembrance, take time to encourage members of your community
to serve. Also, thank your volunteers.
911dayofservice.org
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, find ways to engage and connect your community by bringing
together individuals, regardless of income or background.
hispanicheritagemonth.gov
Falls Prevention Awareness Day is a great opportunity to promote programs such as Moving for a Better
Balance to help older adults reduce their risk of falls.
ncoa.org
On Women’s Health and Fitness Day, promote the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle by
connecting women to key health programming and resources.
fitnessday.com/women
451540 10/15
2016 NATIONAL AND YMCA SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR
Promote the Y’s Impact and Engage Community
NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS OR EVENTS
Leverage these national campaigns and initiatives promoted by YMCA of
the USA to drive local awareness. Use promotional tools and resources
on the Brand Resource Center and Yexchange.org/PublicRelations.
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS OR OBSERVANCES
Use these holidays and observances to tell the Y’s story locally,
inspire engagement and generate buzz.
OCTOBER
3
Arts Week
5
3-9
National Child Health Day
The Y.™ For a better us.™
YMCA CONNECTION
Communicate how the national holidays and observances featured in this calendar connect to the Y’s history and cause.
Demonstrate how the Y is so much more.
WEBSITE
In recognition of National Child Health Day, demonstrate how your Y is nurturing the potential of youth
by sharing nutritional tips and program offerings that benefit kids’ and teens’ health and well-being.
National Youth Science Day is a great opportunity to connect youth to STEM opportunities as part of this
National 4-H Council event. Promote programs featuring STEM available at your Y.
4-h.org/
4-h-national-youth-science-day
Arthritis impacts more than 50 million Americans, including 300,000 children in the U.S. Take a stand in the fight
against arthritis and help raise awareness on World Arthritis Day.
arthritis.org/WAD
During Character Counts Week, raise awareness of the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect
and responsibility.
charactercounts.org
Make a Difference Day
Tell stories about members whose lives have been positively impacted because of the Y, and share
opportunities for people to give back and support neighbors.
handsonnetwork.org/
nationalprograms/signatureevents/
MakeADifferenceDay
23-31
In support of youth development, help raise awareness of drug prevention activities during Red Ribbon Week.
nfp.org
National Arts and Humanities Month
Promote the impact of arts and humanities on children and teens’ development.
artsusa.org
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, promote your cancer survivorship programming and connect
individuals to a support system to reclaim their health.
nationalbreastcancer.org
National Bullying Prevention Month
During National Bullying Prevention Month, spread awareness of how programs that focus on character
development can alleviate bullying.
pacer.org
Diversity Awareness Month
Share opportunities at your Y that demonstrate how the Y makes sure everyone—regardless of age,
income or background—has an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
Family Health Month
During Family Health Month, promote family-time and ways to develop healthy lifestyles through
Healthy Family Home and other family programming.
National Youth Science Day
12
World Arthritis Day
16-22
Character Counts Week
22
National Red Ribbon Week
451540 10/15
2016 NATIONAL AND YMCA SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR
Promote the Y’s Impact and Engage Community
NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS OR EVENTS
Leverage these national campaigns and initiatives promoted by YMCA of
the USA to drive local awareness. Use promotional tools and resources
on the Brand Resource Center and Yexchange.org/PublicRelations.
NOVEMBER
Diabetes Awareness Month
National Military Family Month
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS OR OBSERVANCES
Use these holidays and observances to tell the Y’s story locally,
inspire engagement and generate buzz.
11
Veteran’s Day/National Day of Service
for Military Families and Veterans
Communicate how the national holidays and observances featured in this calendar connect to the Y’s history and cause.
Demonstrate how the Y is so much more.
WEBSITE
Since the Civil War, the Y has provided services to the military, and the Armed Services YMCA continues
to support military members and their families. Use this day to honor veterans and share opportunities
available for military families at your Y.
During this week, promote the value of togetherness and fellowship.
www.ymca.int/
resources/ymca-week-of-prayer
On World Diabetes Day, raise awareness of programs, such as YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program,
which connect individuals to a support system and reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.
idf.org
During American Education Week, share how your Y fosters the social-emotional, cognitive and
physical development of youth through early learning, afterschool, post-secondary education prep
and other programs.
nea.org/aew
National Philanthropy Day
National Philanthropy Day is a great time to inspire giving, volunteerism and charitable engagement.
Raise awareness of how this helps make a difference in the community.
afpnet.org
22-28
During National Family Week, elevate the value of Y programs that connect and strengthen families.
alliance1.org/ce/nfw/tools-resources
14
World Diabetes Day
14-18
American Education Week
15
National Family Week
24
Thanksgiving
29
Giving Tuesday
New Year’s Resolutions
YMCA CONNECTION
13-19
World YMCA and YWCA
Week of Prayer and World Fellowship
DECEMBER
The Y.™ For a better us.™
Holiday Season/Season of Giving
Thanksgiving is a great time to promote programs that encourage family connectedness and volunteerism.
Giving Tuesday is a great opportunity to inspire members to give back in support of a cause.
Share stories of impact to encourage the public to donate to your Y.
givingtuesday.org
December is filled with various holidays and it’s also the season of giving! Encourage people to give back
and support neighbors, and recognize donors for helping the Y make a difference in communities. This is also a
good opportunity to promote the gift of membership.
451540 10/15