November Sparks Hope for the Giving Month

November is the Month of Hope, Giving and Change

November is the giving month and ignites hope for change and awareness for many important causes. Giving thanks, giving kindness and giving aid become uber important this month as the world witnesses inhumane atrocities, racism, war – the raging war in the Middle East and the continued war in Ukraine – and its inflicting casualties of hostages, refugees, and on the world.

Annual awareness causes this month include health, arts, civil and social issues as Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Native American Heritage, Caregivers Day, Writing and Giving Tuesday.

Change is in the Air

US ELECTION 2023. November 7th kicks off the month of hope for change with Election Day. Leading the many issues on the table is a national stance on gun violence, immigration and systemic racism and how to permanently stop these continued surges.

Public outcries for change continue for so many issues ranging from equality, abortion, diversity and inclusion, climate change and health. VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH is also referred to as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage Month also aims to educate the general public about tribes, to raise awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

This year marks the 80th annual Convention and Marketplace. attendees will have the opportunity to work collaboratively to protect and advance tribal sovereignty. Tribal leaders, NCAI members, Native youth, and partners from across Indian Country will gather in-person to discuss critical issues, develop strategy, and to embark upon a new era of Nation-to-Nation engagement. Additionally, attendees and the general public will be able to browse the Marketplace, which features a variety of booths featuring goods and services much more!

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities.

NATIONAL ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS AND CAREGIVERS MONTH. Go purple with a purpose for both these causes during the giving month. In 1983 President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Back then there were fewer than 2 million Americans inflicted with the disease. Today the number of people with the disease has soared to nearly 5.4 million.

NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH (NFCM) recognizes and honors family caregivers across the country. The campaign is led by Caregiver Action Network. The 2023 theme is #CaregiversConnect. The idea behind the campaign is to highlight the many ways that caregivers connect and how important those connections are. “Whether it’s with other caregivers, in a support group, at church, through a helpline, or with their loved one, these connections can help caregivers feel less isolated and alone,” said Marvell Adams, Jr., CAN CEO.

Caregivers Month began in 2014 through a Presidential Proclamation by Barack Obama designating November as National Family Caregivers Month. The president encouraged all Americans to pay tribute to those providing for the health and wellbeing of family members, friends and neighbors.

NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH is a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on taking action to prevent diabetes health problems. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 37 million Americans, including adults and youth. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer.

But there’s also good news: Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems.

NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH (NANOWRIMO) is held every November. This nonprofit sparks the creative writing gene in us all; empowering and encouraging vibrant creativity around the world. For obvious reasons, this is one of my favorite observances. Created in 1999, NANOWRIMO encourages creativity, education, and the power of the imagination through the largest writing event in the world. NaNoWriMo expects nearly 500,000 people—including K-12 students and educators via its Young Writers Program—to start a 50,000-word novel in November. You have a full 30 days to do it! To sign up visit: https://nanowrimo.org/sign-up.

GIVING TUESDAY is an awareness initiative that is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  The annual giving event kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. The designated day has become a global movement since its inaugural year in 2002 that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy with events throughout the year and a growing catalog of resources.

November 2023 is the month of giving and hope for change defined by a world in combat fighting terrorism, racism, war, an climate change. Closer to home in the U.S., we hope for change in fighting gun violence, migration, abortion rights and more. Yet, there is a lot to be Socially Sparked® about. The month brings us a great many causes to support and celebrate and a real promise of change. We salute the caregivers of the elderly and the continued COVID-19-stricken. We continue to support the organizations striving to make a difference in people’s lives. And, we use our voices for change.

FURTHERMORE, I NEVER THOUGHT…

I never thought in a zillion years that come November 2023 we would be living in a world where terrorism in barbaric fashion a la the Holocaust would be front and center and headline news, where we helplessly watch the daily reports and actions of war, where we helplessly watch the deep concern and angst of the families of the guestimated 240 plus hostages; where we helplessly watch the world react to the recent atrocities; where we witness heightened racism around the world. I never thought that in 2023 we would still be living in a pandemic world a la the variants — seeking hope for — at best a cure; at least, a “stop / crush the curve” method. I never thought we would be living in a world where giving takes on a “do or die” meaning in the form of humanitarian aid on such a grand scale and in such a short amount of time;. I never thought (at least since 2020) that I would see so much public engagement in the form of giving love, applauding healthcare heroes and first responders, giving funds, protests, riots and early voter turnout. All voices matter and keep us inspired a/k/a #SociallySparked.  – Tweet us @sosparkednews & @asparks01