12 Months of Awesome (Content) for Socially Responsible Businesses

The dates you need to know, from September 2015 - August 2016!

12 Months ofAwesome(Content)for socially responsible businesses

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.—Margaret Mead

A goal with no plan is just a wish.—Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The time is always right to do what is right.—Martin Luther King, Jr.

12 Months ofAwesome (Content)

Having worked with dozens of socially responsible businesses over the years, we have learned that having access to great, regular and informed content is key to your communications success. And content is more important than ever in connecting with prospective and current customers and clients.

Your business blog and social media channels make up a crucial part of your marketing and communications strategy. Please use this calendar to outline or enhance your content strategy and keep on top of your marketing goals for the remainder of 2015 and the first eight months of 2016.

If you are interested in learning more about how Manoverboard can help you with your website, social media, and ongoing content strategy, please don’t hesitate to give us a shout.

for socially responsible businesses

≥ National holidays and observances≥ Important dates and events≥ Cultural and environment-focused days of interest for customers and staff ≥ Content suggestions for your blog and social media channels≥ CSR-related events and programming

PLUS≥ Quotes and tidbits about people and organizations making a difference

Manoverboard is a Certified B Corporation helping socially responsible businesses, pioneering educational institutions and mission-driven nonprofits motivate their audiences with beautiful, lasting, sustainable design. We deliver bold websites, enduring corporate identities, and the communications strategies that support them both. We engage, humanize, and inspire. And we see the big picture while honing the details, creating a better world by design.

Find out more about us at manoverboard.com

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IMPORTANT DATES SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

7: Labour Day

8: International Literacy Day

10: Suicide Prevention Day

11: Patriot Day

13: Grandparents’ Day

20: Terry Fox Run (CAN)

20-26: National Forest Week (CAN)

21: International Day of Peace

21-25: Learn @ Work Week

23: Fall Equinox

Coming Next Month...

Next month is LGBT history month in the US. Start planning celebrations now!

SEPTEMBER 2015

B Corp CornerEvery year since 1982, September 21 has been celebrated as the International Day of Peace. It is a day dedicated to the absence of war and violence, and the presence of ceasefires and humanitarian aid.

National Forest Week is the last week of September.

During National Forest Week, invite your audience to learn more about Canada’s forest heritage and raise awareness about this valuable resource.

September 21-25 is Learn @ Work Week.

On your blog, profile employees who have recently completed a professional development program, and offer information about upcoming seminars or courses that staff can sign up for.

2015 marks the 35th Annual Terry Fox Run.

Consider holding a 5K Walk, Run or Roll for your office, or spotlight clients and staff who are taking part in one. Go to www.terryfox.org for more information on how to register your event.

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” – Dalai Lama

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1: International Music Day

2: International Day of Non-Violence

5: World Teachers’ Day

10: World Mental Health Day

12: Thanksgiving Day (CAN)

12: Columbus Day (US)

16: World Food Day

16: Boss’ Day

19-25: National Waste Reduction Week (CAN)

31: Halloween

Coming Next Month... Next month is Movember. Highlight men’s health issues on your website.

OCTOBER 2015

B Corp CornerB Corp Out Leadership develops innovative and forward-thinking initiatives to leverage LGBT opportunities across a range of industries.

October is LGBT History Month in the US.

Share how your community is celebrating to encourage honesty and openness about being LGBT.

October 16 is World Food Day.

Design an infographic to demonstrate how hunger affects people in your city and around the world, along with ways people can help fight hunger.

October 19-25 is National Waste Reduction Week in Canada.

On your blog, share what your office is doing to reduce its carbon footprint during National Waste Reduction.

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”– Steve Jobs

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1: Daylight Saving Time Ends

11: Remembrance Day (CAN)

11: Veterans Day (US)

15: National Philanthropy Day

16: International Day of Tolerance

20: Universal Children’s Day

25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

26: Thanksgiving (US)

27: Black Friday (US)

28: International Buy Nothing Day

Coming Next Month... Next month is the season of giving. Start planning what staff and clients can do to give back to the less fortunate now.

NOVEMBER 2015

B Corp CornerThere are many worthy non-profit organizations, such as Maestral International, working tirelessly to help protect children from violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Go to www.maestral.org for more information.

November is Movember.

Movember is Men’s Health Awareness Month. Put together a team of clients and staff willing to grow a mo’ and raise funds for prostate cancer. Track weekly hair growth and fundraising progress on your blog.

November 27 is International Buy Nothing Day.

In contrast to Black Friday, International Buy Nothing Day is a day of protest against consumerism. Some activities include winter coat exchanges, in which coats are donated to the less fortunate. Promote this alternative on your blog.

November 15 is International Philanthropy Day.

On your blog, celebrate National Philanthropy Day by honouring local donors, volunteers, foundations, and others involved in charities and philanthropies.

