June is the first month of summer, perfect for barbecues and trips to the beach. In addition, the approach to the end of school makes this a magical month for children! But June can also be a time for reaching out and spreading awareness of important issues. So, we had to ask: What are all the important awareness events that happen in June 2024?

June has 119 important awareness events. Important monthly events include Gun Violence Awareness Month and Audiobook Appreciation Month; daily events include World Bicycle Day and World Blood Donor Day; and weekly events include Learning Disability Week and Men’s Health Week.

In this article, we share the most important awareness events that happen in June with you—categorized into month-long, day-long, and week-long events. For each event, we provide you with a short description, as well as a link to the main event page for further information.

Here Are All the Important Awareness Events for June 2024

You can find an overview of all the most important awareness events happening in June in the table below (you can also click on their link to directly jump to their respective section).

Trivia: June is the month with the most sunlight hours in the Northern Hemisphere, so get out and enjoy those rays!

25 Important Month-Long Awareness Events in June 2024

Month-long awareness events serve as platforms to focus attention on important causes, fostering widespread understanding, engagement, and action:

These extended campaigns allow organizations, communities, and you and other individuals to delve deep into complex issues, raise public awareness, and ignite conversations.

With their extended duration, month-long awareness events provide ample time for educational initiatives, community involvement, and sustained advocacy efforts.

By dedicating an entire month to a specific cause, these awareness events aim to generate lasting impact, empower you and other individuals, and foster positive change within society.

💜 Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month: Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month spreads awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other types of dementia. Support systems are vital for those living with these conditions, as well as educating the public on the issues faced by people with these conditions. 

🩸 Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) Awareness Month: Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) Awareness Month raises awareness of APS, which is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack normal blood cells.. The month is particularly focused on funding research and increasing public knowledge about the condition and its symptoms. 

💬 Aphasia Awareness Month: Aphasia Awareness Month draws attention to the condition of Aphasia; a speech and language disorder. Though it is rare, Aphasia still affects over 2 million Americans, so awareness is key. 

🎧 Audiobook Appreciation Month: Audiobook Appreciation Month celebrates audiobooks, both as an accessibility resource and a source of entertainment. Audiobooks can help people to finish books faster, access books that might be difficult for them to read for accessibility reasons, or even just to enjoy hearing their favorite stories read aloud. 

🦠 Cancer Immunotherapy Awareness Month: Cancer Immunotherapy Awareness Month sheds light on the immunotherapy treatment for cancer, which uses the immune system to fight cancer. This is a viable treatment for some cancers, so people should be aware of it as an option. 

🎗️ Cancer Survivors Month: Cancer Survivors Month honors those who have survived cancer. Post-cancer living can cause a number of unique challenges. Therefore, building a community and uplifting voices among cancer survivors is very beneficial. 

🧡 Caribbean-American Heritage Month: Caribbean-American Heritage Month celebrates the history and culture of Caribbean people in the US. The month is celebrated with events like Caribbean author book clubs and food festivals. 

👀 Cataract Awareness Month: Cataract Awareness Month sheds light on the condition of cataracts, which is characterized by a clouding of the eye lens. This condition affects 70% of people by age 75 and so it is important to be aware of risk factors and symptoms. 

🧒 Children’s Awareness Month: Children’s Awareness Month celebrates children and fights for their rights and welfare. Children are our future but they are also vulnerable in the early years. So, we need to uplift their voices and empower them to make a better future for all. 

🌲 Great Outdoors Month: Great Outdoors Month celebrates the natural landscape of the United States and encourages people to get outdoors. The month is usually celebrated with hiking and exploring the National Parks of the US. 

🖤 Gun Violence Awareness Month: Gun Violence Awareness Month draws attention to the issue of gun violence and advocates for stricter laws around firearms. Gun violence results in over 40,000 deaths and over 75,000 injuries every year, 

🤕 Migraine and Headache Awareness Month: Migraine and Headache Awareness Month raise awareness of the severity of headaches and migraines. This month highlights some of the signs, symptoms, and serious complications of chronic migraines. 

💜 Immigrant Heritage Month: Immigrant Heritage Month celebrates the important achievements and cultural diversity of immigrants. The month is usually spent sharing immigrant stories and uplifting immigrant voices. 

👬 Men’s Health Month: Men’s Health Month focuses on raising awareness for health issues that predominantly or exclusively affect men. Learning about certain health or mental health conditions that affect men is a great way to observe this month. 

💙 Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month: Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month spreads education about Myasthenia Gravis, which is characterized by muscle weakness in various parts of the body. Since it is a rare disease, it is important to get the word out about Myasthenia Gravis for people who might not know they have it. 

🧡 National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month: National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month raises awareness of Cytomegalovirus, the leading infectious cause of birth defects. This awareness event promotes mass education on the condition and access to resources for those experiencing it. 

🛑 National Safety Month: National Safety Month is for learning about and promoting safety procedures. The event features four themed weeks focusing on specific types of safety, such as heat safety and workplace hazards. 

🦴 National Scoliosis Awareness Month: National Scoliosis Awareness Month educates people on the condition of scoliosis, which is a debilitating condition that causes the curvature of the spine. This condition can have many serious complications, therefore, providing support for those suffering from it is important. 

🐝 National Pollinator Month: National Pollinator Month celebrates the amazing pollinators who help keep the ecosystem going. You can celebrate this event by building bee hotels, learning about different pollinators, or even planting a pollinator garden!

