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International Day of Persons with Disabilities Day (IDPD) - December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities Day (IDPD) - December 3 In 1992, The United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 47/3 declaring December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities Day (IDPD). IDPD promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and increases awareness of their situation in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life. What does disability mean: A disability is a condition or function judged to be significantly impaired relative to the usual standard of an individual in their group. The term is often used to refer to individual functioning, including physical impairment, sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, intellectual impairment, mental illness, and various types of chronic disease. Persons with disabilities make up “the world’s largest minority” and have generally poorer health, lower education achievements, fewer economic opportunities, and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. This is mainly due to the lack of services available to them (like information and communications technology (ICT), justice or transportation) and the many obstacles they face in their everyday lives. These obstacles can take various forms, including those relating to the physical environment, resulting from legislation or policy, or societal attitudes or discrimination. Did you know that:
This year’s theme is Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future. Let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and diverse contributions of people with disabilities. Breaking down barriers and challenging biases is a collective responsibility. By fostering understanding and creating inclusive environments, we can empower individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential and enrich our communities. Let us work together to build a future where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is heard. Join us in honoring the achievements of the disability community and committing to a more accessible and equitable world for all. #IDPD #InclusionMatters Human Rights Day – December 10 The international community observes Human Rights Day every year on December 10. It commemorates the day in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets out a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms to which we all are entitled. It guarantees the rights of every individual everywhere, without distinction based on nationality, place of residence, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, language, or any other status. The 2024 theme for Human Rights Day is Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now. Human rights play a critical role as a preventive, protective and transformative force in addressing people's greatest concerns. By protecting and defending human rights, we can prevent harm before it happens. Human rights are the common thread that binds us all together to foster peace and stability. Human rights are not abstract ideas. They offer protection, ensuring everyone, everywhere, can live in dignity and respect and advancement of creating a fairer world. Upholding human rights is not only about addressing present injustices, it is about reshaping unjust societies and empowering marginalized groups. #OurRightsOurFuture #HumanRightsDay #RightNow December Interfaith Holidays Christmas is a significant celebration within Christian communities worldwide that honors the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christian messiah and what his birth represents - emphasizing love, peace, and goodwill toward all. Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of the Christian faith and for those who follow Christianity to celebrate God’s love for the world through the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. Christmas is preceded by the season of Advent, four weeks of preparation for the coming of Christ. This holiday is embraced across various cultures worldwide, featuring customs such as gift-giving, festive meals, and communal worship. Homes and public spaces are decorated with wreaths, lights, and Christmas trees. This season is a time for reflection, giving, and gathering with loved ones. Hanukkah (Chanukah) - December 25 – January 2 Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with nightly menorah lighting, special prayers, and fried foods. The Hebrew word Chanukah means “dedication” and is thus named because it celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. According to Chabad.org, "In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who tried to force the people of Israel to accept Greek culture and beliefs instead of mitzvah observance and belief in G‑d. Against all odds, a small band of faithful but poorly armed Jews, led by Judah the Maccabee, defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of G‑d. When they sought to light the Temple's Menorah (the seven-branched candelabrum), they found only a single cruse of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks. Miraculously, they lit the menorah and the one-day supply of oil lasted for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity." Kwanzaa - December 26 – January 1 Kwanzaa (Swahili word meaning First) is an African American and pan-African holiday celebrating African family, community, culture, and social values. Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is a 7-day cultural festival with activities centered around Nguzo Saba (seven principals) which are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). During Kwanzaa, families and communities come together to share a feast, to honor their ancestors, affirm the bonds between them, and celebrate African and African American culture. Each day, they light a candle to highlight the principle of that day and to breathe meaning into the principles with various activities, such as reciting the sayings or writings of great black thinkers and writers, reciting original poetry, African drumming, and sharing a meal of African diaspora-inspired foods. The table is decorated with the essential symbols of Kwanzaa, such as the Kinara (Candle Holder), Mkeka (Mat), Muhindi (corn to represent the children), Mazao (fruit to represent the harvest), and Zawadi (gifts). One might also see the colors of the Pan-African flag, red (the struggle), black (the people), and green (the future), represented throughout the space and in the clothing worn by participants. Happy Kwanza to all members of ALA & ALANYC who observe the holiday. |