DIMENSIONSThe Executive Office of Health and Human Services Diversity Newsletter Winter-Spring 2015

IN THIS ISSUE 1 Welcome! 8 Veteran’s Corner: Five Steps 13 Diversity Calendar 2 Ageism Is Bad for You That Help Veterans Make the 16 Contact Us Transition to Civilian Life 4 So, I’m Biased...Now What? 9 Share Your Diversity Story! 6 Interactive Dialogue: An Introduction to the 10 Director’s Quiz: Test your Massachusetts Office Knowledge: Women in History on Disability Dimensions Diversity Newsletter Winter-Spring 2015

Dimensions Staff

Contributors Sonia Bryan Martina Jackson Allan B. Motenko Engie Mota Welcome! John Paradis Editor Welcome to the Winter-Spring 2015 issue of Dimensions. Joe Luca Another year is upon us! Designer/Illustrator Gilbert Highet, a Scottish-born American classical Courtney Staples scholar and writer, said, “Wherever there are beginners and experts, old and young, there is some kind of Diversity Newsletter learning going on, some kind of teaching. We are all Committee Members pupils and we are all teachers.” Accordingly, in this issue Sonia Bryan – EOHHS, Co-chair we touch upon a wide array of diversity topics, and hope Lisa Bacon – EHS, Co-chair it will serve as a resource so that we can learn, expand Joy Connell – DMH our perspectives, and enjoy! Karen Langley – EOHHS Engie Mota – EOHHS Jonathan O’Dell – MCDHH Sonia A. Bryan Quoc Tran – EOHHS Diversity Officers & ADA/504 Coordinators CHE – Faith Kirkland DCF – Diane Chang DDS – Lorraine Woodson DMH – Joy Connell DPH – Juna Pierre DTA – Danielle McNeil-Speller DVS – Anita Patel DYS – Margaret Chow-Menzer EHS – Quoc Tran ELD – Mary Cummings HLY – Shawna Biscone MCB – Maria Loughran (Diversity Officer) Wayne Levy (ADA-504 Coordinator) MCDHH – Sehin Mekuria MRC – Mary Connelly ORI – Marcony Almeida-Barros (Diversity Officer) Agnes Tshitenge (ADA-504 Coordinator)

1 Dimensions Diversity Newsletter Winter-Spring 2015 Ageism Is Bad for You

Martina Jackson There are federal and state laws Director of Communications, providing protection against age-based Outreach and Press, employment discrimination. Workers Executive Office of who are 40 and older cannot be refused Elder Affairs employment, denied promotion, or fired because of their age. Nor can an employer withhold equal pay and benefits from older workers. On the other hand, there are no laws against the culture of ageism.

As with other forms of bias, ageism exists, but is not Older people have been adapting to the rapid changes necessarily acknowledged or even intentional. People make in technology throughout the twentieth and twenty-first assumptions about seniors based on enduring . centuries. Young people may discount the value of that For example, younger workers may assume their older experience, but in truth, both older and younger workers colleagues are incapable of understanding or mastering the benefit from mutual collaboration, which enriches their Internet, Twitter, texting, Skype, Facebook, or Instagram. workplace. Older workers report that younger colleagues An older worker may be reluctant to ask for assistance with offer a positive, energizing aspect to their job. some computer-related problem for fear that he or she may be considered universally technologically challenged or less Another facet of ageism may be resentment that an older competent. Or, a supervisor may ask a younger staffer to worker is in a job a younger employee might otherwise fill. “help” an older worker even if he or she has not asked for People who are working beyond retirement age because help. In fact, many of today’s seniors are technologically “they want to” may be seen in a negative light, rather than savvy because that’s the way they communicate with their appreciating an older worker’s desire to remain active and children and grandchildren. productive. “Older workforce” has become a pejorative term. “New ideas” are generally deemed to be generated by younger While many younger people may think the universe of people, suggesting that experienced employees don’t have technology is their domain, Microsoft’s founder, Bill Gates, innovative ideas and solutions to workplace challenges. will be 60 this year. The first tabulating computer made its debut in 1944—71 years ago. Visit any computer store and Society benefits from the continuance of older workers because you will see throngs of older consumers sampling the latest there is a value in “having been there and done that.” Older in iPhones, tablets, and laptops. Senior centers and local workers add perspective as well. Moreover, studies show that continuing education programs offering computer courses for every year an older worker postpones retirement, he or she enjoy an overflow crowd of older learners determined to delays the possible onset of dementia by two to three percent. upgrade their skills. And, of course, older workers pay taxes.