🌹 National Rose Month: National Rose Month recognizes the beauty and history of roses. These flowers have been a mainstay in gardening for years and have important symbolic meanings in many cultures. 

🐧 National Zoo and Aquarium Month: National Zoo and Aquarium Month honors the contribution of zoos and aquariums to conservation and zoological research around the world. During this month, consider visiting your local zoo or aquarium and learning about some of the species that live there. 

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Month: Pride Month celebrates the history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrated in June to commemorate the famous Stonewall riots. This event usually centers around a parade, but includes many other activities.

💼 Professional Awareness Month: Professional Awareness Month (AKA Employee Wellness Month) focuses on the wellness of workers everywhere. It emphasizes values like proper work-life balance, workplace health and safety, and morale in work environments. 

❤️‍🩹 PTSD Awareness Month: PTSD Awareness Month educates people on the symptoms and difficulties associated with PTSD, a psychological condition caused by exposure to trauma. People with PTSD need a lot of support, so it is vital that the general public be informed about this condition. 

👋 Scleroderma Awareness Month: Scleroderma Awareness Month raises awareness of scleroderma, a serious skin condition caused by autoimmune reactions. The month is observed with events like fundraising walks to find a cure.

80 Important Day-Long Awareness Events in June 2024

Day-long awareness events offer concentrated and focused efforts to draw attention to specific causes or commemorate important occasions:

These events serve as catalysts for raising awareness, promoting education, and sparking meaningful conversations within a condensed timeframe.

With a concentrated burst of activities, day-long awareness events aim to engage you and other individuals, communities, and organizations, encouraging them to take immediate action, show support, or honor significant milestones.

By dedicating a single day to a particular cause, these awareness events create opportunities for concentrated impact, reflection, and collective mobilization toward positive change.

👪 June 1, Global Day of Parents: Global Day of Parents is a UN-designated day that celebrates the role of parents and encourages healthy parenting techniques. The day also advises governments to create strong programs to support parents. 

🪸 June 1, World Reef Day: World Reef Day raises awareness about the importance of coral reefs to our oceans. It encourages people to support ocean welfare and educate themselves on coral reefs’ contribution to the ecosystem. 

🤗 June 1, National Say Something Nice Day: National Say Something Nice Day encourages acts of kindness by complimenting friends and family. Making sure to let someone know when you like or think well of them is a way to build strong relationships. 

🥾 June 1 (varies), National Trails Day: National Trails Day celebrates the importance of trails to the enjoyment of the outdoors. The day is often celebrated with hikes or other trail activities, as well as advocating for proper maintenance and funding for trails. 

🐻 June 1 (varies), National Black Bear Day: National Black Bear Day celebrates one of America’s most iconic animals, encouraging people to learn more about them. Black bears also face many conservation issues in the world today, so learning about them is more vital than ever. 

🐖 June 2 (varies), National Animal Rights Day: National Animal Rights Day advocates for animal rights, functioning as both a memorial day for animal lives lost and an independence day for animals’ autonomy. The day aims to work towards an animal cruelty-free planet. 

💜 June 2, World Eating Disorders Action Day: World Eating Disorders Action Day spreads awareness of eating disorder signs and risk factors. It also advocates for stronger government health and mental health support for eating disorder sufferers and survivors. 

❤️‍🩹 June 2, National Gun Violence Awareness Day: National Gun Violence Awareness Day raises awareness of the sheer amount of gun-related deaths and injuries in the US every year and commemorates those who have lost their lives or loved ones to gun violence. The day advocates for stricter gun policy as a preventative measure. 

🚲 June 3, World Bicycle Day: World Bicycle Day is a UN-designated day that advocates for the health and eco benefits of cycling. The day also promotes higher-quality cycling infrastructure around the world. 

💛 June 3, National Cancer Survivors Day: National Cancer Survivors Day celebrates those who have survived cancer and provides inspirational stories for those still battling cancer. The day also brings the community of cancer survivors and sufferers together to make sure everyone has strong emotional support. 

🧒 June 4, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression: International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is a UN-designated day that highlights some of the extreme situations many children experience around the world. The day is a call to action to end violence against children. 

🐕 June 4, International Corgi Day: International Corgi Day celebrates corgis and corgi-mixes around the world. The day also raises money for corgi rescue shelters. 

🖤 June 4, Tiananmen Square Anniversary: The Tiananmen Square Anniversary marks the day of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, which took place during a protest in Beijing in 1989. The student protests were in support of issues like freedom of press and resulted in a death toll estimated between 300 and 2000. 

🫧 June 4, Seaweed Day: Seaweed Day celebrates seaweed both as an important part of the ecosystem and as a great source of nutrients. It also advocates for seaweed farming as an enterprise that can revitalize coastal towns. 

💛 June 5, HIV Long-Term Survivors Day: HIV Long-Term Survivors Day honors long-term survivors of HIV, uplifting their voices and raising awareness about their experiences. Many people live with the condition for decades and are still stigmatized, which is why this day is so important to bring them to the forefront. 

🎣 June 5, International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing: International Day for the Fight Against Illegal Unreported and Unregulated Fishing is a UN-designated day which raises awareness of the dangers of illegal fishing practices. There are many economic, political, and sustainability dangers in unregulated fishing practices, and so participation in the underground fish trade needs to be discouraged and mitigated. 

