AASP Newsletter - July 2019
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 mental health struggles that underrepresented groups face in the United States. Check out Mental Health America for more information on their 2019 campaign. On July 19, we also honor Nelson Mandela International Day (#MandelaDay) for his 67 years of service to humanitarian efforts. To read more about Mandela’s beliefs on how “sport has the power to change the world,” take a look at this article. We also celebrate Disability Independence Day (#DisabilityIndependenceDay) on July 26 and the signing of the 1990 American Disabilities Act. Learn more about disability in sport by visiting Disabled Sports USA’s website (@DisabledSportsUS). July 30 is the International Day of Friendship where we denounce discrimination and fight for social justice and change through creating friendships. Check out this United Nation’s page to learn more about the history and meaning of International Day of Friendship.
During the month of August, we celebrate the richness of indigenous cultures and recognize the challenges indigenous peoples face (#WeAreIndigenous). Head over to https://www.un.org/en/events/indigenousday/ on August 9, to learn more about International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (#IndigenousPeoplesDay). In addition, read this article about team mascots to learn how they can be dehumanizing to indigenous communities. On August 12, we celebrate International Youth Day. Check out Positive Coaching Alliance and their approach to integrating fun into youth sport programs. In addition, @NAYS_edu has resources to educate and empower those working with kids so all youth can enjoy the benefits of sports.
On August 21, we recognize World Senior Citizen’s Day. The National Senior Games Association (@SeniorGames1) is an organization that promotes adults to live a healthy lifestyle through sport. The 2019 games are being held this June in Albuquerque, New Mexico. On August 26, celebrate Women’s Equality Day. The 2019 National Women’s History Theme is “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence” to honor women who advocated for nonviolent social change. Visit A Mighty Girl and their collection of books about the pioneers of past & present who helped pave the way for women’s equality in sport!
Also, keep an eye out for this month’s tweets and other news related to diversity days and months!