“If we don’t stand up for children, then we don’t stand up for much.” – Marian Wright Eldeman

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1: World AIDS Day

3: International Day of People with Disabilities

5: International Volunteer Day

9: International Anti- Corruption Day

10: Human Rights Day

17: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers Day

24: Christmas Eve

25: Christmas Day

26: Boxing Day (CAN)

31: New Year’s Eve

Coming Next Month... Next month is Alzheimer’s Month. Engage your staff in participating in a fundraising event.

DECEMBER 2015

B Corp CornerIn September 2014, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights opened in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to remember and celebrate the evolution of human rights. Admittance is free on December 10th, Human Rights Day.

December is the Season for Giving.

Hold a food, toy, or clothing drive on campus to help the less fortunate around the holidays. Use your blog and social media channels to promote it and thank clients and staff for donating.

A Year in Review.

Write a blog post about your businesses standout moments in 2015 or give your audience a sneak peek of what big things you have in store for 2016.

International Volunteer Day is December 5.

Take this day to thank clients and staff who take the time to volunteer. Or, think about taking a day to have your staff volunteer at a local food bank or charitable organization.

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” – Gandhi

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JANUARY 2016

B Corp CornerMartin Luther King Jr. is celebrated on January 19 in the US for his activism and leadership in the African-American civil rights movement.

January 17-23 is National Non-Smoking Week.

Encourage clients and staff to participate (if the cold weather isn’t already doing so) through a mini social media campaign.

January 29 is National Fun at Work Day.

January 30 is Fun at Work Day. Dress up silly, bring some snacks, crank up the music, or take the afternoon to go on a fun field trip. However you partake, make sure to take pictures to share on social media!

January is Alzheimer’s Month.

Hold a fund-raiser or awareness campaign for people affected by Alzheimer’s and promote it through blogging and social media.

“Intelligence plus character—that is the true goal of education.” – Martin Luther King

1: New Year’s Day

1: World Day of Peace

4: World Braille Day

11: Sir John A. MacDonald Day (CAN)

18: World Snowman Day

17-23: National Non-Smoking Week (CAN)

20: Weedless Wednesday (CAN)

27: Family Literacy Day (CAN)

29: Fun at Work Day (CAN)

31: World Leprosy Day

Coming Next Month... February is Black History Month. Start planning your commemorations now!

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2: Groundhog Day (US)

4: World Cancer Day

8: Chinese New Year

9: Mardi Gras

12: Darwin Day

14: Valentine’s Day

15: Family Day (AB, ON, SK)

15: Louis Riel Day (MB)

15: National Flag Day (CAN)

20: World Day of Social Justice

Coming Next Month... Next month is National Nutrition Month. Start planning healthy tips and treats now.

B Corp CornerOn February 19, 2009, Better the World Inc. becomes Canada’s first B Corp.

Visit www.bcorporation.net for more information on B Corps and doing business for good.

February 20 is the World Day of Social Justice.

Do you have a cause that’s close to your heart? Poverty eradication, promoting full and fair employment, gender equity? Promote social well-being and justice for all on your blog in honour of World Day of Social Justice.

February is Black History Month.

February is Black History Month. Celebrate by inviting guest writers on your blog or spotlighting events, stories, or people.

February is also Heart Month.

Heart month is the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s key month for spreading awareness about heart disease and stroke. Spotlight opportunities for volunteering, fundraising, or donations to the cause.

“B Corp is to business what Fair Trade certification is to coffee or USDA Organic certification is to milk.” – B Lab

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FEBRUARY 2016

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4: Employee Appreciation Day

8: International Women’s Day

13: Daylight Saving Time Starts

14: Commonwealth Day

17: St. Patrick’s Day

20: International Day of Happiness

20: Spring Equinox

22: World Water Day

26: Earth Hour

27: Easter Sunday

Coming Next Month... Next month is Daffodil Month for the Canadian Cancer Society. Use this time to plan out blog posts to bring awareness to this disease.

MARCH 2016

B Corp CornerCharity Water is one example of a great non-profit raising money to provide clean water in underdeveloped countries.

Go to www.charitywater.org for more information.

March 8th is International Women’s Day.

Spotlight innovative and outstanding women in your field on your blog to celebrate International Women’s Day. Visit www.internationalwomensday.com to find out what you can do to promote greater equality.

March 20 is the International Day of Happiness.

In March 20, the International Day of Happiness, find a creative way to spread some cheer to someone who needs it and track it through your blog.

Earth Hour is between 20:15 and 21:15 on March 26th.

Encourage your audience to switch the lights off for an hour to raise awareness about the planet.

“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.” – Jacques Cousteau

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1: April Fool’s Day

2: World Autism Awareness Day

7: World Health Day

10-16: National Volunteer Week (CAN)

22: Earth Day

23: Canada Book Day

23: Passover Begins

25: World Malaria Day

27: World Communication Design Day

29: Arbor Day

Coming Next Month... Next month starts with the National Day to End bullying. Start planning now.

APRIL 2016

B Corp CornerWinston Churchill Day is observed on April 9. A great wartime leader and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, he was the first person to be made an honorary citizen of the United States.

World Health Day is April 7.

The topic for World Health Day 2015 is food safety. Share food safety tips on your blog. Go to www.who.int for more information and resources.