💛 June 5, Anniversary of MMWR: The Anniversary of MMWR commemorates the 1981 release of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report in which the first official cases of HIV were reported. This was considered to be the beginning of the AIDS crisis and is important for remembering those who have been lost or affected by the condition. 

🌲 June 5, World Environment Day: World Environment Day is a UN-designated day to draw attention to various environmental concerns around the world. Each year, the day focuses on a different theme, covering key areas of the fight against climate change and environmental destruction. 

🇷🇺 June 6, Russian Language Day: Russian Language Day is a UN-designated day commemorating the birthday of poet Alexander Pushkin and celebrating Russian literature. It is also an initiative to promote the equal use of all six of the UN’s official working languages, including Russian. 

🪲 June 7, June Bug Day: June Bug Day celebrates the time of year when these bugs are at their most active. These creatures are so important to the ecosystem and the season, so we need to recognize and respect them. 

🍞 June 7, World Food Safety Day: World Food Safety Day is a WHO-designated day which draws attention to the dangers of unsafe food exposure. Around the world, 1.6 million people get sick every day from unsafe food.

🌊 June 8, World Oceans Day: World Oceans Day celebrates the importance and beauty of the world’s oceans. Oceans provide 50% of the world’s oxygen and house most of the world’s species.

🧠 June 8, World Brain Tumor Day: World Brain Tumor Day raises awareness of the prevalence of brain tumors around the world. With up to 90% of nervous system cancers being caused by brain tumors, it is vital that awareness is raised. 

🐘 June 8, International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos: International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos raises awareness about some of the negative aspects of keeping elephants in zoos. The day advocates for relocating elephants to sanctuaries so they can be in their natural habitat. 

🪸 June 9, Coral Triangle Day: Coral Triangle Day brings together the nations of the coral triangle, representing the Asia-Pacific region. These countries discuss important ecological initiatives like beach clean-ups and other ocean conservation activities. 

🚲 June 10, Family Health & Fitness Day: Family Health & Fitness Day encourages families to take advantage of their local parks and get active. Parks and recreation departments in many places put out activities and initiatives for families to use the parks to their full potential. 

🐈 June 11, International Lynx Day: International Lynx Day celebrates the return of the lynx to European forests. It also promotes conservation and reintegration efforts to help ecologists to return the lynx to its former population. 

🏳️‍🌈 June 12, Pulse Night of Remembrance: Pulse Night of Remembrance commemorates the hate crime massacre that occurred at the Pulse Nightclub in 2016. This was a historically tragic moment in LGBTQ+ history and this day pays tribute to the 49 lives lost. 

🐱 June 12, National Cougar Day: National Cougar Day raises awareness about the threats that face cougars in the world today. Though they are not endangered, they still face issues like habitat loss and so conservation efforts are important. 

💙 June 12, World Day Against Child Labor: World Day Against Child Labor is a UN-designated day raising awareness for the prevalence of child labor in many industries around the world today. The day advocates for an end to child labor worldwide through collective organized action. 

💜 June 13, International Albinism Awareness Day: International Albinism Awareness Day is a UN-designated day which raises awareness about the experiences and health challenges of those living with albinism. The day uplifts the voices of those with albinism and advocates for inclusivity. 

🩸 June 14, World Blood Donor Day: World Blood Donor Day is a WHO-designated holiday that highlights the importance of blood donors to the medical field. The day thanks those who have chosen to donate blood and encourages other people to do so. 

📸 June 15, Nature Photography Day: Nature Photography Day celebrates photographers who capture the beauty of the natural world. It also encourages everyone to try their hand at nature photography in their own communities. 

🌬️ June 15, Global Wind Day: Global Wind Day celebrates the importance of wind energy to the renewable energy economy. It encourages people to get educated about wind energy and its benefits. 

🧓 June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a UN-designated day which raises awareness about the systemic disadvantages of elderly people which make them particularly vulnerable to abuse. The day calls on governments to make elder abuse easier to identify and to set up systems that help get those in dangerous situations to safety. 

🌐 June 16, International Day of Family Remittances: International Day of Family Remittances is a UN-designated day which honors the impact of funds sent home from migrants. These funds contribute to local economies and so it is important to recognize them. 

🐢 June 16, World Sea Turtle Day: World Sea Turtle Day celebrates the amazing qualities of sea turtles and raises awareness of the threats they face in the wild. Factors like ocean plastic and climate change are affecting sea turtle populations and so it is more important than ever to draw attention to their struggles. 

🐊 June 17, World Crocodile Day: World Crocodile Day educates people on the qualities and issues that face crocodiles. You can spend the day learning about different species of crocodiles. 

💜 June 17, CDKL5 Worldwide Awareness Day: CDKL5 Worldwide Awareness Day raises awareness about CDKL5, a rare genetic disorder characterized by epileptic seizures. This can be a very debilitating condition for the sufferers and their families, so raising funds for research and providing the public with education is vital. 

🏜️ June 17, World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is a UN-designated day to raise awareness about risk factors and negative effects of desertification and droughts. The day especially emphasizes the impact of climate change on desertification and its worsening impacts. 

💬 June 18, International Day for Countering Hate Speech: International Day for Countering Hate Speech is a UN-designated day which focuses on identifying and discouraging hate speech around the world. The day connects hate speech with serious issues like genocide and hate crimes, helping to illustrate the importance of curbing hate speech. 