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People who view aging as a negative process tended to have a lifespan seven years shorter than those who saw aging as either positive or neutral.

The prolonged economic downturn has contributed to Many older people are quite active and functioning, even the extended work life for many older people because with some physical limitations. Not every young person is a their savings won’t meet their living needs. When people marathon runner, but some older people are. 55 or older are fired, they face a much longer period of unemployment—a year to 13 months—according to the What is crushing to the human spirit is the sense that one is U.S. Department of Labor, whereas the median layoff for being judged solely on the number of years one has lived, younger employees is three months. and that instead of celebrating one’s abilities, one is being dismissed because of one’s age. To be judged a less worthy Older people make up an increasing percentage of the general person because one is older is both painful and commonplace. population—nearly 20 percent are 60 and older, and that will It’s frustrating to be considered a relic of a previous time, as increase to more than 26 percent over the next 15 years. if older people are a different life form, disconnected from Life expectancy in Massachusetts has risen to 80.7 years— succeeding generations. more than two years longer than the national average. All the growth in Massachusetts’ population is in the 60-plus age Possibly the threat of living a shorter life based on bad attitudes group, according to the U.S. Census, with the 85-plus cohort about aging will help to refocus younger people. But here is the fastest growing of all. Today, the percentage of people another consideration: We begin to age at the moment of birth still in the workplace at 75 is 140 percent greater than in the and continue throughout our lives. If you are living, you are 1980s. Workers aged 55-plus increased from 25.9 million in aging. If you are young now, the likelihood is that you will live to 2007 to 31.6 million in 2013, according to the U.S. Bureau of be very old someday. And, you will want to be treated with the Labor Statistics. same respect and consideration you enjoy today.

So why is ageism bad for younger people? According to a study conducted by Yale University Medical School, people who view aging as a negative process tended to have a lifespan seven years shorter than those who saw aging as either positive or neutral. If you have negative attitudes about aging and older people, you may be compromising your own later life!

The point about aging and ageism is that people generally equate growing older with illness, infirmity, and decline. In fact, with dramatic medical advancements, people are living longer and healthier. Older people are no longer expected to withdraw from “society.” Aging is not synonymous with decrepitude.

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So, I’m Biased...Now What?

Engie Mota, Esq., MPA those biases are simply an extension of our diversity as individuals. Naturally, our biases affect not only our worldview, Diversity Officer, but also our decision-making—sometimes without us even Office of Diversity, Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights being aware of it. It’s the way our brains are wired, to alert us to danger. These preferences profoundly influence our You have hidden biases; every one of us does. If you haven’t thoughts, decisions, and behaviors. But whether we act done so already, you might as well just admit it. Do you disagree? upon a bias is another thing altogether. Then ask yourself a couple of questions. Senior citizens: Are they out of touch or insightful? What about a Southern accent? Unconscious bias—or an implicit preference for certain Is it annoying or charming? How about Millennials? Young groups—often influences important workplace decisions. entrepreneurs or workers who feel that they are owed? Left unchecked, though, unconscious bias can affect hiring, assignments, promotions, evaluations, and dismissals. It’s a These examples might not reflect your conflicts. Whether we human blind spot, but the trick is to hit the pause button and want to acknowledge it, we all have implicit assumptions— question things before you act. Although we cannot completely unconscious biases—about certain cultures. Often, “bias” has eliminate unconscious bias, we can, however, address those shameful connotations. Being heavily associated with words like biases so they are not impeding the organization’s goal to prejudice, discrimination, and makes the very idea of create a balanced, diverse, and inclusive workforce. “having a bias” seem pejorative. The negative connotations have made it a taboo topic within the broader spectrum of diversity Here’s a start. and inclusion. But the reality is that each of us unwittingly favors certain types of people based on our upbringing, experience, 1. Identify your blind spots. Encourage the discussion of and values, because human beings need bias to survive. biases. Take one of the tests at Project Implicit and consider which groups of people you find most difficult to trust, and Biases, whether conscious or unconscious, are shaped by then question the root of that distrust. Self-awareness is the our experiences, culture, and lifestyles. One could say that first step, and it’s pivotal: We need to own up to having biases

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before we can address them. You may also want to read The from resumes so you can initially screen candidates without Blindspot by Mahzarin Banaji and Anthony Greenwald, a knowing their gender or ethnicity. Tap the power of a diverse fascinating read on the subject. team to assess people more holistically.

