This month is a very special one.
It’s when a whole set of serious and almost overwhelming issues coincide.
Each issue, in and of itself, represents a lifetime of work for many people, often over multiple generations, all determined to tackle complex and impossible problems and make a difference to the future we all share.
While each topic deserves our full and undivided attention, when we dived in to each one, we were blown away by the amazing thinking, writing and actions under each agenda, and by the extraordinary leadership and commitment, and by the impact the work of these individuals was having on the lives of many.
So, we thought we’d bring you just a few words on each these issues, and direct you to the work being done, and the exceptional people who are doing it, for two simple reasons. Firstly, the work is amazing, and inspiring, and the very least we can do is understand it, and amplify that understanding to the people in our circles of influence, making us all in some small way, part of the solutions. And secondly, to share with you that heartwarming knowledge that we do all share the planet with some amazing people.
Here's the agendas
- Reconciliation Week in Australia – 27th May to 3rd June
- World Environment Day – 5th June 2024
- Global Pride Month – 1st to 30th June 2024
- Men’s Health Week – 10th to 16th June 2024
- PTSD Awareness Day – 27th June 2024
Here’s a few words on each
…and then we encourage you to dive in and be inspired!
1. Reconciliation Week in Australia - 27th May to 3rd June
To quote Reconciliation Australia,
The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.
There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect”.
And to understand why that matters, appreciate the extraordinary work that Reconciliation Australia and appreciate how we can all play a role in reconciliation, dive in here:
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/
And while there are a lot of resources and materials and even music, we’d try this one to appreciate one of the really important discussions – truth-telling – and why it matters:
2. World Environment Day – 5th June 2024
World Environment Day started in 1972, and has since become a truly global effort.
This year the focus was on Land Restoration, Desertification (stopping vegetation in drylands from disappearing), and Drought Resilience, as they called us all to become #GenerationRestoration.
Simple and practical guides were created and shared freely, outlining the many ways we can all join forces to give nature a helping hand, make smart choices and raise our voices to create awareness and more connected actions.
There was full acknowledgement that we cannot turn back time, but we can grow forests, green our cities, harvest rainwater, and eat soil-friendly foods.
We encourage you to dive in, as we did, to the plethora of possibilities at the UN Environment programme:
https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/
And here’s the practical guide to being part of #GenerationRestoration.
3. Global Pride Month – 1st to 30th June 2024
It’s a massive global event, but to summarise we quote Glen Henson, coordinator of Sydney Pride Festival.
“The Sydney Pride Festival celebrates the history, resilience and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community. This month-long event aims to raise awareness, educate and support LGBTQIA+ charities, organisations, and businesses, while fostering compassion and courage within the community and beyond.
We recognise the strength of individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community in the pursuit of acceptance and equality. It’s a time to reach out and support those facing challenges related to sexual identity, bullying, substance abuse or mental health issues, reinforcing the message that no one should feel alone in their struggles.
Pride Month is a time for us to come together as a community, to celebrate our diversity, and to advocate for the rights and acceptance of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Through compassion and courage, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone.”
Here’s the link to the Sydney Pride Resources:
The 1969 Stonewall uprising history is well described here:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/06/what-is-pride-month-origin/
And if you’re keen to visit the next World Pride, it’s in Washington DC in 2025. Here’s everything you need:
4. Men’s Health Week – 10th to 16th June 2024
Celebrating 30 years this year, this year Men’s Health Week draws attention to men’s health checks!
There’s a load of toolkits and information freely shared covering topics such as men’s mental health, exercise and its relationship with men’s health, and mateship and the important it plays in men’s wellness.
Here’s the big 7 checks that are important!
KYMF2024_-_Health_Checks_infographic_A4_FA_NoDate_R
Here’s the overall program from Australian Men’s Health Forum:
And here’s the link to the Know Your Man Facts campaign
And if you want to be an advocate here’s the three steps:
- Get checked
- Take action
- Tell your mates!
5. PTSD Awareness Day – 27th June 2024
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a life changer. It is the second most common mental health issue after depression.
The more we research, the more we understand, and the more we can help and support individuals, their families and their communities, plus play our role as well.
To quote Phoenix Australia, a not-for-profit who does a lot of work in this space and freely shares their resources,
“We’re raising awareness of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Because the more we know about PTSD and how to treat it, the more those affected, and their loved ones will know they aren’t alone, and help is available.”
And here’s a cool resource from Phoenix Australia dealing with Children and PTSD:
https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Trauma-and-children.pdf
Go to their website for more resources, and to hear about the work and research they’re doing.
In summary
In an overwhelming world, it’s good to know that we’re sharing the planet with some amazing people, doing amazing work, and leaning courageously in to address almost impossible issues.
Its inspiring for sure, but equally, as they do their work, they’re showing us all how we can play a role to support, understand, and encourage progress.
Hope you found these short summaries helpful. Now, we really do encourage you to dive in and learn from the experts behind these amazing organisations.