🥦 June 18, Sustainable Gastronomy Day: Sustainable Gastronomy Day is a UN-designated day for recognizing the importance of sustainability within the world’s food industry. Sustainability issues plague many industries from fishing to animal agriculture to monoculture farming. 

💜 June 18, Autistic Pride Day: Autistic Pride Day celebrates the achievements and qualities of those on the Autism spectrum. The day advocates for accommodations for those with Autism so that they can have equal opportunities to be their best selves. 

🇺🇸 June 19, Juneteenth: Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in 1865. This was a landmark in US history and is widely celebrated as both a reminder of past atrocities and a call to action for further justice. 

🧡 June 19, International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict raises awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence in war zones. It advocates for an end to this particular war crime around the world. 

🩸 June 19, World Sickle Cell Day: World Sickle Cell Day raises awareness of sickle cell disease, a group of hereditary conditions that affect red blood cells. The day calls for education about the condition as well as to raise funds for research. 

💛 June 20 (varies), World Kidney Cancer Day: World Kidney Cancer Day raises awareness about the experience of living with kidney cancer. The day shares important information about nutrition and healthy living with kidney cancer. 

🦅 June 20, National American Eagle Day: National American Eagle Day commemorates the adoption of the bald eagle as the official animal of the US. The bald eagle has experienced a major comeback after facing near-extinction and so this day is also about committing to the preservation of this amazing animal. 

☮️ June 20, World Refugee Day: World Refugee Day is a UN-designated day for recognizing refugees all over the world. It is also a call for nations to support refugees during times of international crisis. 

🧘 June 21, International Day of Yoga: International Day of Yoga is a UN-designated day which raises awareness about the health and wellness benefits of practicing yoga. You can celebrate the day by trying some yoga yourself, or by trying some new postures if you are already a practitioner. 

☀️ June 21, International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice: International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice is a UN-designated day which marks the longest day of the year. It is also a cultural and spiritual celebration for many people around the world, many of which celebrate the long days and the beginning of summer. 

💙 June 21, Global MND Awareness Day: Global MND Awareness Day raises awareness for Motor Neuron Disease, a neurological condition which is characterized by a loss of motor skills. This condition can be extremely debilitating and so research and public education about the MND experience is essential. 

🦒 June 21, World Giraffe Day: World Giraffe Day celebrates the amazing qualities of giraffes, as well as raises awareness for the challenges they face in the wild today. Many giraffe species are critically endangered and so advocating for their welfare is essential. 

🧡 June 21, Global Day of Recognition of ALS/MND: Global Day of Recognition of ALS/MND raises awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative brain condition which affects motor function. This disease has no cure and so raising awareness and funds for research is incredibly important. 

🌡️ June 21, #ShowYourStripes Day: #ShowYourStripes Day is a day for raising awareness about climate change, referencing the stripe chart indicating extreme global warming patterns over the last 150 years. You can celebrate the day by looking at the stripe chart for your region and learning more about climate action. 

💛 June 22, Rare Chromosome Disorder Awareness Day: Rare Chromosome Disorder Awareness Day celebrates, educates, and informs about rare chromosome disorders. Many of these disorders are not widely discussed and so educating the general public about them is essential. 

🐪 June 22, World Camel Day: World Camel Day celebrates camels and raises awareness for all the issues that they face in the world today. Camels are some of the most endangered animals in the world and so raising awareness for their welfare is essential. 

🌿 June 22, World Rainforest Day: World Rainforest Day is a day for discussing forest sustainability around the world, especially for rainforests. With rainforest coverage in places like the Amazon shrinking at an unprecedented rate, it is more vital than ever to do everything we can to protect them. 

🧡 June 23, Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day: Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day educates about Dravet Syndrome, a rare seizure-based disorder. This condition doesn’t have a lot of public awareness and so uplifting the voices of those living with Dravet Syndrome on this day is essential. 

💛 June 23, Neuropathy Action Awareness Day: Neuropathy Action Awareness Day spreads awareness about nerve damage and its complications. On this day, it is important to learn about neuropathy and support those experiencing it. 

👭 June 23, International Widows’ Day: International Widows’ Day is a UN-designated day for the recognition and protection of widows worldwide. Many widows are left behind in their social structures and so this day is essential for their visibility. 

🇺🇳 June 23, United Nations Public Service Day: United Nations Public Service Day is a UN-designated day which highlights the importance of public service in the function of many nations. The day recognizes important public servants and encourages young people to pursue careers in the public sector. 

👩‍⚖️ June 24, International Day of Women in Diplomacy: International Day of Women in Diplomacy is a UN-designated day that recognizes the important achievements of women within the world of diplomatic relations. The day acknowledges the low representation of women in international relations and encourages women to pursue careers in diplomacy. 

🏳️‍🌈 June 25, First Use of LGBTQ+ Pride Flag: First Use of LGBTQ+ Pride Flag commemorates the first use of the gay pride flag in 1978 at the San Francisco pride parade. The flag became the official symbol of the LGBTQ+ community to this day. 

⚓ June 25, Day of the Seafarer: Day of the Seafarer celebrates the contributions of seafarers to the maritime economy and culture. Seafarers are on the front lines of the fight for ocean preservation and so it is integral to uplift their voices. 