April is Poetry Month.

Hold a fun social media contest and have your followers write a haiku to enter to win free services or branded merchandise. Make sure to include a hashtag for your campaign!

April 22 is Earth Day.

This year marks the 46th anniversary of Earth Day! Take on stand on your blog by addressing one of the many environmental issues.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

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1: National Day to End Bullying (CAN)

1-7: National Mental Health Week (CAN)

5: Cinco de Mayo (US)

8: Mother’s Day

14: World Fair Trade Day

15: International Day of Families

17: International Day Against Homophobia

21: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development Day

23: Victoria Day (CAN)

30: Memorial Day (US)

Coming Next Month... Next month is Aboriginal History Month. A great time to celebrate Aboriginal culture on your website.

MAY 2016

B Corp CornerTo support the Fair Trade movement, go to www.fairtrade.ca to find fair trade businesses and products in your area.

May 1 is the National Day to End Bullying.

Spread awareness about bullying and cyberbullying on May 1st. Share resources to do your part to end bullying.

World Fair Trade Day is May 14.

Participate in World Fair Trade Day by celebrating your favourite certified fair trade products and the companies that make them.

May 30 is Memorial Day.

On memorial day, take some time to thank the men and women who died while serving the United States on social media.

“Fair Trade evokes a relationship between consumers and producers based on transparency, dialogue, and respect.” – Bryant Terry, Food Justice Activist

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5-11: Canadian Environment Week

5: World Environment Day

5: World Ocean’s Day

8: World Oceans Day

14: World Blood Donor Day

14: Flag Day (US)

19: Father’s Day

21: Summer Solstice

24: St. Jean-Baptiste Day (QC, CAN)

27: Canadian Multiculturalism Day

Coming Next Month... July means Canada Day and Independence Day and celebrations! Start planning your festivities now.

JUNE 2016

B Corp CornerFor Canadian Environment Week or World Environment Day, register your business for the Commuter Challenge to encourage your staff to leave their cars at home. For each day they commute, participants get one entry in a draw for grand prizes.

The first week of June is Canadian Environment Week.

Register your business for the Commuter Challenge to encourage your staff to leave their cars at home. Take pictures and track the challenge on your social media channels.

June is Aboriginal History Month in Canada.

Honour and celebrate Aboriginal heritage and culture by sharing events that are going on in your city.

June 14 is World Blood Donor Day.

Set up a blood donor clinic on campus and invite clients and staff to donate. Take pictures to share on the blog and on social media.

“The delicate balances of nature, essential for our survival, can only be saved through a global effort involving all of us.” – John McConnell

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1: Canada Day

1-7: Canada History Week

2: International Co-operative Day

4: Independence Day (US)

7: Global Day of Forgiveness

11: World Population Day

16: Parks Day (CAN)

17: World Day for International Justice

17-23: National Drowning Prevention Week (CAN)

18: Nelson Mandela International Day

Coming Next Month... Summer is in full swing. Use this time to create content that will engage visitors to come to your website.

JULY 2016

B Corp CornerIn 2009, the UN declared July 18, International Nelson Mandela Day in recognition of his contributions to the culture of peace and freedom.

Canada Day is on July 1 and Independence Day is on July 4.

Feature why you are grateful for your country and what your staff is doing to celebrate on your blog.

July 17 is the World Day for International Justice.

On your blog, shed some light on an ongoing injustice in the world and how people can get involved to fight for the cause.

July 17-23 is National Drowning Prevention Week.

Share www.sortieenmer.com, an eerie interactive website that simulates drowning to reinforce the importance of wearing a life-jacket on your blog along with other water safety tips for students on summer break.

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela

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1: Civic Holiday (CAN)

9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

12: International Youth Day

12: Perseid Meteor Shower

13: International Left-handers’ Day

19: World Humanitarian Day

23: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition

26: Women’s Equality Day

29: International Day Against Nuclear Tests

30: International Day of the Disappeared

Coming Next Month... Next month has Learn @ Work Day. Look into courses and seminars your staff could take for professional development.

AUGUST 2016

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B Corp CornerMalala Yousafzai, the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize recipient for her human rights advocacy for women and education, was born on July 12, 1997.

Summer is almost over.

Help your clients and staff take full advantage of fleeting summer days by listing the best beaches, festivals, and events to experience in your city.

August 29 is the International Day Against Nuclear Tests.

Nuclear tests have devastating consequences on human life and on the environment. Spread awareness about International Day Against Nuclear Tests on your blog.

August 19 is World Humanitarian Day.

World Humanitarian Day recognizes people who face danger and adversity to help others. Highlight a humanitarian in your community or one that you admire on your blog.

“One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai


We hope you enjoyed using 12 Months of Awesome (Content) for socially responsible businesses.

If we can be of help to you in building a powerful website and content platform that works for you and your business, please let us know.

You can reach me directly at 204-477-4474 or [email protected].

And feel free to share this document with colleagues, friends and any type of calendar lover.

All best wishes,

Andrew BoardmanManoverboard Inc.

Thank you.