December 10 commemorates the day that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted in 1948. This is significant as the UDHR sets out human rights which are recognised as the basic and minimum standard for all citizens. The UDHR is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages.

Human Rights Day marks an opportunity to:

• Commemorate, educate and reflect on the principles that form the UDHR;
• Celebrate the rights Australians have the opportunity to exercise everyday;
• Acknowledge the responsibility of promoting these rights for all people.

Get involved this December by:

• Educating family and friends about human rights
• Raising awareness about rights on social media
• Reflecting on the freedom human rights allow
• Encouraging participation and solidarity to promote human rights

For more information, visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day https://www.ohchr.org/en/aboutus/pages/humanrightsday.aspx

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. This campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December each year as an opportunity for individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

The theme for 2021 is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”. This is designed to encourage individuals and organisations to:

• Advocate for inclusive, comprehensive and long-term strategies, programmes to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls, prioritising the most marginalised women and girls.
• Amplify the success stories demonstrating that violence against women and girls is preventable
• Promote the leadership of women and girls in their diversity and their meaningful participation in policy making and decision making from global to local levels
• Engage Generation Equality Forum commitment makers in your country or region to collaborate in the implementation of bold new commitments and to inspire further action

For more information, visit: https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/take-action/16-days-of-activism

Decembeard and Decembhair are a hair-raising opportunity to help fundraise for bowel cancer during the month of December. Face, head, legs, body – if it’s hair – let it grow or let it go!

Bowel cancer is the third most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Bowel Cancer Australia suggest how you can get involved this December with creative ways to fundraise:

• Grow a beard or some chin stubble and promote your facial hair
• Dye, decorate shave or trim your precious hair and create something amazing
• Fake some luscious locks or make a hair-inspired creation
• Donate the amount you spend on shaving/grooming or by skipping your next waxing appointment

Decembeard’s goal is to have a lasting impact on our health future – where no one dies of bowel cancer and all those diagnosed receive the support they need.

For more information, please visit:
https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/decembeard

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year. It raises awareness across the world and in the community about the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. It is a day for people to show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died of AIDS related conditions or other conditions associated with HIV.

There were 901 new HIV diagnoses in Australia in 2019.¹This is the lowest number of diagnoses since 2010.

The national World AIDS Day theme for Australia in 2021 is 40 years of HIV – where to next? World AIDS Day aims to encourage Australians to educate themselves and others about HIV; to take action to reduce the transmission of HIV by promoting prevention strategies; and to ensure that people living with HIV can participate fully in the life of the community, free from stigma and discrimination.

So take the first step – inform yourself about HIV.

To get involved this December:

• Donate to the foundation
• Volunteer
• Raise awareness on social media

For more information, visit: http://www.worldaidsday.org.au/internet/wad/publishing.nsf/Content/Home

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous silicate mineral. It was considered a versatile product because it is able to withstand heat, erosion and decay and has fire and water resistant properties. It becomes a health risk when asbestos fibres are released into the air and breathed in. Asbestos is still present in many homes and buildings across Australia, so it is important for home owners and renovators to be aware of how to safely manage asbestos in and around the home.

This year’s National Asbestos Awareness Week campaign asks Australians to Think Twice About Asbestos. The campaign challenges complacency by reminding home renovators and tradespeople that the danger of asbestos is far from over.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness amongst the public and key trades about the health risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibres, where asbestos products can be found and prompt behavioural change – to contact a licensed asbestos professional.

Get involved during the Asbestos Awareness Week by learning how to stay safe when fixing up your place:

• Get in the know: Find out whether your home was built or renovated before 1990. Asbestos was used in thousands of building materials at the time.
• Take it slow: Don’t damage or disturb asbestos materials. This can release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air.
• Get a pro: Know your limits. Contact a licensed asbestos professional for advice on where it’s located, and on how to manage or remove it.

For more information, visit: https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/naaw-2021

NICU Awareness Month in November is a time to recognise the importance of Neonatal Intensive Care Units and their amazing staff around Australia. They offer specialised care and help make a difference to over 48,000 babies who are born prematurely or sick every year.

132 babies are born each day requiring specialised care.

Get involved this November by:

• Thanking all those involved in care for neonates
• Raising awareness on social media
• Hosting a fundraising event

For more information, visit: https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/shop-event.php?intid=61

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week aims to increase awareness of and response to global antimicrobial resistance. A central goal is to avoid the increase of drug-resistant infections by encouraging best practices among the general public, health workers and policy makers.

The theme for 2021 is  ‘Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance’.

Anitmicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites resist the effects of medications, making common infections more difficult to appropriately treat. This increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. One of the main objectives of World Anitmicrobial Awareness Week is to increase awareness through appropriate communication, education and training.

The 2021 campaign calls on stakeholders, including policymakers, health care providers, and the general public to recognise that everyone can be an Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness champion.

Get involved this November by:

• Spreading awareness about what antimicrobial resistance is
• Sharing stories about its consequences
• Demonstrating how the actions of individuals, families, professionals, and communities affect the spread of antimicrobial resistance 

For more informaiton, visit: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-antimicrobial-awareness-week/2021

White Ribbon Day provides an opportunity to bring people together to raise awareness and commit to action to prevent men’s violence against women. White Ribbon Australia’s purpose includes:

• Believing men have a role in preventing violence against women.
• Providing prevention programs that engage men at the individual, community, and population level.
• Working towards materially decreasing rates of men’s violence against women.

White Ribbon Day 2021 theme is ‘How Can Men Make Change?’ Learn, Give, Take Action’. Everyone getting involved this year is encourage to commit to doing three things:

• Learn: Access training and resources about gender inequality and violence.
• Give: Donate to White Ribbon Australia or a host a fundraising event.
• Take action: Become a White Ribbon Australia Community Partner, start a Community Action Group, or get your workplace White Ribbon Accredited.

Get involved this November by:

• Hosting an event
• Making a donation
• Purchasing and wearing a white ribbon

For more information, visit: https://events.whiteribbon.org.au/get-involved/join-an-existing-event/whiteribbonday