💜 June 25, World Vitiligo Day: World Vitiligo Day aims to raise awareness about vitiligo, a skin condition which affects pigmentation of the skin. Though the condition is not threatening to health, many with the condition experience stigma.

❤️ June 26, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a UN-designated day which draws attention to the dangers associated with drug abuse, as well as the exploitation in the world of drug trafficking. The day calls for an end to drug abuse around the world. 

🖤 June 26, United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture: United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is a UN-designated day was commemorated in 1987, when the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect. This day condemns torture wholeseale and calls for an end to torture worldwide.

🏳️‍🌈 June 26, LGBTQ+ Equality Day: LGBTQ+ Equality Day commemorates the 2015 Supreme Court ruling which prevented individual states from banning same-sex marriage. This is considered a landmark day in LGBTQ+ history and has allowed for many people to get married who would not have been able to otherwise. 

💼 June 27, Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day: Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day is a UN-designated holiday which celebrates the importance of non-corporation businesses around the world. These businesses make up 90% of the world’s businesses, but only 50% of the global GDP. 

🏥 June 27, National HIV Testing Day: National HIV Testing Day encourages people to get tested for HIV and to seek required treatments. HIV has many treatments available today, but 1 in 7 people with HIV are unaware of their status. 

💛 June 27, National PTSD Awareness Day: National PTSD Awareness Day draws attention to the symptoms, risk factors, and challenges of living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This condition can be debilitating, as well as have significant stigma around it and so sufferers should be aware of the services they can access for help. 

🕶️ June 27, National Sunglasses Day: National Sunglasses Day reminds people of the dangers of UV rays to the eyes and advocates for sunglasses-wearing as a solution. Exposure to UV rays can cause many long and short-term vision problems and so raising awareness about its negative effects can help people make informed decisions about their eyewear. 

🏳️‍🌈 June 28, Stonewall Uprising Anniversary: Stonewall Uprising Anniversary celebrates the Stonewall uprising of 1969, wherein the police raided the Stonewall nightclub in Greenwich Village. This event was instrumental in unifying the LGBTQ+ community and inspiring important institutions like the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and the Pride parades. 

🤍 June 29, World Scleroderma Awareness Day: World Scleroderma Awareness Day marks the anniversary of Paul Klee’s death, an artist who suffered from Scleroderma. The day advocates for research into cures for the condition.

🌴 June 29, International Day of the Tropics: International Day of the Tropics is a UN-designated day which celebrates the cultures and raises awareness of the challenges faced by tropical regions. The tropical zones face many unique issues, especially in the wake of the climate crisis.. 

💙 June 30, Arthrogryposis Awareness Day: Arthrogryposis Awareness Day raises awareness of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), a condition characterized by multiple joint contractures at birth. This condition has many complications, which is why it is so important to educate the general public about AMC sufferers’ experiences. 

🏳️‍🌈 June 30, Queer Youth of Faith Day: Queer Youth of Faith Day uplifts the voices of young LGBTQ+ people who are religious. Many religions discriminate against LGBTQ+ people and so youth in these movements feel they cannot be themselves.

☄️ June 30, International Asteroid Day: International Asteroid Day is a UN-designated day which raises awareness about the hazards posed by asteroids. Though they are rare, asteroid disasters are a serious threat to life on earth and so it is imperative that the general public is aware of the danger. 

🏛️ June 30, International Day of Parliamentarism: International Day of Parliamentarism is a UN-designated day which celebrates the importance and history of parliamentary democracy around the world. The day reminds parliaments of the importance of their role in global democracy and to continue to fight for sustainability and accountability. 

14 Important Week-Long Awareness Events in June 2024

Week-long awareness events provide a balanced and dynamic approach to spotlighting important causes and promoting widespread engagement: 

These events span an entire week, allowing for sustained focus, activities, and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action.

With their intermediate duration, week-long awareness events offer a comprehensive platform to educate, advocate, and mobilize communities. They provide opportunities for impactful campaigns, interactive events, and collaborative efforts to address complex issues and drive positive change.

By dedicating an entire week to a specific cause, these awareness events foster a sense of momentum, unity, and lasting impact, empowering you and other individuals and organizations to actively contribute to the cause.

❤️ June 1–7, National CPR and AED Awareness Week: National CPR and AED Awareness Week encourages people to learn basic first responder techniques to potentially save a life. Every second counts in these incidents and so it is very beneficial for passersby to have them ready. 

🌊 June 2–8, Ocean Week: Ocean Week highlights all the important issues facing the ocean today, such as plastic pollution, water warming, and overfishing. The ocean is integral to the planet’s ecosystem and so protecting it should be a top priority. 

🪲 June 2–8, Bed Bug Awareness Week: Bed Bug Awareness Week raises awareness of the signs and risk factors of bed bugs. As June is often the beginning of the summer travel season, bed bugs are especially rampant during this time.

♂️ June 10–16 (varies), Men’s Health Week: Men’s Health Week empowers boys and men to take control of their health and focuses on illnesses that disproportionately affect the male population. The week helps to shed light on some of these lesser-known conditions. 

🍼 June 10–16 (varies), Infant Mental Health Awareness Week: Infant Mental Health Awareness Week highlights the often overlooked mental health of infants and encourages parents to start thinking about their childrens’ mental health from birth. The week draws attention to some of the mental health concerns of infants, related to a yearly theme. 