2. Train yourself to think differently. Be aware of the impact 4. Beware of your gut. Our gut reaction often leads to a these biases may have on decision-making and various better result than spending hours reviewing pros and cons. processes within your organization. Simply becoming aware But when the decision involves people and situations from of a bias reduces its power to shape our decisions. The different cultural backgrounds, it’s dangerous to rely upon conscious side of the brain is very capable of doing the work our gut because our gut is implicit in promoting those necessary to train our minds to think differently. Look for where unconscious biases. Instead, consult with other sources and the bias emerges in your thinking and decision-making. Stop consciously suspend trusting your gut. yourself when resorting to an unchecked assumption and choose to think differently. And use the power of repetition 5. Develop your cultural intelligence. Intercultural conflicts to regularly remind you of your otherwise overlooked biases. and discrimination are rarely deliberate choices that are maliciously intended; they simply creep into everyday 3. Create practices to prevent bias. Intentionally plan for decisions. But as you account for your implicit biases, grow cultural differences by developing strategies that account for your knowledge of cultural differences, and develop a plan your default preferences. For example, if you have a tendency for improving your cultural competence, you’ll find that you toward hiring outgoing people and overlooking their work can navigate through almost any “cultural situation” with both experience, involve a co-worker who tends to hire people respect and effectiveness. based upon their skills and experience. Have names removed

5 Dimensions Diversity Newsletter Winter-Spring 2015 INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE An Introduction to the Massachusetts Office on Disability

Allan B. Motenko Greetings from the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD).

Deputy Director, The secretariat has offered me the opportunity to write a regular column in Dimensions, Massachusetts Office on which I hope you’ll find informative, helpful, and more than occasionally thought- Disability provoking. As this is the introductory column, it seems appropriate to focus on introducing our office and describing the work that our staff of 13 people performs.

First, though, a brief but important note about disability: Census data tells us that at least 20% of the population—some 56 million people nationwide—have a disability, although the true number is likely far higher. I regularly meet individuals with medical conditions who do not consider themselves to “have a disability,” even though their medical condition(s) would satisfy the legal definition of disability and provide civil rights protections. That’s fine, and certainly well within each individual’s prerogative. For context, however, it’s important to remember that the subject of disability impacts a wide swath of the population, regardless of whether individuals declare their disability publicly.

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MOD was created in 1981 by statute to assist all residents—those with disabilities and those who care about others with disabilities. Its purpose is to bring about full and equal participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. It works to assure Census data the advancement of legal rights and for the promotion of maximum opportunities, tells us that at supportive services, accommodations, and accessibility in a manner that fosters dignity and self-determination. MOD also serves as the Commonwealth’s Americans least 20% of the with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinating Agency. population—some 56 million people Nearly a decade after MOD was created, the federal government enacted the ADA, which provides broad civil rights protection for individuals with disabilities in the nationwide— areas of employment, state and local government services, and places of public have a disability, accommodation (entities that are open to the public). Massachusetts—which has although the true always been a leader among states with regard to disability rights—also has state laws in each of these three areas that provide similar or greater protection than number is likely far the ADA. higher. The agency is structured into the following three units.

The Government Services Program offers guidance, training, and technical assistance to Executive Branch agencies to ensure that Massachusetts’s policies and practices are consistent with state and federal laws. This unit is the primary resource for ADA coordinators and senior managers with questions related to disability-related laws, rights, and obligations.

The Community Services Program provides outreach to the disability community and technical assistance and training to municipal officials and businesses to ensure that they know how to comply with their nondiscrimination responsibilities. This is also the unit that provides technical assistance about the laws and regulations concerning architectural accessibility.

The Client Services Program has three core areas of focus. There is an information and referral hotline that connects individual callers with services, programs, and resources, and explains rights and obligations under the various state and federal It’s important to disability laws. The federally mandated and funded Client Assistance Program specifically addresses information and advocacy concerns for clients of the remember that Commonwealth’s vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs. Finally, the subject of the program provides advocacy for individuals who have been denied service or face disability impacts barriers in their attempt to obtain service, or have been discriminated against on the a wide swath of basis of their disability. the population, While each program is unique, they intersect and interact with each other in order to regardless of effectively ensure that people with disabilities are treated fairly in the Commonwealth.

whether individuals MOD works tirelessly to meet its mission. Its expertise is available to you in both declare their your professional and personal lives. If you have questions about your obligations disability publicly. as an employee to accommodate a subordinate or member of the public; questions about your rights as a person with a disability; or concerns about finding necessary resources for a loved one with a disability, I hope you will feel empowered to know that MOD is a resource within your reach.

