Recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October marks the annual observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an opportunity to recognize the contributions of American workers with disabilities and educate about disability employment issues. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Section 504, the first disability civil rights law enacted in the United States. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office [...]
Honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Monday, October 9 marks a day of recognition of Indigenous peoples’ resilience and rich cultural heritage in the face of centuries of oppression, assimilation and genocide. Recognized on the second Monday in October – the same day as the federally recognized Columbus Day holiday – Indigenous Peoples’ Day (sometimes called Native Americans Day) became an [...]
Raising healthy kids in a digital world
As a tween or teen, it can be difficult to navigate the complexities of social media. These strategies can empower parents and caregivers to create a realistic plan for their family’s screen use. Parents and caregivers of tweens and teens can’t fail to have seen—probably on social media—a recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General [...]
Get a sneak peek at UW Photo Day photos
The weekend of August 12 and 13 was one of kids laughing, tails wagging and smiles flashing under a clear blue sky on our beautiful campus for the annual UW Photo Day and family weekend event. More than 2,400 people (and pets!) came to campus for this free event hosted by The Whole U and [...]
Ensure your wishes are honored this national make-a-will month
August marks national make-a-will month, an annual reminder of the importance of drafting or updating your will to ensure your final wishes are executed as you intend. Despite the importance of having a will, nearly two-thirds of American adults don’t take the time to create one, citing busy schedules, lack of wealth or assets to [...]
Support Washington kids this back-to-school season
Thousands of kids across our state face barriers to success this back-to-school season. Your donation of supplies, money or time will help ensure these kids have what they need to realize their potential this year. For many children in our communities, there are any number of obstacles to getting an education: unmet basic needs, homelessness, [...]
Discover the many benefits of breastfeeding
Since 2011, August has been observed as National Breastfeeding Month (NBM) in recognition of lactating parents and those who work to protect, promote and support human milk feeding in the United States. The recognition month was first proclaimed by the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee, an independent nonprofit coalition of agencies driving policy in support of human [...]
Learn and engage this Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July to honor the history, achievements, experiences and struggles of the disability community in recognition of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. Disability Pride Month was officially established in July 2015, on the 25th anniversary of the [...]
Looking at art can change your perspective
Why look at art? It can make you feel good. A University of London study demonstrated that looking at beautiful (to the beholder) art can create an instant dopamine release, creating feelings of happiness and gratitude akin to looking at someone you love. Studies have also shown that looking at art can lower stress, particularly [...]
Fostering global opportunities: Meet Kirsten Aoyama
“Study abroad changed my life.” This is a headline for many a blog post, tagline for many a study abroad program brochure, popular Tik Tok theme and a common refrain among students and alumni of overseas study. Indeed, a quick Google search of that phrase pulls up dozens of first-person accounts about how being an [...]
Juneteenth: A celebration of freedom, a call to action
Juneteenth, variously known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Jubilee day or Liberation Day, is a holiday commemorating the June 19, 1865 announcement in Galveston, Texas of the emancipation of all chattel slaves following the end of the Civil War. The oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth – [...]
Uplift transgender voices this Pride Month
Happy Pride Month! Pride joyfully celebrates the contributions of LGBTQ+ communities and catalyzes continued advocacy work for equity, equality and belonging for all. Pride Month is also a time to remember and honor those whose lives have been lost to hate crimes and institutional homophobia. During Pride Month and all year long, LGBTQ+ people and [...]