💛 June 13–19, National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week: National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week highlights the racial disparity in cancer screenings in the US. The week encourages Black Americans to look into their family history for cancer and get screened accordingly to try and close this gap. 

🐑 June 17–23, Animal Rights Awareness Week: Animal Rights Awareness Week memorializes all the animals that have been killed around the world due to human intervention. The week also advocates for stronger animal rights when it comes to animal testing, the meat and dairy industry, and habitat sovereignty. 

💜 June 17–23 (varies), World Continence Week: World Continence Week highlights the issue of incontinence, especially among seniors. This issue can have a lot of stigma around it, so it is important that those suffering from incontinence get the support they need. 

✏️ June 19–25 (varies), Learning Disability Week: Learning Disability Week highlights the strengths of people with learning disabilities and attempts to smash stigmas associated with these conditions. The week encourages people to listen to the voices of people with learning disabilities and hear their stories. 

🦟 June 20–26, National Mosquito Control Awareness Week: National Mosquito Control Awareness Week educates the public on how to protect themselves from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses. Serious illnesses like zika, malaria, and yellow fever can all be transmitted through mosquitoes, so it is integral that the public know how to protect themselves.

🐟 June 23-29 (varies), Fish Are Friends Not Food Week: Fish Are Friends Not Food Week highlights the dangers of overfishing as a major threat to the planet’s oceans. The week encourages people to boycott the fishing industry to help mitigate the risks that it poses to the ecosystem. 

🪰 June 24–30, National Insect Week: National Insect Week educates the public about the importance of insects to the planet. Insects are often disliked or even feared, but still perform an essential role in the ecosystem. 

🐇 June 24–July 1, Rabbit Awareness Week: Rabbit Awareness Week promotes the safe and ethical treatment of rabbits, especially as pets. Those who keep pet rabbits should follow the strict guidelines laid out so as to give them as high-quality a life as possible. 

💙 June 25–July, Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week: Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week falls on Helen Keller’s birthday—June 27—and celebrates her achievements, as well as the achievements of the deafblind community. As a group whose voices aren’t often heard, this month is an amazing time to learn about deafblind history and hear their stories. 

June in History: The Most Important and Impactful Events of the Past

🇺🇸 June 1, 1843: Sojourner Truth became a traveling preacher and devoted her life to activism and the abolition of slavery. She delivered her famous speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” in 1851, demanding equal human rights for all women.

⚖️ June 2, 1924: The Indian Citizenship Act was enacted and grants citizenship to all Native Americans born in the US, paving the way for their rights and political identity. This meant that Indigenous people no longer had to relinquish their tribal status to become US citizens. 

🇲🇪 June 3, 2006: Montenegro declared independence from Serbia. This was the beginning of their status as the autonomous nation that we know today. 

🪖 June 4, 1940: The Dunkirk evacuation was completed on the northern French coast. This was a historic rescue where over 300,000 soldiers were saved. 

🇺🇳 June 5, 1972: The United Nations Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment began. This conference marked a milestone in international environmental governance and led to the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

🎖️ June 6, 1944: D-Day began on the beaches of Normandy. This event was a major catalyst in winning the war for the Allied forces.

♀️ June 6, 1872: Susan B. Anthony was arrested for attempting to illegally vote. Women would not be officially granted the right to vote until the 19th Amendment was passed almost 50 years later in 1920. 

⚖️June 7, 1965: The US Supreme Court blocked Connecticut from banning contraception, granting everyone the right to family planning. This was a major catalyst in the sexual revolution of the 1960s. 

🌊 June 8, 2009: The United Nations declared this day as the first World Oceans Day. This was an important step in beginning to highlight the world’s oceans as an important front line in the fight against the climate crisis. 

📜 June 9, 1815: The Congress of Vienna was completed, shortly before the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo. This was an important treaty in organizing the state of Europe’s nations in the 19th century. 

💵 June 10, 1963: The Equal Pay Act was signed by John F. Kennedy, banning wage discrimination based on sex. This was a major landmark in women’s rights and paved the way towards closing the wage gap. 

🔭 June 11, 2008: The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope was launched by NASA. This telescope was instrumental in the study of astronomical phenomena like dark matter and solar flares. 

💍 June 12, 1967: The Loving v. Virginia case was finalized, wherein the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional for individual states to ban interracial marriage. This was an important moment for marriage equality throughout the US. 

🇰🇷 June 13, 2000: North Korean leader Kim Dae-Jung and South Korean leader Kim Jong-Il met in the historic inter-Korean summit. This was one diplomatic achievement that led to Kim Dae-Jung winning the Nobel Peace Prize. 

🇺🇸 June 14, 1777: The Continental Congress approved the Stars and Stripes as the first national flag of the United States. That first Flag Resolution read, in toto, “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.”

✒️ June 15, 1215: The Magna Carta was signed by King John, creating the first official charter of British liberties. This legal document limited the powers of the monarchy, established principles of justice and the rule of law, and guaranteed basic rights that have since become the foundation of modern democracies around the world.

🚀 June 16, 1963: Female cosmonaut Valentina V. Tereshkova went aboard the spacecraft Vostok 6, becoming the first woman to travel in space. Her spacecraft completed a total of 48 orbits in 71 hours.

