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Are you eagerly anticipating the October DEI holidays?
At Electives, we are passionate about helping companies establish inclusive work environments and high-performance cultures. With this goal in mind, we compiled a comprehensive list of October holidays you may want to observe throughout your organization.
Download our DEI holidays calendar
Month-long celebrations in October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and show support for those who have been affected by breast cancer.
From Electives instructor Myra Sack, here are a few ways to show up and show support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the year:
- Perform an act of kindness for those in your community who have suffered a loss.
- Actively listen to a patient’s perspective or story.
- Have conversations with those who are at risk.
- Provide a safe space for those in your community to be vulnerable.
Other ways you can show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month include:
- Donate to breast cancer-focused organizations.
- Wear pink or display your pink Breast Cancer Awareness Month ribbon throughout October.
- Share facts and statistics that encourage preventative screenings.
Filipino-American History Month
Filipino American History Month commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental U.S. (October 1587) and celebrates the impact of Filipino culture on American history.
German-American Heritage Month
German-American Heritage Month celebrates the founding of Germantown, PA and the societal contributions made by German-Americans.
Global Diversity Awareness Month
Global Diversity Awareness Month celebrates how our different cultures, ethnicities, abilities, experiences and other attributes contribute to more inclusive, dynamic and innovative workplaces.
Italian-American Heritage Month
Italian-American Heritage Month celebrates Italian-American culture and its contributions and achievements.
LGBTQ+ History Month
The LGBTQ+ community stands out as one of the only global communities whose history remains largely untaught in homes, public schools and religious institutions. LGBTQ+ History Month is a time to honor the remarkable accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community.
Learn more about LGBTQIA+ inclusion
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to educate and discuss disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities.
Polish-American Heritage Month
National Polish American Heritage Month celebrates Polish-American culture and its impact on American society.
Download our DEI holidays calendar
Additional October DEI holidays
October 1
International Day of Older Persons
According to the U.N., the number of older persons worldwide is expected to at least double over the next 30 years. International Day of Older Persons recognizes the contribution of older adults to society while working to protect their rights.
An age-diverse workforce is a competitive advantage—learn how to use it!
October 3-4*
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah, from sundown on Wednesday, October 2 to sundown on Friday, October 4, is the Jewish New Year and the holiday that begins the 10 days of introspection and repentance known as the Days of Awe. Rosh Hashanah is one of the two High Holy Days in the Jewish religion.
October 10
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day raises awareness of mental health issues and encourages efforts to make mental health care accessible for all.
Make the business case for mental health education in your organization
October 11
National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day celebrates individuals who have come out as LGBTQ+. It was established on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
October 12*
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is one of the two High Holy Days in the Jewish faith, and it marks the end of a period of introspection and repentance that follows Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Many celebrate by fasting for 25 hours and participating in a special religious service. This year, Yom Kippur begins on the evening of Friday, October 11 and ends on the evening of Saturday, October 12.
October 14
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Indigenous People's Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, honors and celebrates the histories and cultures of America’s first inhabitants.
October 16
Pronouns Day
Celebrated on the third Wednesday of October, Pronouns Day seeks to educate individuals about personal pronouns and the importance of sharing and respecting individual choices.
National Boss’ Day
Leadership isn’t easy. That’s why this day is dedicated to showing appreciation and recognition to the hardworking bosses, managers and leaders in your organization.
October 19
LGBTQ+ Spirit Day
LGBTQ+ Spirit Day is a way to celebrate LGBTQ+ youth by showing allegiance and speaking up against bullying in the queer community. People are encouraged to wear purple on LGBTQ+ Spirit Day.
October 24
Dussehra / Vijaya Dashami
Dussehra / Vijaya Dashami is a significant Hindu holiday. The festival celebrates the defeat of King Ravan by Lord Ram, referenced in the Hindu text “The Ramayana."
October 31
Halloween
Halloween originated as a Celtic festival when people wore costumes to ward off ghosts. Today, Halloween is one of the most loved holidays for children across the U.S.
Diwali
Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali is a Hindu holiday celebrating the “triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil” according to National Geographic. While Diwali takes place on October 31, the festival spans five days: October 28-November 2. Each day of the festival has a specific purpose and celebration.
*Indicates a holiday that begins at sundown the day prior.
Download our DEI holidays calendar
Create your high-performance culture.
Welcome to the new era of team development — where shared ideas and language lift engagement, connections and productivity to new heights.
With programs like our High-Performance Culture Training, we’re bringing modern L&D within your reach.
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