Happy Monday 👋

Did you know that koi fish have long been symbols of strength, longevity, and rising above life’s obstacles?

Their steady, graceful swim against strong currents is a perfect reminder that resilience isn’t loud, it’s consistent…

And in a world that pushes us to rush and conform, they remind us to move with calm persistence!

Here are the impactful insights that I have for you today:

• Celebrating courage, patience, perseverance, and strength 🐠
• The hydropack that creates drinking water from air 🚰
• Nepal’s successful red panda conservation model 🐼
• Discussion of the week: creating meaningful change 💬
• And more… 💚

🐠 Event of the Week: National Koi Day

👉 Did you know that today (July 7) is National Koi Day? This event celebrates the amazing qualities of koi fish. As a symbol of courage, patience, perseverance, and strength, the Koi fish has been revered in Japanese culture for centuries.

1️⃣ The big picture: It’s unclear who founded National Koi Day, but it is thought to have been launched in the early 2000’s by aquatic enthusiasts as a memorial to Hanako, the oldest documented Koi fish in the world. She is thought to have lived to 226 years old, however, there is some dispute surrounding this. Today, National Koi Day is a time to appreciate the cultural significance and beauty of these unique fish through varied events and educational workshops. 

2️⃣ Why is this important: The word “koi” translates to colored carp. Historically, records show that breeding began in Niiggata, Japan, around the 19^th century. Today, identification of the Koi fish depends on the colors and patterns of the color of the fish. The most common colors include white, orange, red, black, and yellow. Koi fish are known to be highly intelligent. In fact, owners can teach them to do tricks such as stick their head out of the water for feeding. They are also highly intelligent animals that have been known to show excitement at the sight of their owners. These beautiful creatures have a strong cultural significance, particularly across Japan, representing resilience, strength, luck, and wealth. As a result, they have also become popular tattoo symbols around the world. 

3️⃣ How can you get involved: You can get involved in National Koi Day by learning more about these fascinating creatures and sharing your findings with others using hashtags such as #NationalKoiDay and #KoiLove. You can also donate to or volunteer with groups that work to promote and protect these animals as well as raise awareness of their needs.

If you are looking for additional inspiration, you can find a wide range of charitable causes to support in our charity support blog.

📢 Three Good News

🚰 New Hydropack X Cube creates drinking water from air daily:

• The Hydropack X cube transforms air humidity into drinking water, producing up to 300 gallons daily to help address water scarcity and provide sustainable access to clean water.
• Currently, almost two-thirds of the world’s population experience extreme water scarcity at least once a month every year.
• A single Hydropack X can produce up to 264 gallons (1,000 liters) of water daily, enough to supply an entire household’s needs without relying on traditional water sources.

🐼 Nepal’s forest guardians create successful red panda conservation model:

• Local Forest Guardians in eastern Nepal are successfully monitoring endangered red pandas and helping restore vital habitats, creating a model that combines conservation with community support and alternative livelihoods.
• Fewer than 10,000 red pandas remain globally, with 25% of Nepal’s population sheltered in the 11,500-square-kilometer Panchthar–Ilam–Taplejung Corridor where conservation efforts are focused.
• The Red Panda Network plans to expand this successful conservation model to other districts across Nepal.

🌬️ AI-designed urban wind turbine works at just 8 mph wind speed:

• A new AI-designed compact wind turbine called the Birmingham Blade can generate clean energy at low wind speeds in urban environments, making renewable energy more accessible for rooftop installation.
• Unlike traditional wind turbines, this AI-designed device can operate at much lower wind speeds, making it ideal for rooftop installation in cities where buildings typically obstruct airflow. 
• After successful prototyping with metal fabricator Kwik Fab, the Birmingham Blade is moving toward real-world rooftop testing. 

💬 Discussion of the Week: Creating Meaningful Change

Welcome to our new section, where we spark meaningful discussions about everyday topics that can create a real positive impact in our lives!

This week’s discussion topic: What collaborative efforts have you seen create meaningful change in society?

• What examples of collective action or partnership have impressed you with their impact?
• Why do you think collaboration and coalition-building are essential for addressing complex problems?
• Do you have ideas for bringing different groups together around shared goals for positive change?

I’d love to hear about successful collaborations that demonstrate the power of working together!

For our founding community members, keep the conversation going in our forum here.

Want to join our community when we reopen? Just reply to this email—I’d love to personally add you to our waitlist so you’ll be the first to know all about it 💚

🤝 Three More Important Awareness Events

🇹🇿 July 7, World Kiswahili Day:

• World Kiswahili Language Day is a UN-designated holiday celebrating the Kiswahili (sometimes called Swahili) language, spoken mainly in Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique. 
• You can observe this day by learning more about the cultures associated with the language or learning a few words. 

😬 July 10, Panic Awareness Day:

• Panic Awareness Day draws attention to panic disorders and anxiety, advocating for increased resources for those who experience panic attacks. 
• As a condition that still has stigma associated with it, panic disorders are important to highlight and open up conversations about. 

🐈 June 10, National Kitten Day:

• National Kitten Day celebrates kittens everywhere, while also drawing attention to some of the more serious issues kittens face, such as mass euthanasia in shelters. 
• You can celebrate the day by volunteering at a shelter or even adopting a kitten yourself, provided you’re serious about the responsibilities. 

Related: You can discover all the 74 most important awareness events (for the month, days, weeks) in our awareness calendar for July 2025!

📜 These Days in History

⚽ July 7, 2019: The US women’s football team defeated the Netherlands to win their 4th World Cup, led by Megan Rapinoe.  

🇸🇧 July 7, 1978: The Solomon Islands became an independent nation. 

🎤 June 8, 1996: The British pop band, the Spice Girls, released their debut single Wannabe. They later went on to become the best selling female pop band of all time. 

💭 Quote of the Day

“I was made exactly the way I was meant to be made in who I am and my personality and the way I was born.”

Megan Rapinoe, American former soccer player

Share the news with your friends to make a bigger positive impact on the world and society together!

Stay impactful 💚