📙 June 17, 1958: Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe published his popular novel, “Things Fall Apart”. The book discussed Igbo and, more broadly, African identity and the effects of European colonialism, inspiring many other important African authors.

🚀 June 18, 1983: Sally Ride became the first woman to go to outer space when she launched in the Challenger. This was a landmark for women in space exploration. 

✊🏾 June 19, 1865: Juneteenth marked the end of slavery after the US Civil War. Enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally declared free, celebrating their freedom after centuries of pain and struggle.

⚖️ June 20, 2002: The Atkins v. Virginia Supreme Court case ruled it unconstitutional to impose the death penalty on someone with an intellectual disability. This was an important landmark in the controversial legislation history over the death penalty in the US. 

🇬🇱 June 21, 2009: Greenland gained autonomy in an agreement with Denmark that defined them as a home-ruling territory. This was an important step towards independence for the region. 

🌝 June 22, 1978: Charon, one of Pluto’s moons, was discovered. This helped deepen astronomy’s understanding of our solar system. 

🥇 June 23, 1940: Wilma Rudolph was born. She survived childhood polio and became the first American woman to win three track-and-field gold medals in just a single Olympics.

🇦🇺 June 24, 2010: Julia Gillard was sworn in as Australia’s first female Prime Minister. This was a historic day for women in politics. 

📘 June 25, 1947: “The Diary of a Young Girl” was first published. It was written by Anne Frank, a German-born Jewish girl, discussing her experiences during WWII. Years later, it was translated into nearly 70 different languages and became an important piece of war literature.

🏳‍🌈 June 26, 2015: The United States Supreme Court delivered its ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. The decision marked a significant advancement in LGBTQ+ rights and equality.

🇺🇳 June 26, 1945: The United Nations Charter was signed in San Francisco, California. The charter established the ethical principles and framework for international cooperation, peace, and respect for human rights.

📚 June 27, 1880: Helen Keller was born in Alabama, USA. She would go on to become an important voice for people with disabilities, mainly through her books, which were groundbreaking in documenting hearing and visual impairment. 

🏳️‍🌈 June 28, 1969: The Stonewall riots broke out in New York City after a gay club was raided by the police. This uprising is considered a seminal moment in gay rights history and is the reason for June as Pride Month.

☮️ June 28, 1919: The Treaty of Versailles was signed, officially ending World War I. The treaty aimed to establish a just and ethical international order by holding accountable the nations responsible for the war and promoting peace.

🫖 June 29, 1767: The tea import tax was imposed by the British Parliament on the colonies. This was the inciting incident for the Boston Tea Party and was considered an important catalyst for the American revolution. 

♀️ June 30, 1966: The National Organization for Women (NOW) was founded, with Betty Friedan as the first President. This was an important landmark in organization within the second-wave feminist movement. 

The History of the Month June: Its Development Over Time and Interesting Facts

June, the sixth month of the Gregorian calendar, is replete with a rich and varied history. Its evolution traverses ancient calendars, significant historical figures, and diverse cultural and seasonal events. Here’s a snapshot of its historical journey:

• Roman beginnings: In the early Roman calendar, which was originally a ten-month lunar calendar beginning with March, June was the fourth month. Its name is believed to be derived from the Roman goddess Juno, the wife of Jupiter and the equivalent of the Greek goddess Hera.
• Addition of January and February: The calendar was expanded to include 12 months during the reign of the second King of Rome, Numa Pompilius, around 713 BC. He added January and February to the start of the year, making June the sixth month, but the name June continued to be used.
• Julian calendar: The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, made certain refinements to the Roman calendar. During this reform, June was assigned 30 days, which was in line with its length in the earlier versions of the Roman calendar.
• Gregorian calendar: The Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, is the calendar system most widely used today. This reform maintained the structure of the Julian calendar, keeping June as the sixth month with 30 days. It aimed to bring the calendar year into better alignment with the solar year.
• Religious significance: June hosts various religious observances across different cultures. For example, it often marks the month of Ramadan in Islam, depending on the sighting of the moon.
• Cultural importance: June holds cultural significance in many societies. For instance, in the United States, Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the day when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom in 1865.
• Seasonal transitions: In terms of seasons, June represents the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. In many cultures, this transition is associated with celebrations of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

From its roots in the ancient Roman calendar to its role in modern cultural and seasonal observances, the history of June paints a vibrant picture of humanity’s evolving understanding of time and societal customs.

Final Thoughts

June is a month full of awareness events and fascinating history. This month reminds us to be aware of very important topics, including pollinators, PTSD, and camel conservation. Its historical status is fascinating too. From Dunkirk to Juneteenth, there have been many pivotal events to happen in June. So this month, remember to be aware of these important issues and commemorate the historic events that have happened! 

