SPARKS IGNITE FOR ALCOHOLISM, POETRY, JAZZ AND MORE IN APRIL

April sparks spotlight alcoholism, autism, poetry, jazz and many more social justice, health and arts awareness initiatives, some still adjusted to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Sparks also electrify awareness for the environment, sexual assault, child abuse and distracted driving. Designated days include Earth Day, World Health Day and Walking Day, to name just a few. Here’s a topline of April’s finest.

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH – celebrates poetry’s vital place in our culture. The annual awareness initiative has taken on new meaning and importance these last two  years as it celebrates its 26th Anniversary while the world continues to battle the pandemic. More people are turning to poetry because poetry and inspiring language can help bring solace and needed strength.

Born out of inspiration by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March), the Academy of American Poets founded National Poetry Month in 1996. It has become the largest literary celebration in the world with tens of millions of readers, schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, bloggers and poets celebrating the designated month. To join the celebration and for inspiration, visit the National Poetry Month’s ’30 Ways to Celebrate’ page, click here.

NATIONAL ALCOHOLISM MONTH – Established in 1987 by The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCAAD) to help reduce the stigma often associated with alcoholism. The objective is to encourage communities to reach out to the public each April with information about alcohol, alcoholism and recovery. Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease, genetically predisposed and fatal if untreated. However, people can and do recover. It is estimated that as many as 20 million individuals and family members are living lives in recovery!

April will be filled with local, state, and national events aimed at educating people about the treatment and prevention of alcoholism — particularly among our youth — and the important role that parents can play in giving kids a better understanding of the impact that alcohol can have on their lives.

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH – This nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination began by the Autism Society. As the nation’s leading grassroots organization, they raise awareness and advocate for persons with ASD so that they, too, have the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. Each year, tens of thousands face an autism diagnosis.

The focus is to go beyond simply promoting autism awareness to encouraging friends and collaborators to become partners in movement toward acceptance and appreciation — inclusion in schools and communities that results in true appreciation of the unique aspects of all people. One step closer to a society where those with ASDs are truly valued for their unique talents and gifts.

April 2nd is World Autism Day. This is the signature campaign of Autism Speaks. They are joined every year by the international autism community and recognize the UN-sanctioned day and World Autism Month by encouraging everyone and every entity to ‘light blue’ in support of people living with autism. Thousands of iconic landmarks and buildings join hundreds of thousands of homes and communities around the world to “light blue”.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH (SAAM) – celebrating its 20th year, this initiative raises public awareness about sexual violence and educates communities on how to prevent it.  This year’s theme is ‘We Can Build Safe Online Spaces’ which promotes how you can practice consent and support survivors online. Join the campaign by accessing free resources at nsvrc.org/saam.

JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH (“JAM”) – This year, Jazz Appreciation Month will be exploring the crosspollination of Afro-Caribbean music and jazz leading into the formation of Latin jazz. One of the iconic figures recognized in the Afro-Caribbean music tradition was bassist, bandleader, composer, and co-creator of mambo Israel “Cachao” López.

Jazz Appreciation Month was created at the National Museum of American History in 2001 to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz for the entire month of April. JAM is intended to stimulate and encourage people of all ages to participate in jazz – to study the music, attend concerts, listen to jazz on radio and recordings, read books about jazz, and more.

April’s showers have always Socially Sparked® our lives. Whether you fancy the arts, health or social issues, April 2022 sparks spotlight a plethora of wonderful causes. — We are Forever #SociallySparked  Tweet us @sosparkednews