May Blooms Bright for Moms, Arthritis, Mental Health and More

May blooms bright for moms, arthritis, mental health and a host of other worthy health, education and social causes. For the first time in history, we must celebrate many of these holidays and campaigns at a social distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The world has gone exclusively digital and so will festivities for Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day.

Motorcycle safety awareness and national bike month also occur this month. Many U.S. states and European cities are slowly and cautiously re-opening. Many American cities state parks and golf courses are open with social distance practices still in effect.

NATIONAL ARTHRITIS AWARENESS MONTH – Over 54 million Americans (one in every four adults) and 300,000 children have arthritis. It is the number one cause of disability in America. May is designated as the time to spread awareness about the disease, to educate the public, get people moving through exercise and raise funds for a cure.

The Arthritis Foundation has taken colossal steps to conquer this crippling disease for 70 years. Their signature event is “Walk to Cure Arthritis” — the largest arthritis gathering in the world. The event celebrates the arthritis warriors, raises funds for research, resources and a cure. This year during the corona times the event is going virtual.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE VIRTUALLY

–Sign up & Raise Funds for Virtual WALK to CURE ARTHRITIS & join The Arthritis Foundation on Facebook May 16!
–Give $54. Raise funds online to reach your goal and beyond!
–Tell 54. Recruit family and friends to join your team!
–Move 54. Keep the momentum going and share how you’re moving!

MENTAL HEALTH MONTH — Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. One in five Americans will be affected by a mental health condition in their lifetime and every American is affected or impacted through their friends and family. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reiterates that now more than ever before, it is important for the mental health community to come together and show the world that no one should ever feel alone.

NAMI’s “You are Not Alone” campaign features the lived experience of people affected by mental illness to fight stigma, inspire others and educate the broader public. The campaign builds connection and increases awareness with the digital tools that make connection possible during a climate of physical distancing.

All May NAMI will feature personal stories from real people experiencing mental health conditions. You can submit your story at nami.org/yourstory. By reading about lived experience, the organization aims to make people feel less alone in their mental health journeys.

NATIONAL BIKE MONTH. May kick starts the official start to outdoor activities and biking is a favorite for many. National Bike Month was established in 1956 as a way to celebrate the many benefits of riding.

This National Bike Month will necessarily be different. With a focus on well-being and connection, the League of American Bicyclists are highlighting how #BikesUnite and benefit physical and mental health. Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness or with family, or taking essential trips to work or shop, you are part of our movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.

The League is postponing it’s two promotional campaigns to now coincide with Car Free Day on September 22, 2020: National Bike Week this year will now take place September 21-27, 2020 and National Bike to Work Day will take place on Tuesday, September 22!

The League is still celebrating National Bike Month this May because bicycling is more essential to our lives than ever—and because we could all use some bike joy to look forward to. It is the hope that the hundreds of thousands of peope who participate in Bike Month events in typical years continue to do so through virtual, solo, or safely distanced events in May 2020 and beyond. 

May 1st – School Principle Appreciation Day

May 5th – Cinco De Mayo and The Kentucky Derby

May 8th – National Teacher Appreciation Day

May 13th – Mother’s Day

May 28th – Memorial Day

Whatever your passion, May blooms bright for awareness initiatives and celebratory events. Virtual events are a plentiful from a social distance and guaranteed to get you Socially Sparked®. A special shout out to moms, who have Socially Sparked our lives and continue to do so in countless ways. — We are Forever #SociallySparked! — Tweet us @sosparkednews

👋 Stop the spread of COVID-19 by taking these steps outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO), including washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and social distancing.