7 Dimensions Diversity Newsletter Winter-Spring 2015 VETERAN’S CORNER Five Steps That Help Veterans Make the Transition to Civilian Life

John Paradis Note: This column originally appeared in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Northampton, MA. Deputy Superintendent, Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke The first thing I wanted to do when I returned from a deployment was hug my spouse Retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant and kids. It’s a scene I replayed in my mind every day that I was away. colonel in Florence, MA. Then I just wanted to sleep. Then eat a home-cooked meal.

Other veterans want to go to their favorite place, perhaps the beach or someplace quiet.

Whatever it was that they dreamed about when they were counting the days before coming home from Iraq or Afghanistan, it’s highly unlikely that the dreams included visiting the Veterans Health Administration or spending time with a veterans’ service officer.

While the public commonly perceives military members’ returns to their community as joyful and idyllic, the post-service transition is usually formidable at best and overwhelming at worst. At a time when 22 veterans a day commit suicide, getting veterans the help they need is critically important. Of those 22 veterans, 77 percent never accessed the VA system.

The first thing a veteran should do when he or she gets home? Whatever he or she chooses to do. But after the initial euphoria of being stateside again, the second thing is to talk to a veterans’ service officer or benefits advisor. 22 veterans a day commit suicide

Of those 22 veterans, 77% never accessed the VA system

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Here is a quick Top 5 list of things that every veteran should know about and complete soon after transitioning to civilian life. 3 Connect with other veterans. No veteran is alone. No one understands military Determine your veteran eligibility. culture, traditions, and the hardships veterans face 1 when they transition to civilian life better than another All veterans should know their eligibility for federal veteran. Networking with other veterans is beneficial. Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits as well as what they are There are several outreach events throughout the year entitled to under the Massachusetts General Laws. where veterans can meet other veterans and share So you should safeguard your DD-214 or discharge common concerns and challenges. The Massachusetts papers, and make multiple copies. Tell your family Department of Veterans’ Services lists these events on where the copies are located. Eligibility requirements the DVS website. Veterans in organizations like the differ greatly between federal and state laws, and Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion pride whether a veteran served on active duty or was in the themselves in helping fellow veterans. Reserves or in the National Guard.

In Massachusetts, the first place every veteran should visit is their municipal veterans’ service officer (VSO). Know how to position your skills. Every city and town in the Commonwealth has a VSO 4 who can advise veterans of their eligibility for benefits Veterans often have difficulty transitioning to the civilian at the local, state, and federal levels. job market. Many do not know how to position their military background and skills in applying for work. Visiting one of the many career centers in our region and meeting with a veterans’ employment counselor will help Make an appointment with a veterans connect with employers and will help with job 2 certified service officer. readiness. For veterans in Massachusetts, a good place Veterans’ service organizations, such as the Veterans to start is the regional Massachusetts One-Stop Career of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans, have Center. Each center has a veterans’ representative who volunteers who are veterans. They can help navigate will help by developing a comprehensive job and training the federal Department of Veterans Affairs system, and plan. Finding a nearby center is as easy as going to the their services are free. They will help with gathering the state’s Labor and Workforce Development website and information necessary to support a claim; filing the claim; linking to the Career Center page. and tracking the claim through the VA system. They can also assist with filing appeals for denied claims.

As a resource for all veterans in the community, the Sign up for health care. Veterans’ Assistance Center at the Soldiers’ Home 5 Maybe you don’t need VA health care or have your in Holyoke will schedule appointments with a service own insurance or you like the provider you are using. officer who can assist with applications and claims for Regardless, I encourage every veteran to use the VA government benefits. Call 413-548-5923 to make an system, which is the largest integrated health care system appointment. in the nation. Since Congress won’t fund a system that If you think that you have a condition related to your isn’t used, it behooves all veterans to advocate for one service, you should apply for compensation and pension. another by using the benefits they earned. There is no time limit for filing, and a service officer can help The more veterans that are enrolled, the more funding with getting the paperwork completed and determining there will be to treat fellow veterans. In Massachusetts, what needs to be included. You may be eligible to receive there are several VA medical center facilities that will multiple benefits, including pensions, service-connected help with applying for VA health care and with easy- disability benefits, home-purchase assistance, life to-access outpatient clinics. The Soldiers’ Home in insurance, small business help, educational assistance, Holyoke also provides dental care to veterans and their vocational rehabilitation, and employment. families, including children.

