AASP Newsletter - July 2020

July & August Diversity Announcements

Greetings AASP! July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (#MinorityMentalHealth) which was first declared in 2008 to bring awareness to the struggles that people with mental illnesses from underrepresented groups face in the United States. Check out this free course on Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals. On July 18, we also honor Nelson Mandela International Day (#MandelaDay, #ActionAgainstPoverty) for his 67 years of service to humanity. Listen to his iconic speech, “Sport has the power to change the world."

We also commemorate the 1990 signing of the American Disabilities Act by celebrating Disability Independence Day (#DisabilityIndependenceDay) on July 26, which guarantees equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Learn more about Challenged Athletes Foundation whose mission is to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics.

July 30 is the International Day of Friendship where we denounce discrimination and fight for social justice and change through creating friendships. Read the Athletes in Action article titled “What About Your Friends?: Why Teammate Relationships Matter."

During the month of August, we celebrate the richness of indigenous cultures and recognize the challenges indigenous peoples face on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (#WeAreIndigenous). Read this article about the experiences of Indigenous athletes within Australian sport to broaden your perspective on racism in sport.

On August 12, we celebrate International Youth Day. In need of activity ideas? The American College of Sports Medicine has created a tip sheet for keeping children active during the coronavirus pandemic. Also, visit the World Health Organization’s Healthy at Home (#HealthyAtHome) campaign to see more content.

August 21 is recognized as World Senior Citizen’s Day. @SeniorGames1 is an organization that promotes adults living a healthy lifestyle through sports. While the 2020 games have been postponed, the 2021 National Senior Games are being held on November 5–18 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Visit the NSGA website to learn how to volunteer. We also celebrate Women’s Equality Day on August 26. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States constitution. Read 19 Facts about the 19th Amendment to commemorate this date. 

Be sure to follow @AASPTweets for more details and other news related to diversity days!