Solidarity is unity in feeling or action. It is identified as a fundamental value of international realtions by the United Nations, where those who suffer or benefit least deserve help from those who benefit the most.

International Human Solidarity falls on 20 December each year and is an opportunity to:

• celebrate our unity in diversity;
• remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements;
• raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity;
• encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity;
• encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication.

For more information, visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-solidarity-day

International Migrants Day occurs each year on 18 December. The day was selected to mark the anniversary of the 1990 adoption by UN General Assembly of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

International migration is mixed with elements of unforeseeability, emergency, complexity, and other challenges and difficulties. International Migrants Day is an opportunity to recognise the complexity and challenges of international migration and the important role cooperation and collective action among countries and regions play.

For more information, visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/migrants-day https://sdg.iisd.org/events/international-migrants-day-2021/

DineSmart is a hospitality industry recognised and led event that takes place every December. 

DineSmart is an initiative to raise awareness about the prominent issue of homelessness in Australia. Dine at participating restaurants and help out local grassroots community groups attempting to aid the homeless or at risk. This year funds raised are going to be distributed across different homeless projects in local areas. Types of support can include:

• Distribution of food and meals
• Youth support programs
• Housing solutions
• Medical outreach
• Plus many other vital community services

To get involved this December:

• Make a donation
• Dine out at participating restaurants
• Volunteer with the organisation
• Raise awareness on social media

For more information, visit: https://streetsmartaustralia.org/

Universal health coverage ensures all people can get the quality health services they need without financial harship.

Universal Health Coverage Day operates each year on 12 December to call for strong, equitable health systems that leave no one behind. With an ongoing global pandemic that has claimed millions of lives, the case for universal health coverage is clear.

Going forward, all global leaders and other stakeholders are urged to come together, to ensure coherent action and to build trust and accountability by widening participation in health governance at all levels.

The Universal Health Coverage global campaign is encouraging people to ‘Ask, Amplify, and Act’:

• Ask: ask governments, world leaders and those in power to act on their commitments to achieve universal health coverage.
• Amplify: write a message or take a video explaining why UHC is important to you, and why it’s critical that health systems leave no one behind. Post your story on social media on 12/12 with the hashtag #UHCDay.
• Act: rally for what’s right by showing your support on 12/12 in any way you can in the spirit of Health for All solidarity.

For more information, visit: https://universalhealthcoverageday.org/

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