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The health and well-being of military veterans has recently generated significant public interest.

As the military continues to draw down, service members can find themselves lost in transition. The force reductions now taking place are like pink slips for many service members who now must face the prospect of starting over. Across the state, the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services estimates that thousands of these new veterans will need jobs, housing, and training. Others will need help navigating the VA.

Recently, the office of Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan produced a western Massachusetts guidebook for veterans and their families. Even though the publication is SHARE YOUR intended for veterans who live in the four counties of western Massachusetts, it has great information for veterans from every region of the state. Called The Blue Book, it’s an invaluable DIVERSITY STORY! reference in helping veterans navigate the extensive local, state, and federal system of care and supportive services. Diversity means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing and valuing our individual differences—race, ethnicity, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, class, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, marital and parental status, or other ideologies, interests, and backgrounds. It is also about exploring our differences VeteransThe Blue Book in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. A Western Massachusetts Guidebook for Veterans and their Families In past issues of the Dimensions newsletter, senior leaders such as former Secretary Polanowicz, Sandra Borders, and many others have shared their background and their thoughts on diversity. In addition, Susan McGuiness, an EHS employee, shared her military experiences, and employees with disabilities— Elizabeth Bradley, ELD; Theresa Dionne, DVS; and Matthew McWade, DMH—shared their stories.

We all have a diversity story, whether an Asian Provided by the Office of the Northwestern District Attorney woman, transgender female, gay veteran, straight white male, recent immigrant to the U.S., and on and on...and each story can be profound, exciting, and, Understanding that most veterans are now online, the book most of all, meaningful to readers, so please share can be downloaded by visiting www.northwesternDA.org. The your diversity story! guidebook is a “who’s who” of veteran programs and services.

All returning service members, from World War II to the To share your diversity story, contact latest wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, owe it to themselves to understand their benefits and entitlements. Take it as your Engie Mota duty to ensure that you are armed with every available piece 617-348-8471 of information in working through any obstacle that you may [email protected] face in the civilian world.

10 Dimensions Diversity Newsletter Winter-Spring 2015 DIRECTOR’S QUIZ Test your Knowledge: Women in History

Sonia Bryan 1. Who was the first African-American woman elected to Congress? a) Secretariat Director of Diversity, b) Office of Diversity, Equal c) Eleanor Holmes Norton Opportunity and Civil Rights 2. In 2007, who became the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives? a) Barbara Boxer b) Olympia Snowe c)

3. Which of these feminists helped found the National Organization for Women? a) b) c)

4. Who was the first American woman to establish a major religion? a) b) Mother Bernardina Matthews c)

5. Which of these women aviators disappeared while attempting to fly around the world? a) b) c) Beryl Markham

6. Who was the first woman Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court? a) b) Sandra Day O’Connor c)

7. What prestigious university named its first woman president in 2007? a) Harvard University b) Yale University c)

8. Who was the first American woman in space? a) Mae Jemison b) c)

9. Who was the first woman in the United States to receive a medical degree? a) b) c)

10. This singer was known as “Empress of the Blues.” a) b) c) Betty Carter

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Answers 1. B. Chisholm was elected in 1968 to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat. She was the first black woman to serve in that body.

2. C. Democrat Nancy Pelosi became the Speaker of the House of Representatives on January 4, 2007, which made her the first woman ever to hold the post.

3. C. In 1966 Friedan helped found the National Organization for Women and served as its president until 1970.

4. A. Mary Baker Eddy was the founder of the Christian Science movement.

5. A. In 1937, she attempted with a copilot, Frederick J. Noonan, to fly around the world at the equator, but her plane was lost on the flight between New Guinea and Howland Island. In 1992, a search party reported finding remnants of Earhart’s plane on Nikumaroro, Kiribati, but their claims were disputed by people who had worked on Earhart’s plane. Other artifacts that could be from Earhart’s flight have been found on Nikumaroro, and her fate remains a mystery. 6. B. In 1981, President Reagan nominated her to the U.S. Supreme Court, where she became the first woman justice.