Stay impactful,

Sources

• ALZ: Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
• Lupus in Color: Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) Awareness Month
• Aphasia.org: Aphasia Awareness Month
• American Libraries Magazine: Audiobook Appreciation Month
• SIT Cancer: Cancer Immunotherapy Awareness Month
• Fred Hutch: Cancer Survivors Month
• Caribbean-American Heritage Month
• MED.UNC: Cataract Awareness Month
• Cornerstones: Children’s Awareness Month
• NPS: Great Outdoors Month
• WTCSB: Gun Violence Awareness Month
• CMS: Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
• I Am An Immigrant: Immigrant Heritage Month
• Men’s Health Month
• Rare Disease Advisor: Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month
• CDC: National Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month
• CDC: National Safety Month
• Spine Practice: National Scoliosis Awareness Month
• NWF: National Pollinator Month
• A French Collection: National Rose Month
• Know It All: National Zoo and Aquarium Month
• Wikipedia: Pride Month
• Evidation: Professional Awareness Month
• Youth.gov: PTSD Awareness Month
• SRUK: Scleroderma Awareness Month
• UN: Global Day of Parents
• World Reef Day
• Twinkl: National Say Something Nice Day
• American Hiking: National Trails Day
• IDAUSA: National Black Bear Day
• The Nard: National Animal Rights Day
• World Eating Disorders Action Day
• Britannica: National Gun Violence Awareness Day
• UN: World Bicycle Day
• National Cancer Survivors Day
• UN: International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
• International Corgi Day
• Wikipedia: Tiananmen Square Anniversary
• Gimme Seaweed: Seaweed Day
• HIV: HIV Long-Term Survivors Day
• UN: International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing
• HIV: Anniversary of MMWR
• UN: World Environment Day
• Wikipedia: Russian Language Day
• Yahoo: June Bug Day
• WHO: World Food Safety Day
• UN: World Oceans Day
• Pace Hospital: World Brain Tumor Day
• Eduvast: International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos
• WWF: Coral Triangle Day
• NRPA: Family Health & Fitness Day
• WWF: International Lynx Day
• JLloyd: Pulse Night of Remembrance
• WBM Foundation: National Cougar Day
• UN: World Day Against Child Labor
• UN: International Albinism Awareness Day
• WHO: World Blood Donor Day
• Thursd: Nature Photography Day
• Global Wind Day
• UN: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
• UN: International Day of Family Remittances
• WWF: World Sea Turtle Day
• Wildlife Around the World: World Crocodile Day
• CDKL5: CDKL5 Worldwide Awareness Day
• UN: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
• UN: International Day for Countering Hate Speech
• UN: Sustainable Gastronomy Day
• Wikipedia: Autistic Pride Day
• Wikipedia: Juneteenth
• UN: International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
• Sickle Cell Disease: World Sickle Cell Day
• IKCC: World Kidney Cancer Day
• Eagles: National American Eagle Day
• UN: World Refugee Day
• UN: International Day of Yoga
• UN: International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice
• MND Association: Global MND Awareness Day
• Giraffe Conservation: World Giraffe Day
• ALS: Global Day of Recognition of ALS/MND
• Climate Central: #ShowYourStripes Day
• Rare Chromo: Rare Chromosome Disorder Awareness Day
• Camel Culture: World Camel Day
• World Rainforest Day
• Dravet Foundation: Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day
• IG Living: Neuropathy Action Awareness Day
• UN: International Widows’ Day
• UN: United Nations Public Service Day
• UN: International Day of Women in Diplomacy
• Wikipedia: LGBTQ+ Pride Flag
• IMO: Day of the Seafarer
• Wikipedia: World Vitiligo Day
• UN: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
• UN: United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
• ACLU: LGBTQ+ Equality Day
• UN: Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day
• HIV Info: National HIV Testing Day
• Phoenix Australia: National PTSD Awareness Day
• PR Newswire: National Sunglasses Day
• Stonewall: Stonewall Uprising Anniversary
• World Scleroderma Awareness Day
• UN: International Day of the Tropics
• AMC Support: Arthrogryposis Awareness Day
• Beloved Arise: Queer Youth of Faith Day
• UN: International Asteroid Day
• UN: International Day of Parliamentarism
• CPR: National CPR and AED Awareness Week
• Ocean Week
• MGK: Bed Bug Awareness Week
• NHS: Men’s Health Week
• Parent Infant Foundation: Infant Mental Health Awareness Week
• FDA: National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week
• Mencap: Learning Disability Week
• IDA USA: Animal Rights Awareness Week
• Earth Day: Fish Are Friends Not Food Week
• Bladder and Bowel: World Continence Week
• PAHO: National Mosquito Control Awareness Week
• Wikipedia: National Insect Week
• Rabbit Awareness Week
• Sense.org: Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week
• Britannica: Sojourner Truth
• IOC: Indian Citizenship Act
• Britannica: Montenegro
• Wikipedia: Dunkirk evacuation
• UN: United Nations Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment
• History.com: D-Day
• Archives: Susan B. Anthony
• Medicine: The US Supreme Court blocked Connecticut from banning contraception
• Britannica: Congress of Vienna
• Wikipedia: Equal Pay Act
• Wikipedia: Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope
• Britannica: Loving v. Virginia
• Wikipedia: 2000 Inter-Korean Summit
• Wikipedia: Flag of the United States
• History Place: Magna Carta
• Britannica: Valentina V. Tereshkova
• Britannica: Things Fall Apart
• Britannica: Sally Ride
• History.com: Juneteenth
• Wikipedia: Atkins v. Virginia
• Britannica: Greenland
• Britannica: Charon
• Britannica: Wilma Rudolph
• Britannica: Julia Gillard
• History.com: Anne Frank
• Law: Obergefell v. Hodges
• UN: United Nations Charter
• Britannica: Helen Keller
• History.com: Stonewall riots
• National Geographic: Treaty of Versailles
• Britannica: Townshend Acts
• Britannica: National Organization for Women
• E. G. Richards: Mapping Time: The Calendar and Its History