Below you’ll find a small sampling of our October diversity calendar events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar
As we approach the holiday season, it’s essential to include diversity days and months on your workplace’s calendar. While the masses may only celebrate Halloween and Christmas, others in your office will appreciate and benefit from your acknowledgment of lesser-known holidays. To help you, below you’ll find our October 2022 Diversity Calendar.
Global Diversity Awareness Month
The world is full of diverse beliefs and cultures. Expand your horizons and become more globally aware during this October diversity month. We suggest seeking out someone who has a different background than yourself and asking them to coffee. During your coffee date, ask open-ended questions that can help you learn about their story. And explore cultural competency, one of 5 types of diversity training in the workplace.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October diversity topics include acknowledging the workplace contributions of people with disabilities. We recommend educating your workforce about disability employment issues in your workplace during the month of October.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October diversity events include this annual campaign, which helps raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, hold a short seminar in your workplace to educate employees about the symptoms and importance of early detection.
National Polish American Heritage Month
Our October multicultural calendar includes honoring Polish heritage. October was chosen because that’s when Polish settlers arrived in Jamestown, VA in 1608. Host lunch for the office one day and order Polish dishes like pierogis. And foster greater awareness of cultural diversity in the workplace
October 10: World Mental Health Day
This day promotes mental health awareness and education. All people have mental health, in the same way they have physical health. Hold a mental health workshop in your office to explore the importance of self-care and mental wellness.
October 10: Indigenous Peoples’ Day (United States)
Many people remember this holiday as “Columbus Day.” They even learned the rhyme “in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue” to celebrate. However, Columbus couldn’t discover a land that already existed and was inhabited by the indigenous people of North America. This day now honors the original inhabitants of the Americas.
October 14: Defender of Ukraine Day
October multicultural holidays include this powerful event. The first celebration of Defender of Ukraine Day took place on October 14, 2015. The day honors all those who fight for Ukraine’s sovereignty, including the ongoing invasion by a Russian dictator. Observe this day by donating to an organization providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
October 21: Spirit Day
Did you know that every year, up to 40 percent of LGBTQ youth consider suicide? This number rises when you consider just transgender and nonbinary youth. Spirit Day is an October diversity day to show support for these individuals by wearing purple. We must show acceptance and speak out against bullying. And foster a sense of inclusion with sensitivity training in the workplace.
October 24: Diwali
An October diversity celebration, Diwali is perhaps the most important festival in the Hindu faith. During this time, Hindus praise diverse deities. Go all out in your office this year and ask Hindu associates to help plan some festivities. Some ideas include getting Henna artists, decorating the office, and having an ethnic clothing contest. And discover more interfaith events with our list of key religious holidays 2023
Final Thoughts
And that concludes our October 2022 Diversity Calendar! Don’t stop there. What other diversity days would you enjoy discovering? Preview next month with our November 2022 Diversity Calendar. And get a head start on the coming year with our Diversity Calendar 2023