7. A. In 2007, Harvard named historian and scholar Drew Gilpin Faust its 28th president. She is the first woman to hold that position.

8. B. Sally Ride was an American physicist and . She joined NASA in 1978 and, at the age of 32, became the first American woman in space. After flying twice on the space shuttleChallenger , she left NASA in 1987.

9. C. She was the first woman in the United States to receive a medical degree, which was granted to her by Geneva Medical College in 1849.

10. A. The power and somber beauty of her voice, coupled with songs representing every variety of the blues, earned her the title “Empress of the Blues.”

12 Dimensions Diversity Newsletter Winter-Spring 2015 DIVERSITY CALENDAR We’d like to acknowledge the assistance of numerous resources, especially Wikipedia, in our compiling of the Diversity Calendar.

JANUARY Celebration of Life Month National Mentoring Month

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”—Martin Luther King Jr.

New Year’s Day is the only secular holiday that the entire world observes, regardless of race or 1 religious beliefs. Temple Day (Buddhism)—Many Buddhists of all traditions go to the temple on this day to pay their respects and pray for good fortune for the new year.

Mawlid an-Nabi (Also known as Milad an-Nabi among many other names) (Islam (Sunni))— 3 This day marks the observance of the birthday of Islam founder Prophet Muhammad. It occurs on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.

Mahayana New Year (Buddhism)—In countries where Mahayana Buddhism is practiced, the New 5 Year starts on the first full-moon day in January. Epiphany (Christianity)—Known as Theophany in Eastern Christianity, it celebrates the manifestation 6 of Jesus as Christ. In addition, the Western Church associates Epiphany with the journey of the Magi to the infant Jesus, and the Eastern Church with the baptism of Jesus by John.

Christmas (Armenian Orthodox Christianity)—Armenian Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on Epiphany, except for Armenians living in Israel, who celebrate Christmas on January 19.

Christmas (Eastern Christianity)—Most Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas 13 days later 7 than other Christian churches, based on their use of the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian. Milad an-Nabi (also known as Mawlid an-Nabi) (Islam (Shi’a))—This is the day on which Shi’a 8 Muslims celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, five days later than Sunni Muslims do. 14 Makar Sankranti (Hinduism)—This day celebrates the increasing length of days. World Religion Day (Bahá’í)—Observance by which the Bahá’í proclaim the oneness of religion 18 and the belief that world religion will unify the peoples of the earth. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday—The birthday of civil rights giant Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is 19 celebrated on the third Monday in January. UN Holocaust Memorial Day—This somber International Day of Commemoration was established 27 in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, coinciding with the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp in 1945.

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FEBRUARY Black History Month Canadian History Month LGBT History Month Youth Leadership Month World Cancer Awareness Month

“If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves and allow those responsible to salve their conscience by believing that they have our acceptance and concurrence. We should, therefore, protest openly everything...that smacks of discrimination or slander.”—Mary McLeod Bethune, educator

National Freedom Day commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished 1 slavery in 1865. Tu B’Shevat (Judaism)—This holiday has various names, including New Year’s Day for Trees and 3 Israeli Arbor Day. It has become a day for environmental awareness and action, such as tree planting. Valentine’s Day—A day that celebrates the idea of romantic love and involves copious amounts of 14 chocolate…but not actually named for St. Valentine of Hallmark. Race Relations Day—The National Council of Churches marks this day in recognition of the importance of interracial relations and learning.

Susan B. Anthony Day—Susan B. Anthony, a pioneer in the women’s rights movement, was born 15 on this day in 1820. Nirvana Day (Buddhism)—Buddhists commemorate this as the day when the historical Buddha achieved Parinirvana, or complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body. The day is celebrated by some Buddhists on February 8.

Presidents’ Day—This day commemorates all presidents of the United States, although it is most 16 often associated with Presidents Washington and Lincoln. Shrove Tuesday (western Christianity)—“Shrove” comes from the word “shrive,” meaning 17 “confess.” Therefore, it is viewed as a day of penitence and reflection before Easter arrives 40 days later. However, the day is better known as Mardi Gras, which provides an opportunity for feasting before Lent begins the next day.

Ash Wednesday (western Christianity)—The first day of Lent for western Christian churches 18 signals a 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of blessing ashes made from palm branches blessed on the previous year’s Palm Sunday, and placing them on the foreheads of participants to the accompaniment of the words “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Lunar New Year—On this day, the new year is celebrated in China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Tibet, 19 and Vietnam. Clean Monday (eastern Christianity)—The beginning of Great Lent for Eastern Christian churches, 23 which starts 40 days before Orthodox Easter (Pascha), counting Sundays.

14 Dimensions Diversity Newsletter Winter-Spring 2015 FEBRUARY Ayyám-I-Ha or Intercalary Days (Bahá’í Faith) (February 26-March 1)—The Ayyám-i-ha, or “Days 26 of Ha,” are devoted to love, fellowship, unity, celebrating, hospitality, charity, and gift giving. They are celebrated the four days—five in leap year—before the last month of the Bahá’í year.

MARCH Women’s History Month Irish-American History Month Greek-American Heritage Month

“Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.”—Cesar Chavez

Nineteen-Day Fast (Bahá’í Faith) (March 2-20)—Bahá’í faithful between the ages of 15 and 70 do 2 not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset, and set aside time for prayer and meditation, for 19 days. Magha Puja (Buddhism)—Also known as Sangha Day, it takes places on the full moon day of 5 the third lunar month. It commemorates the spontaneous assembly of 1,250 arahants (enlightened saints) in the historical Buddha’s presence.

Purim (Judaism)—Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire, where a plot by the king’s advisor, Haman, had been formed to destroy them. The story is recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther. It’s a joyful holiday, on which children often dress in costumes; celebrants read the story of Purim, and eat triangular pastries called Hamantaschen (“Haman’s pockets”).

Holi (Hinduism)—Also called Holaka or Phagwa, this festival celebrates spring and commemorates 6 various events in Hindu mythology.

International Women’s Day is a celebration of the economic, political, and social achievements of 8 women worldwide. Maha Shivaratri (Hinduism)—Also called Shiva Ratri, it is the Great Festival of Shiva, commemorating 17 his marriage to Parvati. St. Patrick’s Day (Christianity)—This day marks the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland. In the U.S., a secular version is celebrated by people of all faiths through appreciation of all things Irish.

Vernal Equinox—This is the name given to the date when night and day are nearly the same length. 20 It marks the first day of the season of spring. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination—This day is a call to action to 21 eliminate all forms of racial discrimination worldwide. Nowrúz (Zoroastrianism)— Nowrúz is a traditional ancient Iranian festival celebrating the first day of spring and the Iranian New Year. It’s also celebrated as New Year’s Day in the Bahá’í tradition (Naw-Ruz).

Rama Navami (Hinduism)—The birthday of Rama, king of ancient India, hero of the epic Ramayana, 28 and seventh incarnation of Vishnu, is celebrated this day.

15 Dimensions Diversity Newsletter Winter-Spring 2015 MARCH Palm Sunday (Christianity)—Palm Sunday is observed on the Sunday before Easter to 29 commemorate the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Followers placed palm fronds on his path into the city.

Cesar Chavez Day—This day honors the Mexican-American farm worker, labor leader, and activist 31 Cesar Chavez (1927–1993), who was a nationally respected voice for social justice. With , he co-founded what has become known as the United Farm Workers.

APRIL Celebrate Diversity Month Autism Awareness Month

“If I did not have my work, I would not have my life.”—

World Autism Awareness Day—This observance was created to raise awareness around the globe 2 of the developmental disorder. Good Friday (Christianity), a somber day observed by Christians to commemorate the execution 3 of Jesus by crucifixion, is recognized on the Friday before Easter. Passover (Judaism) (April 3 (sunset)–April 11 (sunset)) is an eight-day holiday celebrated each spring in remembrance of the Jews’ deliverance out of slavery in Egypt in 1300 B.C. On the first two days of Passover, a traditional Seder is eaten and the story of deliverance is shared. Passover is perhaps the most important holiday in Judaism.

Easter (Christianity) is celebrated by Christians to recognize Jesus’s return from death after his 5 crucifixion. It is considered the most important Christian holiday. The Lord’s Supper (Jehovah’s Witnesses)—Once a year after sundown on Nisan 14, Jehovah’s 29 Witnesses observe the Lord’s Evening Meal.

CONTACT US

EOHHS Office of Diversity, Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights Main Line 617-348-5964 or 617-348-5193 (TTY) [email protected]

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